Breaking Free from Cultural & Media Pressures with Kaila Yu

Most of us have felt pressure – whether from culture, family, or the media – telling us how to look, act, or live. These influences shape our confidence, guide our choices, and affect our sense of self. Kaila Yu has experienced this firsthand. As an author, advocate, and former model, she has spent her career navigating identity, beauty standards, and media representation. She shares how these forces affected her self-worth and body image and the path she took to reclaim confidence, self-love, and her sense of self. Drawing from her memoir, Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty, Kaila reflects on the stereotypes she faced, the lessons from her cultural upbringing, and how she ultimately embraced self-acceptance. In this episode, you’ll learn: How cultural and media expectations shape identity and self-worth The impact of harmful stereotypes, including the “Asian fetish” Navigating beauty standards in media and the entertainment industry An exercise to rewrite your inner narrative Real-life tips to reclaim confidence and self-love Whether you’re reflecting on your own experiences or curious about navigating expectations, this conversation is full of honesty, insight, and inspiration. Resources Mentioned: Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty IFS Therapy Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It Learn More about Kaila Yu: Website: kailayu.com Instagram: @kailayu YouTube: Kaila YuFacebook: Kaila Yu TikTok: @kaila.yu LinkedIn: Kaila Yu   Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live The Food-Mood Bundle (use code GOODMOOD50 for 50% off!) Website: elisemuseles.com

Trauma affects so many of us – often in ways we don’t even realize. From fear, pain, and overwhelm to patterns passed down through generations, it shapes our health, emotions, and relationships. Dr. Aimie Apigian, physician, researcher, and leading voice on the biology of trauma, offers a fresh, science-backed approach to understanding how trauma lives in the body. As the author of the groundbreaking book The Biology of Trauma, she explains trauma at a cellular level and shares practical tools to regain safety, calm, and balance. She also explores why healing doesn’t always start with revisiting the past, how to regulate your nervous system, and ways small, intentional practices can support genuine recovery.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How trauma can show up in your body and influence daily life The five universal stages of a trauma response and why they matter How to recognize if your body is stuck in survival mode Ways to distinguish stress from trauma Simple strategies to create safety and calm in your body Discover a new perspective on the biology of trauma and the reassurance that whole-body healing is possible.   Resources Mentioned: The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It Well Beyond 40: Trauma Response with Aimie Apigian   Learn More about Dr. Aimie Apigian: Website: biologyoftrauma.comLinkedIn: @dr-aimie-apigian Instagram: @draimie Facebook: @draimie YouTube: @DrAimieApigian   Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

Do you know where your food really comes from? It’s easy to forget that behind every ingredient are the people, the land, and the stories that bring it to our plates. Tara Vander Dussen is a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist who brings passion, expertise, and a fresh perspective to the table. She believes that understanding the journey of our food — from seed to plate — helps us make choices with confidence and clarity. Through her work on the award-winning Discover Ag podcast and new TV series, Discover Ag TV, Tara demystifies modern farming, shines a light on the people and land behind our food, and makes agriculture approachable, engaging, and surprisingly fun. In this episode, you'll learn: How to feel truly connected to your food Why understanding the journey from seed to plate is essential How to separate fact from fear in wellness and food trends Insider perspective on modern farming and how it impacts your food Practical ways to create confidence around your food choices You’ll feel empowered to make informed decisions about what’s on your plate – cut through the noise of conflicting advice and fear-mongering – and trust the people who grow your food.   Resources Mentioned: Discover Ag Episode 223: Discover Wild Caught vs Farm Raised Salmon, SNAP Bans Soda & The Great American Farmers MarketDEAR DISCOS: Glyphosate - Miracle or Menace? Dr. Stephanie Seneff & Glyphosate's Effects on Human Health DEAR DISCOS: Glyphosate - Miracle or Menace? Kevin Folta Sets The Record Straight w/ The Strengths and Limitations of Glyphosate DEAR DISCOS: Glyphosate - Miracle or Menace? OUR THOUGHTS after interviewing experts w/ opposing opinions Kait Thornton on Instagram | @applegirlkaitAmber Bristow on Instagram | @cranberrychats Learn More about Tara Vander Dussen: Website: https://taravanderdussen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taravanderdussen/ Discover Ag: https://discoverag.com/ Discover Ag Podcast: https://discoverag.com/podcast Discover Ag TV series: https://discoverag.com/tv-series Discover Ag on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Discoveragpodcast Discover Ag on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoveragpodcast/   Learn More about Elise Museles: The Food-Mood Bundle (code GOODMOOD50 for half off!) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

