Ever felt lost in the maze of your own wardrobe, or struggled with the confusing world of women's clothing sizes? Madeline, a personal stylist with an exceptional eye for creating functional and versatile wardrobes, joins us to unravel these fashion conundrums. She offers a treasure trove of insights on marrying your closet to your lifestyle, the profound impact of sustainable fashion choices, and how embracing your body through the clothes you wear can uplift your confidence.

As your body changes, so does your relationship with your wardrobe. This episode provides compassionate guidance on navigating those changes with self-acceptance, and Madeline shares anecdotes on overcoming size-related shopping frustrations. With her expertise, we provide strategies for smart shopping and debunk myths associated with women's clothing sizes, all to help you find joy in dressing for the body you have, not the body the fashion industry thinks you should have.

Closing our style-centric journey, we delve into the art of tailoring and how it can revolutionize your every day, not just your special occasions. We'll explore the parallels between personal styling and fitness, where pushing fashion boundaries leads to personal growth. And for those closet archaeology enthusiasts, we discuss transforming your existing wardrobe into a curated collection that sparks joy and creativity. Tune in to elevate your style game and embark on a sustainable fashion adventure with us and Madeline.

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Join Jess as she interviews co-host, Megan, about her adventures as a sponsored enduro racing athlete, her love of mountain biking and barbells, and the big effects injury has on mental health and body image.

Connect with Megan HERE.

As promised, you can connect with Jess on Goodreads HERE.

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Connect with Jess HERE.

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Ever feel like stress has a mind of its own, warping the way you see yourself in the mirror? Megan and I get real about this struggle, pulling back the curtain on how the pressures of life ripple through our self-perception and daily routines. Our conversation takes you through the murky waters of stress-induced body image issues, shining a light on the distortions that can haunt us during high-pressure periods. We candidly share personal battles and breakthroughs, offering a beacon of solidarity for anyone navigating similar challenges.

Treading the line between self-care and the relentless pace of life's demands can feel like an acrobat's balancing act. In this heart-to-heart, we underscore the significance of adapting personal goals and carving out moments of self-care amid chaos. Our chat is a reminder that physical activity isn’t just about staying in shape, it's a lifeline for mental well-being, and sometimes, it’s the therapy we need most. Megan and I explore the power of recognizing life's 'seasons' and how this awareness can steer our time management and self-care strategies. We're here, pom-poms in hand, cheering for the small victories and the gentle embrace of self-compassion.

Wrapping up, we don't just talk the talk; we walk you through actionable stress-busting and self-care tactics to weave into your hectic days. From anchoring yourself in the present with grounding exercises to the joy of sticking to a skincare routine, we discuss ways to find solace in the 'glimmers' of daily life. And when it comes to wardrobe choices and setting boundaries, we rally behind the empowerment of confidently saying 'no', so we can wholeheartedly say 'yes' to our well-being. So join Megan and me, and let's embark on a journey to maintain balance and positivity, no matter what life throws our way.

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If you've ever felt the ground shift beneath you with the arrival of a new child, you're not alone. Today, I’m joined by the insightful Jess from the Floor PDX, and together, we walk you through the labyrinth that is motherhood, with its profound impact on our bodies and psyche. Our conversation is not just a reflection but a revelation of how pregnancy and the postpartum period can challenge and reshape your body image and sense of self-ownership. We dig deep into the emotional and physical upheavals that accompany this life phase, from the relinquishment of control to the awe of bodily transformation, offering a heartfelt exchange on the raw realities of becoming a mother.

As you nestle in with your headphones, prepare to uncover the untold narrative of postpartum recovery and its relationship with mental health. We tackle the fierce societal pressures new moms face, dismantling the 'bounce back culture' and advocating for a collective reevaluation of the support we extend to these incredible women. Join us as we highlight the necessity of professional care, like a pelvic floor specialist's expertise, in achieving a holistic recovery. This is a candid discussion about the significance of physical activity in fortifying mental health, and the importance of addressing often-ignored aspects of physical well-being amidst the journey of reclaiming body image and health.

The episode culminates with an exploration of the evolution of body image and the resilience it can invoke. Jess and I share our personal journeys, including the contrast between pregnancies and how these experiences have sculpted our perceptions of self-worth. We also confront the complexities of instilling a positive body image in our children and the balance required between celebrating their physical attributes and their inner qualities. And we conclude with an invitation to rediscover the joy and wonder of childhood through the eyes of our own little ones, a reminder to let loose that carefree spirit that so often gets buried under adulthood's weighty 'shoulds.' So, let's step into this space of rediscovery and strength, right here on Sturdy Girl.

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In a world of hustle culture and quitting makes you a failure, let's talk about when you actually should give up on a goal.  
It's February and most of us have set some kind of goal, intention, or resolution in the new year. How are we doing on those? Is it time to quit,  or readjust?

Join Jess and Megan for a fun chat about giving up.

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Powerlifting can change your life. For real. Join Jess as she chats with Claire Zai, strength coach, scientist and internationally competitive powerlifter (read: total badass) about all things life, stress management, what health really means, and all the ways powerlifting has changed our lives.

Be sure to tune in for the date announcement of our official apparel drop! You can shop apparel and stickers here:  https://www.sturdygirl.co/shop.

To learn more about Claire, you can find her on instagram @claire_barbellmedicine or https://www.clairezai.com/.

