Resilient Living: How to Stay Solution-Focused When Times Get Tough

Are you ready to challenge everything you’ve been told about fitness, weight, and who really belongs in the gym? Tune in to this powerful encore episode of “Better Than Fine” with host Darlene Marshall and featuring trailblazing guest Morit Summers—a New York City gym owner, personal trainer, and celebrated “fat fitness influencer” who’s turning the wellness world upside-down.They dissect the real stories behind weight stigma in fitness spaces, the myths of “looking like a trainer,” and what it truly means to pursue wellness beyond the number on a scale. Discover how Morit’s journey from a self-conscious teen to a weight-neutral fitness leader can open new doors for anyone tired of traditional gym culture. Whether you’re a fitness pro, just getting started, or someone who never felt like you “fit in” at a gym, this episode dives deep into the Healthy at Every Size movement, weight-neutral personal training approaches, and the hidden power of moving your body for joy—not punishment. Hear practical tips for finding your place in any fitness environment and learn why Morit’s Brooklyn gym ditched the scales and mirrors.This isn’t just another conversation about weight loss—this is an invitation to redefine health, embrace your strength, and break free from industry stereotypes. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

When Serena Williams—the most dominant tennis player and cultural trailblazer—reveals her use of a weight loss drug and becomes the face of a sleek new ad campaign, the internet doesn’t just react…it explodes. But what’s really fueling the debate around celebrities, body image, and the next wave of GLP-1 weight loss meds like Zepbound? On this episode of “Better Than Fine,” host Darlene Marshall delivers her hot take on Serena’s headline-grabbing weight loss journey, unpacking the science, the social firestorm, and the deeply personal questions these choices raise for public figures and their followers. Why do we care when someone like Serena goes public—but barely shrug when Charles Barkley does the same? Are influencers betraying the body positivity movement, or just owning their choices? And what’s really at stake for your mental and physical health if you’re considering these trending prescriptions? From the celebrity endorsement backlash to the shady side of hidden weight loss, and from cultural shifts in body ideals to the overlooked risks—like muscle loss—Darlene breaks it all down with expert insight. Whether you’re a wellness pro, a GLP-1 skeptic, or just curious about the real impact of these "miracle drugs," this conversation will change how you think about health, honesty, and the bodies we celebrate. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

On this episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall reconnects with Jordyn Feingold, a well-being expert, medical doctor, and co-author of "Choose Growth," to explore the transformative power of resilience in the aftermath of trauma. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Darlene and Jordyn dive deep into the nuances of trauma, the misconceptions perpetuated by the wellness industry, and the crucial differences between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG). Jordyn breaks down the science and psychology behind PTG, explaining how individuals can find renewed purpose, deeper self-worth, and even creativity after enduring adversity. The conversation also tackles the spectrum of trauma—big T and little t—and emphasizes that healing is highly individual and not a contest of suffering.Listeners will learn practical tools to move from intrusive rumination to deliberate, healing reflection, the importance of social support, and why mind-body integration is key to recovery. The episode also addresses how to find ethical, qualified help, cautioning against untrained practitioners who misuse trauma buzzwords, while championing holistic and strengths-based approaches. Whether you are navigating your own healing journey, supporting others, or simply fascinated by human resilience, this episode offers both wisdom and actionable guidance. Tune in for an honest, empowering, and ethical exploration of what it really means to choose growth after trauma. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

