Fit Strong Women Over 50

In episode 163, Jill and Chris talk with Kim Vopni, a leading authority in health & fitness coaching for women with pelvic floor dysfunction and is known as The Vagina Coach.

She has helped thousands of women learn how to do pelvic floor exercises, ditch the incontinence pads,  eliminate their prolapse symptoms and get back to living life to the fullest!

Kim is a certified fitness professional who became passionate about spreading information on pelvic health when she was pregnant with her first child.  She is the author of 2 books – Prepare to Push – What Your Pelvic Floor and Abdomen Want You To Know About Pregnancy and Birth and a second title Your Pelvic Floor – The Inside Story.

Kim is the founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc and co-founder of Bellies Inc. She is also the founder of Kegels and Cocktails™ – a women’s health event designed to empower and educate women on the importance of pelvic health.   

For more info visit our website at www.becomingelli.com

Jill and Chris talk with Jackie Errico, a nationally certified strength and conditioning coach, a certified personal trainer, and co-owner of Just Lift Fitness training studios located in the Chicago area. 

Jackie focuses on helping women gain confidence in their bodies. She educates women on the physical and mental benefits of strength training and how to fuel bodies with the right food; teach them how to lift weights properly and safely; and help them create a fitness and nutrition game plan so that they can achieve the results they deserve.

For more info see our Becoming Elli website

Great conversation with Dr. Woods about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, the effects of menopause on weight loss and her advice for women 50 and over. A functional medicine doctor, Dr. Makaila Woods has Double Board Certification with the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

We discuss:

for more information and the links we discuss, go to our website show notes page at https://becomingelli.com

160 - Elite Athlete Bree Lambert

Bree Lambert is a personal trainer, running coach, nutritionist and ultra runner. She has been pursuing endurance sports since her teenage years, starting with road triathlon, Xterra off-road triathlon and now ultra running.

Bree completed her first 50K in 2005 and since then has completed distances from 50k to 100 miles. Each finish represents hundreds of hours of training, dedication and mental preparation.

Bree coaches other runners to achieve their goals while providing personal training services to both runners and non-runners alike in San Jose, California and online.

She believes in a healthy lifestyle and thinks that no matter where your health is now, you can make an improvement.

For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com.

In episode 159 of the Fit Strong Women Over 50 Podcast, Jill and Chris talk with Alicia Jones who helps transform the health and the lives of women over 40 through her fitness and weight loss strategies.  She has a B.A in Kinesiology and has many certifications, including National Coach of Canada (NCCP), Advanced Sport Nutrition, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and Personal Training Specialist: Canfit-pro. Alicia has appeared on various health and wellness television programs and produced and hosted Health Matters and The View: Health and Wellness On Rogers TV.

For more information and links, visit our website at www.BecomingElli.com.

In Food Finds with Chris and Jill, they discuss various websites and ideas for food challenges. They talk about what they love to eat in the summer and where they get inspiration. 

For links and more info visit the Becoming Elli website.

In episode 157, Jill and Chris talk with Elaine Glass, author, speaker and personal coach.

For over a decade, Elaine has helped countless people unlock their truest selves. She works with them to find purpose, peace, and self-empowerment.

Elaine’s newest book, Get Quiet: 7 Simple Paths to the Truth of Who You Are, is a guide to healing and transforming yourself inspired by the classical form of the labyrinth.

For more information, see our website at BecomingElli.com.

The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age with Gwendolyn Bounds

Gwendolyn Bounds is an award-winning journalist and author of NOT TOO LATE: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age.

A few months shy of her 47th birthday, author and journalist Gwendolyn Bounds asked herself, “How is it possible to become good at something when you are already far behind and time isn’t on your side?”  

Her intimate story takes us from playgrounds and gyms, where Bounds trains among children and athletes half her age, to far-flung Spartan Race courses – including the vast desert of the Middle East. 

As she moves from the back of the pack to eventually become a podium finisher in her age group, Bounds captures the humility, challenge and elation of pursuing something bold and new amid the realities of midlife: caring for elderly parents, a demanding job, and a body no longer in its prime. 

More information at our website: Becoming Elli.

In episode 155, Jill and Chris speak with Glenn Scott Livingston, Ph.D. about dealing with food cravings. He was the long time CEO of a multi-million dollar consulting firm which has serviced several Fortune 500 clients in the food industry. 

Disillusioned by what traditional psychology had to offer overweight and/or food obsessed individuals, Dr. Livingston spent several decades researching the nature of bingeing and overeating via work with his own clients AND a self-funded research program with more than 40,000 participants. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology in 1991.

His work has appeared in many major newspapers and other media outlets.  He has a website defeatyourcravings.com, a podcast called “Defeat Your Cravings” and offers live individual coaching and support groups online.

More important than his professional bio, however, is his personal journey out of food addiction and obesity into a more normal and peaceful relationship with food.

For more information visit our website: www.BecomingElli.com

In episode 154, Jill and Chris speak with Maddy Dychtwald, an internationally acclaimed author, public speaker, and thought leader on longevity, aging, the new retirement, and the ascent of women. 

She co-founded Age Wave, the world’s leader in understanding and addressing the far-reaching impacts of our aging population. 

She is the author of "Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan" published by the Mayo Clinic Press. 

Maddy has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, Newsweek, Time, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Fox Business News, CNBC, and NPR, and others. 

Maddy is the author of two previous books: Influence: How Women’s Soaring Economic Power Will Transform Our World for the Better and Cycles: How We Will Live, Work, and Buy. 

For more information, see our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 153, we feature an encore presentation of one of the inspiring stories of Fit Strong Women Over 50.

This episode was first released five years ago as episode 31. We wanted to revisit this episode for our listeners who may not have had the opportunity to hear the story of this inspiring woman. 

Enjoy! 

More details at our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 152 of the Fit Strong women Over 50 Podcast, Jill and Chris speak with Becoming Elli member, Maria Molvin about how she finds strategies to stay healthy and fit as she ages.

Balancing work, family obligations, focusing on healthy eating, prioritizing sleep, and finding time to be active can be challenging. Maria lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband. She takes advantage of all the great local metro parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to walk and hike.

We discussed:

For more information visit our website at BecomingElli.com

Episode #151 Get More Fit with Kathy Murray

Kathy Murray is a certified personal trainer with over thirty years’ experience in the fitness industry.

She is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she was a member of the 1983 National Cheerleading Championship Team. After college she competed in and won the United States Aerobic Championship in 1986 and spent the year traveling the world as a Fitness Ambassador.

Kathy worked as a free-lance educator to teach fitness to European Instructors. While in Munich, she coached the Munich Cowboys (American Football) Cheerleaders to six national titles in cheerleading and was head trainer/translator for the German Gladiators during a pilot TV show for the International Gladiators. I was in Germany where she started Fit Bodies

Always an avid cyclist, Kathy dipped her toe into the world of multi-sport in 2000, first competing in duathlons then eventually moving to triathlons. Kathy has owned her personal training business Fit Bodies for 25 years and in 2022 co-authored the Audible book, The Munich Cowboy Cheerleaders based on her time coaching the squad.

She lives in Atlanta with her husband Lutalo, dog Mingus and cat Sassy.

We discussed:

Learn more at our website: Becoming Elli

In episode 150, Jill McCauslin and Chris Brown interview Chris Freytag, the founder of Get Healthy U and Get Healthy U TV.

Chris Freytag has been teaching, training, writing books, creating DVD’s, and speaking on the subject of health and fitness for the last 30 years.

Get Healthy U TV is a streaming website with workouts for midlife women. They have over 700 workouts for all levels and ages. You can access the workouts on your computer, smart phone, Roku, Fire TV and the Get Healthy U app.

Get Healthy U is the sister fitness hub that educates and inspires women to make healthy lifestyle choices as they age. Get Healthy U provides trustworthy information about health, fitness, wellbeing, nutrition, and recipes.

Get Healthy U TV and Get Healthy U reach over 1 million women a month through their website, newsletters, social media and workouts.

Chris lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband where they raised their three now-grown kids.

More info at our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 149, Jill and Chris talk with Emily and Mitchell Clionsky, the authors of Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain. Their book is the culmination of 45 years of extensive clinical evaluation and treatment. 

A husband-and-wife team, they have a combined 70 years of professional and clinical experience in medicine and neuropsychology and have treated 20,000 patients.

Emily Clionsky, MD, completed residencies in internal medicine and in psychiatry, and is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

Mitchell Clionsky, PhD, is a board-certified neuropsychologist who specializes in evaluating and treating patients with cognitive impairment, dementia, ADHD, and traumatic brain injury. 

They partner at a private practice, Clionsky Neuro Systems, Inc., based in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

See more information at our website: BecomingElli.com

Amy Wilson is a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, a certified fitness professional, and a certified nutrition coach. She helps people prevent and reverse diseases with nutrition and fitness. 

