Spandex & Wine

Ever found yourself wandering aimlessly around the gym, uncertain what to do next? You're not alone. That feeling of gym confusion is exactly what I address in this candid conversation about the transformative power of program design. Program design sits at that sweet spot between freestyle workouts and full personal training. It's perfect for self-motivated individuals who don't ne...

The fitness world is buzzing about weighted vests, but do they deserve the hype? As I see people strapping on these trendy accessories for walks, workouts, and even casual strolls through the neighborhood, I can't help but question whether the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks. Weighted vests certainly offer compelling advantages – they transform simple activities like walking into st...

Ever feel like your life is spinning faster than a flywheel in a cycle class? That's exactly where I found myself this week, staring down an impossible schedule and wondering how I'd possibly make it through. Sometimes the universe throws us into the deep end – literally, in my case. This episode centers around a powerful affirmation that's become my lifeline: "I choose joy, ev...

Could a supplement commonly associated with bodybuilders actually be a game-changer for women's health? My journey with creatine began with skepticism when my son started using it years ago. Like many, I dismissed it as just another "gym bro" supplement meant for bulking up—until a conversation with my chiropractor completely changed my perspective. The turning point came when he me...

"I am capable, I am strong, and I trust myself to handle whatever comes my way." This powerful affirmation anchors our discussion about finding stability in chaotic times through the practice of consistency. Life rarely offers perfect balance. Right now, I'm juggling multiple full-time positions while dealing with technical difficulties (still recording on my phone until I can fix m...

Strength isn't just about lifting weights—it's about building a resilient future. What if I told you that one of the most powerful tools against aging isn't found in a pill bottle or cream jar, but in the weight rack at your gym? The science is clear: starting around age 30, we naturally lose 3-8% of our muscle mass every decade, with that loss accelerating dramatically during menop...

Life comes at us in seasons - sometimes expected, sometimes catching us completely off guard. When my laptop died recently (amid other life changes), it got me thinking about how we constantly adapt to shifting circumstances, whether by choice or necessity. Have you noticed how your preferences naturally evolve over time? My husband Dave started his wine journey with super-sweet apple wine and ref...

Ever wondered what's actually in your "natural" skincare products? That question led me to today's fascinating conversation with Cynthia Maddock, founder of Madd House Hill , who creates genuinely natural goat milk skincare from her own farm. What began as a humble side hustle to earn pocket money for her college-bound daughter has evolved into a thriving business built on tran...

Cellular regeneration might sound like science fiction, but it's happening in your body right this minute. Your skin completely renews every month, your gut lining rebuilds every few days, and your red blood cells are replaced every season. You are literally not the same person you were a month ago! But here's where things get interesting: the quality of this amazing renewal process depe...

Ever feel like you're juggling too many balls at once? You're not alone. In this raw and candid conversation, I open up about my current struggle with balance while navigating a new job alongside managing my fitness studio, recording this podcast, and showing up for clients. The truth? My balance is completely out of whack right now. We often picture balance as this perfect, calm state w...

Remember when you started a workout because you ate that cookie? Or stepped on the scale and let that number ruin your perfectly good day? It's time we talked about breaking free from this cycle of shame. Shifting from punishment-based workouts to joyful movement is a game-changer, especially for women in our 40s, 50s, and beyond. We've spent decades believing exercise was something we d...

What does it really take to heal from profound childhood trauma? Alenda Jacobson's story offers a raw, unflinching look at this journey as she shares her experience of sexual abuse from birth to age seven and the chaotic family environment that shaped her early life. With remarkable openness, Alenda reveals how trauma taught her to constantly scan for danger, prioritize others' needs abo...

What if the most powerful wellness tool isn't in your kitchen or gym bag, but between your ears? Dive into the fascinating science of how our thoughts shape our physical health and wellbeing.  The numbers are shocking: we have up to 60,000 thoughts daily, with a staggering 80% being negative and 95% repetitive. That's right—we're not just thinking negative thoughts; we're think...