What if the most powerful thing you could do right now is slow down? In a culture that glorifies hustle, constant connection, and doing more, slowing down can feel like a radical act. Yet it’s often exactly what we need to gain clarity, reconnect with ourselves, and make choices that truly align – not just about work, but in how we take care of our whole selves. Cory Allen is an author, meditation teacher, and podcast host who reaches millions every day with his fresh perspective on what it means to feel clear and calm. He believes it’s not about pushing harder, but about creating more space. We explore why hustle culture is so deeply ingrained, what true clarity feels like, and how slowing down allows us to tune into what matters most. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why our culture makes us feel incomplete and always “behind” How slowing down actually makes you more effective and helps you thrive What it really means to cultivate inner stillness while staying engaged with life How tuning into what matters leads to deeper connection and happiness Why clarity doesn’t happen all at once and how to create space for it If you’re ready to step off the hamster wheel and find a clearer, calmer way forward, this conversation will give you permission – and practical inspiration – to live intentionally and with purpose.   Learn More about Cory Allen:The Clarity ProtocolWebsite: cory-allen.comInstagram: @heycoryallen Now Is the Way Brave New You   Learn More about Elise Museles:  Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

What if your pain has a deeper message – and you could learn how to listen, respond, and even heal? Pain isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and often tied to the deeper stories we carry in our bodies. But those stories aren’t fixed, and we have the power to transform them. Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy and expert in pain science, knows this firsthand. After a life-changing injury, he moved from resisting his body’s signals to understanding and working with his nervous system. Now, he helps others improve their relationship with pain through compassion, movement, mindset, and nourishing choices – including food. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why pain can lead to self-sabotage and disconnection How mindset shapes our experience of pain, and why it’s not your fault but your responsibility What turns an acute injury into chronic pain (and how to stop that cycle) Simple, supportive steps to help your body begin healing The connection between food and pain and how certain choices can soothe rather than inflame How to build a loving, bidirectional relationship with your body You’ll feel inspired to challenge your story about chronic pain, start using anti-inflammatory foods to nourish your body, and find healing through compassion and self-love. Resources Mentioned: Pain Academy Trial: https://painacademy.net/ Pain Academy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painacademy/   Learn More about Vinny Crispino: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinny-crispino-b6795ba0/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vin.crispino/   Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and Live1:1 Rise & Shine Program with Elise (discount for podcast listeners) Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

What if the food you’re most attached to is actually keeping you from feeling your best? It’s a tricky place to be when you love something that may no longer be serving your body or your health. For Chef Bai, that food was dairy. But breaking up with it wasn’t just about cutting out one ingredient – it was about listening to her body, reclaiming her health, and rediscovering joy in the kitchen. A classically trained French chef and best-selling author, Chef Bai combines culinary creativity with a passion for nourishment, proving that healthy, healing food can still be rich in flavor and deeply satisfying. She is also a powerful advocate for people with chronic health issues, as well as a voice for animal welfare and the environment.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Common myths and misconceptions about dairy and its impact on the body The emotional journey of letting go of comfort foods and familiar habits How to navigate the five stages of grief when breaking up with a beloved food Tips for crafting nourishing, dairy-free meals without sacrificing flavor Why listening to your body with compassion is key to healing, joy, and self-trust You’ll feel inspired to get honest about how certain foods are affecting you, recognize what might be holding you back, and take meaningful steps toward feeling your best – with compassion, not restriction. Learn More about Chef Bai: Breaking Up with Dairy: 100 Indulgent Plant-based Recipes for Cheese (and Butter, Cream, and Milk) Lovers Everywhere Website: www.chefbai.kitchen Substack: @chefbai Instagram: @chef_baiFacebook: @chefbai YouTube: @ChefBai TikTok: @chef_baiPinterest: @chef_bai Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and LiveWork with Elise: Rise & Shine 1:1 Program Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

Have you ever brushed off walking as “just” walking? What if you reframed it as a ritual, a reset, and a powerful form of self-care? In this solo episode, I share how I rewrote my walking story – and how you can, too! What started as something I barely considered important has become one of my most grounding and joyful wellness practices. Along the way, I discovered how intentional walks can support your body, mind, mood, and so much more. I also explore my favorite types of walks – from blood sugar and morning walks to creativity and gratitude walks – and how just a few mindful minutes a day can lead to meaningful shifts in how you feel almost immediately. If walking has ever felt “too simple” to make a real impact, this conversation will help you rethink it as one of the most accessible and powerful tools for optimal wellness and self-connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: What’s happening with your brain, hormones, and nervous system when you walk  Surprising science-backed benefits of walking, including boosted creativity and blood sugar balance How to make intentional walks your own with easy (and fun!) themes  My favorite backup way to walk on busy days A playful challenge to help you create your own walking practice  You’ll feel empowered to embrace walking as a daily ritual and discover how small, intentional steps (literally!) can create powerful shifts in your clarity, energy, and calm.   Resources Mentioned: How Walking Can Improve Your Mind, Body, and Mood with Joyce Shulman My favorite tool when I can’t get outside: The WalkingPad    Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