Amy believes diet and exercise can change a person’s life, and how the right nutritional program can be the key to improving health and fitness. She has seen her clients reverse their pre-diabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol, and more. 

Amy uses a holistic approach to health to help her clients feel in control of their bodies and minds, while no longer feeling enslaved by their scale.

For more information see our website: Becoming Elli.

Kim Rahir is a 60-year-old mother of three who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 10 years ago. She decided to ignore her then doctor's advice... muscle her way back to a happy life...  and in 2023, become the European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight category.

Her journey inspired her to leave her career in journalism in her 50s and become a health coach for middle aged women - with a big focus on reactivating and rebuilding muscle.

Today, Kim helps women tap into an abundant source of vitality by reactivating and maintaining their muscles, while ditching diet culture conditioning to actually eat to nourish and flourish.

For details see our website: Becoming Elli.

In episode 146, Jill and Chris talk with Heike Yates, a Midlife Mindset and Fitness Coach, a powerhouse in fitness, nutrition, and mindset with over 35 years of expertise. She breaks down the complexities of midlife wellness into simple, actionable steps you can start taking action today. But don’t mistake her for someone helping you get by in midlife—Heike’s all about helping you thrive.

She’s transforming not just bodies but lives with her unique approach to getting active, eating right, and boosting energy. When she’s not coaching or behind the mic, catch her outdoors, pushing her limits as a triathlete or embarking on a new adventure.

Heike's podcast, Pursue Your Spark, has over 200 episodes and is a wealth of resources and inspiration for mid-life women. Heike also has two other podcasts, one about intermittent fasting and one about Pilates.

We interviewed Heike in November of 2020 episode #71 and reconnected with her in August of 2023 at a podcast conference in Boulder Colorado. we knew we had to ask Heike to return to the podcast.

For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli,com.

In episode 145, the hosts of Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast talk about the lessons they've learned for healthy living over the past six years. Chris and Jill also launch the 2024 Eating the Rainbow Challenge, while reflecting on 2023 and look forward to 2024.

In this episode we discuss:

Go to our website BecomingElli.com for links discussed in this episode.

In episode 144, Jill and Chris talk with Wendy Battles,the host of the Reinvention Rebels podcast.

Wendy interviews women between the ages of 50-90, who have reinvented themselves later in life. From traveling solo around the world with a carry-on bag at 60, to running in global marathons at 71, to launching a modeling career at 72, these women are boldly making their dreams a priority and reality.

During the day, Wendy is a Cybersecurity Awareness expert at Yale University and by night she pursues her passion for celebrating, illuminating and elevating midlife and older women.  At 58, Wendy is a Reinvention Rebel herself, having reinvented herself many times during her life including as a management consultant, voice actor, and health coach. Her most recent reinvention as a podcast host is by far her most rewarding.

More information and links at our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 142, Jill and Chris talk with Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN. She is an award-winning Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist and the co-founder of MIJA Naturals, a green beauty wellness company,  As a Registered Dietitian and Food & Nutrition Expert, Sarah understands the power that food has on our bodies. She knows that consuming the right foods can enhance one’s beauty, nourish one’s soul, and restore one’s health.

She works in the San Francisco Bay Area of California with technology firm CEOs, executives, and employees, Bay Area families, as well as professional, elite, and collegiate athletes. She also has nationwide and international clientele.

More information at our website: https://www.becomingelli.com

In episode 141, Jill and Chris talk with Jeanette Evans, a long-time friend of Jill's who has developed a wonderful anti-cancer lifestyle.

Jill first met Jeanette many years ago when they were both working as technical writers and belonged to a professional organization together. Jeanette is a writer and editor and is involved in all kinds of communications. They have kept in touch over the years and started to meet for lunch recently. We believe that Jeanette’s story and way of life might be of interest to everyone.

Jeanette Evans has had three cancer surgeries with the first being in 2003 and a diagnosis of presumed triple negative breast cancer.

She has tried to educate herself on staying healthy with an anti-cancer lifestyle and diet which she finds to be delicious too.

We discuss:

Links and more information at our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 140 Jill and Chris talk with Elizabeth Emery. She is a former professional cyclist, US National Champion, and Pan Am Games gold medalist who raced in the women’s Tour de France for many years when it was called The Grand Boucle. She won the US Time Trial National Championship, a gold medal in the Pan American Games, the Pan American Championships, and the Tour of Japan.

Elizabeth is the host of the podcast Hear Her Sports where female athletes share stories of the amazing things they’re doing.

We discuss:

For more information visit our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 139 Jill and Chris interview podcast host Wendy Green who helps people to feel more purposeful and engaged with life. She helps them increase their confidence to re-Imagine their next chapter, helping them understand that they still have a lot left to give and that they can have a positive impact on their lives and their community.

Wendy Green is the host of the live show & podcast. “Hey, Boomer!”  Her goal is to serve an inspirational role for people 55 to 75, who are looking for ways to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. Wendy wants to help people see that they are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.

We met Wendy Green in Denver when we were at Podcast Movement, the conference for podcasters. We hit it off right away. We were women of a certain age who host podcasts and discovered we have a lot in common. We realized very quickly that Wendy should be a guest on our podcast. She lives in Greenville, SC. She has two children and four grandchildren.

More info: see our website at BecomingElli.com

In episode 138, Jill and Chris speak with Susan Salenger, an author who has found effective ways of dealing with frustrations with the healthcare system and better ways to ask your doctor questions, resulting in more complete answers.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susan attended UCLA to study English. After graduation, she worked alongside her husband Fred for 25 years at their production company, Salenger Films, which produced corporate training and development films distributed worldwide.

She is the author of Sidelined: How Women Can Navigate a Broken Healthcare System. Today, at age 80, when Susan is not speaking about her book or spending time with family and friends, you will find Susan power lifting to stay in shape.

We discuss:

More at our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 137, Jill and Chris talk with Dr. Danielle Peebles, an author and Chiropractic physician.

She founded Pro Health Family Chiropractic, in 2007 and has worked with thousands of people, helping them regain mobility, strength and overall well-being.

Dr. Peebles specializes in working with athletes who are suffering from injuries. She recognized that chiropractic care is often overlooked in the pre-surgery and rehabilitation process, but it can aid in a quicker recovery.

Many athletes have taken longer than necessary to return to their sports because they are missing this critical element of the recovery process. Dr. Peebles has worked with professional basketball players, football players and Olympic athletes.

She is the author of “Sex Sent Me To The Chiropractor”, which uses humor to teach the benefits of chiropractic care. She also serves the community through organizations such as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the YMCA O’Fallon Park, where she is a board member.

For more information, see our website at BecomingElli.com

In episode 136, Jill and Chris talk with Fluid Running founder, Jennifer Conroyd.

She is the world’s leading expert on aqua jogging/deep water running and is the epitome of a Fit Strong Woman Over 50. Jennifer is A.C.E. certified, AEA certified and has an Exercise Is Medicine credential from ACSM. She is also a 16-time Boston Marathon qualifier and an Ironman finisher. 

Jennifer founded Fluid Running on the belief that even though injury and pain can sideline even the most fit and strong women, there is a way to keep active and stay healthy -- both mentally and physically -- while our body heals. She learned how to do it through deep water running and is now teaching thousands of others around the world the secret to her success.

We discuss: 

More information at our website Becoming Elli.

In episode 135, Jill and Chris speak about using spices and greens for a healthy weight with Joanna Wen. 

Joanna Wen is a weight loss coach who helps her clients lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way. Her unique approach helps her clients love their food and lose weight without deprivation.

She also helps her clients get to the true root cause of their overeating and remove those blocks so that they keep the weight off once and for all., Joanna specializes in online nutrition and weight loss coaching through her website, Spices & Greens.

Joanna has studied and experimented extensively with the healing powers of food to de-stress, gain energy, and lose weight.  When she contacted us, she said that she enjoys learning about nutrition for longevity because she is approaching her 50th birthday.  

For more information visit our website at BecomingElli,com.

#134 Fit, Fierce, & Fabulous with Karín FeltmanKarínK In episode 134, Jill and Chris talk with Karín Feltman, a registered nurse and the author of Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous Over 50! Her first book was Plant-based Basics. Her work focuses on holistic health for women over 50, with a particular focus on intermittent fasting and healing through nutrition.

She is a full-time cross-cultural worker in Nepal. She doesn’t always have access to the Internet so we’ve been waiting for a chance to talk with her. She graciously made time for us when she was available, technology-wise.

Karín was a hospital nurse for 23 years, before beginning work in relief provision and mission trips. She now works on empowerment projects for vulnerable girls and women in Nepal and uses her writing to help fund greater opportunities for the communities she works with.

She completed the VegHealth Nutrition Mastery Course with the VegHealth Institute, and continues her research on holistic health and healing. Karín is a self-confessed foodie and loves discovering delicious new plant-based recipes, picking up fresh ideas from every new culture she visits.

