The Dangerous Woman : Strong Over Skinny

Welcome to the Dangerous Women Podcast.

In this episode, I talk about what it means to feel sexy and the personal journey I've been on to embrace it. From understanding the balance of masculine and feminine energy to overcoming wounded femininity, I share my struggles with confidence and self-worth in my early twenties. I discuss the transformative power of connecting with my femininity through changes in appearance, exploring my sexuality, and building confidence through physical activities like kettlebells. I also open up about the importance of setting boundaries and nurturing oneself. As I navigate gaining and redefining my body image, I reflect on what sexy means to me now and how it will continue to evolve.

What You'll Hear:

• What Does It Mean to Feel Sexy?

• Introduction to Boundaries

Prior to becoming a mental health professional and eventually starting my own counseling practice in Gold Canyon, AZ, I lived in Wyoming for 23 years where I raised and trained horses and competed in rodeo events.  In 2001, I started an equine therapy business called “Whole Horse Connection,” where I utilized and taught equine massage therapy, and other alternative treatments, to heal horse’s physical ailments, as well as their nervous system disruptions, also known as “trauma.”  Horses are similar in humans in that they are “herd” animals, and their ability to stay and feel safe in their environment is directly related to the health of the herd they run with (aka family).  Because of my experience in treating traumatized equines, I became keenly interested in treating trauma in humans, as both species share equal disruptions to well-being, but with entirely different presentations.  Horses tend to release their trauma more readily, while humans, with the help of their larger, more “developed” brains, tend to hold onto their trauma much longer, as they believe it is a directly related to who they are and what they “deserve.”  This is known as “complex trauma,” which horses do not have.

I have a specialized interest in treating relational trauma, as I believe this is the source of complex trauma that begins with our family of origin.  I am versed in issues such as codependency, love addiction/dependency, infidelity, betrayal/trauma bonds, generational trauma, and other negative consequences of relational trauma. I primarily use RLT (Relational Life Therapy) and EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) in my treatment plans.  RLT is a form of therapy that emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and the ways in which our early relationships with caregivers shape our attachment styles and patterns of relating to ourselves and others throughout our lives. EMDR is a therapy that treats the emotional disturbances that we can’t link to what we are experiencing in the present moment, such as severe anxiety, depression, anger, despondence and more.  Traditional talk therapy is often not enough to alleviate us from these ailments, as the cognitive part of the brain is disconnected from the emotional experience in the body, and so cannot make sense of it.  Both EMDR and RLT integrate these emotional disturbances into the whole system, where they can be processed in a more effective way, with the whole system online, and aware.

Connect with Christie: Website

Welcome to the Dangerous Women Podcast. In this episode, I share my personal story of enduring four major abdominal surgeries, starting from my teenage years. I detail the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain at 17, the discovery of a ruptured appendix and ovarian cysts, and the subsequent procedures that followed, including facing complications and an infection near Christmas. The narrative continues with reflections on my struggles with physical recovery, the impact on my daily life, and the lack of physical therapy support. I discuss the long-term effects on my health, including losing sensation in my lower abdominals for eight years, and how I was able to gradually regain strength and sensation through dedicated training and a holistic approach to fitness. This comprehensive account aims to highlight the importance of understanding post-surgical care, the profound connection between our bodily functions, and the role of persistence and proper guidance in overcoming physical adversities.

What You'll Hear:

• Introduction: My Abdominal Surgery Journey

• Introduction to Macronutrients

As a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist, I started studying nutrition in 2013 when I faced the challenges of Celiac disease. I then threw in my love for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and sports, and bam, Nutrition Unbound was born. 

My mission is crystal clear: I'm on a quest to empower active individuals, helping them build eating habits that last, help them feel and be stronger, and form a positive connection with their bodies.

This isn't just about gaining knowledge; it's about relatable and authentic nutrition coaching. I'm here as a beacon of accessible expertise, offering practical advice that fits seamlessly into real-life needs. So, join me on this vibrant journey toward a healthier, happier you, guided by my infectious passion.

Connect with Hillary: @dietitian.hillary 

Welcome to the Dangerous Women Podcast. In this episode of the Dangerous Women Podcast, host Colleen Conlon discusses the importance of prioritizing what truly matters to you. She emphasizes that investing time and effort in physical and mental health can yield significant benefits, even when it's challenging. Colleen acknowledges her privilege and encourages listeners to recognize their own values and priorities. She introduces her book, 'Kettlebell Catalyst,' which empowers women to build strength and self-confidence. Colleen's key message is that achieving goals requires hard work and reevaluation of your values. Subscribe to never miss an episode.

What You'll Hear:

• Introduction: Embracing the Hard Work

Welcome to the Dangerous Women Podcast. In this heartfelt episode of the Dangerous Woman Podcast, we welcome Jolene, a dedicated student who has completed the 'Swing to Snatch' kettlebell training program. Jolene shares her inspiring journey from being a recreational triathlete to becoming a powerful, goal-oriented athlete. Highlighting the unexpected mental and emotional benefits of kettlebell training, Jolene discusses how strength training has helped her find her voice, build self-confidence, and become a role model for her family. Together, we explore the intersection of physical fitness and emotional healing, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, taking action, and finding something that is just for you.

What You'll Hear:

• Meet Jolene: A Journey of Transformation

Welcome to the Dangerous Women Podcast. In this episode, we explore why kettlebells are an excellent tool to start your strength training journey, highlighting their unique benefits and versatility. We discuss the seven pillars of fitness—strength, endurance, mobility, stability, coordination, power, and posture and alignment—and how kettlebells effectively address each one. As a two-time Guinness World Record holder and kettlebell expert, I explain the advantages of hardstyle kettlebell training, especially for women, and share insights from my Swing to Snatch program. Discover how kettlebells can be a game changer in your fitness routine, boost your confidence, and help reconnect you with your body.

What You'll Hear:

• Introduction to Kettlebells

• Introduction to Dr. Sameena Rahman

Connect with Dr. Sameena: @gynogirl 

Welcome to the Dangerous Women Podcast. In this episode, I share my personal journey through pelvic floor physical therapy. After undergoing multiple abdominal surgeries, I experienced severe pelvic floor pain unrelated to my menstrual cycle. The pain was often triggered by stress, intense physical activity, or sex, leading me to believe I was at fault due to my conservative Catholic upbringing. In 2020, the pain became unbearable, and I found relief through a pelvic floor rehabilitation center. I discuss my experiences with detailed assessments, injections, and working with pelvic floor physical therapists. This process not only alleviated my pain but also helped me understand the importance of relaxing and managing my pelvic floor muscles during daily activities and workouts.

What You'll Hear:

• Introduction to My Pelvic Floor Journey

• Understanding the Extremes

As a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist, I started studying nutrition in 2013 when I faced the challenges of Celiac disease. I then threw in my love for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and sports, and bam, Nutrition Unbound was born. 

My mission is crystal clear: I'm on a quest to empower active individuals, helping them build eating habits that last, help them feel and be stronger, and form a positive connection with their bodies.

This isn't just about gaining knowledge; it's about relatable and authentic nutrition coaching. I'm here as a beacon of accessible expertise, offering practical advice that fits seamlessly into real-life needs. So, join me on this vibrant journey toward a healthier, happier you, guided by my infectious passion.

Connect with Hillary: @dietitian.hillary