Welcome to Season 4 of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Podcast! In this special episode, host Melyssa Allen kicks off an exciting new chapter as she announces her nomination for the American Heart Association's Woman of Impact Campaign. With February being Heart Health Month and Go Red for Women Day, Melyssa shares her passion for raising awareness about women's heart health and how you can get involved in this important cause.

Discover why heart disease is the leading cause of death in women—a fact that only 44% of women are aware of—and learn how lifestyle medicine plays a crucial role in prevention and management. Melyssa opens up about her personal connection to this mission, including her own journey with high cholesterol, and explains how small, intentional changes can create a ripple effect of positive impact in your community.

Over the next nine weeks, Melyssa invites you to join her team "In Our Change Maker Era" to support women's heart health research, community CPR training initiatives, and educational programs. Whether through donations, sharing content, or simply learning about heart health, every action counts toward creating a healthier, happier world.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to the American Heart Association Woman of Impact Campaign and why Melyssa is honored to be a nominee
• How you can support the campaign through donations, joining the team, and engaging with heart health education content
• Eye-opening statistics about women's heart health and why awareness matters
• The importance of recognizing heart attack and stroke symptoms in women (including the B FAST acronym)
• Melyssa's personal why: managing high cholesterol and supporting others affected by heart disease
• The Change Maker Challenge and how you can earn direct impact points by watching educational videos
• Week 1 focus: Kickstarting Your Community and rallying together for women's heart health
• How lifestyle factors like stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and limiting alcohol impact heart health

Join the movement and become part of the change maker community working to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their heart health. Together, we can make healthy living not only achievable but enjoyable!

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!
• Check out a free 25-minute audiobook sneak peek!
• Check out Move with Melyssa - a size inclusive, virtual fitness studio!
• 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/

In this heartfelt episode recorded from Heidelberg, Germany, Melyssa reflects on her 36th birthday, her book's 3rd anniversary, and the challenging year that 2025 has been. She shares about an unexpected trip with her mom, the struggles she's faced in business and life, and introduces her three guiding words for the year ahead: consistency, bold action, and intentionality.

Melyssa opens up about feeling stuck in a rut, battling self-doubt, and the loneliness that's crept in this year. She emphasizes the importance of asking for support, sitting in the discomfort without getting stuck, and remembering that we all have the strength to get through tough times. She also shares practical examples of how she's working to overcome self-consciousness and show up more boldly for her business and audience.

This episode is a raw, real conversation about navigating life's challenges, maintaining hope, and taking action even when it feels uncomfortable. If you're going through something difficult right now, this episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that you have what it takes to keep going.

Key Takeaways:

• Sit in the suck, don't get stuck – It's okay to acknowledge when things are hard, but don't let yourself stay there
• Three words for 36 – Consistency, bold action, and intentionality as guiding principles for growth
• Bold action means doing it anyway – Push through self-doubt and fear of judgment to show up for your goals
• Asking for help is strength – Connecting with support systems is essential for getting through tough times
• You are strong enough – Even when you don't feel it, you have the resilience to face what life throws at you

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Season 3
• 02:15 – Unexpected trip to Germany and birthday reflections
• 06:30 – The challenging year of 2025: feeling stuck and knocked down
• 10:45 – Birthday theme for 36: Consistency, bold action, and intentionality
• 15:20 – Overcoming self-doubt and not caring what others think
• 18:00 – Book sales reflection and commitment to bold promotion
• 22:30 – The importance of intentionality in relationships and friendships
• 27:00 – Finding a sense of belonging and connection
• 30:15 – Asking for support and celebrating small wins
• 35:00 – Big hairy audacious goal: Changing a million lives
• 38:45 – Getting through the tough stuff and growing through what you go through
• 42:00 – Closing thoughts and book promotion

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!
• Check out a free 25-minute audiobook sneak peek!
• Grab our FREE Wellness Wheel Activity sneak peek from the book!
• Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
• Check out Move with Melyssa - a size inclusive, virtual fitness studio!
• 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/