What if one of the most overlooked tools for well-being was something you use every day – without even realizing its full potential?  Kyra Gladwin, a seasoned vocal coach and performer, shares how reconnecting with your voice can help you feel more grounded, expressive, and confident. With a background in musical theater and a deep understanding of vocal health, Kyra believes your voice isn’t just how you sound, it’s how you show up. We explore the connection between your voice and your emotional state, how breathwork supports presence, and how food, hydration, and everyday habits can impact the way you speak and feel. You’ll also learn practical techniques to release tension, reduce filler words, and feel more at home in your voice – whether you’re recording a podcast, giving a presentation, or navigating a vulnerable conversation. Kyra’s message is a powerful reminder that caring for your voice is a deeply personal form of self-care and a way to express yourself fully and intentionally.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How your voice reflects your emotions, confidence, and state of mind Breathwork practices to ground your energy and support your vocal tone Simple tools for reducing filler words and speak with more clarity Foods that support (or strain) your vocal health Why vocal care is a powerful and personal form of self-care How embracing your natural voice helps you show up more fully in life   You’ll feel inspired to care for your voice as a vital part of your well-being and express yourself with greater confidence and ease.   Resources Mentioned: We Edit Podcasts: weeditpodcasts.com Schedule a Call with We Edit Podcasts: weeditpodcasts.com/schedulecall Schedule a Free Introductory Vocal Session with Kyra: [email protected] Learn More about Kyra Gladwin: LinkedIn: @kyra-gladwin Instagram: @ky_gladwin Email: [email protected] Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

What if embracing your mortality was the secret to living with more joy and less regret? Bestselling author and behavioral change expert Karen Salmansohn brings her signature wit, heart, and no-fluff wisdom to a topic most people avoid: death. But instead of fear or gloom, Karen offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on how getting clear on your mortality can actually help you live more fully. We discuss what Karen calls “near-life experiences,” explore a powerful practice called death mindfulness, and dive into why writing your own eulogy might just be the most life-giving thing you can do. Karen also shares simple mindset shifts that help you let go of the word should, tune into your purpose, and bring more meaning and presence into your daily life. In this episode, you’ll learn: How mortality awareness can spark more joy, intention, and purpose What “near-life experiences” are – and how to wake up from them Why writing your own eulogy can help you reconnect with your values The surprising role humor plays in healing and creating lasting change How to let go of “shoulds” and the “someday” mindset Tools to help you find forgiveness and move forward with compassion Tune in and discover why getting chummy with your mortality might be the most powerful thing you can do to live a to-die-for life.   Learn More about Karen Salmansohn: Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out Website: notsalmon.com Instagram: @notsalmonFacebook: @Notsalmon YouTube: @NotsalmonTVSubstack: The Stand Up Philosopher: Weighty Musings, Lightly ServedPinterest: @Notsalmon Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and LiveRise & Shine – 1:1 Coaching Experience Use code FOODSTORY for 30% off Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

Is your mind constantly buzzing with questions about what, when, or how to eat? Are you stuck in loops of second-guessing, comparing, or trying to “get it right”? That’s food noise – and in this solo episode, I help you turn down the volume so you can tune back into you. Through personal stories and client experiences, I dive into how even the most well-intentioned wellness messages can disconnect you from your intuition and create more stress than clarity. Whether it’s diet culture, social media “experts,” or friends and family, we explore how to recognize your unique sources of food noise, soften the grip of rigid rules, and reconnect with your own inner wisdom. In this episode, you’ll learn: What food noise is and the sneaky ways it shows up in modern life Why even “healthy habits” can be rooted in fear and control How to tell if your food choices are bringing you closer to or further from yourself Three of the most common types of food noise (and what to do about them) A journaling exercise to help you identify and release outdated food beliefs Gentle, grounding practices to support connection – not perfection You will not be able to eliminate food noise entirely – but you can choose how you respond to it and reclaim your power to follow what feels right for you.   Resources Mentioned: Rise & Shine Coaching Program – Use code FOODSTORY for 30% off Rise & Shine with a Morning Routine That Sticks – Podcast Episode Email Elise with questions, suggestions, or even just to introduce yourself!   Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You, Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles