Life After A Stroke with Laini Gray

I knew I was healing when I could spend a week in Spain without working out—and actually enjoy it.Other signs were smaller: ordering the latte I wanted, adding cheese to my hamburger, and seeing a park bench as a place to sit instead of somewhere to do step-ups.In this episode, I share how my relationship with food, exercise, and my body has changed, what helped me loosen the rules, and why feeling grateful for a rest day was such a big deal.We explore the fine line between discipline and dysfunction, building self-trust, and why progress depends on where you’re starting. Sometimes it means building consistency. Sometimes it means doing less and discovering that nothing bad happens.Chapters:00:00 The Spain moment that made healing feel real03:31 Enjoying vacation without workouts or food rules04:24 Ordering what I wanted without the calorie math05:22 When a park bench stops being workout equipment06:49 Fewer body checks, less focus on appearance08:18 The fine line between discipline and dysfunction10:10 Why progress depends on your starting point11:39 The challenge of doing less12:37 What helped me build a more flexible mindset15:20 Letting go of rigid rules without giving up results17:31 Why eating more can be the right next step18:58 Feeling grateful for a rest day

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 MembershipJoin 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 topicsReligious roots of yoga and its evolution in the USThe importance of deep, intentional practice over superficial engagementThe role of community and collective experience in spiritual and wellness practicesUnderstanding death and human mortality as part of human flourishingThe cultural and historical context of wellness practices and their appropriation resourcesBeyond Wellness Book - https://www.lizbucar.com/booksLiz BuCard's Website - https://lizbucar.comSubstack: Religion - https://lizbucar.substack.comInstagram: 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 imageThe importance of tracking menstrual cycles for health insightsUnderstanding perimenopause and menopause transitionsChapters00:00 Introduction to Moon and Mood02:52 The Journey from Therapy to Writing05:42 Understanding Hormonal Cycles08:48 The Impact of Hormones on Mood and Body Image11:40 Navigating the Luteal Phase14:33 Empowerment Through Knowledge17:21 The Importance of Self-Compassion20:19 Divorce Day and Its Implications24:11 Understanding Hormonal Cycles and Emotional Responses30:45 Navigating Perimenopause: Changes and Challenges35:45 The Impact of Hormones on Relationships39:18 Breaking the Stigma: Hormones and Mental HealthKrista'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 TopicsImpact of chronic stress on women's physiologyNeuroplasticity and symptom treatmentManaging fear and threat perceptionThe role of the nervous system in healthReframing emotions and body signalsChapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage02:14 Redefining Stress and Its Impact04:17 Understanding the Stress Response10:44 Perimenopause and Stress: A New Perspective13:16 Neuroplastic Pain and Chronic Symptoms16:21 Fear, Weight Gain, and Body Image19:19 Long-Term Health Goals and Mindset25:15 Understanding Self-Imposed Pressure26:07 The Science of Willpower and Stress27:36 Redefining Stress Management29:03 Embracing Emotions and Acceptance31:56 The Importance of Community and Support34:59 Gratitude for Stress and Its Lessons39:01 Navigating Discomfort and Resilience41:59 Breaking Generational Cycles48:06 Empowerment Through Healing