The Dangerous Woman : Strong Over Skinny

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of fitness, specifically focusing on abs and core training. I share my personal story, from my childhood obsession with six-pack abs to the challenges I faced after multiple abdominal surgeries. Discover how kettlebell training helped me regain core strength and why it's a great choice for beginners. I'll also discuss the difference between trainin...

In this episode, we dive deep into the fundamentals of squatting and deadlifting with a kettlebell, emphasizing the importance of creating tension and using proper breath techniques. For those new to strength training or looking to fine-tune their technique, this comprehensive guide breaks down the nuances between squats and deadlifts, highlighting which muscles each exercise targets. Listeners wi...

In this episode, I'm encouraging you to not just look right but feel right in your strength training. Achieving superhero-level strength requires a progressive training program and good form. From my journey with deadlifts to overcoming post-surgical challenges, I discuss the importance of feeling the correct muscles. Women's pelvic floor issues post-childbirth and the significance of skill acquis...

Last night, I got really fired up and posted a video on social media that I’m so glad I shared. It gave me a perspective to address a younger, insecure version of myself. The video showcased different foods and what 100 calories look like, emphasizing how quickly these extras can add up, rather than bashing the foods themselves. I received a comment suggesting the issue was food quality, not calor...

In this episode of the Dangerous Women Podcast, host Colleen explores the emotional and physical evolution involved in fitness transformations, particularly within the context of social media comparisons. She reflects on her personal journey from overcoming an eating disorder, fluctuating weight through various fitness phases, to finding strength and building muscle through effective strength trai...

Today I'm fired up about some dangerous diet advice circulating on 'Skinny Talk' on TikTok. In this episode, I share my personal journey with eating disorders starting at age 12, my struggles with disordered eating habits, and how therapy, strength training, and working with a registered dietician transformed my relationship with food. I'll debunk the harmful 'eat small, be small' myth and explain...

Today I'm stepping away from the fitness chat to talk about something just as important: joy. Earlier this year, I read an amazing book called 'Lilith,' which reimagines Lilith, Adam's first wife, as a powerful symbol of equality and self-worth. This got me thinking about how we can bring more joy into our everyday lives. From my morning coffee routine to dressing in sparkly outfits that make me s...

In this episode, I take a deep dive into some eye-opening TikTok trends like Water Talk, Fat Talk, and Skinny Talk. I share my reactions and concerns, especially about the misinformation and unhealthy behaviors these trends might promote. I also touch on the growing use of GLP-1 medications, offering my thoughts and personal experiences, and emphasize the importance of developing healthy, sustaina...

In this episode,we're tackling a common question: Is lifting heavy going to make me look like a man? Short answer—absolutely not for the majority of women! We'll dive into why lifting heavy weights won't make you bulky, explore the science behind building muscle, and debunk myths surrounding women and heavy lifting. I'll share my own experiences and explain why lifting heavy can actually make you...

In this episode, I dive deep into the rabbit hole of "Toxic Skinny Talk" on TikTok and share some hard truths about the harmful messaging that's being promoted as "advice." From ridiculous claims like "Pop-Tarts are for fat people" to dangerous mantras like "eat small, be small," we're unpacking why this content is so problematic and what healthier alternatives look like.    What You'll Hear: My a...

In this episode, we address the frustrations women often face when striving to lose fat despite adhering to strength training, proper nutrition, and daily activities. Key foundational pillars such as strength training, nutrition, hydration, and sleep are discussed in detail. We emphasize the importance of heavy weights, proper form, and progressive overload in strength training. The significance o...

In this episode, we're debunking a TikTok video all about skinny Tok. I discuss the unhealthy obsession with being excessively skinny and emphasize the importance of adopting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. We'll explore how to achieve a lean body through positive changes in exercise, diet, and mindset, debunking the notion that you need extreme measures like disordered eating or cheat weekends....

