In this episode of The Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., Linda Mitchell sits down with Dr. Deb Butler, a certified master weight loss and life coach, former board-certified chiropractor, nutritionist, and acupuncturist, and the host of the podcast Thinner Peace in Menopause and Beyond. Dr. Deb joins the show to share her personal journey through decades of dieting, body conflict, and the deeper emotional experience of weight loss, especially in menopause. After originally trying every conventional diet approach she knew, she eventually realized that persistent hunger, emotional eating, and the relentless struggle with food were not about willpower—but about signals the body and brain were sending that she hadn't learned to interpret.

Dr. Deb and Linda explore how hormonal changes in menopause often make traditional diet and exercise plans feel impossible to sustain, and why the reframe from "dieting" to coaching and self-trust can be life-changing. They talk about the difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger, how food can become a comfort or avoidance mechanism, and the value of mindful eating that honors both body and experience. Dr. Deb describes her THINNER Peace Process, a step-by-step framework she uses with clients to help them move out of cycles of struggle and into more compassionate, long-term change.

The conversation also touches on strategies for managing urges, retraining taste preferences, experimenting with food elimination to discover what works for one's unique body, and how self-trust is rebuilt through small wins. Dr. Deb and Linda acknowledge that midlife can prompt a reevaluation of purpose and identity, and that sustainable wellbeing often comes from understanding the psychological and emotional aspects of eating—not just the physical.

Whether you're in menopause, diet-weary, or simply wanting to understand your relationship with food more deeply, this episode offers grounded, psychological tools and a new lens for thinking about food and body acceptance.

This conversation is about making peace with food and your body, learning to trust hunger cues instead of restricting, and finding ways to live well that actually feel sustainable and empowering.

What we talk about in this episode
Why traditional dieting often fails in menopause
How menopause changes hunger cues and body response
Emotional eating versus physical hunger
The THINNER Peace Process for lasting change
Mindset shifts that support peace with food
Building trust in yourself instead of relying on restriction
Strategies for managing urges and retraining taste
How identity shifts in midlife impact weight and self-perception
Creating a balanced approach to food that supports wellbeing

Connect with Dr. Deb Butler
Website: https://drdebbutler.com/
Podcast – Thinner Peace in Menopause and Beyond: https://thinnerpeace.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdebbutler/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDebButler/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deb-butler/
Book / Resources (if applicable): https://thinnerpeace.com/ebook/

In this powerful episode of The Sisterhood of Sweat, Linda Mitchell sits down with a guest whose work and perspective speak directly to the moment we're living in—a time when burnout, pressure, and emotional overload have become the norm rather than the exception.

This conversation explores what real resilience actually looks like when life feels heavy. Not the "push harder" version so many of us have been taught, but a grounded, sustainable kind of strength that supports both performance and peace. Together, Linda and her guest unpack how stress shows up in the body, why so many high-achieving people feel exhausted even when they're doing everything "right," and how mental and emotional health require intention just as much as physical fitness does.

Throughout the episode, Linda asks thoughtful questions about the early warning signs of burnout, the difference between discipline and self-punishment, and why so many people ignore their emotional needs until they reach a breaking point. The discussion highlights how stress is not just a mental experience, but a full-body response that impacts sleep, hormones, focus, motivation, and long-term health.

The conversation also dives into practical tools listeners can use right away—simple shifts in mindset, daily practices that calm the nervous system, and ways to build emotional strength without adding more pressure or perfectionism. There's a strong emphasis on meeting yourself where you are, letting go of guilt around rest and recovery, and understanding that resilience is something you build over time, not something you prove in a crisis.

Faith, purpose, and values are woven naturally into the discussion, offering another layer of support for those who draw strength from spirituality without turning it into another box to check or standard to meet. The episode reinforces the idea that ambition and inner calm do not have to be opposites—and that sustainable success comes from alignment, not exhaustion.

This episode is a reminder that strength isn't about white-knuckling your way through life. It's about creating habits, environments, and internal dialogue that allow you to show up fully—without burning out in the process.

If you've been feeling stretched thin, wired but tired, or questioning how much longer you can keep going at this pace, this conversation will help you reset your perspective and walk away with tools you can actually use.

Official Website:
https://jennlyon.net

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thejennlyon/

Twitter / X:
https://x.com/thejennlyon

IMDb (Filmography and Credits):
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4434808/

In this episode of Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., Linda Mitchell welcomes Dr. Ian Smith—physician, bestselling author, and one of the most recognizable voices in health and wellness.

Dr. Smith is the author of nine books, including multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers such as SHRED, Super Shred, Blast the Sugar Out, The Clean 20, The Ancient Nine, Clean & Lean, and Fast Burn, with millions of copies in print worldwide. His newest release, Beyond Midnight: An Ashe Cayne Novel, marks the latest installment in his Chicago-based detective series, which has been optioned for an upcoming television project.

Beyond the page, Dr. Smith has spent decades educating audiences through television and media. He served as the solo host of the Emmy Award–winning syndicated show The Doctors, was a longtime medical contributor on The Rachael Ray Show, and appeared for six seasons as the medical and diet expert on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club. He has also worked as a medical correspondent for NBC News, contributing to NBC Nightly News and The Today Show.

A passionate advocate for public health, Dr. Smith founded national initiatives such as The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile, and has appeared on major programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, MSNBC, and many others. His writing has been featured in outlets such as Time, Newsweek, Men's Fitness, and the New York Daily News.

Dr. Smith's work and service have earned national recognition, including honors from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards and was selected to serve on President Obama's Council on Fitness, Health, and Nutrition.

This conversation explores Dr. Smith's remarkable career at the intersection of medicine, media, storytelling, and service—and what it means to build impact that lasts.

Instagram: @doctoriansmith

TikTok: @theofficialdrian.

Website: www.doctoriansmith.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Dr.IanKSmith

In this powerful episode of Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., Linda Mitchell sits down with Charles and Heidi Hatley, the couple behind Kava & Kettlebells, to challenge one of the most normalized beliefs in modern wellness: that alcohol is the best way to relax, unwind, or cope with stress.

Charles and Heidi share how their journey through fitness, parenthood, trauma, and healing led them to explore alternatives to alcohol—specifically kava, a traditional plant-based drink long used in Pacific Island cultures. What began as a personal experiment quickly became a lifestyle shift rooted in nervous system regulation, recovery, and intentional living.

Charles opens up about how his background in aviation and the Air Force exposed him to a deeply ingrained drinking culture, and how alcohol quietly undermined his fitness, recovery, sleep, and overall health. Heidi shares her own deeply personal story of surviving a near-fatal car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, and how movement, nutrition, faith, and consistency played a critical role in her recovery.

Together, they discuss how kava works differently than alcohol or marijuana, why it supports calm without impairing awareness, and how it has helped them stay present—as parents, partners, and individuals—without numbing out. The conversation also explores the importance of sleep, cortisol regulation, screen boundaries, circadian rhythm, and creating intentional family routines in a world driven by constant stimulation.

This episode is an honest, grounded conversation about healing the nervous system, redefining relaxation, and modeling strength, faith, and calm in everyday life. It's not about extremes or perfection—it's about creating an environment where the body and brain can actually recover.

Whether you're sober-curious, burned out, navigating recovery, or simply questioning what real wellness looks like, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on choosing clarity, connection, and strength over numbing.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why alcohol quietly sabotages fitness, recovery, and brain health
• What kava is, how it works, and how it differs from alcohol and marijuana
• Nervous system regulation and why it's missing from most wellness conversations
• Healing after traumatic brain injury through movement, nutrition, and sleep
• Cortisol, sleep quality, and intentional evening routines
• Parenting without numbing in a high-stimulation culture
• Morning workouts, circadian rhythm, and daily structure
• Faith, resilience, and building a grounded family life

About Charles and Heidi Hatley:

Charles and Heidi Hatley are the voices behind Kava & Kettlebells, a platform and podcast focused on strength training, alcohol-free living, nervous system health, and intentional recovery. They are parents, fitness enthusiasts, and advocates for living fully present—without sacrificing clarity, connection, or purpose.

Listen, learn more, and connect:

Kava & Kettlebells
https://kavaandkettlebells.net

Kava & Kettlebells Podcast
https://kavaandkettlebells.net/podcast

One-sheet and episode reference
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12gV0nIl0Uu9Fps34sy0VnYPy3E0dvlFe/view?usp=drivesdk

Shaun Cassidy is a true creative multi-hyphenate whose career spans music, television, theater, and storytelling. First rising to fame as one of the biggest teen idols of the late 1970s, Shaun signed with Warner Brothers Records while still in high school, released three multi-platinum albums, earned a Grammy nomination, and performed in sold-out venues like Madison Square Garden and the Houston Astrodome — all while starring in the iconic ABC series The Hardy Boys Mysteries.

Behind the scenes, Shaun quietly reinvented himself as one of television's most respected writers and producers. His work includes creating and producing critically acclaimed series such as American Gothic, Roar, Cold Case, The Agency, Invasion, Emerald City, and New Amsterdam, which completed a powerful five-year run on NBC and Netflix.

In this conversation, Shaun reflects on the courage it takes to evolve beyond early success, what reinvention really looks like over a multi-decade career, and why creativity has no expiration date. He also opens up about returning to live performance in 2020 with his one-man show The Magic of a Midnight Sky, the grounding role family has played in his life, and what legacy means to him now.