More information: Becoming Elli website

arín

https://becomingelli.com/natural-remedies-for-vibrant-health-with-shivani-gupta/Jill and Chris speak with Dr. Shivani Gupta, who has practiced Ayurvedic medicine for over 20 years and is an expert in fusing Eastern and Western practices to help our bodies achieve equilibrium. She has both a Masters and Ph.D. in Ayurvedic studies.

When opioids, muscle relaxers, and injections only worsened a sports injury, Shivani decided to rebuild her body naturally. She created her own line of natural ayurvedic supplements when she failed to find an effective natural product on the market. She applied this approach to healing a leaky gut and an autoimmune condition as well.

Dr. Shivani works with physicians including orthopedic and spine surgeons, rheumatologists, and functional medicine doctors to help patients from CrossFit athletes to Baby Boomers reduce chronic pain, and acute and low-grade inflammation, prevent surgery and optimize their health.

She is the CEO and founder of Fusionary Formulas, an Ayurvedic supplement company. She is also the host of the Fusionary Health Podcast.

We discussed:

Links and more at our website: Becoming Elli

In episode 132 of the Fit Strong Women Over 50, Jill and Chris talk with 71 year old American Ninja Warrior Ginny MacColl.

Ginny is an actress, dancer, and competitive athlete in both Ninja and swimming. She began her career in NYC as a dancer in the hit Broadway show, Pippin, in 1973; then transitioned into the commercial world and did over 100 national and regional commercials throughout the 70s and 80s.

After a 20-year hiatus to raise her family, Ginny rekindled her acting career recently in Southport, NC in commercials, and film, and began strength training for American Ninja Warrior where she competed Season 9, 10, and most recently Season 15 airing this June (2023).

At 63 years old, she did her very first pull up, inspired by her daughter, Jessie Graff, who has gone farther than any female on American Ninja Warrior. At 71 years old, Ginny continues to compete regionally in ninja competitions and local, state and national swim meets.

You may have seen Ginny featured in the December 2019 issue of AARP. She also appeared as Evelyn, one of Diane Keaton's 8 cheerleaders in the movie POMS; Dorothy in USS Christmas on Hallmark’s Movie and Mysteries channel, Agnes Miller in STARS FELL ON ALABAMA and Beverly in AND JUST LIKE THAT!

Links and more info at our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 131, Jill and Chris talk with Joanna Bowen, Certified Nutritional Practitioner. She is the founder of the Younger With Food community and creator of The AGEless Method, a program that empowers women to rewind their cellular aging clock by using diet and lifestyle habits so they can reclaim the resilient body, healthy brain, glowing skin, and youthful energy of their prime. 

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, The Institute of Holistic Nutrition and the Functional Nutritional Alliance, Joanna has pursued additional training in culinary genomics, and is a licensed Facelift Diet Coach through the Academy of Beauty Nutrition. 

Author of 3 Genius Hacks to Unlock Inner Youth Without Botox, Fillers or Cosmetic Surgery, Joanna takes an inside-out approach to aging youthfully through the emerging science of epigenetics and “nutrigenomics”.

We discuss:

For more info, see our website https://BecomingElli.com

One of our Becoming Elli private Facebook group members, Diane Allen, has been following a program for two years called Original Strength, that she says is making a huge difference to women over 50. She introduced us to Dani Almeyda who owns a local gym and a national certified program.

Dani Almeyda has worked in the health and fitness industry for the last 12 years. Throughout her whole life, health and wellness have had a major influence on her life. Whether it was from her experience as collegiate athlete, as a Director of Campus Recreation, or as a Fitness Professional, her experiences and formal education have provided her with a unique perspective and skillset.

Dani is a co-owner of OS Institute in North Carolina and OSi Online, and has a master’s degree in Exercise Science. She brings an abundance of energy, passion, and an incredible drive to help the world regain its Original Strength.

“You were not meant to be broken. You were intended to be strong, healthy and resilient. You can regain the strength you were supposed to have, the strength that you once had.”

We discuss:

For more information visit our website:  BecomingElli.com

Jill and Chris first met Laurie LeBlanc when she joined the Becoming Elli Facebook group last year.

She lives in Ontario, Canada and recently retired from a rewarding 35-year career with the Ontario Public Sector. For the last ten years she held various Deputy Minister positions, leading complex departments including the Ministries of Transportation, Training, Colleges and Universities, Municipal Affairs, Housing, and Aboriginal Affairs. She has been the recipient of several awards, including being named one of the top 75 alumni of Carleton University’s school of public policy.

While Laurie enjoyed her career, she is thrilled to now have the chance to enjoy all life has to offer. She has made her own health and wellness her new project. Vowing to be in the best shape of her life when she reaches 60 in two years, she bought a kayak, hiking boots, and a gym membership. She is slowly making progress.

A big part of her journey has been being more deliberate about how and what she eats and is having a great time exploring new cuisines.

For more information, visit our website at Becoming Elli.

In episode 128, Jill and Chris talk with Linda Stephens, a nutrition, health and fitness professional whose primary focus is working with midlife women, over 40/50 and beyond to help them achieve confidence, exude sexiness and feel comfortable in their own skin again.  Her motto is, “midlife should be the bridge to your new life.” 

Linda has developed a comprehensive 6 week program taught virtually to women around the globe called “Midlife Mastery”.  Linda guides women by educating them on how their bodies change in midlife.  Women involved in the program learn cutting edge, science backed data for hormone balance, longevity, mood, libido and weight loss.  

Linda holds her masters degree in nutrition, competed as an IFBB Figure Pro (IFBB stands for International Federation of Bodybuilding ) and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine  NASM certified personal trainer.  Linda writes for Livestrong.com, Darien Magazine, Muscle and Fitness Hers, Oxygen magazine and has contributed to Strong Magazine. She also has her own health and wellness channel on  https://plus.muscleandfitness.com.

Linda is a midlife woman herself, a mom of two children, 18 and 21 years of age.  She currently resides in Fairfield County, Connecticut and has for over 25 years.  

We discuss:

For more information and links visit our website at BecomingElli.com

In episode 127, Jill and Chris talk with Mary Beth Albright, the author of Eat & Flourish, How Food Supports Emotional Well Being. She is a food expert with broad experience, from food attorney to being a finalist on Food Network Star, where she competed on Iron Chef America. 

Her passion for good food grew from her mentor, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop who she worked with for 15 years. Afterwards, Mary Beth advised on food systems and managed a White House initiative.  She completed L'Academie de Cuisine's two-semester culinary course in Bethesda, MD.

Mary Beth is a writer and editor at the Washington Post. She is also a frequent panel moderator, including for the U.S. State Department and the Smithsonian, and her food-judging expertise is sought regularly, including the time she ate 2,000 foods in three days to judge the Outstanding New Products Awards. She is an elected member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, an esteemed group of women in the culinary professions, which counts Julia Child among its alumnae. 

We discuss:

For more information and links, visit our website at BecomingElli.com

In episode 126, Jill and Chris talk with Hope Zvara, a yoga, movement, and lifestyle expert and CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga. She has helped change thousands of lives over the last 20 years using her simple step-by-step strategies and what she calls her "yoga toolbox" encouraging others that they can feel better wherever you are with small simple changes.

She helps truck drivers go from a sedentary lifestyle to feeling good again with small simple changes from the cab of the truck. Although she works with a lot of men, she spent the first 18 years of her career working with women between the ages of 45-65.  And now, even though women only make up 10% of the trucking industry, they are her loyal clients. 

“Showing drivers how they can take care of their bodies, minds, and spirits with small simple changes they can apply to their day every day while living over the road is a huge win for them. With the right tools and strategies, fitness at any age does not have to be complicated. And if women can take their health back from the cab of the truck- then the everyday women can do anything!” We discuss:

For more information, see our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 125, Chris and Jill talk with Danielle Omar, an Integrative Culinary Dietitian, lifestyle medicine expert, herbalist, and best-selling author of the Super Green Smoothies cookbook.

A passionate food and nutrition educator, her expert advice has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Buzzfeed.com, Fitness, Shape, and Women’s Health magazine, as well as national television, including The Food Network and NBC Primetime.

Through her group-focused nutrition programs and private coaching practice at foodconfidence.com, Danielle has supported thousands of busy women on their journey to becoming their healthiest self.

Her unique approach blends 20+ years of practice-based evidence with nutrition science, positive psychology, and the power of self-regulation. Danielle believes strongly in the heart-mind connection and our innate ability to create harmony in our mind, our emotions, and our body.

We discuss:

For links visit our website at BecomingElli.com.

In podcast episode 124, we talked with Champion Race Walker Yolanda Holder. We heard her interviewed on a podcast a few years ago and were so amazed by her that we’ve wanted to have her as a guest on our podcast ever since.

Yolanda Holder, 64 years young, is a professional Ultra Marathon Walker. She’s a 2X Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Marathons Completed in a Calendar Years”, finishing 106 marathons/ultras in 2010 and breaking her own record in 2012 finishing 120 marathons/ultras. In 2019 Yolanda became the oldest person to earn a US Race Walk Centurion #94 by race walking 100 Miles in under 24 hours. (23:52:17).

Yolanda is a World & American 35K Race Walk champion, American 6 Day Race champion (413 miles). She’s also the World Champion Pedestrian of the longest certified footrace in the world, the Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, finishing in 51 Days, 17 Hours and 13 Seconds.

Yolanda is a wife, mother of two adult children, a grandmother, an inspirational speaker and author.

We discussed:

For more information visit our website: Becoming Elli

Robin Allen is a nutritionist passionate about helping women over 40 understand the best practices for longevity. She is the founder of Necessary Nutrition, Inc and the creator of the Necessary Nutrition brand of Vitamin D3.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada (1996), and her Master’s from the University of Redlands (2001) and an additional nutrition certification from the Global College of Natural Medicine (2008). 

Robin encourages people to see food and nutrition as the way to fight obesity, illness and disease. She has been featured on CNN Headline News, and countless other media outlets sharing her insight on food, nutrition and life.

We discuss:

More info: visit our website Becoming Elli

In episode 122, Jill and Chris talk with Shebah Carfagna, an age-defying health, wellness and fitness professional with more than 27 years of training experience.

Shebah is well known for her commitment to her clients and their lifelong wellness journey.

Shebah has been a loyal fitness devotee for many years as a means to manage life stress and the responsibility of raising a special needs child. Realizing the importance of exercise as medicine for her autistic son and other special needs constituents, Shebah founded Panache Fitness Company in 2005 to offer these groups health and wellness opportunities.

Today, Panache Fitness Company offers traditional fitness services while still serving the needs of clients with specific health conditions and chronic diseases. Shebah encourages clients to think beyond their exercise program and to manage their habits to achieve a more healthy lifestyle and increased longevity. She has enjoyed significant success with her clients in both personal training and group classes. Shebah holds professional fitness certifications: Spin, Pilates, BOSU, Boot Camp, TRX and Group Fitness and is the founder of the “AGELESS WORKOUT” presented by Panache Fitness Company. She is devoted to helping people achieve harmony between their fitness journey and a sustainable lifestyle.

We discussed:

More info at our website: BecomingElli.com

In this episode, Chris and Jill reflect on 2022, books read,inspiring podcast guests interviewed and healthy eating tips mentioned throughout the year.

We discussed a variety of topics including:

Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspe

Our number 2 ranking in the 15 best Women’s Fitness podcasts article.

Food prepping ideas and recipes to get more protein.

Ideas from of the inspiring guests we talked with during 2022.

To get links and find out more, visit our website at Becoming Elli.

Jill and Chris met Brenda Bland in the Becoming Elli Facebook group and knew she should be on the podcast.

Brenda Bland is an endurance athlete who has been running, hiking and biking most of her life. She took up running longer (for fun) in the late 90’s while helping her teenage daughter get more fit and healthy. Running her first ultra in 2003 at age 44, Brenda has run dozens of ultras all over the US, which is one of her favorite types of road tripping. Brenda considers herself an average runner and has worked hard to build and maintain her health though diet, physical and yogic exercises. During a long journey of varying degrees of joint pain, GI issues as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder, she continues to research better ways of having a longer HealthSpan than is currently thought possible. As Brenda continues to grow in her 60’s, she plans to keep enjoying the great outdoors as long as possible.

During this podcast we discussed:

More information at www.becomingelli.com

In episode 119, Jill and Chris speak with Dina Griffin, a Sports Performance Dietitian with a passion for optimizing women's health and providing personalized nutrition to endurance athletes.

Dina Griffin, MS, RDN, CSSD is the owner and founder of The Nutrition Mechanic, a nutrition coaching and resource company based out of Boulder, Colorado.

As a Sport and Performance Dietitian, Dina works with all levels of adult endurance athletes to optimize health, vitality, and performance. She blends science-based and evidence-informed strategies along with “real life” considerations to devise personalized and sustainable nutrition plans.

Dina has a particular passion for working with women’s health, peri- and post-menopause, masters and ultra athletes, and supporting individuals who have a metabolic condition.

Dina is also the co-host of the Inside Sports Nutrition podcast, which covers a wide array of topics on all things related to “real life" sports nutrition.

We discussed:

For more information see our website: Becoming Elli.

In episode 118, Jill and Chris talk with Brian Keane, an online personal trainer, nutritionist and best selling author. Over the past seven years, Brian has gone from working full time as a school teacher to one of Ireland's and the UK’s leading thought leaders on all things health, fitness and nutrition.

Brian is the author of two best sellers: The Fitness Mindset and Rewire Your Mindset.   On top of his ever-growing social media platforms, with over half a million followers, he also hosts one of the world’s top health podcasts which is regularly featured #1 on the iTunes Health Charts.

He has spoken at major wellness events around the world such as Wellfest Ireland, Mefit Dubai and was a Keynote speaker at Google HQ in Dublin for their 2018 wellness event.

Among his many fitness and athletic achievements, Brian has transitioned from a professional fitness model to ultra endurance athlete running through the Sahara, the Arctic, and completing a 100 mile ultra marathon.

We discussed topics of fitness, health and mindset:

More info at Becoming Elli Website

In episode 117 Jill and Chris talk with Traci Fisher, the  Founder and Chief Creation Officer of The Wellness Coach, LLC.  She is a certified Health and Wellness Coach, motivational speaker, corporate wellness trainer, frequent media guest, managing director of two health and wellness companies based in Cleveland, Ohio, and a mother of three.

Traci began her leadership training as a cadet at West Point, The United States Military Academy. She is a former US Army captain & helicopter pilot.   After leaving the military she started her career in the fitness and wellness industry. She created Live Active, a total-body workout series with Cleveland Clinic doctors; is a coauthor of Lean Body, Smart Life, and creator of The Wellbeingness® Model.

More info at our website: Becoming Elli.

Jill and Chris talk with Dr. Ellen Britt, an intermittent fasting expert. Ellen is the co-founder and principal writer of The Intermittent Fasting Insider, a bimonthly newsletter that brings her audience the most compelling developments in intermittent fasting as well as innovation in practices that can be stacked with IF.

She also co-facilitates with her colleague Denise Wakeman an 1800 member free Facebook group for entrepreneurs interested in intermittent fasting, as well as their latest paid membership project, The Longevity Experience.

Ellen has over two decades of experience as a PA in emergency and occupational medicine. She holds a doctorate (an Ed.D.) in biology, as well as a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. Ellen lives and works just south of Atlanta, Georgia.

During this episode we discussed:

More information at our website: Becoming Elli

In episode number 115, Chris and Jill speak with Lisa Swanson, a sought-after expert who helps women over 50 crush their weight loss goals in a naturally progressive way that boosts metabolism, burns belly fat and keeps it off. 

Through her signature B.A.S.E. model, combining fitness, nutrition and mindset, women over 50 get the results they have been struggling to get on their own without deprivation diets or hours in the gym.

She teaches her clients how to enjoy the journey and let go of limiting beliefs that may hold them back.;

Lisa is a Certified Health Coach, personal trainer, orthopedic exercise specialist, (ACE American Council on Exercise) and nutritionist (Precision Nutrition & AASDN American Academy of Sport Dietitians and Nutritionist) and has 35 years of experience.

See links at our website: Becoming Elli.

In episode 114, Jill and Chris talk with Katie Orlando, a professional tennis player. Katie played college tennis at the University of Akron where she was All MAC Conference in 1993 and now is in the University of Akron’s Sports Hall of Fame.

In August 2022, she was inducted into the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Midwest Hall of Fame. Katie was also named the 2019 USPTA Midwest Professional of the Year.

She is currently the Tennis Director at Towpath Tennis Center in Akron, Ohio. Katie is sponsored by Wilson for racquets. She has won numerous awards for her volunteer work in tennis.

More information at our website: BecomingElli.com

In episode 113, Jill and Chris interview certified running coach and personal trainer Jill Angie.

Jill Angie is the author of the book, Not Your Average Runner; Why You’re Not Too Fat to Run and the Skinny on How to Start Today. She has also published 5K and Half Marathon training plans for beginning runners. 

She hosts the "Not Your Average Runner" podcast and website to show that runners come in all shapes, sizes, and speeds.  Jill and her coaches help women to start running or to improve their running. 

See more at our website: Becoming Elli.

In episode 112, Chris and Jill answer frequently asked questions from listeners and women over 50 in the Becoming Elli Community.

In this episode we discuss:

For links referenced in our discussion, visit our website at Becoming Elli.

In episode 111, Taking Responsibility for Your Life, Jill and Chris talk with Coach Renée Suzanne about self love, persistence, and self confidence. Her coaching principles for improved dating reach into many areas of life.