In this episode, I share my personal experiences with setbacks and progress in nutrition and emotional health. I discuss the misconception of 'starting over' and explain how each attempt builds on the previous one, providing more insight and experience. I talk about my journey with a registered dietician, dealing with emotional eating, and adopting healthy habits through therapy. I also recount my...

Today I’m sharing the three greatest investments I've ever made in my life. These are learning how to strength train, understanding how nutrition works, and diving deep into therapy to heal past traumas. I believe that a healthy mind makes everything else easier, and I discuss how therapy has been a game-changer for me, helping me become a stronger, more empowered woman. I also cover how strength...

Today we dive into the empowering concept of 'Find Your Fierce.' Reflecting on my journey, from initial realizations to life-changing moments, I discuss how connecting with your authentic, powerful self can help you break norms and reach your dreams. I share personal stories of overcoming challenges, embracing change, and the importance of sacrificing the old you to become the new you. Tune in for...

Last weekend's Renaissance Fair was a blast, but it definitely came with a tough lesson on staying hydrated. Tim, my husband who's been writing epic fantasy for over a decade, and I spent the whole day selling his books. In an attempt to avoid bathroom breaks, I skipped my usual water intake and felt horrible the next day. I've been consistently drinking at least 80 ounces of water daily for years...

In this episode, I'm diving into how words like 'fat' and 'skinny' are just descriptive terms, and how my view on them has evolved. I'll share my personal journey through therapy, discuss the clickbait culture in social media, and why specificity in fitness descriptions like 'strong' and 'slender' is okay. If these terms trigger you, it might be worth some mental health work to understand why. Sti...

In this episode of the Dangerous Women Podcast, I'm thrilled to chat with Abbie, one of my most inspiring clients who started her strength training journey in her 60s and is now crushing it in her 70s! Abbie opens up about how she got into lifting heavy weights later in life, the incredible progress she's made, and the significant positive changes she’s experienced. We dive into her background as...

In today's episode, we dive into the nuances of protein consumption and its impact on building a strong, lean body. Despite common advice on social media advocating for increased protein intake, many people end up inadvertently eating in a calorie surplus without realizing it. We discuss how to balance protein, carbs, and fats and the importance of choosing lean protein sources to avoid unintentio...

In this episode, I emphasize the crucial distinction between discomfort and pain during workouts. Addressing the harmful mentality of 'no pain, no gain,' I explain how pain serves as a warning signal from the body and should never be ignored. I cover the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, the importance of differentiating between fatigue-induced discomfort and actual pain, and highlight the e...

In this special episode, we bring together Sophia, Lauren, and Rebecca for an insightful panel discussion about the unique challenges and triumphs women face in the strength training space. They dive into topics like self-perception, societal norms, access to resources, and the incredible value of community and coaching. Sharing their personal journeys and lessons learned, these inspiring women un...

In this episode, we tackle the common misconception that an injury is an excuse to stop working out entirely. I clarify that while severe injuries requiring hospitalization are exceptions, minor injuries like sprains or broken limbs shouldn't halt your fitness journey. We discuss adaptive athletes' inspiring example and share practical advice on pivoting your workout focus during recovery. I also...

In this episode, I share an in-depth guide for women who have never engaged in serious strength training but want to build muscle and reduce body fat. I discuss my personal transformation journey from being a cardio-focused 'bunny' to a kettlebell 'queen', and emphasize the importance of following progressive strength training programs. Key topics include exercise selection focusing on compound li...

In this episode, three expert female strength trainers share compelling reasons why women should engage in strength training, highlighting its benefits for mental grounding and self-confidence. The discussion dives into the intricacies of bodybuilding, powerlifting, and Olympic lifting, explaining each sport’s unique training methods and competition structures. The guests also address common misco...

In this episode, we talk about the evolving nature of fitness journeys and the importance of allowing yourself the grace to adapt and shift your focus. I share my personal fitness story, transitioning from being a 'cardio bunny' to embracing strength training with kettlebells, which led to achieving a Guinness World Record. We discuss how different goals may require different training strategies,...