Episodios

  • 33. Fitness for Every BODY with Award Winning Personal Trainer, Tara De Leon

    33. Fitness for Every BODY with Award Winning Personal Trainer, Tara De Leon
    Apr 7 2025
    In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck podcast, Melyssa welcomes guest Tara De Leon, a personal trainer who is challenging industry norms with her weight-neutral and plus-size approach, which we absolutely LOVE and is sooooo aligned with our own messaging! They discuss Tara's journey in the fitness industry, battling body image issues, and overcoming gym intimidation. Tara shares her strategies for making the gym a less intimidating place and emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyable and sustainable fitness routines. They also explore the significance of self-acceptance and intuitive eating. Join the conversation to get inspired and learn practical tips for your healthy lifestyle journey!ABOUT TARA DE LEONTara De Leon is a personal trainer, professor of Health, Fitness and Exercise Studies, podcaster, speaker, and author. Tara has helped hundreds of women feel badass and confident by teaching them how to lift weights and get strong, healthy, and empowered. Tara teaches women to take up space and to stop apologizing for their bodies. Specializing in fitness for fertility, prenatal and postnatal fitness, she loves helping moms go from hot mess to hot mom. Tara is passionate about health and fitness and strives to constantly improve herself to better help her clients.Tara has a master’s degree in Human Movement from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and maintains 14 other advanced certifications pertaining to fitness, wellness, and lifestyle. She is the Personal Trainer of the Year for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has won “Best Personal Trainer” twice, “Best Lifestyle Coach” once, and has been voted “Best Prenatal Fitness Coach” four years in a row by What’s Up Annapolis Magazine.When Tara is not working, you can find her eating sushi or tacos, going for walks, baking, and spending time on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband, Marcus, their 3-year-old son, Maverick, and their Aussie pup, Chula.CONNECT WITH TARAVisit Tara's WebsiteInstagram: Tara De Leon FitnessWellness Rebranded Podcast: Why You Should Ditch Tracking Your BMIBuy Tara's Book on Amazon: Hot Mess to Hot MomCHECK OUT OUR LINKSJoin the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!Check out our size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa!Grab our FREE 25-minute audiobook Introduction sneak peek from the book!Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuckEmail Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.comVisit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to Season Three!00:54 Introducing Tara DeLeon: Shaking Up the Fitness Industry 01:55 Tara's Journey: Embracing Weight Neutrality 03:01 Winning Personal Trainer of the Year: Mixed Emotions 04:15 Body Positivity and Overcoming Industry Bias 10:23 The Importance of Listening to Your Body 19:43 Creating a Supportive Gym Environment 23:23 Empowerment and Self-Confidence in the Gym 24:00 Utilizing Gym Resources and Trainers 24:48 Starting a Healthy Lifestyle Journey 26:55 Small, Sustainable Changes for Fitness 28:10 Personal Stories of Fitness Transformation 33:08 Overcoming Gym Intimidation 40:43 Connecting with Tara and Final Thoughts
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    44 m
  • 32. Recommitting to Your Goals: Tackling Q1 Setbacks and Cultivating a Winning Mindset for the 2nd Quarter of 2025

    32. Recommitting to Your Goals: Tackling Q1 Setbacks and Cultivating a Winning Mindset for the 2nd Quarter of 2025
    Mar 14 2025

    Recommitting to Your Goals: Tackling Q1 Setbacks and Cultivating a Winning Mindset for the 2nd Quarter of 2025In the season three opener of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK, Melyssa, a double board certified lifestyle medicine coach and size inclusive fitness specialist, discusses the common struggles of maintaining New Year's resolutions and goals as the first quarter of the year comes to an end. She emphasizes the importance of seeing life as a game where setbacks are just part of the journey and encourages listeners to recommit to their goals no matter what. Melyssa shares her personal challenges with maintaining productivity habits and offers practical tips, including temporary discipline and the 5-second rule, to regain momentum. She also highlights upcoming resources like the 'Full Plate Living' program and a quarterly goal-setting call to support listeners in their health and wellness journey.

    Join our upcoming FREE Full Plate Living Information Session on Friday, 3/21 at 12pm EST or grab a spot in our upcoming Full Plate Living group coaching cohort!

    TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to Season Three!01:05 Life as a Full-Time Small Business Owner01:38 Reevaluating New Year's Resolutions06:03 Overcoming Self-Sabotage10:20 The Power of Recommitment12:41 Upcoming Events and Opportunities16:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts17:57 Bonus: Lifestyle Medicine Mini Makeover


    WORK WITH MELYSSA

    • Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching community to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
    • Check out our size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa!
    • Grab our FREE sneak peek of the audiobook!
    • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
    • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
    • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
    • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
    • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/
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    19 m
  • 31. BONUS: Small Business Saturday & Life Updates!

    31. BONUS: Small Business Saturday & Life Updates!
    Nov 30 2024

    In this episode, Melyssa Allen-Oddi shares exciting updates, including getting married and turning 35. She reflects on the mental relief following her wedding and gives heartfelt shoutouts to the vendors who made the day special.

      • Emma from First Coast Weddings & Events
      • SarahMarie & Megan from Faithful Florals
      • Alison & Jay from Life & Love Studio
      • DJ Kris from Footloose Entertainment
      • Heather Benzal at St. Augustine Beach Embassy Suites by Hilton


    Melyssa announces the release of the second edition and audiobook version of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK and introduces her new Lifestyle Medicine Makeover workshop that is currently on sale for Cyber Weekend.

    Melyssa shares about her journey back to teaching group fitness and the significance of making life changes that bring fulfillment. She encourages all listeners to support small businesses this weekend and every other day of the year!


    WORK WITH MELYSSA

    • Grab your copy of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK here!
    • Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
    • Join the Lifestyle Medicine Makeover workshop happening on January 17th, 2025!
    • Check out Melyssa's size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa, and try out a livestream or on demand class today!


    Let's connect!

    • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/
    • Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@melyssa_with_a_why⁠ and ⁠@healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck⁠
    • Email Melyssa at: ⁠info@melyssawithawhy.com⁠


    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates00:41 Wedding Recap and Vendor Shoutouts05:21 Turning 35 and Reflecting on Life Transitions07:42 Rewriting and Releasing the Second Edition of My Book12:17 Lifestyle Medicine Makeover Workshop16:55 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Plans
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    20 m
  • 30. Bonus Episode: Guest Expert Compilation!

    30. Bonus Episode: Guest Expert Compilation!
    Aug 23 2024

    HLDHTS Podcast Compilation - Bonus Episode In this special bonus episode, we compiled the insightful answers from various guest experts on what 'healthy living doesn't have to suck' means to them and how they incorporate it into their lives and work. From financial wellness to body positivity, each of our guests bring a unique perspective and practical advice on making healthy living enjoyable and sustainable!


    Download your free 25-minute sneak peek of the audiobook here!
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    19 m
  • 29. Season 2 Finale: Reflecting on Purpose, Mission, and Your WHY

    29. Season 2 Finale: Reflecting on Purpose, Mission, and Your WHY
    Jul 22 2024

    Reflections and Future Aspirations: Wrapping Up Season 2 Hosted by Melyssa Allen, a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach, this episode marks the conclusion of Season 2 of the 'Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck' podcast. Melyssa discusses her impromptu topic pivot, upcoming extended break to work on the audiobook of her book, and reflections on her journey through 2024, including transformational experiences from two business retreats. The episode also touches on her application for a grant, a personal mission statement activity, and her aspirations for creating a healthier future. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected to their purpose and share their own mission statements on social media.

    WORK WITH MELYSSA

    • Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
    • Sign up for the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program!
      • Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
      • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
      • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
      • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
      • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
      • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome to the Healthy Living Podcast
    00:36 Season Two Wrap-Up and Future Plans
    03:04 Reflecting on 2024 and Key Takeaways
    03:37 Business Retreats and Personal Growth
    07:53 The Importance of Rest and Recovery
    12:13 Reconnecting with Your Purpose
    14:19 Creating a Healthier Future
    18:52 Mission Statement Activity
    25:52 Season Three Teasers and Final Thoughts
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    31 m
  • 28. Zamzam Wellness - A Lifestyle Medicine Direct Primary Care Practice with Dr. Dominique DiLorenzo

    28. Zamzam Wellness - A Lifestyle Medicine Direct Primary Care Practice with Dr. Dominique DiLorenzo
    Jul 15 2024

    In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK podcast, host Melyssa Allen is joined by Dr. Dominique DiLorenzo, a triple board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. They discuss the importance of incorporating mindset and behavior changes for lasting health, the benefits of a plant-based diet, and Dr. DiLorenzo's unique membership-based primary care practice, Zamzam Wellness. Listeners will gain insight into practical tips for healthier living and the role of regular medical check-ups!

    CONNECT WITH DR. DILORENZO

    • Website: https://www.zamzamwellness.com/
    • Membership: https://www.zamzamwellness.com/pricing
    • Instagram: ZamZamWellness_DPC

    • Sign up for our upcoming Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program!
      • Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
      • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
      • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
      • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
      • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
      • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:34 Meet Dr. DiLorenzo
    02:18 Dr. DiLorenzo's Practice Model
    06:12 Healthy Living Insights
    15:02 Empowerment and Small Changes
    19:14 Prioritizing Health and Annual Checkups
    23:29 Getting Started with Healthier Living
    28:19 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
    32:19 Closing Remarks and Freebie
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    33 m
  • 27. Movement, Body Image, and Mental Health with Ashantis Jones

    27. Movement, Body Image, and Mental Health with Ashantis Jones
    Jun 20 2024


    In this episode, Melyssa welcomes guest Ashantis Jones, a therapist, mental health coach, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. They discuss the importance of integrating mental health and physical fitness, dismantling societal and marketing-imposed fitness stigmas, and embracing personalized, enjoyable approaches to movement and wellness. Ashantis shares her journey in encouraging people to strengthen their bodies for everyday life rather than just focusing on aesthetics and weight loss. Tune in for actionable tips on finding a fitness regime that works for you, recognizing the mental health benefits of physical activity, and unlearning unhealthy beliefs about exercise and body image!