Renée Suzanne helps women over 40 start dating better men immediately so they can meet and marry the man of their dreams. She is the creator of the COURTED method, a process that helps women date in order to create the lasting connection they really want.

More info and links at our Becoming Elli website.

In episode 110. Jill and Chris talk with Colette Harris about how she transformed her health and body with nutrition and lifestyle changes.

After she was diagnosed with Lipoedema and Fibromyalgia, Colette searched for recovery beyond pain medications. She made a series of daily habit changes over the course of several years to eliminate refined carbohydrates and sugar.

She tells about her experience in reducing inflammation, eliminating pain and finding a healthy lifestyle.

"Making small habit changes each day add up to BIG change."

Colette is a health coach who lives in Lochwinnoch, Scotland and helps others with sugar detox and lifestyle transformations. She was in the U.S. Navy Reserves and enjoys traveling the world.

More information: Becoming Elli website.

In episode 109, Jill and Chris speak with Carol Simpson. Even at well past 70, she continues to rock climb and practice yoga.

She's overcome several health issues and is an inspiration to many women over 50.

More info at our website: Becoming Elli.

In episode 108, Jill and Chris talk with Deirdre Hewitson, who says ‘yes’ to pretty much any opportunity or adventure that comes her way.

Deirdre Hewitson is a freelance photographer, editor, and writer who lives in Cape Town, South Africa. We learned about her because one of our Becoming Elli members (who lives in Norway) posted that Deidre is her hero.

Over the years. Deirdre has taken up scuba diving, bicycle racing, water skiing, paragliding, white water rafting, and running. Now, at 61, and about ten marathons later, she has added trail running, climbing, hiking and yoga to the mix of regular activities.

"Say yes more often than you say no, and try pretty much everything at least once – ‘pretty much’ because some things – those that will harm you – aren’t worth trying." These are the words Deirdre lives by.

Links at our website show notes: Becoming Elli

In Episode 107, Jill and Chris talk with Joyce Guenther who has ridden her bicycle in all 50 states of the USA.

Jill met Joyce in high school and they ended up at the same college together. Years later they reconnected on Facebook.

Joyce has completed bike rides in all 50 states and has turned her attention to Europe. She is a member of our private Becoming Elli Facebook Group.

Her education was in the sciences. She worked in business for many years and then ran her husband’s medical office. She lives with her husband in central Ohio and has two adult daughters.

Joyce is also very active with the Red Cross and getting people to donate blood. She hosts blood drives and has been donating blood since she was in college. https://www.redcrossblood.org/

We discuss:

Links to rides mentioned at this link on the Becoming Elli website.

In episode 106 Jill and Chris discuss the importance of protein in the diet, especially for women over 50. They offer12 different ways to get more protein in your diet.

When doing meal planning first figure out the proteins, then adjust for the veggies. Precook protein in a crockpot so you have a lot available ahead of time. Refrigerate to add to other meals. Precook quinoa when doing meal prep. Easy to sneak it into soups, salad, other meals. 20 grams of protein per serving If you are avoiding dairy use plant protein soy- based proteins like tofu tempeh lentils and beans When making a vegetable salad add in chickpeas kidney beans black beans quinoa even tuna Add sardines to your fish choices. Sardines make a great addition to tuna salad here is another recipe for sardines When you sit down to eat, start with eating your protein first Add Greek yogurt to your breakfast routine or dessert. Fage Greek yogurt 0% milkfat has 20 grams of protein in a serving Consider breakfast with eggs instead of cereal Use protein powder in smoothies Orgain is available on Amazon or at Costco with many choices of flavors. Great for smoothies adding into coffee as a creamer. Protein bars dash keep them handy for when you might miss a meal link to episode #38 Try this protein oatmeal ball recipe

Go to https://www.becomingelli.com for more.

Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and women’s weight loss expert.

Karen is the host of the top-rated women’s health podcast The Other Side of Weight Loss where she helps women to unlock the mysteries of female fat loss and hormone imbalance.

After struggling with her own health issues, Karen was determined to bring her knowledge to others with a bold new approach to women’s hormone health and weight management. Karen’s passion lies in helping women balance and optimize their hormones in peri- and post menopause and breakthrough weight loss resistance.

Additional information at https://www.becomingelli.com/hormone-health-and-menopause-with-karen-martel

Originally from rural southeastern Ohio, Jonella Carpenter, known as Jone, is both a mother and grandmother. She can often be found walking, running, or hiking in her local parks in all kinds of weather. Her attraction to the outdoors started when she was a kid (even the outdoor chores were fun for her) and grew as she became an adult.

In 2008, a friend suggested that Jone run a half marathon, and though she didn’t know what she was in for, she has never been afraid of a challenge. She toed the blue line of the Akron Marathon on a crisp September morning without training, and though she crossed the finish line three hours and forty-five minutes later, she couldn’t walk for days.

Needless to say, she learned quite a bit during that first race! Since then, Jone learned more about how to train, fuel her body, and stay motivated even when times were tough. As a breast cancer survivor, her body has been through significant changes but continues to be a way to explore nature, connect with friends, and challenge herself in a variety of ways. She even overcame a life-long fear of water to learn to swim in her 50s.

Among her friends and running buddies, Jone is known for always saying yes to any adventure (even the cold, muddy ones) and can often be found encouraging others (even strangers she’s met along the way) to keep moving. Through the miles, boot camp classes, swim lessons, and other adventures.

One key point of advice to women over 50 who want to be fit and strong: Find Your Tribe. Jone ran informal groups of friends calling themselves the Towpath Turtles or BCB - the Bad Choice Babes and works out at a gym where the group exercise inspires her.

During this episode we talk about:

More at Becoming Elli website.

In episode 103, Jill and Chris talk with Julie Norman, a wellness and equine specialist, about her path of Yoga and meditation. Julie Norman delights in guiding others in experiences that foster growth and healing from a place of self-love. She believes this is essential for both individual and community wellness.

Her career as a registered dietitian in eating disorders treatment and her own recovery inspired the creation of Body Karma Healing (BKH), her signature program that guides women to peace with their bodies and food for authentic self-empowerment.

She’s the author of two books; Poems From The Path of Peace, Volumes 1 & 2 and The BKH and Goddess Wisdom e-courses. Julie is also a certified health coach, yoga teacher and equine specialist. She leads classes, workshops and retreats along with coaching individual clients, consulting and speaking on the topics she’s passionate about. In her free time she loves to travel, mountain bike and spend time with family, friends and pets.

More information: Becoming Elli

In episode 102, Jill and Chris talk with swimming coach Amanda Boswell. Amanda is a lifelong swimmer and coach who helps people learn to love the water and gain confidence in their swimming ability. She works with people of all ages and different levels of swimming experience. Amanda's clients have goals ranging from learning how to swim to training for triathlons. She competed in swimming through high school, but an injury kept her from moving onto college competition. During college Amanda  began coaching and found that she loved being involved in the sport from a different perspective. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Miami University and a master's degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Capella University. She is also a certified personal trainer with the American College of Sports Medicine.

“One of the best things about coaching swimmers is when they have that ah-ha moment, and everything clicks from their repeated hard work and determination, either with breathing or just being more efficient with their strokes. Training for a swimming event can be intimidating but with the right coaching and workouts, you can absolutely train to be your best in the water!”

During this episode we discuss:

For more information, visit https://becomingelli.com/swimming-coach-amanda-boswell

In episode 101, Jill and Chris talk with Angie Jackson about learning to swim and becoming at triathlete at age 50.

Five years ago, Angie decided to become a runner and then a triathlete. She tells us how she’s worked hard to learn to swim, bike, and run.

When she started her swim lessons again, Angie hired a triathlon Coach Morgon Latimore and successfully trained for and completed a Sprint, Olympic, and Half Distance Triathlon.

Angie Jackson has three adult children, and she is Mimi to her two grandchildren. Angie is a nurse and works long hours, but manages to fit in the training needed to race triathlons!

She is originally from Philadelphia and now lives in North Carolina. There are a lot of fun races that she will be participating in from now until then. Currently she is in training for my first full distance triathlon that will take place on Sept 17, 2022 in Maryland.

Some of them she plans to do alone, others she will do with her grandchildren.

Angie wants women to know we can change the narrative of what a certain age "looks or acts like." Everything Angie is doing now: swimming, cycling running, yoga, strength training, and hula hooping...this is 50!

For more information visit: HTTP://www.BecomingElli.com/this-is-50-with-Angie-Jackson

In episode 100, Jill and Chris review what they have learned during the past 100 episodes. Many topics have been covered, but what really stands out is the importance of strength training.

In this episode, Jill and Chris discuss the "whys" and "hows" of lifting and include clips from past episodes featuring interviews with:

and more!!

