In this episode of the Style Masterclass Podcast, I'm welcoming Coach Chris Coulson for an honest, empowering conversation about fitness, mindset, and self-care. We discuss overcoming injuries, integrating mental health with fitness, setting meaningful goals, and embracing failure as a learning tool. Chris shares his unique "nerd quest" approach to habit-building, while I reflected on my own journey. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, this episode offers practical encouragement and real talk about loving your body, making time for yourself, and finding strength at any stage of life.

About Chris:

Chris Coulson is a fitness and health coach who helps nerds level up, get strong, and step into their main-character arc. With over a decade of coaching experience, 10 years in the Navy, and a runner-up finish in the 2020 Men's Health Next Top Trainer competition, Chris is the person you want to go with you on this journey. He treats fitness like your hero's journey — battling the chaos dragon of real life with practical, sustainable habits. His mission: help people build strength, confidence, and agency so they can feel capable, powerful, and ready to take on their next quest.

Chapters & Show Notes:

• 0:00 Introduction: Meeting Coach Chris Coulson

• 1:50 Chris's Journey into Fitness

• 4:55 Encouragement for Injured or Struggling Bodies

• 8:05 Integrating Mental Health and Fitness

• 11:26 Setting Goals: Strength and Habits Over Numbers

• 14:54 Movement for Life: Finding What Works

• 17:38 Making Time When You're Busy

• 21:18 Adding Fun: The Nerd Element

• 22:58 The 90-Day Challenge: Breaking the Cycle

• 27:10 One-on-One Coaching: Deep Diving into Your Why

• 30:09 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool

• 36:10 Body Positivity and Aesthetic Goals

• 40:28 The Power of Getting Women Strong

• 43:01 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Chris

In this episode of the Style Masterclass podcast, I'm welcoming Abby from Abby Lane Designs and Holistic Homes. Abby, an intuitive interior designer and 'house therapist', breaks down the ancient Chinese art of feng shui. She explains its principles, its impact on our living spaces, and how adjusting our environments can enhance our lives. The discussion delves into practical tips for creating nurturing spaces, the significance of our front doors, and debunks common misconceptions. Whether you're skeptical or intrigued, this insightful episode offers actionable advice for everyone looking to improve their home's energy.

Connect with Abby:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abby_lane_design/

Website: https://www.abbylanedesigngroup.com/offerings

Substack: https://abbylanedesign.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction to the Style Masterclass Podcast

00:14 Meet Our Special Guest: Abby Lane

01:42 Understanding Feng Shui

05:17 The Concept of House Therapy

08:50 Practical Feng Shui Tips

26:53 Working with Abby Lane

29:10 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode I am talking you through the idea that style is a creative act rather than a checklist, and how I came to this realization for myself.

You'll learn:

1. Getting dressed is a daily moment of authorship

2. The false narrative that professional women are not creative

3. How to use your closet and your style to build your confidence and creativity

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton

In this episode I am talking about the one summer item. Not an entire wardrobe, not an entire outfit, we're simply starting with one item.

You'll learn:

1. What to do if you're feeling overwhelmed about your summer wardrobe this year

2. The gift you can give yourself to take the pressure of this summer

3. Items I suggest (with the caveat that you're going to repeat this item over and over) starting with as your one summer item

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us for Savor Your Summer inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton

We're back with our First of the Month series and today we're talking all about editing and the beauty of a mid-year edit.

You'll learn:

1. The value and importance of a mid-year edit, regardless of your approach to goal setting

2. Why it's not always about the goals themselves, and what it's actually about instead

3. What to do if you've been delaying progress on what you set out to do at the beginning of the year

Get the Seasonal Edit: https://programs.judithgaton.com/products/the-seasonal-edit

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton

We're doing something a little different in this episode. I'm starting a new series that we'll do on the Style Masterclass podcast at the end of each month. I'm sharing some writing I've done, offering a letter challenge, and more.

You'll learn:

1. What gumption means to me and a personal family story that brings it together

2. The choices you have when it comes to your personal stories and history

3. How we can not make "stuck" a problem and use it to fuel us towards our next best step, unique to each of us

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton

We're talking about two of my favorite things: being a creative and a writer and style. There's a marriage between the two and I want to explore that in today's episode and how I'm bringing those together for you.

You'll learn:

1. What we miss out on when it comes to getting really good at something

2. How to go beyond the highlight reel in a practical way, especially when it comes to style

3. Why it's so important to actually try in the first place and how to get started on the things that keep ending up on the wayside

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton

We're exploring the concept of "long-forgotten items". So many of us buy things aspirationally and let's talk about why we do that, how we can make the most of these and bring them back to life.

You'll learn:

1. Why and how we should reach for those long-forgotten items

2. Questions to ask as you re-discover these items and how to revive them

3. How to make this practice practical in your own life

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton

We're trying something new around here and starting the First of the Month Files. This will go along with my Morning Coffee Newsletter that goes out on the first week of the month so be sure to subscribe to that if you aren't already! Today, let's do a little check-in.

You'll learn:

1. How to take stock of what went well and why it matters

2. What matters beyond what's "next" and the value in small wins and assessing what didn't go well in a hopeful way

3. Exactly how you can approach the new month from a place of love for yourself and dream again

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton

We are continuing our new series on the podcast today of the 4 most common style mistakes I see people make, how to avoid them and what to do instead. Today, we're addressing the fourth and final mistake I see all the time: one and done.

You'll learn:

1. Finding and exploring your style is never "one and done" and why it can't be rushed

2. Why change is a GOOD thing and the beauty in dressing who you at the present time

3. Your style will need to change as the roles in your life change too

Join our Morning Coffee Newsletter: https://www.judithgaton.com/newsletter/

Join us inside Maison Gaton: https://programs.judithgaton.com/maisongaton