Wake Up Ready

In this episode, we discuss the keys to aging strong and healthy through fitness and nutrition. Our guest, Lisa Parr, is a fitness and nutrition specialist, who will share insights on how older adults can not only age gracefully but also thrive with strength, mobility, and vitality. We’ll explore the best exercises to maintain muscle mass, improve balance, and promote heart health, as well as the...

Navigating nutrition, strength training, stress management, and mindset after 40 can feel like a whole new world. In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Brubaker, a certified nutrition coach, Girls Gone Strong menopause specialist, and the owner of Your Thyme Nutrition and Wellness . She shares expert insights on how women over 40 can fuel their bodies, build strength, manage stress, and shif...

In this episode, we’re speaking with Heather Pate, a personal trainer and mother of 3, who specializes in helping busy moms prioritize their health and fitness. As a mom herself, Heather understands how challenging it can be to juggle family, work, and personal wellness. She’ll share practical tips, strategies, and mindset shifts to help moms stay on track with their health goals—even when life fe...

In this episode, we sit down with fitness coach, Kate Jones, to discuss one of the most common struggles many face when working toward their fitness goals—maintaining momentum. Whether you're just starting out or have been on your health journey for some time, keeping up the motivation can be tough. Kate will share expert advice on how to stay committed, set achievable goals, and develop a su...

In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Kurpiel, a health and nutrition coach, to dive deep into the science and strategy behind developing healthy habits that stick. We’ll explore the power of habit stacking, how to make small, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle, and how to stay consistent—even when life gets busy. Whether you're looking to improve your eating habits or creat...

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic have been making headlines as a game-changer for weight loss. But what are the real benefits and potential risks? In this episode, we sit down with Bethany Lewis, a certified nutrition coach, to break down the pros and cons of GLP-1 medications. We’ll discuss how they work, who they’re best suited for, and what to consider before starting them. Whether you’re curious...

In this episode we dive into the essential role that nutrition plays in both enhancing performance and speeding up recovery. Whether you're an athlete pushing your limits or someone looking to get the most out of your workouts, what you eat can make a huge difference. Nutrition and fitness expert Jordan Lips will uncover the best strategies for fueling your body before, during, and after exer...

In this episode, we sit down with Abby Jackman, a full-time student at the University of Illinois and a certified yoga instructor, to discuss the art of balancing fitness with a hectic schedule.  From managing time effectively to staying motivated, Abby shares tips and strategies for maintaining physical and mental well-being while pursuing higher education.  Whether you’re juggling coursework, ex...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Milner, a seasoned nutrition coach and fitness enthusiast who will help us navigate the physical and emotional challenges of perimenopause. From fluctuating hormones to unexpected weight gain, perimenopause can feel overwhelming, but with the right fitness routine, nutrition plan, and mindset, women can not only manage the symptoms but thrive during this tr...

In today's episode, we're joined by Dacie Bridge, a microbiologist, personal trainer, and weight loss coach, to discuss 7 pivotal tips for weight loss.  I initially ran across a post that Dacie had on Instagram that caught my attention, which was called 7 Things I Would Do If I Were Restarting My Weight Loss Journey Today. I thought that would make an excellent topic for a podcast episod...

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Daigle, a personal trainer who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 14 years ago. Despite the challenges of living with MS, Jessica has not only continued to pursue a career in fitness but has also become a powerful advocate for resilience, strength, and listening to your body. Together, we’ll explore how weight lifting has been a cornerstone in her healt...

I’m so excited to introduce our guest today to help us clear up some of the most common myths floating around the nutrition world. Whether you're trying to build muscle, lose fat, or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, understanding nutrition is key. But there's a lot of misinformation out there. So today, we're here to set the record straight for some of the most common myths and mi...

In this episode, I'm talking with personal trainer, Matt Menard, who will dive into the transformative power of having a growth mindset. We explore how adopting a mindset focused on learning, improvement, and resilience can help you overcome challenges, embrace change, and unlock your full potential. Matt will share insights on how you can foster a growth mindset, the benefits it brings to pe...

In today’s episode, we’re talking with Sara Whalen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Mind Body Integrated Therapy, who will dive into the world  of chronic pain and trauma therapy with a holistic approach for healing. We explore how chronic illness can be intertwined with emotional and psychological trauma, and how integrating mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, and other hol...

In this episode, we explore how yoga, breathwork, grounding techniques, and journaling can help manage stress and cultivate a sense of calm. Our guest, Sarah Roberts is a holistic healer and yoga instructor, who will share with us practical tools and insights on integrating these practices into daily life. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation offe...

In this episode, we sit down with powerlifting coach, Liz Strain, to explore the crucial role macronutrients play in optimizing strength and performance.  Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting out, understanding how proteins, fats, and carbohydrates affect your training, recovery, and overall results can make a big difference.  We dive into the science behind fueling for strength,...

In this episode, we dive into the often misunderstood role of dietary fat in sports nutrition. Joining us today is personal trainer and nutrition specialist, Jamie Wright, who will uncover how dietary fats fuel performance, enhance recovery, and contribute to overall health.  Whether you're an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, understanding the science behind fat can elevate your game.   Fo...

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of a non-diet approach to your health, exploring how we can move away from restrictive diets and unhealthy food rules. Our guest today is Ali Kreider, a personal trainer and group fitness coach, who will share her insights on how adopting mindfulness and behavior change can transform the way we think about health and fitness. We also discuss practical...

In this episode, we're talking with personal trainer, strength coach, and author of Fit At Any Age: It's Never Too Late, Susan Niebergall, as we dive into why lifting heavy weights is crucial for building strength, and muscle, enhancing metabolic health, improving bone density, and promoting a longer, healthier life. But it's not just about the weight you lift. It's about how y...

In this episode we are talking to Registered Dietitian, Amy Carie, to dive deep into the crucial role hydration plays in athletic performance. Whether you're a professional athlete or just starting on your fitness journey, staying properly hydrated can be the difference between success and fatigue. Join us as we explore how water and electrolytes fuel your body, enhance endurance, and acceler...

In this episode, we are talking to Kate Hanrahan, neuro-transformation coach and owner of MNM Fitness Co. to explore the concept of body composition and how it differs from societal beauty standards. We'll discuss the importance of cultivating a healthy mindset, setting realistic body goals, and adopting nutritional habits that focus on wellness rather than comparison.    Follow today's...

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s sure to give you a boost of energy! We’re talking about superfoods, those powerhouse foods that are packed with essential nutrients that can keep you fueled, focused, and ready to take on the day. In this episode, we’re going to explore six incredible superfoods and we’ll break down what makes them super, why you should eat them, and how often they should be...

In today's episode, we're talking to Susie Kundrat, a Registered Dietitian and author of Eat Move Groove. Susie will help us learn more about fueling our bodies to boost our health optimally.  Follow today's guest: @eatmovegroove Book: Eat Move Groove YouTube: Eat Move Groove Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow us @wakeupreadyllc   Want a shoutout on an upcoming episode? S...

In this episode, we're joined by Jake Anthony, the Director of Football Performance Nutrition at the University of Illinois Athletics, who is an expert in optimizing athlete's recovery through nutrition. We'll dive into the essential role that diet plays in speeding up recovery, reducing inflammation, and preventing further injuries. Whether you're an elite athlete or simply in...

In this episode, I interviewed personal trainer and 3x bikini competitor, Wendy Sclarson, to discuss the critical role protein plays in building strength. Whether you're an experienced lifter or just starting your strength training journey, understanding the importance of protein in muscle development, recovery, and overall performance is essential.  Tune in for expert advice on how to optimi...