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The Fit Physician
The Fit Physician episodes
- Ep. 45: Upgrade Yourself: Living by Your Values, Not Your Resume with Dr. Marie Claire Bourque Part 1
Perfection. Achievement. People-pleasing. Sound familiar?
In this powerful episode of The Fit Physician Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Marie Claire Bourque—psychiatrist, mental performance coach, and consultant to professional athletes—for a raw and personal conversation about what happens when high-performing women lose themselves in the pursuit of “doing it all.”
MC shares her journey from the outside-looking-in success story to a breaking point moment that forced her to rethink everything—including the way she was living, working, and defining her worth.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of being everything to everyone and wondered, “What about me?” — this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and reimagine what it means to live a life that’s truly yours.
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Connect With Us:
💪 Download Our Thriving Through Menopause Guide
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Learn More About Fit Physician Coaching
36 min - Ep. 44: Science vs. Social Media: What the Evidence Actually Says About Muscle, Nutrition & Aging in Women
Is lifting heavy the only way to build muscle after 40? Does your menstrual cycle really need to dictate your workouts? And is fasting actually harming your hormones? In this powerhouse episode, we sit down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, PhD—muscle physiology researcher and women's health expert—to set the record straight on some of the most common (and confusing) fitness myths shared on social media today.
From the real impact of estrogen on muscle adaptation to the truth about protein timing, cycle syncing, and Pilates vs. progressive overload—this conversation is a deep dive into what the science actually supports when it comes to strength training and aging well. Whether you're navigating perimenopause or just trying to cut through the chaos of social media advice, Dr. Colenso-Semple brings clarity, confidence, and evidence-based recommendations that empower you to take charge of your fitness with simplicity and confidence.
This episode will cut through the noise and guide you in how to train & eat to become strong, capable, and confident—at every age, in every phase.
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IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00
Introduction to the Fit Physician Podcast
00:52
Dr. Lauren Colenso Semple's Background and Expertise
05:01
Empowering Women Through Evidence-Based Fitness
06:51
Debunking Myths: Heavy Weights vs. Muscle Growth
14:35
The Role of Hormones in Muscle Maintenance
16:22
Pilates and Its Effectiveness for Muscle Growth
20:28
The Importance of Force Production in Strength Training
25:30
Flexibility in Resistance Training: Finding What Works
27:54
Protein Timing and Nutrition for Women Physicians
28:08
Understanding Protein Timing and Nutrition
31:22
Debunking Myths Around Fasting and Menopause
39:27
The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Training
46:00
Core Foundations of Nutrition and Exercise
50:36
Future Directions in Women's Health Research
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Connect With Us:
💪 Download Our Thriving Through Menopause Guide
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Learn More About Fit Physician Coaching
56 min - Ep. 43: Media, Misinformation, Menopause Pt. 2: Living Stronger, Longer, and Fearlessly with special guest Melissa Grelo
In Part 2 of this thought-provoking conversation, Melissa Grelo returns to explore why aging powerfully isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a cultural rebellion. We dive into comparison culture, the patriarchy’s influence on women’s self-worth, and how society has conditioned generations of women to shrink themselves—physically, emotionally, and vocally.
Melissa and Suzanne share raw reflections on raising strong daughters, rejecting the pressure to age “gracefully,” and instead embracing strength, visibility, and confidence at every age. From the harmful messaging of “there can only be one” to the overhyped menopause supplement industry and the new wave of hormone therapy discourse—nothing is off-limits.
We also tackle strength training myths, the rise of women reclaiming space in the gym, and the critical mindset shift from body as ornament to body as instrument.
This episode is a rallying cry to stop shrinking and start shouting—for ourselves, our daughters, and the generations to come.
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Connect With Us:
💪 Download Our Thriving Through Menopause Guide
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Learn More About Fit Physician Coaching
43 min - Ep. 42: Media, Misinformation, and Menopause: How To Live Stronger, Longer, And Fearlessly with Melissa Grelo
In this inspiring two-part conversation, we sit down with entrepreneur, mother, and fearless leader in conversations that matter Melissa Grelo to dive deep into the truth about women’s health, aging powerfully, and navigating today’s confusing wellness world.
In Part 1, Melissa shares her personal journey through perimenopause, the major shifts she’s made to her fitness, nutrition, and mindset, and how she cuts through the noise of misinformation in the media. We also explore the importance of critical thinking, how to raise strong daughters in today’s climate, and why intention is the secret weapon for thriving through midlife.
This episode is packed with real talk, powerful insights, and a reminder that the best chapters are still ahead. Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping next Monday — it gets even spicier!
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Connect With Us:
💪 Download Our Thriving Through Menopause Guide
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Learn More About Fit Physician Coaching
33 min - Ep. 41: Fear-Mongering And The Fitness Circus: Our Biggest Pet Peeves In The Wild World Of Social Media
Tired of being bombarded by flat abs, fake nutrition advice, and fear-mongering in your feed? Same. In this no-holds-barred episode, Suzanne and Jake unload their biggest pet peeves about the wild world of social media — from body checking influencers and “What I Eat in a Day” nonsense, to circus-style workouts and fraudulent fitness fakes selling hormone-balancing diets to menopausal women.
We’re calling out the BS, breaking down what actually matters for your health, and reminding you why real, evidence-based coaching rooted in empowerment (not fear or comparison) is what women need now more than ever.
If you’ve ever scrolled Instagram and thought, “Is it just me, or is this all kind of ridiculous?” — this episode is your therapy session.
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Connect With Us:
💪 Download Our Thriving Through Menopause Guide
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Learn More About Fit Physician Coaching
40 min - Ep. 40: Better Nutrition, Less Time: A Guide for Physicians
In this episode of The Fit Physician podcast, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford discusses the importance of optimizing nutrition counselling within the constraints of a 15-minute patient appointment. She emphasizes the value of addressing nutrition in patient care, strategies for effective counselling, and the significance of focusing on key nutritional components like protein and fibre. Dr. Rutherford encourages physicians to engage with their patients about their nutritional goals and to provide actionable advice that can lead to improved health outcomes.
Here are the worksheets Suzanne mentioned in this episode:
Protein Cheat Sheet - https://files.captivate.fm/library/af7a2399-35c1-47db-b4f9-7873a5a74179/Protein-Cheat-Sheet.pdf
Fiber Cheat Sheet - https://files.captivate.fm/library/08805531-7ff8-4bf6-96f8-a4a950979320/Fibre-Cheat-sheet.pdf
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Connect With Us:
💪 Join the FREE Fit Physician Kickstart Community
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Apply To Work With Us
27 min - Ep. 39: 5 Game-Changing Strength Principles: To Skyrocket Your Strength, Prevent Injury, Boost Confidence, And Thrive In Your Health
In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, Jake Wright aka. The Fit Physician Coach, discusses five game-changing strength principles aimed at empowering women physicians to become their strongest and create a fast track toward their fitness goals. He shares insights from his extensive experience in personal training, particularly focusing on the unique challenges faced by busy women doctors. The conversation covers the importance of understanding tissue tolerance, muscle fiber types, and the significance of glute training, while also emphasizing the ability to train around injuries. The episode concludes with actionable tips for listeners to apply these principles in their own strength training journeys.
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Connect With Us:
💪 Join the FREE Fit Physician Kickstart Community
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Apply To Work With Us
26 min - Ep. 38: Breaking Free from All or Nothing: The Key To Feeling Strong, Fit, and In Control
In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, the hosts discuss the pervasive all or none mentality that often hinders physicians in their fitness and nutrition journeys. They share real-life examples of fellow physicians overcoming self-sabotage, strategies for maintaining routines during disruptions, and the importance of mindset shifts. The conversation emphasizes building sustainable habits, celebrating small wins, and finding solutions around obstacles. The hosts encourage listeners to reframe negative thoughts and seek community support for lasting success in their health and wellness journeys.
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Connect With Us:
💪 Join the FREE Fit Physician Kickstart Community
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Apply To Work With Us
40 min - Ep. 37: Fasting, Muscle & Strength: Navigating Ramadan Without Losing Progress
In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, hosts Jake Wright and Dr. Suzanne Rutherford discuss the impact of fasting during Ramadan on women's health, particularly focusing on nutrition, muscle preservation, and strength training. They address common concerns among women doctors about maintaining fitness and body composition during this month of fasting.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of protein intake, hydration, and personalized nutrition strategies to support women in their fitness journeys while respecting cultural practices. The hosts encourage listeners to adopt a positive mindset and reassure them that temporary changes during Ramadan will not derail their long-term health goals.