Ever feel like life has rolled you up, wrung you out, and tossed you in a cart? That's exactly the stretch I've been experiencing lately—and surprisingly, I'm grateful for it.  When my new job opportunity appeared, my first thought was about everything I'd lose: freedom, flexibility, and precious time with my grandsons. But looking deeper, I discovered what I truly needed: fina...

"Small steps taken daily create powerful change." This simple yet profound affirmation captures the essence of sustainable wellness, especially for women navigating their 40s, 50s, and beyond. After 23 years in the fitness industry, I've witnessed countless clients fall into the all-or-nothing trap—ambitious workout schedules and perfect meal plans that quickly become overwhelming a...

Web site: CLICK HERE Instagram: @mercedes.ludwig Facebook: Mercedes Ludwig When one door closes, another one opens—with a perfectly chilled glass of clean crafted wine waiting for you. Mercedes Ludwig's story of resilience and reinvention in the wine industry demonstrates exactly what the Spandex and Wine podcast is all about: finding balance between healthy living and life's pleasures....

Ready for a fresh approach to wellness that doesn't demand perfection? Season 3 of Spandex and Wine launches with a powerful new addition to your self-care toolkit: weekly affirmations designed to transform how you speak to yourself. After returning from co-hosting a women's retreat in Charlottesville (complete with airport adventures and unexpected Nashville bar-hopping), I'm excit...

Ever wondered what truly makes a difference in how you feel each day? During this season finale episode, I share a sneak peek of my Happiness Blueprint Workshop, revealing the four essential pillars that create a foundation for both health and happiness in our lives. The blueprint starts with morning rituals—those crucial first moments that set the tone for everything that follows. I explain how h...

Ever feel like wellness advice forces you to choose between health and happiness? The Spandex and Wine podcast bridges that gap, and we're kicking things up a notch with Season 3! After nearly two years of conversations about balanced living, host Robin Hackney reveals exciting format changes while maintaining the podcast's core mission. Tuesday episodes will transform into a powerful co...

Ready your wine glass and workout gear as we close the chapter on Season Two of Spandex and Wine! This special finale episode offers a heartfelt look at how this podcast journey has evolved from a simple curiosity into a thriving community focused on balanced wellness. Robin shares a personal revelation about the connection between learning and happiness, recounting how a visit to her "voodoo...

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't lack of knowledge, resources, or talent—but simply waiting to feel ready? Drawing inspiration from a sheep farmer tackling parasites head-on, this episode dives into why "start before you're ready" might just be the most powerful advice for your wellness journey. We've all fallen victim to the myth of readiness—that someday...

"Does anyone remember when I did the super Nana flying act off the deck?" Robin begins this episode recalling her graceful tumble that tore tendons across her foot—an injury she believes happened partly because she'd let her mobility and flexibility routine slide. Enter Jeff Baker from The Vital Stretch in Leawood KS , a specialist in assisted stretching who's on a mission to h...

Ever noticed how holidays like the 4th of July can completely throw off your wellness routine? That post-celebration sluggishness isn't a reason for guilt—it's actually the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.  This episode explores how to flip the script on disruption, transforming those off-track moments into powerful reset buttons for your health journey. Instead of dwelling on late...

Your gut health affects nearly every aspect of your wellness journey—from sleep quality and energy levels to immune function and even mood. But what if we approached gut health like tending a garden? In this enlightening conversation, I share a fresh perspective on supporting your digestive system through the TriPlex system—a powerhouse trio that weeds, seeds, and feeds your gut microbiome for opt...

Ever wonder what happens when a lawyer and a music producer join forces to shake up the wine industry? Latoya Jordan and Brianna Shelko, the visionaries behind Marble Wines , are rewriting the rules of wine with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to women's empowerment. When Latoya found herself helping a reality TV star create a wine brand (despite him not even being a wine drinker), sh...