Motivation is great… until it disappears. In this episode, I break down why motivation alone won’t keep you consistent, and what actually does. We talk discipline, habit-building, and how to create structure in a world that feels chaotic, busy, and constantly distracting. As a coach and personal trainer, I see the same roadblocks come up again and again: starting strong, falling off, beating yourself up, and repeating the cycle. In this conversation, I explain the why behind those patterns and share practical, realistic strategies to help you stay consistent, even when life isn’t perfect (or even remotely calm). We also get into small mindset shifts, simple “tricks” to build momentum, and how discipline isn’t about being hardcore, it’s about making things easier on yourself. Bonus: this episode includes a few real-life, slightly chaotic moments from my day… because discipline doesn’t mean perfection, and life definitely didn’t get that memo. 😅 If you’ve ever said “I just can’t stay consistent,” this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down once again with Marcha, an athlete whose talent is matched only by her honesty and heart. Marcha is chasing a spot at the CrossFit Games in the Masters Division, but what makes her story so compelling is everything beyond the training. Joining us from the island of Curaçao, she opens up about why the warmer climate fuels her best work, how discipline evolves as you grow, and why even elite athletes face the same bumps, losses, and life challenges as the rest of us. From family struggles to financial setbacks, Marcha’s perseverance shines through, reminding us that greatness isn’t just about ability, it’s about attitude. This easygoing conversation is full of real talk about life, resilience, and the mindset it takes to keep showing up, no matter what’s happening around you. If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to “have it,” this episode will shift your perspective.

For the third time, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tammi Saunders and every conversation with her reminds me why she’s such an epic athlete and human.

Tammi recently made a huge life shift, moving from the warm, dry terrain of Arizona to the cold, snowy Midwest of Iowa. We talk openly about the stress that comes with a big move and how it impacts an athlete physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Her training has changed in every possible way:

All of these factors matter!  Especially with the CrossFit Open coming up in February, which will give us a real look at her progress as she works toward her goal of qualifying for the CrossFit Games this year.

What I love most about Tammi is that despite the hardcore demands of elite-level training, she is genuinely trying to make it fun, not just for herself, but for the athletes she trains daily in the gym.

She truly lives this life.

We also revisited The Barbell Saves Project and had a powerful conversation about recovery from addiction, and how training quite literally helped save both of our lives.

From addiction… to the Games.

Yeah. That part still blows my mind.

If you haven’t heard Tammi’s earlier episodes, I highly recommend going back to listen to her story, it’s one you won’t forget.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Nancy Adam, a wellness professional whose work spans Health Coaching, Massage Therapy, and a deeply personal understanding of what it means to rebuild a healthy life from the inside out. Nancy shares how her journey into fitness began back in junior high as a sprinter, long before she knew how important movement and mindful living would become in her adult life. Her story takes a powerful turn when her partner suffered a heart attack at a young age. That moment forced them both to take a hard look at the foods they were eating, the toxins in their environment, and the everyday choices that quietly shape our long‑term health. And yes, even something as picturesque as living on a golf course comes with hidden considerations: fertilizers, pesticides, and the chemicals used to keep those greens looking perfect. Nancy brings honesty, insight, and a refreshing perspective on what it really means to take ownership of your well‑being. This conversation is full of practical wisdom, personal reflection, and a reminder that small, intentional changes can transform your life.

I have been reflecting on some feedback I received from past podcast guests because one message kept coming up over and over again: to give ourselves more grace. The truth is...I really needed to hear that, especially at the years end. As we move toward 2026, I want to talk about productivity, rest, guilt, and why doing nothing once in a while might actually be exactly what we need.

Rest isn't quitting and giving yourself grace isn't lowering the bar, sometimes it is the most disciplined thing you can do.

It’s our one‑year podcast anniversary! When I started, I had never done anything like this before, but stepping out of my comfort zone brought me incredible conversations with inspiring guests. I’m so grateful for each fantastic female who said "yes" and shared their wisdom, humor and kindness with me on the show.

For this special anniversary episode, my guests sent in updates and encouragement and let me tell you, they’re doing amazing things. Some are thriving, some are navigating challenges, but one theme kept popping up: learning to give grace, whether to others or to themselves.
So, grab your headphones, celebrate with me, and enjoy the wisdom, laughter, and real‑life lessons these women shared. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned this year, it’s that community and a little grace goes a long way.

From Virginia to Romania, fitness knows no borders. In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca, a passionate young trainer just starting her career in Romania. We talk Pilates, aerobics, and the power of creating spaces where women feel heard. Fitness will always transcend age, location, and experience...it’s for EVERYONE, everywhere!

In this episode, we dive into the world of health and wellness during the holiday season. From trending fitness gifts like trackers and weight vests to the attitudes we carry about food, exercise, and celebration, we explore how to stay active without falling into guilt or extremes. This conversation is all about balance, moving your body because it feels good, enjoying holiday traditions without punishment, and remembering that wellness is meant to enhance life, not restrict it. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your wish list or simply need a reminder to give yourself grace this season, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace joy, movement, and moderation.

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also stir up deep emotions.
Grief, anxiety, and depression often surface this time of year, and old patterns with food or alcohol may creep back in during moments of stress or loneliness.
In this honest and compassionate episode, Karen and Steve open up about the emotional weight many people carry during the holiday season. Together, they explore how movement and nutrition can offer relief, resilience, and healing. 
From seasonal depression to holiday grief, from anxiety to recovery, this conversation offers empathy, insight, and practical tools. Whether you’re navigating loss, feeling disconnected, or simply trying to stay grounded, this episode is a gentle reminder:
You’re not alone. And your body can be part of your healing.

What do adults over 50 really want to know about fitness, movement, and recovery? In this episode, Karen teams up with Steve to answer 20 of the most Googled and AI-asked fitness questions, from mobility myths to strength training fears. Some questions surprised us; some made us laugh.  This episode includes practical insights and heartfelt encouragement. Because here at the Sizzle Lean Show....there’s truly NO such thing as a stupid question!