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Connect With Us:
💪 Join the FREE Fit Physician Kickstart Community
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
💜 Apply To Work With Us
20 min - Ep. 36: Science Snack #5- How Daily Step Count Impacts Health
In this episode of the Fit Physician Podcast, hosts Jake Wright and Dr. Suzanne Rutherford discuss the findings of a recent meta-analysis on daily step counts and their association with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. They break down the optimal number of steps for health benefits, debunk the myth of the 10,000-step goal, and provide practical tips for increasing daily activity. The conversation also addresses the limitations of the study and emphasizes the importance of small, sustainable changes in physical activity for overall health improvement.
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00
Introduction to the Fit Physician Podcast
00:51
Understanding the Meta-Analysis on Step Count
05:05
Key Findings on Step Count and Mortality
09:41
Practical Applications for Increasing Step Count
13:00
Limitations of the Study and Conclusion
CONNECT WITH US:
💪 Join the FREE Fit Physician Kickstart Community
📲 Follow Us On Instagram
❤️ Learn More About The Fit Physician Program
16 min
About The Fit Physician
From the publisher's feed
Are you a busy woman in medicine looking to take your fitness and nutrition to the next level to thrive in all aspects of your life? Look no further! Welcome to The Fit Physician podcast.
As women in medicine, it’s your nature to care for others, often at the expense of your own physical and mental well-being. This can go on for months, even years. It’s time to put an end to this narrative, for all women physicians! And it starts now, with you, and The Fit Physician podcast!
Hosted by Jake Wright, BSc, a women’s fitness specialist with over 15 years of experience and joining him is, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, MD, a practicing physician with an undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences. You’d be hard pressed to find two experts more passionate about empowering women physicians to live life to the fullest through prioritizing health and fitness.
Suzanne & Jake have dedicated the past 6 years transforming the lives of 100s of women in medicine such as yourself. Their passion for inspiring physicians shines through every episode, sharing stories, insights, expert advice, and providing actionable steps to prioritize yourself guilt-free.
So, if you're a busy woman physician ready to break free from the constraints of guilt, elevate your health, and become the best version of yourself, join Jake and Suzanne on The Fit Physician podcast. They're not just coaches; they're your partners in this transformative journey towards a life where you thrive, unapologetically.
Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, MD (Instagram: @slmmd1976)
Search the globe and it will be hard to find someone more dedicated to women physicians health & well-being than Suzanne.
A practicing physician, Suzanne combines her medical expertise with a foundation in nutritional sciences from her undergraduate studies.
Her passion lies in evidence-based nutrition and empowering fellow women physicians to embrace strength, health, and confidence in their own skin.
Suzanne doesn’t just talk the talk. After completing medical school and welcoming her second child into the world, she found herself facing personal health and fitness challenges that left her feeling like a stranger within her own body.
Determined to make a change, Suzanne rekindled her knowledge of nutrition while introducing strength training into her weekly routine.
The result? She lost over 30 lbs, has kept it off, and feels better in her 40s than she did in her 20s!
Now she spends the better part of her professional career helping other busy women physicians to achieve similar life-altering results.
Jake Wright, BSc
(Instagram: @thefitphysiciancoach Facebook: Jake Wright Facebook page: The Fit Physician Coach)
Meet Jake, also known as The Fit Physician Coach.
Jake’s experience includes a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, over 15+ years as a women's fitness specialist, along with several advanced certifications in strength and condition, nutrition, and joint health.
For the past 6 years and counting, Jake has spent his career dedicated to inspiring busy women physicians to overcome barriers with time, energy, and the demands of their profession, to build a sustainable fitness routine that delivers life-changing results.
What separates Jake from the pack is not his education or his experience but his compassion.
Jake's gift is guiding women to discover strength they never thought possible. In turn, helping them to build confidence in the gym, in their bodies, and in every other aspect of their life.