Better Than Fine With Darlene Marshall

After a break in Costa Rica and a Halloween wedding, Darlene comes back with a fresh perspective on what to do when life falls apart. She opens up about her second divorce, the shame she has carried around it, and the string of setbacks that came with it. These touched her health, her finances, her faith and the future she'd planned. Then she shares the three-part approach that helps her get u...

BETTER THAN FINE PODCAST - MASLOW AS A RIPPLE, NOT A PYRAMIDDarlene Marshall unpacks why the familiar Maslow pyramid is a misread of Maslow’s work and replaces it with a ripple model centered on connection, contribution, and self-transcendence. This episode matters because it reframes “actualizing” as something relational and collective, not a solo summit. HOST* Darlene Marshall, wellness coach an...

Evolving from Survive to Thrive Darlene Marshall uses this solo episode to challenge the wellness industry’s habit of selling one-size-fits-all solutions. She breaks down why stabilization comes before survival, why survival comes before thriving, and why context, timing, and resources matter more than hype, magical thinking, or “the secret.” In this episode, Darlene shares a practical, compassion...

Episode Description - Ready to publishThe advice to “just self-care” is incomplete when the world itself is pushing you toward burnout. Darlene Marshall opens a new era of Better Than Fine with a deeply honest, urgently practical episode about allostatic load, the polycrisis, and why getting yourself stable is the first step to making anything better. After a major life upheaval, a cancer scare, m...

People are often convinced to buy wellness products through vague symptom lists, a manipulation known as the Barnum effect, which can make anyone feel like generic statements apply specifically to them. In this episode of “Better Than Fine,” host Darlene Marshall explains how the Barnum effect is exploited by grifters and influencers in the fitness and wellness industry to market supplements, diet...

The placebo effect can provide real physical and psychological benefits, even when the intervention itself is inactive or inert. In this “Better Than Fine,” listeners will learn exactly what the placebo effect is, why it occurs, and how belief influences outcomes in health and wellness. The discussion is led by host Darlene Marshall, who explores the science behind the placebo effect, the ethics o...

Microdosing GLP-1 weight loss drugs may help some people improve self-control by reducing cravings for substances other than food, such as alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis, according to emerging evidence discussed in this episode. “Better Than Fine” host Darlene Marshall examines the science behind GLP-1 drugs (like semaglutide) and their off-label uses for self-regulation. She shares up-to-date st...

Fun is not just a luxury or a distraction, but a crucial element for mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. This “Better Than Fine” podcast episode explores why having silly, playful fun is essential for everyone, including fitness professionals, clients, and members of the NASM community. The conversation focused on studies showing that fun—including playfulness, connection, and flow—...

Is the latest wellness trend just another grift? With parasite cleanses going viral and a real cyclospora outbreak making headlines, it’s time to cut through the hype! In this episode of “Better Than Fine,” wellness coach and wellbeing educator Darlene Marshall breaks down the truth behind the parasite cleanse craze—revealing how marketing tactics, unregulated supplements, and vague health claims...

Ever wondered if the placebo effect is actually real—or just “woo-woo” hype? In this special encore episode of Better Than Fine, host Darlene Marshall dives deep into the science, ethics, and real-world value of the much-maligned placebo effect. 🌟 In This Episode: Discover the real science behind mind-body healing—placebo, nocebo, and belief’s power to change your biochemistry Learn why “Just a p...

Are you curious about the latest trending wellness supplement—peptides? This episode with host Darlene Marshall dives deep into everything you NEED to know about peptides, from the science and hype to the real risks behind gray market products. This week, the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee is meeting to decide if seven of the most popular peptides should be legally available through c...

On this week’s episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, wellness coach and wellbeing expert Darlene Marshall dives deep into the nutritional science behind protein powders, the truth about ultra processed foods, and what all of this means for your health, fitness goals, and overall wellbeing. ✅ This episode covers: ·      The latest science and trends around protei...

In this “Better Than Fine,” wellness expert Darlene Marshall uncovers the truth behind the rising trend of nicotine pouches touted as focus supplements and productivity boosters. From bold claims made by top influencers like Joe Rogan, Dave Asprey, and Jillian Michaels to the shocking conflicts of interest and marketing strategies driving this craze, this episode exposes what the science says abou...