On this thought-provoking episode of “Better Than Fine,” host Darlene Marshall dives deep into the essential mindset skills needed to navigate life’s inevitable challenges. Reflecting on the show’s 250th original episode, Darlene celebrates the growth of the podcast while continuing the timely exploration of resilience—especially in an ever-changing world. Darlene unpacks the three foundational pillars of resilience: connection, purpose, and, most importantly for today, mindset. She explains why building resilience is a proactive process and shares actionable advice for strengthening your solution orientation before you’re caught in life’s storms. Listeners will be guided through a self-reflective gut check to assess their default responses to setbacks and identify their unique “interpretation bias”—the lens through which they view challenges. Darlene introduces the concept of “realistic optimism” and practical tools like the “add yet” technique to help listeners shift from fixed to growth mindsets. She also explores the power of self-concordant, process-focused goals—goals that deeply align with personal values and identity, which can fuel motivation even through adversity. Drawing from her personal experiences training for a marathon while managing chronic illness, Darlene illustrates how mindset and meaningful goals bolster resilience. With warmth and real-life examples, this episode offers tangible strategies to help you do the best you can with what you’ve got right now. Whether you’re looking to better handle stress, bounce back from setbacks, or simply approach life with greater optimism, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you thrive.  If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

On this episode of "Better Than Fine," host Darlene Marshall welcomes featured guest Stefan Underwood, Vice President of Methodology at EXOS, for a deep dive into what it really means to be “ready” for the moments that matter—whether you’re an athlete, executive, parent, or anyone facing life’s daily challenges. Drawing from his extensive background in human performance, including work with elite athletes and military professionals, Stefan shares a holistic framework for readiness that moves far beyond sleep and traditional recovery. You’ll hear why sleep and meditation, while important, are just part of a bigger equation. Stefan unpacks the four critical pillars he and the EXOS team use to help people show up at their best: understanding foundational characteristics, tapping into personal psychological drivers, building true capacity (from nutrition to mindset), and mastering functional state management. Whether you want to keep your cool at home with your kids or crush a big presentation at work, these strategies will help you recognize your current state and intentionally adjust for optimal performance. Darlene and Stefan also discuss the concept of resilience, the skill of sleep, micro-breaks for recovery, and why readiness isn’t just for high achievers—it’s for anyone who wants to be more present and adaptable. Packed with practical tips, personal stories, and a little inspiration from The Greatest Showman, this special encore episode is essential listening for anyone seeking sustainable, holistic well-being in a demanding world. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

On this transformative episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host and wellness coach, Darlene Marshall, helps us rethink everything we know about self-care. Tired of the endless influencer-driven trends, fluffy hashtags, and the message that wellness is something you buy? Darlene takes us back to the roots, uncovering how self-care originated in social justice and chronic illness spaces, and how it became a commodity in recent years. Darlene shares her personal journey with Ehlers Danlos syndrome and explains why real self-care isn’t found in supplements or spa days, but in consistently meeting your foundational needs. Using a fresh, evidence-based approach, she introduces the powerful concept of applying systems thinking—typically used in business and design—to your own wellbeing. Discover how habits, routines, and feedback loops can work together to support your physical, emotional, and higher order needs without cognitive overload or decision fatigue. You’ll learn why self-care isn’t selfish and how it enables you to show up more powerfully for yourself and others. Darlene walks through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with a twist: it’s not about climbing a pyramid but sending ripples of positive impact out into the world, starting with the essentials like sleep, nutrition, and boundaries.Packed with practical tips and compassionate insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim self-care from marketing trends and build lasting, meaningful systems for a better, more balanced life. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Feeling stressed and struggling to sleep? You’re not alone! In this special episode of “Better Than Fine,” host Darlene Marshall welcomes world-renowned stress and sleep expert Dr. Jaime Tartar for an insightful, down-to-earth conversation on how stress truly impacts our shut-eye—and what we can do about it. Drawing from both personal experience and scientific expertise, Darlene and Dr. Tartar break down what stress really is, demystifying how it lives in our nervous system, affects our bodies, and warps our perception of reality. Dr. Tartar shares fascinating findings about the evolutionary roots of stress, why modern life is out of sync with our biology, and even reveals that some indigenous cultures don’t have a word for insomnia! You’ll hear practical, research-backed strategies for reclaiming your rest—from the importance of calming pre-bed routines to the neurological detriment of blue light in your bedroom. The discussion doesn’t shy away from the real-world challenges, like needing a phone nearby for emergencies, and how perfection isn’t the goal—small changes make a big difference. Get actionable tools for managing rumination and anxiety at night, learn why your brain clings to negative thoughts (thanks, evolutionary ancestors), and discover why both Darlene and Dr. Tartar say transparency about our struggles is key for everyone—including coaches and wellness practitioners. If stress has taken a toll on your sleep or your clients’ well-being, this episode is packed with science, solutions, and empathy. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

