Fuel Your Strength

I've noticed something curious in my community of 40-something women: the pervasive feeling of resignation that life is pretty much over, that it's too late to try something new, and that feeling stronger and more confident at this might as well be a unicorn fantasy. The feeling that the best years of our lives are gone and that we should just roll over and accept that we will never feel stronger, more capable, and more confident. Well fuck all that. Ladies, we aren't going out that way. It's not about trying to get back to where we were 10 or 20 years ago and beating ourselves up about it. Rather, it's about accepting and embracing where we're at right now...and seeing ways in which we are strong, powerful, and wise. Today, I turn 40 and I'm sharing some reflections on four important lessons life has handed me about getting older. There are easily dozens more but these four are ones that resonate with me a lot right now. I'm not about to hide or apologize for my age. I believe 40-something women can be strong and take up more space...and I hope you'll reconsider if you've started giving up. Remember to find the show notes and other episodes on StephGaudreau.com On this episode: Why we shouldn't have shame about getting older The whole point in nourishing our bodies 4 lessons I've learned about getting older Resources from this episode: Made Strong 40 for 40 sale Harder to Kill Club Follow Steph on: Instagram| Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Twitter I'd really love it if you would take 10 seconds and subscribe to the podcast!

Most of us know the importance of mobility, finding your breath and addressing all areas of your body during a workout. So what do you do when you find that you don't have the time to integrate these necessary aspects into your regular routine? Trish DaCosta recognized this gap in muscle information and created Barbell Pilates as an answer to these two complementary modalities. By combining strength training and pilates Trish has seen huge benefits to the women she trains and is helping to create more intelligent and resilient bodies. About Trish DaCosta Trish is here to break down the fundamentals of Pilates and weight lifting, help us understand why they are so beneficial to each other, and ways in which you can get back into fitness with activities that you love. Everything from the importance of the 'two-way stretch', to why you need to let your body recover and the necessity of noticing your breath is on the docket today as Trish schools us in the best ways to integrate Pilates and strength training. This episode is all about educating women to address control, stabilize muscles and finding out what works best for your body today. As our bodies constantly change and evolve so will our workouts, and Trish is a pioneer of listening to your body and training smarter, not harder. Have you ever combined pilates and strength training? Let us know what your results were in the comments on the episode page! On Today's Episode Debunking misunderstandings around movement modality and weight lifting Understanding the different benefits from each form of movement The psychological impact of growing older and adjusting to your new body Why cutting back on exercise may actually get you better results Learn about your breath and how it can improve your overall bodily function Quotes "My company is really to teach women how to train better, train smarter with weights, and also recover better using pilates" (9:43) "I think pilates just like any other exercise is going to change your body in a very positive way, but it's not going to change your body type per se" (19:14) "At the end of the day, [my clients] are coming to me to help them feel better about their bodies and they want their bodies to look a certain way, so it's not up to me to be like, no." (30:29) "If we could just learn how to inhale and exhale completely, we would solve so many issues in our bodies just from that" (42:36) "Its really about doing things in a smarter way that makes sense for your goals but also makes sense for where you are at right now" (48:03) Resources Mentioned In This Show Made Strong Program 40 for 40 Sale Barbell Pilates with Trish DaCosta PRI Website Register for Pilates FloWOD Here Barbell Pilates Blog Follow Trish on Instagram Check out the full show notes here! Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Health and wellness trends come and go so fast they'll make your head spin. And while I'm all for trying new things, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you're doing everything wrong because you aren't jumping on the latest and greatest. Instead of asking yourself, "Is this right," there's a much more powerful question you could be posing instead. On this Fierce Love Friday edition of the podcast, I'm sharing some important tools and questions for determining how your health journey might unfold. It's not always easy to find the right balance and fierce love is often involved, but the clearer you can get about what's right for you, the better off you'll be. Remember to find the show notes and other episodes on StephGaudreau.com On this episode: Why "healthing so hard" is a slippery slope Why starting points and structure can be helpful and limiting The biggest question to ask yourself about health trends Not sure where to start? A different question you can ask. Resources from this episode: Diet Labels - Episode 116 Harder to Kill Club Follow Steph on: Instagram| Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Twitter I'd really love it if you would take 10 seconds and subscribe to the podcast!

While we all want to look good, it is so much more important for us to be radiantly healthy from the inside out. As we get older this can get harder to recognize, which is why Dr. Anna Cabeca has dedicated her career to helping women entering perimenopause or menopause to become more comfortable with this graceful transition. Dr. Anna helps women feel empowered instead of scared by their symptoms and helps her clients and thousands around the world figure out what works for your body. About Dr. Anna Cabeca Dr. Anna is here to provide simple steps, strategies, and disciplines that really work and can help you start moving in the right direction when you feel the odds stacked against you. She is explaining everything from how nutrition and joint lubrication can greatly impact your quality of life, how to incorporate spiritual and physical practices into your transition, and lifestyle programs that can make a difference in your day to day life. Even if you haven't reached this stage of your life yet, we all know that it is coming, and it is especially important to recognize that you are not going through this alone. By approaching this stage of your life from a place free of fear, you can take care of yourself so that you are healthy and whole, and in turn, magnetize the relationships around you. Dr. Anna is a calming and knowledgeable beacon that is here to help guide you through this next journey. Where are you on your path to menopause? Let us know in the comments on the episode page! On Today's Episode Debunking the fear around perimenopause and menopause stages Why you always need to give your soul image precedent Bodily changes that may be symptoms of perimenopause or menopause The biggest nutrition do's and dont's when moving through these transitions Simple tests you can take on a daily basis to see how your environment is affecting you Quotes "I just want to empower women to really understand, get in touch, with that works for their body, so that they feel this balance and peaceful existence coming" (6:15) "It takes more than hormones to fix your hormones, and there is a diet and lifestyle that is really in our own control" (17:57) "It's about less drugs and more holistic interventions that are totally within every listener's capability" (24:33) "We need to know on an individual basis, what works for each of us, versus generalization" (36:54) Resources Mentioned In This Show 10 Day Breeze Through Menopause Masterclass Pre-Order the Hormone Fix by Dr. Anna Cabeca Dr. Anna Cabeca Website Julva All-Natural Product Check out the full show notes here! Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Ask Steph: Volume 2 Usually on the Friday episode of the podcast, I'm on the mic solo ranting or pondering on whatever's on my mind. But today, we're switching things up a little bit. I'll be answering several of your listener questions in another episode of Ask Steph. If you have a question that I didn't answer, feel free to message or email me and let me know! On Today's Episode What's been my most frustrating hurdle to overcome in life My advice for the best place for a newcomer to strength training to begin How to grow a stronger backbone in the face of pressure to conform My ideal introvert recharge night If I ever suffer from imposter syndrome and what I do about it Why I joined and left CrossFit Kickass advice for someone entering their 40s How to talk to family members about their health without upsetting them ...and more Resources Mentioned In This Show Sensitive – Harder to Kill Radio 156 No BS Relationship Advice with Mark Groves – Harder to Kill Radio 115 The Core 4 book preorder Harder to Kill Club