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Join Jess and expert run and strength coach Amber, as we unravel the threads of running's influence on our lives. Together, we share intimate tales that span from  first races to the profound realization that running is more than a pastime—it's a vital piece of our mental health arsenal. Throughout our conversation, we reflect on how this seemingly simple activity reshapes our sense of self, bolsters our self-esteem, and empowers us to tackle life head-on. Amber's insights as a coach and a mother provide a rich backdrop to our dialogue on how running can be a transformative force, not only for ourselves but also for the younger generation of girls we inspire.

We're not shying away from the tough stuff—body image, societal pressures, and personal growth all take center stage in this episode. Amber and I get real about how our relationship with running has helped us navigate the waves of perimenopause, COVID, and the ever-present beauty standards that can skew our self-perception. But it's not just about the challenges; it's also a celebration of the power that comes from recognizing our bodies' strength and resilience. Whether it’s pounding the pavement or powering through treadmill marathons with "This Is Us" for company, we spotlight the emotional and physical journeys that have led us to appreciate the skin we're in.

Finally, Amber imparts her seasoned wisdom on the art of coaching with compassion and how to cultivate sustainable fitness practices. We tackle the common pitfalls of burnout and overcommitment, advocating for a balanced approach that honors the ebb and flow of motivation. And for those just starting out or looking to rekindle their running passion, we offer guidance on building habits, mental resilience, and finding joy in every stride. So, whether you're a fledgling jogger or a dedicated marathoner, lace up your shoes and join us as we explore the enduring power of running to shape our lives, inside and out.

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We've all had our moments standing in front of the mirror, grappling with a reflection that doesn't quite align with the confidence we're told to embody. Megan and I open up about the highs and lows of our personal paths to body acceptance, unearthing the deep-seated issues beneath our battles with body loathing. Through candid conversations, we break down the societal pressures to conform to beauty standards and the mental health struggles that often accompany this pursuit. It's not just about dissatisfaction with our reflections, but the way we tie our self-worth to perceived personal failures and the relentless chase for self-discipline.

Reflecting on our youth, Megan and I paint a picture of the contradiction that is growing up amidst society's ideal body norms. With media and cultural pressures as a backdrop, we dissect the absurd expectations set by the fashion industry, and how such standards have shaped our self-criticisms from cellulite to the smallest imperfections. This honest discussion opens the floor to the understanding that body image challenges extend far beyond surface-level aesthetics, rooted deeply in the internalized fears and beliefs we've carried since childhood.

As the conversation shifts, we explore how injuries and physical setbacks can redefine our identities, emphasizing the need to find new sources of self-worth and joy beyond our physical capabilities. We introduce the concept of body image flexibility, encouraging listeners to cultivate self-compassion and align with core values that resonate more authentically than any societal 'should'. Ending on a note of guidance, we offer a roadmap to a fulfilling life that prioritizes self-acceptance over appearance, reminding everyone that strength is measured not by size, but by the depth and breadth of the lives we lead. Join us again next Friday as we continue to unravel the complexities of body positivity and mental health, one story at a time.

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The year is coming to a close and many of us are already looking at what we want for 2024. Join Jess and her temporary co-host, Coach Ali as they set the stage for you to have your best year yet!

In a world where everyone seems to chase the next big thing, we challenge you to pause, look back, and identify moments that brought you joy. We open up about our own methods of reflection, which range from jotting down monthly highlights to answering thought-provoking reflection questions. Together, we'll explore how your past can offer invaluable insights into shaping a future that truly resonates with you. We discuss the role that different people play in our sense of self and how they can affect our trajectory. 

Finally, we navigate through the exhilarating territory of goal setting. We discuss setting SMART goals and breaking them down into tangible steps, while emphasizing the importance of being flexible and open to revising these goals. We encourage you to embrace the process, enjoy the pursuit of your goals, and find purpose in them. Along the journey, we talk about identity shift and how it ties into achieving your goals. So, buckle up as we set out on this adventure, and remember, you're not alone. We're here to share in your journey and cheer you on every step of the way.

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Confidence - it’s something we all seek, yet it can feel elusive. Who hasn’t wished for more of it at some point? But what if we told you that confidence isn't a trait you're born with, but rather a skill you can build and improve, just like weightlifting or rock climbing? In this episode, we explore confidence in-depth, breaking it down into manageable actions and proving it’s entirely achievable for anyone.

We start off by discussing the correlation between acceptance of our own weaknesses and the growth of self-confidence. What would you dare to do if you were armed with a bit more belief in yourself? Climbing a mountain? Launching a business? We share our personal journey of building confidence in powerlifting, showing you that big goals start with small actions. We're not afraid to explore the concept of weakness, emphasizing that acknowledging imperfections and being vulnerable are not only okay but essential parts of confidence building.

In the last segment, we delve into the nexus of self-care and confidence, shedding light on the importance of setting achievable goals, practicing positive self-talk, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people. We believe that self-care plays a pivotal role in fostering self-confidence, and the people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your journey towards self-assurance. So, pull up a chair and join us for a genuine conversation about building the confidence you deserve. Tune in, friends, and get ready to conquer your own mountains! And don't forget to join us for the finale of the season, where we'll discuss how to make this the best year yet.

Listen to the episode on Core Values HERE.
Download your core values worksheet HERE.
Listen to the first episode on confidence HERE.

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Connect with Jess HERE.

Stay Sturdy, friends.