    MEET OUR GUEST

    Ashantis Jones (she/they) is a Therapist, Mental Health Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor that focuses on the mind and body - both of which are equally important to one’s health. By using an intersectional approach, self-love becomes the tool that heals and educates. She started teaching group fitness in 2012, became a Personal Trainer in 2021, and has her Masters of Education in Counseling. They are passionate about helping people reach their life's purpose because everyone deserves to fully enjoy their life! She has previously worked for [solidcore], Barry's, and was nominated for Best Personal Trainer on Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago 2023 list.

    CONNECT WITH ASHANTIS

    • Ashantis' Website: www.ashantisjones.com
    • Upcoming Events with Ashantis: https://www.ashantisjones.com/group-fitness-and-events
    • Instagram: @iamashantis
    • TikTok: @iamashantis

    UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:

      • Friday, June 28th at 12pm EST, De-Stress and Rebalance: A Hormone Health Workshop for Women featuring special guest, Rachel Lee
      • Sunday, June 30th at 11am EST, Mid-Year 2024 Resolution Reset

    • Sign up for our upcoming Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program!
      • Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
      • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
      • Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!
      • Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
      • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
      • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:38 Exciting Announcements & Updates
    01:43 Conversation with Ashantis Jones Begins
    03:33 Ashantis Jones: Background and Expertise
    06:11 Integrating Mental Health and Fitness
    08:47 Empowerment Through Movement
    18:55 Unlearning and Relearning Healthy Habits
    21:37 Practical Steps to Start Your Fitness Journey
    27:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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    31 m
  • 26. Tools in Your Healthy Living Toolbox: MetKon, KPOW, and More with Kamela Niskach, DPT

    26. Tools in Your Healthy Living Toolbox: MetKon, KPOW, and More with Kamela Niskach, DPT
    Jun 3 2024
    In this episode Melyssa is joined by Kam Niskach, the creator of MetKon RX and owner of K-POW Nutrition. Kam dives into her own fitness journey from her work as a former master trainer for Beachbody Live's P90X to creating MetKon RX. Kam shares her journey and discusses the importance of mindset, behavior changes, and the role of supplements as "tools in the toolbox." Kam offers valuable insights on starting small, lifting weights, tracking progress, and the importance of finding joy and community in the fitness journey. This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and inspiration to help you on your path to healthy living! UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS: Friday, June 28th at 12pm EST, De-Stress and Rebalance: A Hormone Health Workshop for Women featuring special guest, Rachel LeeSunday, June 30th at 11am EST, Mid-Year 2024 Resolution Reset Early bird tickets available through June 11th for only $22! MEET OUR GUEST: Kam Niskach is an experienced and respected fitness trainer and business owner. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Kam leverages her extensive background in exercise and rehab to inspire individuals of all ages to achieve their health, strength, and fitness goals. As a presenter and educator, Kam has certified thousands of instructors to teach fitness classes and was named Master Trainer of the Year in 2017 for one of the industry's most recognized fitness companies. In 2020, she created MetKon Rx, a globally taught functional strength and conditioning program. Kam is also the owner of K-POW Nutrition, a supplement company founded from her desire to provide high-quality supplements that support a holistic and lifestyle approach to health, wellness, and performance goals. A small-town girl from Weirton, West Virginia, Kam’s love for sports has shaped her career path and active lifestyle. In her local community in Pittsburgh, she serves as the strength and conditioning coach for a high school soccer team. In addition to all things health and fitness, Kam prioritizes her family and loves her primary role as a soccer and softball mom to her preteen daughter. CONNECT WITH KAM: KPOW Nutrition: kpowsupplements.com Use our Discount Code CHANGEMAKER to save 10% on your order! Join a Class with Kam: somble.com/kamKam's Website: kamjamz.com/Instagram: @kamjamz WORK WITH MELYSSA: Try a MetKon class with Melyssa and take advantage of our Buy 2, Get 1 Free Intro Offer!Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!Sign up for our upcoming Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Audiobook Group Coaching Program! Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!Grab your copy of Melyssa's book here!Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuckEmail Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.comVisit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to the Healthy Living Podcast 00:34 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Events 02:17 Introducing Special Guest: Kam Nisketch 02:52 Kam's Journey in Fitness and Nutrition 10:06 Empowering Tips for Healthy Living 21:20 Kam's Personal Health Journey 35:23 Practical Steps to Start Your Healthy Lifestyle 36:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell 40:11 Special Offers and Closing Remarks
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    42 m
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