Dr. Alessandra Wall is a psychologist, mother and founder of the In Her Shoes movement. Alessandra is passionate about helping women rediscover their voices at work, in relationships, and within themselves, and is dedicated to helping women open their eyes and discover other women's experiences. About Dr. Alessandra Wall A recovering perfectionist and advocate for authenticity, Alessandra is here to share her desire to help every woman find value and strength in their own voice. Get ready for a look back at the historical struggles of women and how it impacts the space we occupy today, how the social media revolution is changing how we relate to one another, and what we should be teaching the young men and women of today for a better tomorrow. Plus, Alessandra is telling us all about her new project, In Her Shoes, and how you can become a part of it. Alessandra and In Her Shoes work to create a database of stories of what it means to be a woman in the 21st Century and create real conversations through women around the world to share their journey and walk in someone else's shoes. Today she is here to tell you that your story matters, and help harness our own inner power to help lift up ourselves and others. Do you feel a desire to share your journey of what it is like to be a modern woman? Does the vulnerability of the In Her Shoes project excite or worry you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments on the episode page! On Today's Episode Challenging the need to 'always be put together' in business Creating the changes we need to live in the world we want to live in Saying what you mean and meaning what you say Why you don't have to be extraordinary to have value in your voice Honoring the struggle of the women who came before you Quotes "I realized that the things that were really important were helping people take ownership of their choices so that they can live a life that is right for them" (7:37) "A lot of the work I am trying to right now is bringing people together, bridging gaps, getting people to talk to one another about their experiences, making communication more open, more honest, more transparent" (19:48) "I want people who identify as women from every walk of life, background, culture, country, to share their stories so that men and women everywhere in the world can step into their shoes" (22:14) "I find it very frustrating to be a woman, but not in a bad way. I am very hungry for a lot of changes to occur, and I am very sad that the world is still so far behind on so many things" (41:01) "Your story matters. Everybody's story matters and its worth sharing. And somebody can learn and grow just by knowing what its like to step into your shoes for a day" (57:47) Resources Mentioned In This Show HTK 004: Dr. Alessandra Wall In Her Shoes Website Contribute to In Her Shoes Here Contact Alessandra at alessandra@liveinfocussd.com Follow Dr. Wall on Instagram Check out the full show notes here! Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

In my community, it's common for folks to still view exercise and fitness from a place of restriction and punishment. And no wonder. Look around at advertising and the messages out there that movement is solely for burning calories or making up for what we ate, like physical penance. So many of us grew up with this mentality that it can be hard to envision any other way. In this episode, I'm pulling apart four unhelpful ways of looking at exercise and digging into how each is ultimately harmful and takes you away from what's right for you. Is it possible to see fitness and movement in general from a place where you nourish yourself? I say yes. It doesn't mean you can't ever do hard things or that exercise isn't uncomfortable at times...those are powerful experiences. Remember to find the show notes and other episodes on StephGaudreau.com On this episode: Why listening to your body may seem foreign...but is necessary The one thing women need to stop ignoring when they're in the gym Why "more is more" fitness culture needs to die Why one size does not fit all when it comes to exercise Resources from this episode: Core 4 Program - Starts Feb 3 Harder to Kill Club Follow Steph on: Instagram| Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Twitter I'd really love it if you would take 10 seconds and subscribe to the podcast!

