In this episode of Far From Perfect, Ali Damron and I talk about what happens when stress, fear, and internal pressure start to shape the way you move through your life.

We get into nervous system sensitization, anxiety, grief, and the very real ways our bodies can respond when we’ve been carrying too much for too long. We also talk about perimenopause and how easy it is to assume every uncomfortable feeling or symptom is something we need to fix, avoid, or be afraid of.

A big part of this conversation is about learning to tolerate discomfort instead of immediately trying to make it go away—and how building that capacity can make us more resilient, not just mentally, but physically too.

We also talk about what it means to live in alignment with your values, the pressure women feel to keep performing and holding everything together, and why health has to include more than workouts, nutrition, labs, and supplements.

And, of course, we talk about aging—what it looks like to stop treating it like something to fight and start seeing it as something we get to move through with more curiosity, confidence, and trust in ourselves.

Ever wonder why your fitness routine suddenly feels like it’s hitting a brick wall? 🤔

As we age, our bodies change, and so do our responses to diet and exercise. During perimenopause, many women experience weight loss resistance—what worked before might not work now.

Dr. Bill Campbell, a leading researcher in exercise science, shares insights from his journey alongside his wife through menopause. They faced challenges like increased anxiety, energy drops, and weight gain, only to discover that hormone therapy made a tremendous difference.

It’s crucial to understand these changes, so you don’t waste time on ineffective strategies.

Let's start the conversation! What’s been your experience?

Here’s the truth: most people under-eat during the week and then binge on weekends.

If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, the answer might not be to eat less, but to eat enough!

When you track your meals, you’ll uncover a surprising pattern:

- You might be eating too little Monday through Thursday.

- This could lead to overeating Friday through Sunday.

It’s all about balance and awareness! 📊

Start by tuning into your hunger cues.

Are you eating until you’re 80% full? This simple habit can transform your relationship with food.

Savor each bite, check in with your body, and notice how you feel.

Mindful eating isn’t just about what you eat, but how you eat.

Remember, it’s not about restriction; it’s about awareness!

This is exactly what we coach you through in Lift BEYOND Lean.

If you've mastered the basics and need ongoing support, join us in the Monthly Membership Community.

Is your health really as good as you think? 🤔

Laini shares her shocking stroke experience that turned her world upside down. Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, she faced a major health scare that made her question everything.

The scariest part? She couldn’t communicate when it happened, but her awareness of the situation was clear.

This story highlights how vital it is to know your body and advocate for your health. It’s a reminder that even when we think we’re in control, life can throw us curveballs.

Stay informed, stay aware, and never hesitate to speak up about your health!

In this episode, Kylie Larson explores the different health and fitness goals, from getting healthy to athletic performance, and discusses how to tailor your approach based on your specific objectives. She emphasizes the importance of goal clarity, tracking, and understanding the sacrifices involved.

If you want support in defining you goals AND what it takes to reach them, join our membership:

The Elemental Monthly Membership

Join the pre-sale list for Lift Beyond Lean

Join Kylie Larson and Liz Bucar as they explore the intersections of yoga, spirituality, community, and human flourishing. They discuss the religious roots of yoga, the importance of deep practice, and how to cultivate meaningful connections in a fragmented world.

Key topics

Religious roots of yoga and its evolution in the US

The importance of deep, intentional practice over superficial engagement

The role of community and collective experience in spiritual and wellness practices

Understanding death and human mortality as part of human flourishing

The cultural and historical context of wellness practices and their appropriation

resources

Beyond Wellness Book - https://www.lizbucar.com/books

Liz BuCard's Website - https://lizbucar.com

Substack: Religion - https://lizbucar.substack.com

Instagram: Liz BuCard - https://instagram.com/lizvbucar

In this inspiring interview, Jill shares her transformative journey through health, wellness, and systemic change in education. Discover practical insights on overcoming survival mode, setting boundaries, and making impactful changes in your life and career.

