Have you ever stopped to consider just how much of your daily energy is spent “subscribing” to diet culture? In this episode, Renée and Maria unpack the metaphorical contract so many of us have unknowingly signed—a mental subscription that quietly drains our time, self-worth, and joy.

We dive into the subtle and not-so-subtle ways diet culture shows up in our lives, from the rules we follow around food and movement to the body ideals we feel pressured to chase. We talk about how to question the fine print, audit the auto-renewal, and opt out—for good.

✨ Whether you’re deep in the work of healing your relationship with food or just starting to notice the hidden costs of dieting, this conversation is your invitation to cancel what’s no longer serving you.

We want to hear from you! What beliefs or habits are you unsubscribing from? Share with us @whatnottowellness or email [email protected] 💌

We’re back with Part Two of our collagen deep dive—and we were clearly just getting warmed up last episode! 🔥

In this round, Maria and Renée go even deeper into the world of collagen: we break down the different types of collagen products on the market, from powders to skincare masks, and explore what actually works (and what’s mostly just marketing hype).

We also dig into topical collagen—can it really make a difference for your skin?—and talk about the best ways to naturally support your body’s collagen production without spending a fortune.

✨ If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the collagen options out there, or just want the real talk on what’s worth your time (and money), this episode is for you.

Have more questions you want us to tackle? Slide into our DMs @whatnottowellness or email us at [email protected] 💌

You’ve probably seen it everywhere—from powders to peptides, in your morning smoothie or TikTok's new favourite face mask—but how much do you really know about collagen?

In this episode, Maria and Renée dive into the science and skin-deep truth about collagen. From its role in skin elasticity to joint support and gut health, we explore both the nutritional and skincare perspectives behind this buzzy protein.

What started as a casual convo turned into some real-time "wait, WHAT?!" moments as we uncovered some wild facts while on air. Safe to say, our minds were blown and there was just too much juice to pack into one episode, so stay tuned for part two.

✨ If you've ever wondered whether collagen supplements are worth it, what actually helps your body produce more of it, or how to support your skin from the inside out, you’re in for a good one.

Got questions or any wellness myths you want us to unpack next time? Hit us up on Instagram @whatnottowellness or email us at [email protected] 💌

This week, Maria and Renée dive into the complex world of movement—what it means to move your body for joy, not punishment. From fitness influencers to before-and-after photos, we’re unpacking how diet culture has co-opted exercise and turned it into a tool for control instead of celebration.

We share our own stories, reflect on what joyful movement actually looks like, and explore how to reconnect with movement that feels good—without shame, guilt, or weight loss pressure.

✨ If you’ve ever struggled to separate exercise from the “shoulds” of diet culture, this episode is for you.

Let us know what movement means to you! Connect with us on Instagram @whatnottowellness or send us an email at [email protected]

In this episode, Maria and Renée sink their teeth into the latest extreme wellness craze: the carnivore diet. We talk about it all. From the connections to paleo and keto lifestyles, to the way evolutionary arguments are used to justify modern diet trends.

Is eating like our ancestors really the key to optimal health, or is this just another fad wrapped in pseudo-science? We explore the appeal, the risks, and why these all-meat claims keep making a comeback in the wellness world.

✨ If you’ve ever wondered how diet culture keeps evolving (while insisting it's ancient wisdom), this episode is for you!

What are your thoughts on the carnivore diet? Let’s chat! Find us on Instagram @whatnottowellness or send us an email at [email protected].

In this episode, Maria and Renée dive into the magical alchemy of travel, the art of romanticizing your everyday life, and the challenge of truly being here now. Whether you're dreaming of your next adventure or looking for ways to find joy in the present moment, we’ve got thoughts.

From the little rituals that make life feel cinematic to the mindset shifts that help you appreciate where you are right now, we explore possible ways to bring more presence and intention into your day to day.

✨ If you’ve ever felt stuck in your routines or geographically nostalgic, this one’s for you!

In this episode, Maria and Renée share their ultimate book recommendations, covering everything from fantasy worlds to life-changing self-help reads. Whether you're looking for life advice or a fresh perspective, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.

But that’s not all—we also take a critical look at the wellness books that might be better left on the shelf. From outdated advice to overly prescriptive takes, we break down the red flags to watch out for when choosing your next self help read.

✨ Whether you’re a bookworm or just curious about which wellness books are worth your time, this episode is your guide to reading smarter!

What are your favorite books? Connect with us on Instagram @whatnottowellness or send us an email at [email protected]

Drowning in a sea of wellness advice and wondering what’s actually worth your time? In this episode, Maria and Renée give you their biggest industry "shoulds" and call out the BS so you can finally stop stressing.

From a magic pill to retinol, we’re breaking down the fads that promise transformation but don't always deliver.

✨ This episode is perfect for anyone who’s ever thought, “Do I really need to do all the things?” Spoiler alert: Probably not!

💬 Join the conversation and share your own wellness red flags with us on Instagram @whatnottowellness or shoot us an email at ⁠[email protected]⁠. Together, we’ll cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for your well-being.

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Alexandra Arraiz Matute, Assistant Professor in Childhood & Youth Studies at Carleton University onto the podcast this week! We continue to unpack the Sephora Kids trend and uncover an enlightening conversation on the many ways in which youth, gender and media intersect.

Dr. Arraiz Matute brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, drawing from her extensive background in Curriculum Studies & Teacher Development at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. With a passion for community education and organizing, she sheds light on the complexities of youth culture and its portrayal in modern media landscapes.

✨ Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that pushes boundaries and invites us to critically examine the ways in which media influences the lives of young people (and how it's influenced us).

📣 Share your thoughts on the episode and join the conversation! Connect with us on Instagram @whatnottowellness or email us at [email protected].

In this episode, Renée and Maria dive deep into the age-old dilemma: is it Survival or Self-Care? Join us as we unpack the intricacies of balancing the demands of everyday life with the essential need for self-nurturing and care.

From the pressures of modern society to the internalized expectations we place on ourselves, we explore the ways we often prioritize survival mode over our own well-being. We're here to shine a light on the importance of the best self-care practices for YOU and strategies for reclaiming our time, energy, and mental health.

Tune in as we share our own stories and insights, and maybe a few actionable tips, as well! Connect with us on social media or drop us an email at [email protected]