🔥 Welcome to a special summer edition of the “Better Than Fine” podcast! In this episode, host Darlene Marshall tackles the hot topic that's sparking debate everywhere: Should you really be wearing sunscreen? Is it actually bad for you—or is that just another wellness myth? Key Topics: ·      The sunscreen controversy—where did it start? ·      Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: What's the differenc...

Are you tired of all-or-nothing thinking in your fitness or wellness journey? In this episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, we tackle the powerful topic: Can harm reduction principles transform how we approach fitness and wellness? Join well-being expert Darlene Marshall as she unpacks: ·      The 6 principles of harm reduction (humanism, pragmatism, individualism, autonomy, incrementalism, a...

Tired of fitness fads, toxic gym culture, or feeling stuck in a rut? Discover a radically compassionate approach to movement with expert Janet Huelhs, MS, Clinical Exercise Physiology, board-certified health coach, and mindful movement instructor as she joins host Darlene Marshall. In this powerful encore episode, Janet breaks down her evidence-based, whole-person approach to exercise that goes be...

Struggling to stick with your workouts or wellness habits? You’re not alone—and you’re NOT broken. In this episode of the Better Than Fine Podcast, Darlene Marshall dives deep into "all or nothing thinking," the toxic mindset that sabotages fitness and wellness for so many of us. Discover why rigid expectations and perfectionism set you up for failure and learn the science-backed strategies to ove...

Are you ready to kickstart your fitness journey but feeling overwhelmed by resistance training? 💪 Start strong with expert advice from Dr. Rick Richey—personal trainer, licensed massage therapist, author, and host of the NASM CPT Podcast—as he joins host Darlene Marshall in this special episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast! 🎙️ Episode Highlights: ·      What IS resistance training and how do...

Are you a fitness or wellness professional looking to support your clients more effectively? Or maybe you’re someone navigating trauma on your own wellness journey? This episode of the award-winning “Better Than Fine” podcast is your essential guide to trauma-informed practice in fitness and wellness. Host Darlene Marshall breaks down: ·      The meaning of “trauma-informed” in the wellness space...

Welcome to the “Better Than Fine” podcast! In this powerful encore episode from March 2023, host Darlene Marshall sits down with Dr. Jordyn Feingold—psychiatry resident, well-being expert, and co-author of "Choose Growth"—to explore how trauma can unlock unexpected strength, meaning, and purpose through post-traumatic growth. 🎧 Listen as we reveal: What post-traumatic growth really means (and why...

Are you struggling to find hope in difficult times? In this empowering episode of “Better Than Fine,” award-winning wellbeing expert Darlene Marshall dives deep into hope as a process, not just a feeling. Drawing from lived experience, grief, and the science of positive psychology, Darlene Marshall shares practical, evidence-based tools to help you thrive—even when life feels overwhelming. ✨ What...

Tired of misinformation in the wellness space? This episode from Better Than Fine dives deep into how to find reliable wellness information and avoid falling for myths, fads, and influencer hype. Host Darlene Marshall shares insider tips for fitness professionals, coaches, and anyone seeking trustworthy advice on fitness, nutrition, mental health, and self-care. 🎙️ What You'll Learn: ·      Why ev...

Is sugar really to blame for ADHD symptoms getting worse? Or is it just another myth? In this eye-opening episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, award-winning well-being expert Darlene Marshall cuts through decades of misconceptions to reveal what science actually says about the sugar-ADHD connection. 👉 Highlights: ·      Introduction & episode background  ·      Personal stories of ADHD acro...

Are you tired of "good vibes only" culture? Have you ever felt dismissed by well-meaning advice to "just stay positive" when you're struggling? In this episode of “Better Than Fine,” holistic wellness coach Darlene Marshall breaks down the harmful effects of toxic positivity and explains why embracing the full spectrum of human emotions is essential for real wellbeing. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This...

Welcome to “Better Than Fine,” the award-winning podcast hosted by wellbeing expert and wellness coach Darlene Marshall! In this inspiring episode, Darlene dives deep into NASA’s Artemis II mission and unpacks the powerful human response known as the Overview Effect—the profound sense of awe experienced by astronauts when seeing Earth from space. Episode Highlights: ·      Journey of Artemis II: R...