Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK - The Podcast

Registered dietitian, fitness instructor, content creator, and now first-time mom — Nicole Hoskens is back for Part 2, and she's bringing the real talk on what pregnancy and postpartum nutrition actually look like when you're a health professional living it firsthand. In this episode, Nicole opens up about navigating food aversions, sweet cravings, and body image shifts during pregnancy, how she f...

You can't pour from an empty cup — and you definitely can't live your most purpose-driven life if you're depleted, distracted by food, or running on fumes! In this episode, Melyssa sits down with Kait Richardson, a registered dietitian nutritionist, TEDx speaker, and author based in Orlando, FL. Kait brings her signature blend of science-backed knowledge and real-talk wisdom to one of...

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “ I’ll love my body when… ” loop, this episode is for you! Dr. Morgan Francis breaks down how diet culture shapes body image, how disordered eating can show up (even when it looks like “wellness”), and what it actually takes to rebuild trust with your body. In this episode, Melyssa sits down with Dr. Morgan Francis to explore the complex relationship between body i...

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 ca...

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...

Life comes at us in seasons, chapters… and yes, even eras . Inspired by Taylor Swift’s upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl , this episode dives into what it means to navigate life transitions with self-compassion and grace. As a double board-certified health and wellness coach and lifestyle medicine professional, I’m opening up about my own recent struggles—managing anxiety, a new high cholester...

In the latest episode of the Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK podcast, Melyssa wraps up Lifestyle Medicine Week 2025 with an in-depth discussion on sustainable behavior changes with Dr. Erica Jowett Hirst, a clinical behavior analyst and expert in behavioral psychology! The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning daily actions with core values and the role of community support in achievin...

In this episode, Melyssa is joined by Simon Matthews, a seasoned expert in health and wellness coaching, to delve into the importance of social connection as a pivotal component of lifestyle medicine. Simon shares his unconventional journey from nearly becoming a radio broadcaster and airline pilot to establishing himself in the field of psychology and lifestyle medicine. The conversation highligh...

For Lifestyle Medicine Week 2025 Day 6, Melyssa welcomes Dr. Jessica Matthews for an in-depth conversation on stress management within the realm of lifestyle medicine. Dr. Matthews, with over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and wellness, shares her journey from being a group fitness instructor to becoming a professor and director at Point Loma Nazarene University. The discussion explore...

**Sensitive Topic Disclaimer: Substance Use and Suicide** In this episode of the podcast highlighting the pillar of Avoiding Risky Substances for Lifestyle Medicine Week Day 5, Melyssa shares her personal journey with alcohol, discussing how it has impacted her life and relationships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing low-risk drinking guidelines, the benefits and drawbacks of alcohol,...

Welcome to Season 3 of the 'Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck' podcast! Host Melyssa, a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach, dives deep into sleep health with Kristina, a certified sleep coach and nurse practitioner. Join us for day four of Lifestyle Medicine Week 2025 as we explore the critical role of sleep in our overall well-being. Kristina shares her journey, practical tips for...

In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK podcast, host Melyssa welcomes fitness expert Mike Stack. Mike, an exercise physiologist and president of the Physical Activity Alliance, discusses the importance of integrating movement into daily life to enhance overall health and well-being. He differentiates between physical activity and exercise, emphasizing that all forms of movement...

In the latest episode of the podcast, Melyssa welcomes Amy Hanus from the Ardmore Institute of Health and creator of the Full Plate Living Program. They discuss the importance of adding whole, unprocessed fiber foods to your diet and how these small changes can lead to sustainable, long-term health benefits. Amy shares her personal journey and insights on overcoming diet culture, the significance...

In this episode, host Melissa welcomes Dr. Jonathan Bonnet to kick off Lifestyle Medicine Week, hosted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Bonnet, a board-certified family, sports, obesity, and lifestyle medicine physician, provides an in-depth overview of lifestyle medicine, its six pillars, and its impact on health and well-being. The discussion covers practical insights and strat...

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 shar...

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

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 Enter...

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 e...

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 trans...

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-b...

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 encourag...

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...

In this solo episode, Melyssa focuses on the significant impact of lifestyle medicine on mental health. Coinciding with Lifestyle Medicine Week 2024 and Mental Health Awareness Month, Melyssa shares her insights on how lifestyle behaviors can serve as therapeutic interventions. She elaborates on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—physical activity, plant-predominant eating patterns, effective s...

In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK , Melyssa explores the complexities of navigating grief and promoting mental health with Dr. Annelise Cunningham, author of  Grief is Fucking Hard: Love Notes from a Trauma and Loss Psychologist . In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the episode discusses breaking the stigma around mental health struggles, emphasizing the importanc...

In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Podcast, Melyssa is joined by one of her all-time favorite life and business coaches - Cara Alwill, creator of The Champagne Diet! They discuss the importance of embracing a healthy lifestyle without succumbing to societal pressures and restrictive norms. Cara shares her journey from a dissatisfying career and unhealthy relationship to fin...