Dr. Jolene Brighten is on a mission to change women's medicine for the better and help women take back their hormones and power to demand more out of their health. She is helping women reclaim their power by informing themselves about what is truly going on in their bodies when it comes to your period, birth control and hormones. About Dr. Jolene Brighten Today Dr. Brighten is your guide on the journey to understanding your period and what is going on inside your body. She is explaining the effects of hormonal birth control, how often you should be pooping, side effects of hormonal birth control that you may not know about, and so much more. If you are ready to feel empowered to take steps to own your own body, Dr. Brighten is here to provide all of the tools you need. In history, women have been excluded from science and medical research, and we have been kept in the dark too long about what is happening inside our bodies. Dr. Brighten is shattering this secretive landscape and providing targeted advice to what you are going through and what your specific needs are. By better understanding your hormones you can tackle issues such as acne, digestion, weight gain and more. It is time to empower yourself with information so you can reclaim your higher power. How has hormonal birth control affected you? What struggles have you had with your hormones? Let us know what about this episode resonated the most with you in the comments section on the episode page! On Today's Episode Identifying the root cause of your specific hormone imbalance The connection between hormones, the gut and women's medicine Why we need to stop dismissing women and their symptoms Things that you need to know before stopping hormonal birth control What role hormonal birth control may be playing in how your body developed Quotes "If I did my job right with Beyond the Pill, we're going to remove a lot of fear around women's medicine, and we're going to remove a lot of the fear around the unknown" (13:06) "I don't heal my patients, I teach them to heal themselves" (18:41) "Post birth control syndrome is a term that I came up with to describe the collection of symptoms and signs when you stop hormonal birth control" (28:50) "I wanted to give you solutions beyond the pill. I wanted you to know that you can heal your body, that those signs and symptoms mean something, and that you can absolutely do something about it" (59:16) Resources Mentioned In This Show Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten Dr. Jolene Brighten's Website HTK 125: Dr. Jolene Brighten HTK 003: Dr. Jolene Brighten Follow Dr. Brighten on Facebook | Instagram| Pinterest | Youtube Check out the full show notes here! Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Usually on the Friday episode of the podcast, I'm on the mic solo ranting or pondering on whatever's on my mind. But today, we're switching things up a little bit. I'll be answering several of your listener questions in the first ever-episode of Ask Steph. If you have a question that I didn't answer, feel free to message or email me and let me know! Remember to find the show notes and other episodes on StephGaudreau.com Today I'm answering questions about: How to transition from interest/passion to a business How often I fall off the wagon and what I do about it How to start training for a powerlifting meet The essential elements to role modeling positivity for future generations How to set goals when you first start lifting My fave tv show Which fictional character I'd be How woo I am Which podcasts I listen to My favorite meal ...and more Resources from this episode: Core 4 Program - Starts Feb 3 Harder to Kill Club Follow Steph on: Instagram| Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Twitter I'd really love it if you would take 10 seconds and subscribe to the podcast!

There are tons of factors that could be playing a role in your bad habits that are keeping you feeling tired, slow, foggy, or just not yourself. Ari Whitten recognized this, and after seeing a lack of representation in the medical field surrounding adrenal fatigue, he decided to produce the information himself. About Ari Whitten After countless hours of research, Ari has discovered how to stop your fatigue with evidence-based science. Now, he uses his knowledge to empower people all over the world and change the conversation around understanding your own health better. Ari is diving into a deep analysis of a large body of evidence on this specific topic. He is sharing the important role your mitochondria play in your energy, how your cortisol levels could be impacting your body, and why you should switch out all the lightbulbs in your house yesterday. If you have been given a fatigue diagnosis or suspect it on your own, this is an episode that could forever change you approach your own fatigue. Your symptoms are real, and its time to get some answers. Do you struggle with adrenal fatigue, constant stress or not enough sleep? Let us know where you are at in the comments on the episode page! On Today's Episode Bringing simplicity and clarity to understanding adrenal fatigue Why the media is not a good place to get evidence-based information Practical strategies to overcome fatigue and get more energy The key mechanisms in your body that impact your hormones and energy levels Advice for those who have restricted sleep or struggling sleepers Quotes "I left medical school just because I was so holistic minded and I couldn't stand being in an environment where you have people suffering from diseases of lifestyle" (20:33) "I realized that the conventional medical realm brushed the whole thing off as nonsense. They do not accept adrenal fatigue as a real medical condition. And I was actually annoyed by this" (23:59) "There's basically a vast landscape of dozens of different systems and mechanisms that are involved in regulating our energy levels" (43:11) "It's basically a combination of those factors at the root cause level, at the lifestyle and environmental level, and how they interact with all the systems of our body" (54:44) "There's essentially a spider web of different mechanisms of how these environmental and lifestyle factors are suppressing different physiological systems… that are leading to us having the symptoms of fatigue" (1:01:43) Resources Mentioned In This Show Sign up for Ari's Free Masterclass Training The Hidden Truth about Adrenal Fatigue The Energy Blueprint The Energy Blueprint Podcast Check out the full show notes here! Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!