If you're ready for the support and structure Jill utilized to lose over 30 pounds, join the pre-sale list for th August cohort of Lift Beyond Lean. Click here to join!

Eating disorder therapist Krista Day-Gloe is back to talk about her new book, 'Moon and Moon', the book we all should have received when we were 12 years old.

Krista explains the science of hormones, menstrual cycles, and how understanding these can improve women's health, mood, and body image.

She shares her journey from therapy to writing this accessible guide, emphasizing tracking and normalizing hormonal changes. You'll even learn about something new, "Divorce Day."

I'm sure lots of lightbulbs will go off when you are listening.

Key topics include:

• Hormonal cycles and their impact on mood and body image
• The importance of tracking menstrual cycles for health insights
• Understanding perimenopause and menopause transitions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Moon and Mood

02:52 The Journey from Therapy to Writing

05:42 Understanding Hormonal Cycles

08:48 The Impact of Hormones on Mood and Body Image

11:40 Navigating the Luteal Phase

14:33 Empowerment Through Knowledge

17:21 The Importance of Self-Compassion

20:19 Divorce Day and Its Implications

24:11 Understanding Hormonal Cycles and Emotional Responses

30:45 Navigating Perimenopause: Changes and Challenges

35:45 The Impact of Hormones on Relationships

39:18 Breaking the Stigma: Hormones and Mental Health

Krista's Website: https://healingrootswellnesscenter.com/

Link to book and cycle tracker: https://healingrootswellnesscenter.com/body-led-books/mood-moon/

In this episode, Ali Damron and Kylie explore the profound impact of stress on women's health, especially during perimenopause. They discuss neuroplasticity, managing stress, and redefining our relationship with emotions and body image to foster resilience and well-being.

This is an EMPOWERING message around perimenopause, stress and how you can THRIVE.

Key Topics

Impact of chronic stress on women's physiology

Neuroplasticity and symptom treatment

Managing fear and threat perception

The role of the nervous system in health

Reframing emotions and body signals

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:14 Redefining Stress and Its Impact

04:17 Understanding the Stress Response

10:44 Perimenopause and Stress: A New Perspective

13:16 Neuroplastic Pain and Chronic Symptoms

16:21 Fear, Weight Gain, and Body Image

19:19 Long-Term Health Goals and Mindset

25:15 Understanding Self-Imposed Pressure

26:07 The Science of Willpower and Stress

27:36 Redefining Stress Management

29:03 Embracing Emotions and Acceptance

31:56 The Importance of Community and Support

34:59 Gratitude for Stress and Its Lessons

39:01 Navigating Discomfort and Resilience

41:59 Breaking Generational Cycles

48:06 Empowerment Through Healing

In this conversation, Cathy Savage shares her journey from fitness competitions to pioneering digital fitness coaching. She discusses the evolution of the industry, the importance of authenticity, and practical advice for REAL WOMEN seeking sustainable health and wellness routines.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Pioneer in Digital Fitness

09:39 Women’s Challenges in Health and Wellness Today

19:05 The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching

28:48 Building Sustainable Health Routines

29:00 The Importance of Longevity in Health

34:04 The Role of Coaching in Health and Wellness

38:16 High Achieving Women: The Struggle with Health

41:26 The Pendulum of Health Trends: A Call for Common Sense

46:12 Empowering Future Coaches in Health and Wellness

"You can't force your way through life’s biggest shifts — that only leads to burnout."
When life demands more, the quiet truth is: leadership starts with self-awareness and choosing strategy over hustle.
Last year, Leanne was juggling a career milestone with a painful breakup, and realized: performance isn’t enough.
It’s about leadership—knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to get support.
Your body and mind are your ultimate CEOs—treat them with that same strategic mindset.
Have you trusted your nervous system to guide your next move?
Or are you overriding your signals just to keep up?
Remember, true control isn’t about doing everything alone — it’s about knowing what to delegate, ask for help, and prioritize.
Because the moment you surrender, you step into your power as a leader of your own life.
Worth thinking about.
What’s one area you could let go of control today?