This episode is an honest, thoughtful look at reinvention, purpose, and the power of staying connected to who you're becoming.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Rising to fame as a teen idol and navigating success at a young age
• Balancing music, television, and public life simultaneously
• Reinventing a career behind the scenes as a writer and producer
• The creative leap from performer to storyteller
• Why compassion-driven stories resonate so deeply today
• Returning to live performance after nearly 40 years
• The role family plays in grounding long-term success
• Redefining purpose and legacy beyond career milestones
• Why it's never too late to begin again creatively

Connect with Shaun Cassidy:

Official website
https://www.shauncassidy.com

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shauncassidyofficial

Learn more about New Amsterdam
https://www.nbc.com/new-amsterdam

In this episode of the Sisterhood of Sweat, Linda Mitchell sits down with Dr. Joy Kong, MD — triple board-certified physician, stem cell specialist, educator, author, and founder of Chara Health USA — for a powerful conversation about healing, resilience, and the courage to never shrink your light.

Dr. Joy explains how ketamine therapy, when used therapeutically, can support brain regeneration, enhance neural connections, and help rewire the brain after trauma. She shares how ketamine increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, promotes new synapse formation, and can support emotional healing when used responsibly in a clinical setting. The conversation explores how ketamine can be paired with stem cell therapy to reduce inflammation, support neurological repair, and promote deep, long-term healing.

The discussion also turns to skincare and aging from a regenerative perspective. Dr. Joy shares the personal story behind creating her stem cell–inspired face cream, Chara Omni, explaining how it combines umbilical cord–derived regenerative factors, peptides, and powerful botanical ingredients. Her goal was to create a clean, non-toxic product that truly works — supporting collagen production, reducing pigmentation, and improving skin health without hormone-disrupting or harmful chemicals.

Dr. Joy also shares her top non-negotiables for youthful, healthy skin at any age, including eating clean, avoiding toxins, moving your body consistently, prioritizing sleep, and cultivating a mindset rooted in gratitude. She emphasizes that gratitude alone can shift your physiology, energy, and overall well-being.

Linda and Dr. Joy then dive into the powerful story behind her memoir, Tiger of Beijing. Dr. Joy recounts growing up in China with limited access to education and opportunity, her visa rejection in 1992, and the fierce determination that drove her to claw her way toward possibility. She explains the "tiger spirit" — a refusal to shrink, accept limits, or let fear take over — that ultimately helped her reach the United States and build a life devoted to healing and purpose.

She also opens up about the second half of her story, sharing how she found the strength to leave an abusive relationship and why protecting your spirit is just as important as chasing your dreams. Her message to women is clear: do not dim your light, do not shrink yourself, and do not let fear take you out of the game.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, resilience can be cultivated, and your story — no matter how difficult — can become a source of strength.

To learn more about Dr. Joy Kong and her work, visit
https://www.joykongmd.com

Explore her regenerative skincare line, Chara Omni, at
https://www.charaomni.com

Find her regenerative medicine clinics and concierge services at
https://www.chara-health.com

Watch Dr. Joy's educational videos and lectures on stem cell therapy on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@JoyKongMD

Follow Dr. Joy Kong on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong

Dr. Joy's memoir, Tiger of Beijing, is available on Amazon in print, Kindle, and Audible.

Burnout has become so common that many people don't even recognize it until their energy, focus, or emotional health begins to suffer.

In this episode of Sisterhood of Sweat, Linda Mitchell sits down with licensed clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and LiveWell Behavioral Health founder Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle. With more than 21 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, and burnout, Dr. Mike shares practical, science-backed tools for building real resilience that lasts.

This conversation explores how emotional health, movement, and faith-based wellness work together to support long-term wellbeing—without sacrificing ambition or performance. Dr. Mike breaks down how chronic stress shows up in daily life, the early warning signs of burnout, and simple ways to calm the nervous system on high-pressure days.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or running on empty, this episode offers grounded strategies you can start using today to protect your energy, strengthen your mindset, and move forward with clarity.

Connect with Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle
https://www.livewellbehavioralhealth.com/
https://www.instagram.com/livewellbehavioralhealth/
https://www.facebook.com/LiveWellBehavioralHealth/
https://www.facebook.com/mike.ronsisvalle/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mike-ronsisvalle-08366a7a/

Learn more about Dr. Mike's book, Stress Relief for Life:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Stress+Relief+for+Life+Mike+Ronsisvalle

Get the app!

https://www.livewell-coaching.com/offers/wNUroKM5?coupon_code=LINDA50 for 50% off the first 3 months.
Use code LINDA50

On today's motivation, we're talking about the importance of rest.