This episode features a recent amiga I made while in Nashville last year on a girls’ trip for my birthday.

One thing that struck me about Nashville was the beautiful, friendly energy the women there emitted. They were exceptionally generous with their smiles and compliments, and my guest Jessica Dinan (and her friend, Alexis) are perfect representatives of that southern charm.

My friend Julie (whom I interviewed on episode 16) and I met Jessica and Alexis at this rad “speakeasy” in Nashville. Get this: to access this place, you knock on the side door in a dark alley, and then wait for a guy to let you in (one person/group at a time). Upon entering, you’re greeted with dim lighting and a cool, artistic vibe. You wait in a lounge area until someone comes and chats with you, asking you questions and getting to know you, to create an artisan cocktail tailored to your tastes and personality (he nailed it, btw - fresh and spicy, just like I like it!).

We ended up sitting next to Jessica and Alexis and forming a fast, easy connection, bonding over girl power and good vibes, and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.

Of course we all became Instagram buds, through which we stay connected, and I was psyched when Jessica agreed to come on the pod.

In this episode, we chat about owning your shine. Clapping for others AND yourself. Realizing there’s plenty to go around. Jessica shares how ambition, action, resilience, and hard work yielded professional and personal success.

It’s a fun, refreshing, empowering conversation.

xx,

-w-

In this episode, I sit down with Darren Hansen for a dynamic, fun, and informational conversation. Darren is the owner and head coach of Hansen Athletics, where he and his coaches deliver customized strength and conditioning training to not just athletes, but anyone who wants to be their best self. As Darren highlights, the physical aspect is only part of it. True self optimization happens by showing up for yourself, getting your mind right, dialing in your rest and nutrition, knowing your power, and keeping it SIMPLE.

This episode offers something for everyone, regardless of your current fitness level. If you’re a human and are interested in leveling up and FEELING good - this is for you.

Darren is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, has a BS in Exercise Science, and is a certified USAW-National Coach.

Find Hansen Athletics:

Blog/apparel/podcast: www.hansenathletics.com

Instagram: @hansenathletics

Facebook: HansenAthletics

YouTube: HansenAthletics

HansenAthletics Podcast: Spotify | iTunes | website

Find Darren:

Instagram @coachdarrenh

Twitter @CoachDarrenH

Photos by me

When it comes to fitness, how do I know when to power through and when to rest? How do I know if I’m doing too much? Is it possible to actually like working out? What are tips for staying motivated? What are aspects of fitness I might be overlooking? How can I feel better as I get older?

If you’ve ever had these questions, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse Jen Simmons of Jriven Fitness to address these and so many more! Jen has many certifications, among which are: NASM CPT; LPTA; USA Level 1.

And we don’t just restrict it to the world of working out. We also discuss business, goals, and inspiration - like how Jen decided to go for it and open her own gym (which has been a smashing success).

It’s a fun, free-flowing, motivational, and knowledge-packed conversation that leaves you feeling PUMPED.

You can find Jen:

Instagram: 

@coachjensimmons

@jrivenfitness

Website:

www.jrivenfitness.com

This episode is for you if:

• You feel lost without a passion/purpose

• You feel burned out

• You feel sick of people/SOCIETY urging you to hustle/push hard/find your passion/get that “bread”

• You feel ashamed/guilty for being satisfied with the “simple life”

If you relate to any of the above, I dedicate this episode to Y O U.

-w-