On this “Better Than Fine” podcast, host and wellness coach, Darlene Marshall, dives deep into the powerful topic of fear—specifically, that paralyzing kind of fear that keeps us from pursuing the things we truly desire. With her signature blend of science and pep-talk energy, Darlene unpacks what’s really going on in our brains when anxiety and self-doubt hit, revealing how our ancient neurophysiology is built to keep us “safe,” even when we most need to take a risk. Listen in as Darlene shares personal stories of face-plant moments, failed projects, and uncomfortable leaps, all in service of helping listeners see that fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a yield sign. Learn how to pause, gather information, and distinguish between your nervous system's genuine warning signals and the discomfort that comes with growth. Plus, Darlene breaks down the neuroscience of habit formation, showing how bravery is not a trait but a muscle that gets stronger with practice. Packed with practical tips for investigating your fears, connecting with your deeper self, and using affirmations to push forward, this episode is your invitation to stop waiting for fear to vanish and start building the courage to act anyway. Whether you need a pick-me-up or motivation to take your next big leap, add this one to your pep talk playlist. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

On this encore episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall dives deep into the world of ultra processed foods—a hot topic that’s back in the spotlight. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or confused by what “ultra processed” really means or wondered why these foods are making headlines for their health effects, this is the episode for you. Darlene unpacks the myths and science behind processed foods, sharing personal reflections and real-life stories from listeners like Paula, who used the Nova food classification and the Yuka app to transform her eating habits. The conversation explores why not all processed foods are created equal, delving into the NOVA classification system developed by researchers in Brazil to define what counts as “ultra processed.” Learn about the substances lurking in our everyday foods—like emulsifiers, anti-caking agents, artificial sweeteners, and more—that set ultra processed foods apart, and discover how these compounds may impact gut health, metabolic function, and inflammation. Darlene also shares how this knowledge has shifted her own nutritional choices and practice and offers thoughtful guidance on navigating food decisions responsibly—without shame, blame, or guilt. Whether you’re a nutrition enthusiast, a wellness professional, or simply striving for better health, this compelling episode arms you with clear, actionable insights to help you make more informed food choices. Don’t miss this powerful and practical guide to understanding—and rethinking—what’s really on your plate. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

On this episode of “Better Than Fine,” host Darlene Marshall welcomes featured guest, Nick Bolhuis, president of Neuropeak Pro, to explore the groundbreaking world of breathing training and its real-world applications for everyday performance and well-being. With his background in clinical psychology and extensive experience with everyone from anxious kids to elite athletes in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, Nick shares his unique insights into how simple breathwork can unlock focus, energy, sleep, stress management, and more. Darlene and Nick dive into the science behind breathing—explaining the important distinction between parasympathetic and sympathetic states, why most of us are “dysfunctional breathers,” and how quick, real-time feedback can motivate anyone to improve. Whether you want to be calmer, feel more energized, or sharpen your mental game, Nick breaks down how to fine-tune your inhale, exhale, and breath holds for your current state and personal goals. You’ll also hear actionable suggestions and easy-to-try patterns like resonance breathing, plus honest discussions about why breathwork can initially feel awkward, how to overcome skepticism, and the power of personalized plans over one-size-fits-all techniques. Darlene puts Neuropeak Pro’s platform to the test, sharing her personal experience and highlighting why breath training isn’t just for athletes or yogis—it's for anyone ready for small, sustainable wins on their wellness journey. Plus, Nick offers listeners a free breath evaluation to kickstart their own transformation. If you’re curious about the practical magic of better breathing, this inspiring, educational episode is not to be missed! If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm