Season 24 Recap – Highlights, Lessons, and Looking Ahead

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeCan you believe we’ve wrapped up 24 seasons of the Grace Health Podcast?! The journey has been nothing short of incredible. For those new here, I typically run three seasons a year, each with its own flavor—sometimes focused, sometimes a bit more “loosey-goosey,” but always with the goal of bringing you value, encouragement, and practical health wisdom.I love doing these season recaps for two reasons. First, if you’re new, it’s a great way to get a high-level overview of what we’re about. I know when I discover a new podcast, I look for recap episodes to get a sense of the content and see if it’s a good fit. Second, even my most loyal listeners can’t catch every episode. Life happens! These recaps let you see what you might have missed and revisit topics that resonate.We’re about to hit a major milestone—500 episodes! I’d love your ideas on how to celebrate. If you have thoughts, please use the “click to text” feature in your podcast player or episode description. And as we head into the holidays, remember: the best gifts aren’t always wrapped. Sharing an episode with a friend is a wonderful way to show you care.My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeToday on the podcast Becky Fields shares her extensive personal experience caring for aging parents and in-laws, emphasizing that proactive planning makes transitions significantly easier than waiting for a crisis. Becky is writing a workbook with practical checklists and a book called "Daughters of Naomi" addressing the emotional aspects of caregiving. She also runs a service buying homes from families who need to transition parents quickly. Her core message: maintain open communication, start planning early, build a support community, and trust God through the process. Main points discussed: 1.  Early Planning is Critical 2.  Warning Signs to Watch For 3.  Communication Strategies 4.  Emotional Considerations 5.  Practical Resources Links:Purchase Becky’s Book, Guiding Them Home, hereConnect with Becky:https://grandmahousebuyer.com/https://daughtersofnaomi.org/Instagram: @grandmahousebuyerYouTube: @grandmahousebuyer My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeForget the matching workout sets, the perfectly planned gym sessions, and the hour-long commitment that never happens. Here's the plot twist: One minute of vigorous movement = 40% lower risk of premature death.Yes, one minute. The same amount of time it takes to microwave leftovers. We overcomplicate everything, including exercise, when we just need to show up for ourselves. From this episode on "Fitness Snacking", I pray you learn to embrace short workouts as a legitimate and effective approach to fitness, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause. Main topics today:1.  The Power of Short Workouts ("Fitness Snacking") 2.  Key Benefits 3.  Why Short Workouts Work 4.  Practical Implementation Options Links Discussed:YouTube: @amyconnell (psst subscribe if you haven’t and like the episodes…it’s super helpful!)10-Minute WorkoutsResearch for Today’s EpisodeOne-minute bursts of activity during daily tasks could prolong your life, finds studyAnalysis: Short bursts of physical activity during daily life may lower risk of premature deathShort, intense bursts of exercise more effective after stroke than steady, moderate exerciseMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodePelvic floor issues often worsen dramatically during perimenopause and menopause. By age 50, estrogen can drop by 50%, which decreases collagen production—the building block of pelvic floor tissue. Today you'll hear an informative conversation with PT Christina Walsh from Tighten Your Tinkler about pelvic floor health, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause.  Main points discussed:1.  Why Pelvic Floor Issues Worsen with Age 2.  Dysfunction vs. Prolapse 3.  Medical Care Challenges 4.  Birth and Risk Factors 5.  Exercise Recommendations 5.  Practical Tips to Start Today LINKSEpisodes Featuring Christina and Jenn of Tighten Your Tinkler:These two common exercise moves aren't helping your pee issues. Here's why. Season 15 Episode 9The surprising reason for your back and hip pain (not visible on x-ray) Season 13 Episode 13Episodes MentionedShould I wear a weighted vestFiber and menopauseResourcesTake the 5-minute quizhttps://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/backandhipreliefUse code GRACEDHEALTH for $50 off the Tighten Your Tinkler Signature ProgramConnect with Christina and Tighten Your Tinklerhttps://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/Instagram: @tighten.your.tinklerYouTubeMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeIn this episode, we'll discuss the often-overlooked phenomenon of post-stress crashes—the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that follows high-intensity seasons like work deadlines, book launches, caregiving, weddings, or major life transitions.Key Topics Covered:What qualifies as a stressful seasonHow crashes manifestThe science behind itChronic vs. acute stressBiblical perspective on restPractical recovery strategies*** Have you had a season of high stress then the recalibration was rough? Hit reply and let me know!Links Mentioned:Protein PlaybookHow I Heard From God Without Spending Time in Prayer or WorshipB.COMPLETEStrong and Vibrant at Home: Strength Training and Wellness for Christian Women in Perimenopause and BeyondMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeIn this episode, Dr. Torkil Faero, a Norwegian emergency physician and author of "The Pulse Cure," shares how heart rate variability (HRV) can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving sleep—especially for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. After losing his father to cancer during a four-year sailing adventure, Dr. Faero transformed his own health by learning to track and optimize his autonomic nervous system using wearable devices. He explains how HRV reveals our body's stress balance and provides practical guidance on using this data to make better daily health decisions.You have more control over your health than you think—wearables and heart rate tracking can guide you toward a sustainable stress balance and better overall health. Main points discussed: 1.  