Visit our website for links: https://www.becomingelli.com/lifting-for-fit-strong-women-over-50

In episode 99, Jill and Chris talk with Cindy Dallow, PhD, RD, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.

She has worked in the field of nutrition and fitness for 30 years and enjoys training and competing in marathons and triathlons. A USAT Certified Triathlon Coach, she is a 5-time Ironman finisher and has completed 12 marathons.

Cindy helps women learn about nutrition, fitness, intuitive eating and how we can live our best lives during and after menopause.

She works with woman in mid-life to gain more energy, strength, and fitness (without dieting), to enjoy good food and an active lifestyle and offers support and accountability for lifestyle change. She focuses on helping women ditch the diet culture and become active and fit.

We discussed:

* Listening to your body for cues for hunger and fullness * Intuitive eating vs chronic dieting * Protein from plants vs meat vs powders * Her thoughts on intermittent fasting, keto and other restrictive eating * How she works with endurance athletes to fuel * Honoring hunger and learning to recognize and trust hunger instead of ignore or control it * Rejecting the diet mentality * Intentional eating, balance and satisfaction * Slowing down, paying attention to texture, taste, flavor and enjoying the meal * Becoming mindful about the eating experience

More information: https://www.becomingelli.com/ditch-the-diet-culture

In episode 98 of the Fit Strong Women Over 50 Podcast, Chris and Jill talk about the three focus words that each of them have selected for inspiration during 2022.

Both agree that new year's resolutions can be easily discarded. Instead, they chose to focus on a keyword that helps them to remember their intentions for the year.

Perhaps you also use three words? Leave a message on the website at Becoming Elli (https://www.becomingelli.com/2022-three-words) to share with other fit strong women over 50.

In episode 97, Jill and Chris talk with Holly Perkins, a women’s strength expert, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and the author of Lift to Get Lean.

Holly Perkins helps women create the body they need to keep up with the life they love, through her proven system of strength training and intentional nutrition.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition from The Pennsylvania State University.

Holly has worked with many famous people and celebrities, even a presidential candidate!

Her advice is frequently featured in Women’s Health, Shape, SELF, Prevention, BuzzFeed, and LIVESTRONG.com. With 30 years of experience in the field, Shape magazine named Holly a “Top Trainers to Follow”.

For more information, visit this link to our website at https://www.becomingelli.com/lift-to-get-lean

In episode 96 Jill and Chris interview Amanda Nighbert, a registered dietitian who specializes in weight loss nutrition. She is also an avid fitness enthusiast.

Amanda is passionate about empowering people to break the all or nothing mindset. She wants us to find how to make changes that are sustainable and let us find long term weight loss success.

She has worked in the weight loss field for over 19 years to help thousands of people reach their wellness goals, but is a strong believer that dieting is temporary and it is more important to focus on lifestyle changes to see long term weight loss success. Amanda offers a custom LEAN program (LEAN stands for Living Energized And Nourished), coaching services, and a variety of other offerings to give us the tools and resources to find our best selves. She also gave a Ted talk in March 2021 on this topic.

More information at https://becomingelli.com/living-energized-nourished

In episode 95, Chris and Jill talk with Ultra Kayaker Traci Lynn Martin. who is a Guinness world record holder as the fastest solo female to kayak the entire Mississippi River at 55 days, 8 hours, and 17 minutes. The previous fastest time for a solo female was 61 days.

Besides conquering the Mississippi River, Traci Lynn has circumnavigated Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, the 3 largest lakes in North America - over 3000 miles paddled.

Traci Lynn, a 54-year-old nurse from Kansas City Missouri, has a medical diagnosis of Rheumatoid Autoimmune disease. She wants to inspire other people with chronic health conditions, to know that their life is precious and valuable, and they can still find the strength to get up and do the things that they love.

For more information visit: https://www.becomingelli.com/ultra-kayaker

In episode 94, Jill and Chris talk with Karese Laguerre, an Orofacial Myologist about improving sleep and breathing with myofunctional therapy.

Karese Laguerre, like many parents, suffered in silence while her children struggled with the symptoms of undiagnosed sleep and breathing issues. One visit to a pediatric dentist changed the trajectory of their lives. Already a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Karese, trained with Sandra Holtzman, Lois Laynee and Sarah Hornsby to establish her orofacial myology knowledge. With this initial training and numerous others, in a few short years she has not only resolved all her children's issues, but helped hundreds of patients, children and adults alike, discover how great life can be functioning on full.

Her private practice, The Myo Spot is now a leader in the quest for myofunctional therapy awareness and public education. Her latest published book, Accomplished, delves into how to sleep better, eliminate burnout, and execute goals. Karese's mission is to transform and positively impact as many households as possible through dynamic breath, brain, and body work.

Karese explains that she works like a personal trainer for the hundreds of muscles between the eyes and the shoulders. The results from these workouts improve functional breathing and the upper respiratory system.

More info: https://www.becomingelli.com/healing-through-better-sleep

In Episode 93, Jill and Chris talk with Dr. Angela Ridgel, a Professor in Exercise Physiology and the Associate Director of the Brain Health Research Institute at Kent State University.

Her research focuses on how exercise and movement therapy improves brain health and function in older adults and those with neurological disorders.

She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from The College of William and Mary, a Master's degree in Biology at Villanova University and her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Marshall University. Dr. Ridgel completed her Post-Doctoral training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic.

For more information: Becoming Elli

In Episode 92, Jill and Chris talk with Pam Semanik, a coach who specializes in creating training programs for Masters Women athletes.

She is a coach at Stelleri Performance Training, an endurance coaching group based in Northeast Ohio.

For over 7 years, Pam has been coaching athletes to achieve their goals in running, cycling, and Multisport events, as well as in maintaining and improving general fitness.

Pam specializes in coaching athletes who are in the menopause transition and post-menopausal athletes who want to compete at their highest level.

She is passionate about helping other Masters women understand what it takes to maintain and improve performance, health, and fitness as they 'age up', and plans to do the same herself.

More information at Becoming Elli website.

In Episode 91, Jill and Chris talk with Shawn Tegtmeier, a former chain smoking couch potato, now a full time personal trainer with several certifications and a published author.

She lives in the "Chicagoland" area with her husband and two dogs. In her off time she enjoys running, reading, putzing around the yard and simply enjoying time with her two adult sons.

During the podcast we discussed:

Shawn told us that quitting smoking was the "hardest thing I ever did." After she quite she gained a lot of weight. After seeing a photo of herself, she decided to join WeightWatchers. She lost the weight and keeps it of with walking, hiking, moving, working out . She likes to bike a bit and enjoys watching YouTube videos for cardio or strength. She enjoys working out and has become a personal trainer.

While Shawn has been a member at a gym for 13 years, the Covid pandemic threw off her schedule and now she prefers to work out at a friend's or does Zoom workouts.

Learn more at the Becoming Elli website.

In episode 90, join Jill and Chris as they talk about eating on the go, meal prep and how they substitute to lower the simple carbs, up the complex carbs and increase their protein intake. Some of the things we discuss.

We'd love to hear your secrets for eating healthy and satisfying meals when you're on the go with limited time to cook. Please send an email, leave a comment on our Becoming Elli website or even give us call to leave a voice mail at 330-970-6662. 

In episode 89, Jill and Chris talk with Marcia Moran, author of Stroke Forward.

In 2014, at age 54 Marcia was a successful entrepreneur, owned a business consulting practice and was going strong. Suddenly, she suffered a major stroke. Marcia worked for several years to become whole.

Over time she learned to walk again, but Marcia struggled with aphasia, a language disorder. In August 2017 she discovered a technological breakthrough that minimized her speaking disability. Marcia created Stroke FORWARD because she felt there is a need to share hope to stroke survivors and their caretakers. Learning to become her own health advocate one step a time and exploring holistic methods for healing are keys to her recovery. She became a health and wellness coach to stroke survivors and their caregivers.

Marcia holds both a B.S. in Political Science and a MBA. She also earned a certificate in Well-being Foundations of Personal Transformation from the Personal Transformation and Courage Institute in Virginia. She volunteers at Brain Injury Services, supporting their Speakers Bureau program.

During this episode we discuss:

Chad Austin has been a leader in the fitness industry since 2003. He is the owner of Priority Fitness in Overland Park, KS, and is also the author of the book series, “Make Fitness A Priority.” Chad is a regular fitness and wellness guest expert for local and national media. He was the host of the talk radio show, “Be Fit...For Life”, and has been featured on over 20 podcasts.

Chad helps his clients stop constantly starting over and instead find long term fitness success. His goal is to help you find a plan that you can use immediately.

During this podcast we discuss:

For more information: https://www.becomingelli.com/make-fitness-a-priority

In episode 87, Jill and Chris talk with triathlon fanatic and world record holder Susan Haag. Susan is an attorney who lives in Jacksonville, Florida. She has been running triathlons since 1990 and Ironman races since 2002.

Susan Haag is the 1st woman in the world to complete 100 '140.6' races, what’s often called an Ironman distance. An Ironman race is a triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.22-mile run. Susan's currently at 125 & has more on the calendar.

During law school, Susan joined a gym and started working out, running, and biking. After seeing a flyer at her gym, she did her first triathlon race. Despite having a flat tire on a borrowed bike and doing doggie paddle for the swimming portion, she was hooked. Susan keeps a a list and now has completed 475 triathlons with 125 of those being the iron distance!

During this episode we discussed:

* Why she focuses on encouraging others and the comradery of the race * How she keeps herself from getting injured * The mental game and keeping a positive attitude * What she means by "party in the back" * Racing year-round in Florida * Running in the world championship race at Kona, Hawaii * Her plans for the future

where to find her online: https://www.instagram.com/susanhaag/ https://www.facebook.com/susan.haag.75

In episode 86, Jill and Chris talk with Lisa Bartlett about her running, health challenges and how she stays fit after 50.

Lisa Bartlett is an active member of the Becoming Elli community.

Last year she began to tell us about training for a marathon but then she ended up having to run it virtually because of the pandemic. She persisted and ran the race and even won first place in her age group.

Lisa Bartlett is a 53-year old mom to a 10-year old daughter and special needs teenager, and has a busy real estate business. Lisa was never athletic growing up. Her first athletic endeavor was taking karate lessons in the mid-90s, then she discovered running in 1998, lifting weights, and ice hockey. All that came to a sudden end in 2002 when she became very ill with Lupus, which went diagnosed and untreated until 2013.

Now in proper medications, she started running consistently in 2019 completing her first half marathon in December 2019 followed by her first marathon in December 2020. Lisa strives to live a healthy lifestyle for two reasons, to feel good and set a good example for her children and others. And yes, she struggles every single day to make better choices.

We found it very motivational to learn how Lisa has developed a strong mind set and worked to build habits to support daily and long term goals.

We discussed:

* Dealing with illness * Running the Virtual Buckeye Marathon during the pandemic * Conditioning, strength and balance * Lifting and physical therapy * Her life coach and running coach * Developing a C.T.F.A.R. mind set to reframe the facts: Circumstance - Thought - Feelings - Action - Results * Her "go to" smoothie: Okra, strawberry protein powder, stevia, with Himalayan salt * Her coaching group "Run Your Best Life" * Exercising in the heat of Arizona * Work out routines: Bike riding, ice hockey, lifting and running

Links:

Her Website: Fit After 50 Forever Private Becoming Elli Facebook Group Runkeeper training App Hasfit video website

In episode 85 Jill and Chris interview Gail Lind, who at age 65 discovered she had a passion for lifting weights, became a personal trainer and class instructor at Anytime Fitness in Alabama at 70 years old. Gail offers insights and inspiration to women in the second half of their life.

We discuss:

More info at https://www.becomingelli.com/aging-strong

Set a Goal Anticipate your weaknesses Plan your food Prepare and Prep ahead Weigh and track progress Swap out for healthier choices Find a friend/community Keep it simple Make routines Use a mantra

See more info at https://www.BecomingElli.com/healthy-eating-motivation

In episode 83 of the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast Chris and Jill talk about their dogs, fitness and eating as part of Healthy Living 2021.

Topics covered:

In episode 82, Jill and Chris talk with Kristin Kirkpatrick, President of KAK, Consulting, LLC and a dietitian and consultant of Wellness Nutrition Services at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a best-selling author, an experienced presenter, and an award winning Dietitian.

More detail: Becoming Elli

In episode 81, Jill and Chris interview Dr. Kylie Burton, DC, CFMP,  an expert in functional medicine who has helped thousands of individuals with seemingly impossible health struggles, find answers, healing, and hope, even if they've been told their labs are normal.

Grab a copy of your lab results when you listen to this episode. Besides helping patients, she teaches practitioners (of all backgrounds), how they can level up their patient results using her techniques.

As a guest on dozens of podcasts, she also hosts the podcast Beyond the Diagnosis with Dr. Kylie and has been featured on the Sheila Mac Show on KCAA radio. On TV, she has been a guest on Good Morning Utah and FOX26Houston.

Links: Beyond the Diagnosis with Dr. Kylie podcast Website: Dr. Kylie Burton

In episode #80, Jill McCauslin and Chris Brown interview Lyn Lindbergh, an expert at creating real change in people's lives.

She has three chronic health issues, but still she gets out and exercises every day. Those health issues fuel her compassion for people and her understanding of what it really takes to get moving when life gets in the way. Even with her physical challenges, she has completed the Seattle to Portland 200-mile ride six times, and has completed multiple half-marathons, 10 triathlons, and countless 5K runs.

Lyn Lindbergh is the author of the book COUCH to ACTIVE: The Missing Link that Takes You from Sedentary to Active. She is the host of the Health and Fitness Motivation podcast. She is also a Blogger, Speaker, Coach, Fitness Influencer, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Pilates Instructor, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and President of COUCH to ACTIVE. She provides healthy coaching and motivation with one mission in mind -- to get us exercising in a way that helps us smile.

During today's podcast we discussed:

What is Active?

1) Cardio when you get the blood pumping 2) Weight bearing working your muscles and skeletal system 3) Movement - the lymphatic system only pumps so moving is important 4) Flexibility - in your spine and your joints

She encourages women starting out to do by doing a little bit to start. "When you try something new, do less than you think you can and give it 48 hours. Listen to your body. Your fastest path to fitness is to stay injury free." Lyn recognizes the fact that most of us have been in and out of fitness throughout our entire lives. She created her program to help others find a space where doing your best doesn't feel like a failure. Lyn feels that we need a place to help us get jazzed about our progress.

In this motivational episode, Lyn says "Have compassion for yourself. Compassion is where it starts. Find your joy. Find the type of exercise that works for you. Think about what you enjoy and do that."

If you are just starting out or starting back, Lyn suggests trying to work up to 150 minutes a week cardio and two times a week strength training. It's okay to break it down to what you are comfortable with, like 30 minutes five times a week.

For links, visit our website: Becoming Elli Fit Strong Women Over 50

In episode 79, Jill and Chris talk with Nia Shanks, who specializes in helping women “unleash their awesome” with an empowering approach to health and fitness.

Nia’s philosophy revolves around strength training programs with a focus on getting stronger. She also stresses flexible, obsession-free, nutrition principles.

Nia Shanks is a coach, writer, speaker, and author of Lift Like a Girl and The 100-Day Reclaim. She has a BS in Exercise Physiology from the University of Louisville.

Through her popular blog and online coaching courses, Nia has helped thousands of women look beyond “quick weight loss” and discover the amazing body they never knew they had.

During the conversation, we discuss:

* Getting started with weight lifting * Barbells vs dumb bells * Is it cheating to use a Smith machine * How to get deeper in squats * Improving dead lifts * The role of cardio * Why she says "You don't have to earn your food" and "Exercise isn't punishment"

website: https://niashanks.com/ Books: Lift Like a Girl and The 100-Day Reclaim Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiaShanksLiftLikeaGirl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niashanks/

In episode 78, Jill and Chris talk with Elizabeth Sherman about the problems with dieting and willpower.

Elizabeth is a life and weight loss coach who works with women in mid-life to lose weight and feel better through managing easy to do, sustainable habits: diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Using certain cues, including cravings, hunger, energy, stress (mood), and sleep, she helps individuals design the right health program for their body and lifestyle, and address obstacles and barriers.

"We can achieve optimal health; which leads to better energy, focus, productivity, relationships, and happiness in our lives."

Elizabeth is a Chicago native, who now lives in Puerto Morelos Mexico and meets with her clients online. She is a certified life coach, nutritionist, personal trainer, and health coach.

Here are her social media links: Website: ElizabethSherman.com Facebook: Total Health by Eliz Instagram: @Esherman68 LinkedIn: Elizabeth Sherman

In episode 77, Jill McCauslin and Chris Brown talk with Sue Loncaric, an Australian Over 50 lifestyle blogger, certified health and life coach for women and the founder of Women Living Well After 50. 

She is a qualified Group Fitness Instructor and takes classes for Over 50 Women in the Strong Healthy Women Virtual Studio.

In 2020 Sue fulfilled a dream of starting the Conversations with Women Living Well After 50 podcast interviewing and sharing stories from women who are Living Well.  The first season was released in August 2020 and the second season will be released soon in 2021.

Sue is passionate about living a full and active life in Midlife & Beyond. Her mission is to encourage and inspire women Over 50 to live a fit, fabulous, healthier, and happier lifestyle by guiding them to realize their full potential.

Sue loves running and has completed three full marathons in her mid-50s with the third completed in October 2020 at the age of 63, proving you are never too old.  Her love of travel and her adorable grandsons are her reason for keeping fit and active. Sue’s motto is ‘Make it Happen because life is too short to wait.”

During our conversation we discussed:

* How she has been a long time listener of the podcast and it inspired her to start Women Living Well After 50.

* Key thoughts on mindset, attitude and remembering that you are an individual, not an age

* Focusing on your reason "why"

* The importance of building a community of like minded individuals

* Her advice to her clients about exercise

* Her #one365word project and how that has influenced how she lives her life

Website: https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com.au

Podcast: https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com.au/podcast/

Her private Facebook Group of Women Living Well Over 50: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1189723761161528

In episode 76, Jill and Chris talk with Tammy White about her transformational story.

In her 40’s Tammy White was busy teaching high school and she felt she was too busy to make self-care a priority… As a result, her health took a nose dive. She was told by her doctors that if she didn’t find a way to make a change to her lifestyle, she would die early.

She found a way to change her mindset, build consistency, and improve -- both her health and her confidence! Tammy went on to compete as a body builder at age 50 and continued competing 5 times by the time she was 55. In 2018, she retired from teaching high school.

Now Tammy combines her teaching experience with what she has learned as an older athlete to help her peers create their own health transformation story.

In this podcast we discuss:

Her e-book: Lifting My Spirits: A Lifelong Dream Deferred No Longer - Transformation from a Fat Chick to a Body Builder after Age 50

Lifting My Spirits website

#VeggieChallenge

In episode 75, Jill and Chris talk with Jen Brovoica about mental performance, triathlons, and overcoming trauma.

Jennifer Borovica is a three-time Ironman finisher and an avid triathlete. She coaches triathletes and specializes in mental performance coaching.

She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in the State of Ohio. She currently runs her own private practice, called RebelRising Wellness where she does individual therapy and has created a sober active community for women in recovery.

Jen is a member of the Applied Association of Sport Psychology (AASP) and working towards obtaining a Mental Performance Consultant Certification (CMPC) through AASP.

She shares her story of overcoming trauma and addiction, learning how to deal with difficult feelings, and gaining strong mental skills to be able to perform.

In episode 74 Jill and Chris celebrate their three year anniversary of the Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast. They discuss tracking and motivation while reviewing highlights from past episodes.

Mentioned in this podcast:

In episode 73 Jill and Chris talk with Tracy Keenan about finding joy through creativity.

Jill has known Tracy Keenan since high school. Over the years they lost touch with each other, and then thanks to social media and a high school reunion, became reacquainted. Tracy Keenan is a Presbyterian pastor, an Enneagram-based coach, and sees creative work as essential to sanity, health, and well-being.

Tracy studied music as an undergraduate, and has continued writing and performing music, but she actually has her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has both a masters and doctorate in ministry, has pastored 4 churches in the course of 30 years, and is now a mid-council leader in New Castle Presbytery in Delaware.

We talked about live giving energy and how knowing more about yourself will help you to integrate stress tools to move and grow beyond where you are. Self awareness of your emotions and impulses helps you to make choices with wisdom.

Tracy sparks joy and enthusiasm with music and her writing. She cherishes friendships among a wide variety of people from various traditions, conditions, religions, and opinions. She and her husband Jim Mehler have two grown daughters. She writes music, fiction, and poetry, rides a Harley, and looks for the joy.

More information at Becoming Elli - Finding Joy Through Creativity with Tracy Keenan.

In episode 72, Jill and Chris talk with Jane Crawford is a Recreation Therapist who lives in Calgary, Canada. She walks the talk about wellness and healthy living. As a Recreation Therapist she has learned the clinical tools to support those with chronic health conditions and been able to use those tools in her own life.

In 2008 she set the goal of 10000 steps a day and continues to do this today. In 2010, she used a simple check mark on the kitchen calendar of completing 30 minutes most days for physical activity. This simple way of holding herself accountable has lead her to become a triathlete and a passionate mountain biker.

Links mentioned in this podcast: Zwift app for indoor cycling Becoming Elli Private Facebook Group

In episode 71, Jill and Chris talk with Heike Yates, a fitness and nutrition expert who has helped women worldwide to stay fit for over 30 years.

Her passion is empowering women over 50 to say YES. I CAN. She helps them to take back their health and strength by showing them how fitness, nutrition, and mindset strategies combined create a winning team.

Heike has developed a reputation for creating real-life solutions and lasting results. She is the creator of Pursue Your Spark, the 4 Week Lean Out Program, and host of the Pursue Your Spark podcast.  Heike is also a body builder, an Ultra Marathon runner and completed an Ironman Triathlon.

She has many fitness and nutrition certificates including: * American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer certification * Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Pilates * Precision Nutrition (PN) Nutrition Certification Level 1 * Road Runners Club Of America (RRCA) Certification * Pink Ribbon Program * Pilates Breast Cancer Coach

Website: https://heikeyates.com Podcast: https://heikeyates.com/podcast

In episode #70, Jill and Chris talk about taking care of the gut and brain during menopause with Christine Bailey.

Christine is an award winning degree qualified Functional Nutritional Therapist, Chef and Author with over 20 years of experience in the health, corporate and food industry.  With a first class degree in Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BSc) and additional training by the Institute of Functional Medicine Christine is an experienced nutrition practitioner and speaker working in the public and corporate sector. Winner of Coeliac UK Chef of the Year award Christine is well known for her expertise in nutrition, healthy eating and developing health foods, products and recipes. She has particular expertise in the free from industry and fitness industry. 

Christine works as a consultant for a wide range of health, fitness, supplement and food companies. 

As well as seeing clients in Harley Street, London and Berkshire, running cookery days and writing for national press,Christine regularly appears on TV and radio as a nutritional expert and chef.

Christine is a writer for many national magazines and newspapers and has published over 16 recipe and health books including her latest books My Kids Can’t Eat That, The Brain Boost Diet and The Gut Health Diet, endorsed by Dr Mark Hyman from the Institute Of Functional Medicine USA.

Christine also lectures nationally and internationally and is widely sought after for her expertise.    More information at her website www.christinebailey.co.uk Instagram: @christinembailey Facebook: christinebaileykitchen

In episode 69, Jill and Chris discuss seasonal and life changes and their effect on health, fitness and motivation.

We discuss:

Races in real life grief emotional eating and feeling your feelings strength training intermittent fasting camping honey healing effects food allergens walking in nature injury yoga shout outs

In episode 68 Jill and Chris talk with Juel Fitzgerald about staying healthy, walking and her new book, "Lives of a Gem."

This is the 3rd time we've talked with Juel on this podcast and we continue to be inspired by her grit, determination, and outlook on life. In episode 8 she was walking marathons and we followed up with her in #24 when she walked several half marathons.

We discuss:

Her book can be purchased on Barnes and Noble, Amazon or directly from Juel at her website JuelsCreations.com

In episode 67, Jill and Chris spoke with Tim James about what he has discovered about health.

After Tim James suffered from multiple health issues, including rectal bleeding, two separate skin issues, chronic acid indigestion and surgery to remove one of his organs due to serious digestive issues, Tim knew something had to change. He made some major changes in his life and made dramatic improvements in his health.

Feeling charged with a duty to help others, he started sharing his knowledge with anyone who would listen. This led him to producing his own chemical-free food products and coaching others to health.

Tim told the story of his own health recovery and then talked about a variety of ways to improve our health.

He is convinced that we need to remove chemicals and impurities from our bodies to achieve real health. He discussed the importance of:

He believes in eating more plants - the fresher the better. Tim says he mainly eats raw foods. Probably only 10 to 20 percent of his food is cooked.

Tim also discusses why he avoids meat and dairy and why it's important to remove toxins from our bodies.

He said that it is important to love yourself the way you are right now. Being fit and healthy is a lot more fun than not being fit and healthy. The combination of oxygen, pure water and movement helps to pump your lymphatic system, an essential part of having a chemical free body.

Tim talked about a lot of different studies and researchers. Here are links to some of what he discussed and the researchers he referenced:

In episode 66, Jill and Chris talk with Christine Phillips about the power of affirmations.

Christine Phillips is an Assistant Professor in Sport and Exercise Studies at Cuyahoga Community College with a masters degree in exercise science and is a PhD candidate for a doctor of philosophy in Health Psychology.

Christine is a certified health and wellness specialist. She’s also a certified yoga teacher and group exercise instructor. Plus she a grandmother of three and then somehow finds the time to ride her bike. (She's already ridden more than 2,000 miles in 2020.)

In episode 65, Jill and Chris interview Ren Powell who is a poet, playwright, translator, theater-maker and teaching artist/mentor. Ren lives an active lifestyle, is a runner and enjoys yoga. A native Californian, she is now a Norwegian citizen settled on the west coast of Norway.

Chris and Jill met Ren when she joined the Becoming Elli private Facebook group and have gotten to know her better. They decided that other Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast listeners would enjoy hearing how she stays strong and fit.

Enjoy hearing about running, strength training and yoga in this episode! For links go to the Becoming Elli website.