If you have a running goal, this episode is for you. On the 52 Weeks Podcast, Steph sits down with Melanie Cote, known on Instagram as @the.curvy.runner, to talk about her inspiring journey from running one-minute intervals in 2022 to training for her first Disney half marathon. Melanie shares how a coworker’s encouragement sparked her start, how accountability and posting on social media helped her stay consistent, and how her story has resonated with thousands of followers online. She opens up about balancing training with family and a full-time job, turning long runs into weekend “date days” with her husband, and the lessons she’s learned about consistency, comparison, and celebrating progress. From treadmill miles in Canadian winters to character-filled miles through Disney World, Melanie’s story is a reminder that running doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Weekly Challenge: Commit to three 30-minute walks or runs each week for one month. Keep it simple, track your consistency, and watch how small steps create big change.

Follow Melanie on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/the.curvy.runner

What happens when you set a goal so big it reshapes the way you live every single day? In this episode, Steph sits down with her dad, Kevin Shoell owner of Title One Utah , devoted father of eight, and grandfather to more than a dozen grandkids. Years ago, Kevin heard the idea that reading 2,000 books is the equivalen of being educated and he took it to heart. Today, he reads a book a day.

Kevin opens up about how this habit fuels his growth as a leader, runner, and goal-setter, while also keeping him grounded.

Weekly Challenge: Do something unexpected for someone for seven days. He emphasizes the importance of serving others without needing acknowledgment, suggesting that this act of kindness can provide a personal lift and contribute positively to the environment around us.

We recently touched on finance, but this topic deserves its own spotlight. Imagine navigating a divorce and suddenly finding your financial world turned upside down. While scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a post from a woman reminiscing about her pre-divorce life, driving through her old neighborhood. The comments were filled with similar stories, highlighting a shared struggle many face when lifestyles shift post-divorce.

This realization led me to invite today’s guest, Amy Coroso, who has lived this journey. From debt and damaged credit to no savings and mortgage hurdles, she transformed her financial life and now empowers other women to do the same. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Certified YNAB Coach, founder of Real Talk Finance, and author on retirement preparation, Amy's mission is to equip women with the tools, confidence, and support to reclaim their financial independence, no matter their life stage.🔗 Connect with Amy Coroso

• Website (Real Talk Finance): https://www.realtalkfinance.com

• Community: https://www.realtalkfinance.com/membership

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-coroso-cfei%E2%84%A0-19932227/

• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/realtalkfinance