Understanding Heart Rate Variability (HRV) 2. Best Practices for Tracking HRV 3. Factors That Impact HRV (negative & positive factors)4. Using HRV Data Effectively 5. Key Lifestyle Factors LinksThe Pulse Cure BookGarmin WatchOura RingWhoop BandAthlytic AppWhy We Sleep by Matthew WalkerConnect with Dr. Torkil FaeroThePulseCure.comInstagram (US) @dr.torkil My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeIn this episode of the Grace Health Podcast, Tamara Newell joins us. She is a writer, holistic health coach, Pilates instructor, and former dancer. Tamara shares her powerful journey from struggling with an eating disorder and body image issues during her ballet career to finding freedom and peace through her relationship with Jesus. She introduces her "Peaceful Body Pyramid" framework and discusses how to approach health and body image from a place of love, acceptance, and faith rather than shame or comparison. Key Points Discussed: 1. Tamara's Background & Journey 2. The Peaceful Body Pyramid (Six Keys)3. Body Image InsightsLinksThe Peaceful Body ApproachListen to the first chapter for freeVisit Tamara’s etsy shop for gratitude journal, scripture cards and more.Connect with Tamarawww.peacefulbodyandbeauty.comYouTubeInstagram: @tamaranewell_My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeThis conversation between Shaela Daughtery and I focuses on introducing The Stronger Collective, a faith-based fitness community designed for women who have completed the Strong and Vibrant at Home course or are looking for a supportive workout environment. With the Lord's guidance on what to focus on each month, you can have the freedom to customize workouts to match your season of life, calling, and capabilities.About Shaela:Shaela is a Christian Fitness Coach and founder of The Stronger Collective Workout App for Christian Women, known for helping women build sustainable health rhythms through strength training, whole foods, and faith. With a background in functional fitness, corrective exercise, and habit-based coaching, she’s here to help guide women toward real-life results, starting small, building consistency, and honoring the body as a vessel for God’s calling.Main Points Discussed:1.  About The Stronger Collective  (Mission & Philosophy)2. Program Structure (Seven different trainers!)3. Key Features 4. Non-Workout Programs (Nutrition & Rest)5. Info For Strong and Vibrant at Home Graduates LinksJoin The Stronger CollectiveStrong and Vibrant at HomeListen to Shaela’s Podcast: Simple Fitness HabitsMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeInspired by master trainer Pete McCall's advice to his parents, this episode explores how to stay strong, mobile, and ready to actively engage with your grandchildren. Whether you're already in the grandparent stage or preparing for it, these training strategies will help you create more memories and stay present with the littles in your life.  Key Training Areas Covered: 1. Balance Training  2. Offset/Unilateral Training  3. Grip Strength  4. Getting Up and Down Off the Floor  5. Functional Movements  6. Endurance Holds Learn more about Strong and Vibrant at HomeJoin the waitlist for Strong and Vibrant at HomeEpisodes MentionedWhat Does “Heavy Lifting” Mean for Women Over 40?YouTube Videos Mentioned10-minute workoutHow to Create a Highly Effective Workout with Functional Movements.1-on-1 coaching signupMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeDiscover why the traditional RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for treating soft tissue injuries is now considered outdated. This episode explores the modern PEACE & LOVE protocol that promotes faster healing through early, gentle movement and improved blood flow to injured areas. Learn what the research shows, when to use each approach, and special considerations for women in perimenopause and menopause who may experience more frequent injuries. Main points discussed: 1. Why RICE is Outdated 2. The PEACE & LOVE Protocol Explained3. When Not to Use PEACE & LOVE 4. Nutrition for Healing 5. Special Considerations for Perimenopause/Menopause Episodes Discussed:S23E5 One hidden piece to helping your chronic pain puzzleS23E15 The Maximizing & Optimization Myth: Finding Grace in Your Health JourneyS24E8 6 Ways to Take Care of Your Future Self (especially in perimenopause)S23E11 Nutrition Essentials in Perimenopause and BeyondThe ONLY foam roller I recommend: MELT Method Soft Body Foam Rollerhttps://thesportjournal.org/article/the-r-i-c-e-protocol-is-a-myth-a-review-and-recommendations/https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/2/72https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/the-problem-with-using-the-rice-protocol-to-treat-a-soft-tissue-injury/My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell