Muscle Science for Women

Ep 83: PCOS and Pumpkin Spice Oct 22, 2024

In this episode, we discuss training and nutrition for women with PCOS, and also how to think about food cravings during your period; we discuss one of the biggest food-related challenges for women in losing fat that isn't talked about, and we give our unsolicited opinion this season's favorite flavor, pumpkin spice.

Wanna tell us what you think about pumpkin spice, or anything else? Send your questions, topic ideas, and feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 or use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 82: Does Your Uterus Get In the Way? Oct 08, 2024

Who is the best and most well-rounded female athlete? What does it mean to be a well-rounded athlete anyway? Why are some "fitness" standards different for men and women (it must be the uterus...) Is cardio really "out" now, or are there types of cardio that can still be beneficial for building muscle and losing fat? Does exercise count as "therapy"? Ashleigh and Rachel discuss all these topics and more - plus, we have some more music playlist ideas for you. We hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we did making it!

Send your thought experiments, funny gym stories, questions, and feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

This episode is brought to you by Muscle Science for Women! Check out our programs below, and if you're a member of the military, first responder team, or medical industry, send us a message for a discount on our programs.

MSW Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

MSW Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

And our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 81: Understanding thyroid health with Elle Russ Oct 01, 2024

Today best-selling author and thyroid health expert Elle Russ joins Ashleigh to discuss the importance of your thyroid: what it does and supports in the body, tell-tale signs that your thyroid health is compromised; hormonal health, fertility, and how that connects with thyroid health; how to advocate for the support you need in the medical system; the connection between confidence and physical health, and so much more. Interested in taking Elle's Ultimate Thyroid course? Click here: https://www.elleruss.com/a/2147520265/UHhNaaFq Or learn more about her Ultimate Confidence course here: https://www.elleruss.com/a/2147520266/UHhNaaFq Have comments, feedback, or questions for us? Email musclescience4women@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave a review, rating, or comment on our podcast whereever you listen! This episode is brought to you by Kion, they offer creatine monohydrate, Essential Amino Acids, organic coffee, clean protein, and other high-quality products for the discerning health enthusiast. Get up to 20% off your order at getkion.com/musclescience

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 80: We design the optimal human meal | Whey causing skin issues? Sep 24, 2024

In this episode Rachel and Ashleigh are asked by a special listener to design the "perfect human meal;" they talk about what to do if whey protein and whey products are causing skin issues; and they chat about folic acid supplementation for women who may look to become pregnant - can you get enough from your food? Should pregnant women really be eating liver? What's the difference between folic acid and folate?

If you have any comments, feedback or questions for the podcast, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com

For more information on the folic acid supplementation question, we recommend you give Lily Nichols, RDN a follow on social media and her website can be found here: https://lilynicholsrdn.com/?s=folic+acid

Here's an article from her website on folate/folic acid: https://lilynicholsrdn.com/?s=folic+acid

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 or use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 79: Lessons learned from a bodybuilder who races ultra-marathons Sep 17, 2024

Today Ashleigh chats with personal trainer, nutritionist, best-selling author, and host of The Brian Keane Podcast about endurance racing as a bodybuilder; strength training for women; the biggest misconceptions about sustainable health; and much more. While we mostly talk to women, about women's issues, sometimes it's enlightening to learn about the similarities (and different perspectives) of coaches with different backgrounds than us, so we hope you find this one interesting!

In addition to helping men and women achieve their fitness goals, Brian is a bodybuilder, a dad, and he trains for and has completed some of the world's most grueling endurance challenges, such as six back-to-back marathons through the Sahara desert, 230 km through the Arctic, and multiple ultra-marathons, including a 100-mile ultra-marathon in the desert in Nevada. Have comments, feedback, or questions for us? Email musclescience4women@gmail.com, and don't forget to leave a review, rating, or comment on our podcast whereever you listen! This episode is brought to you by Kion, they offer creatine monohydrate, Essential Amino Acids, organic coffee, clean protein, and other high-quality products for the discerning health enthusiast. Get up to 20% off your order at getkion.com/musclescience

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 78: When your family doesn't support your goals Sep 10, 2024

In this week's episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about how to juggle, prioritize, and properly rank all the big healthy lifestyle factors, especially as your life and goals change - we talk about the "Healthy Decision Tree" and how to determine when your priorities should change or when you should make adjustments to your plan. We also discuss how to stick to your goals and healthy habits if you happen to live with people who are not supportive, and in some cases seem like they're actively trying to sabotage you!

All that and more - please rate, review, subscribe, leave a comment on the podcast if you're listening in Spotify, and send all your questions or comments to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 or use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 77: Creatine Cycling? | Big Life News | Coolest listener ever? Sep 03, 2024

In this episode Rachel shares some big life news, Ashleigh discusses recent conversations about health and fitness with family members, and they answer some fun questions from listeners, including questions about the pros and cons of creatine cycling, and how to know if your strength training and sports-specific training is well balanced. The ladies may have also found one of the coolest podcast listeners ever...

Have questions, comments, feedback for us? Send it all to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 or use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 76: Answering your growing and bulking questions Aug 20, 2024

Not everyone is trying to get leaner and smaller - lots of us want to get bigger and grow more size and muscle, and that can be just as difficult as leaning out. In this episode Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about how to train and eat to GROW: training frequency and type, intensity, nutrition, and the tips you may be missing that could be stalling your growth.

We also talk about whether beef protein powder is a complete protein, and how you should be incorporating incomplete proteins into your overall meals and macros.

A reminder that if you are a member of the military, medical, or first-responder community, we offer discounts for all of our programs. Emails us at musclescience4women@gmail.com for the discount, or to send us any questions, comments, or topic ideas!

Shouout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 75: Are your fitness goals unrealistic? Aug 06, 2024

In this episode Ashleigh and Rachel talk technology (including some new fitness-related tech Ashleigh is loving, and their thoughts on the health risks of EMF's) but the big conversation today is about goals and standards. They discuss how important it is to have quantifiable goals (vs vague or purely emotional ones); the difference between having high standards and unrealistic ones; and how to audit your life and your goals so they match - because the alternative is always feeling like you're failing, not good enough, or not successful. It turns out, your goal is just as important as the plan you make to get you there - make sure you have the right goal AND the right training.

Questions, comments, or feedback? Send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

This episode is also brought to you by Paleovalley. They make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex.

They have a special Anniversary Sale offer from August 11-18 only: use this link for 35% off and get a free gift with purchase! https://paleovalley.com/anniversary-sale?oid=17&affid=2103

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 74: How do you know when it's time to eat more carbs? Jul 23, 2024

In this short episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about how you know when it's time to eat more carbs, and offer some practical and tangible health tips for shift workers.

A reminder that if you are a member of the military, medical, or first-responder community, we offer discounts for all of our programs. Emails us at musclescience4women@gmail.com for the discount, or to send us any questions, comments, or topic ideas!

This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley. They make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex. This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - get 15% off your order at https://paleovalley.com/musclescience

And shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 73: Why is it so much harder for women to lose fat? Jul 16, 2024

The Women of Muscle Science are back from their summer break! Get ready for fun life updates, some silliness, and as always, plenty of education mixed in. This week the ladies answer questions about how to stay consistent with your fitness when you travel a lot for work; how to improve your workouts in general; and the age-old question: is it really harder for women to lose fat than men? And if so, WHY?! (and what can we do about it?)

Don't miss it - and please email musclescience4women@gmail.com with any feedback, questions or comments.

Here's the link to Ashleigh's blog post with three ways to improve your workouts now, without even changing your programming: https://ashleighvanhouten.com/blogs/news/three-ways-to-improve-your-workouts-today-without-changing-your-programming

We have an epic Amazon Prime deal from our show sponsor, Active Stacks - makers of high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. Head to this link and use the claim code 05PRIMEMSW https://www.amazon.com/promocode/A2PBCGF48UL6FT

This episode is also brought to you by Paleovalley. They make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex. This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - get 15% off your order at https://paleovalley.com/musclescience

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 72: How to improve bone density | partial ROM reps for hypertrophy? Jun 25, 2024

In this week's episode, Ashleigh and Rachel chat about how they manage their colds (including what they do to minimize sickness). They also answer questions from listeners about

how to improve bone density: what exercises should we be doing? At what age is it too late? Why is bone density important? What foods help?
Do partial range of motion reps help hypertrophy even more than full range of motion? Prepare for a deep dive!
And Ashleigh tells a Planet Fitness story

Download Rachel's sick protocol: https://www.rgfit.com/blog/sick-protocol

All that and more - if you have questions, comments, or funny stories for the Muscle Science ladies, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley. They make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex. This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - get 15% off your order at https://paleovalley.com/musclescience

And shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 71: Did you ruin your metabolism by undereating? Jun 18, 2024

In this episode Rachel recaps a fun Vegas weekend, they talk about some of their favorite "on the go" snacks, and they answer a listener question about balancing strength training and marathon training.

The girls also go through a case study from a listener who is also a VERY common client profile: a woman in her 50's who has spent decades undereating, being extremely rigid and strict with their diet, over training and under recovering, and practicing a negative and fear-based mindset around food and training. This client is now, in menopause, struggling with minor weight gain and wondering if decades of habits are impossible to fix or change. There's a lot to unpack here and we hope you find it helpful!

This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley. They make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex. This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - get 15% off your order at https://paleovalley.com/musclescience

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 70: How much muscle is enough - or too much? Jun 04, 2024

This week Ashleigh and Rachel recap Ashleigh's San Diego visit; they respond to a critical email about Botox; they answer a question about whether or not you should cut or bulk first, and a deeper conversation about how to know when you have "enough" muscle. What does enough muscle even mean? How do you know if you have enough to maintain health - and should we be at all worried about too much muscle - what are the potential downsides?

This is a fun episode - if you have any feedback or topic ideas send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Sign up for our NEW workshop, Strong & Sculpted Shoulders: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

And shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 69: Are some people just not "built" for certain exercises? | How many meals per day is optimal? May 21, 2024

In today's episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about whether or not three meals per day is optimal for protein/nutrient absorption; if some builds or anatomies just aren't cut out for certain exercises (and if so, how do we pick the best movements for our bodies?); Ashleigh rants about a particularly bad take on the carnivore diet; and more.

If you have questions, comments, feedback, or want to add a topic for "Ashleigh's Rant Corner," send it to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley. They make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex. This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - get 15% off your order at https://paleovalley.com/musclescience

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Or check out the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Learn about our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 68: Too much dietary protein causes cardiovascular disease (again)? Discussing the latest study May 14, 2024

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer a listener's question about a recent study claiming that high leucine (and dietary protein) intake can cause atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease. The links below provide more information on the study and their response.

The ladies also chat about some recent injuries, Ashleigh's upcoming trip to San Diego, and more. If you have questions, comments, feedback, or want to add a topic for "Ashleigh's Rant Corner," send it to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley. They make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex. This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - get 15% off your order at https://paleovalley.com/musclescience

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Link to the study discussed in this episode: 1. Zhang X, Kapoor D, Jeong SJ, et al. Identification of a leucine-mediated threshold effect governing macrophage mTOR signalling and cardiovascular risk. Nat Metab. 2024;6(2):359-377.

Link to Dr. Peter Attia's response, also mentioned: https://peterattiamd.com/protein-and-ascvd/

Ep 67: Lessons on nutrition and muscle building from Stan Efferding May 07, 2024

Enjoy this re-release of one of our more popular episodes with Stan Efferding, an IFBB Professional bodybuilder and World Record Holding Powerlifter. He is one of only 10 men in the world to ever total over 2,300 pounds raw in competition. Stan holds the title as the World's Strongest Bodybuilder. Stan conducts seminars all over the country for various sports and nutrition and training techniques, and he coined the Vertical Diet - in this episode Ashleigh and Stan talk all things diet, muscle building, and what we can all take from the regimens of elite athletes.

They cover:

Stan's morning/daily routine
His book, The Vertical Diet
Some of his key nutrition tips around fiber and protein
Practical tips for the rest of us gained from the worlds of powerlifting and bodybuilding
Stan's experience dealing with depression and anxiety, and how he addressed it
Working with elite athletes like Hafthor Bjornsson and Jon Jones
And much more!

Please check out our new show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make amazing healthy snacks, like 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious treat). They also have a range of real-food supplements, like Fish Roe and an Organ Complex. This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - get 15% off your order at https://paleovalley.com/musclescience

Let us know your thoughts, or pose more questions or topic ideas to Rachel and Ashleigh at musclescience4women@gmail.com

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 66: How to Figure Out Maintenance Calories? | Herniated Disc Recovery Apr 30, 2024

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about how to transition from a cut to "maintenance" and all the mistakes and misconceptions that come from this process; they talk about training during recovery from a herniated disc; they discuss the concept that cold beverages may be inherently less good for you; and much more.

If you have a question, comment, or topic idea for Muscle Science for Women, email it to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Sign up for the new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Thank you to our sponsor Purity Coffee! Quality coffee can be health promoting and help fight inflammation. Purity Coffee is certified organic and lab tested for pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. They use a proprietary roasting protocol that results (when tested) in up to 65% more antioxidants on average vs other organic coffees. It truly is the best of the best - and it tastes great, with a number of options for you to choose from - even a decaf and a 1/3 caffeinated option! Use our link or the discount code MSW25 to get a full 25% off your first order of the best coffee out there: https://puritycoffee.com/discount/MSW25

Ep 65: Aging well doesn't happen by accident: how to enjoy the process Apr 23, 2024

The term "aging," to many, is a bad word, associated with negative changes and a general decline in health. But many of the negative aspects we associate with aging aren't inevitable. In this episode re-release, Ashleigh speaks with New York Times bestselling author, weight-loss and natural anti-aging expert Dr. Kellyann Petrucci.She is a concierge doctor for celebrities in New York City and Los Angeles, a board-certified naturopathic physician and a certified nutrition consultant. She is a massive proponent of using food to encourage robust health and beauty, and challenging what we think about “natural aging.”

In this episode Dr. Kellyann and Ashleigh discuss eating for beauty; addressing gut health as a means of overall health but also anti-aging; how to slow down brain aging; and ways we can switch our perspective from thinking of aging as an inevitable decline, to thinking of it as an opportunity for growth, improvement, and continued vitality. Aging well doesn’t happen by accident, and there’s so much we can do to feel, look, and perform well as move through life. Learn more about her work at drkellyann.com.

Let us know your thoughts, or pose more questions or topic ideas to Rachel and Ashleigh at musclescience4women@gmail.com

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 64: Lowering LDL cholesterol on a high-protein diet | Are healthy desserts "orthorexic"? Apr 15, 2024

In this episode the ladies answer questions from listeners including one about how to lower LDL cholesterol on a high protein diet: what might be causing the high LDL reading; what other factors other than diet may be contributing; and their advice for some lifestyle factors and further research to address the potential issue.

They also discuss how much is too much protein powder: what percentage of your daily protein amount ideally should come from whole foods, and how much is ok to get from supplements like protein powder? How can you best meal prep or plan when you have a job that keeps you on the road and yet doesn't allow much downtime for eating?

Finally, Ashleigh dives into yet another social media trend that grinds her gears: the polarizing discussion online about "healthy versions of classic desserts." One side says we should avoid dessert unless we make it ourselves, while the other side says that these healthy versions are just an expression of orthorexia. What do you think?

Let us know your thoughts, or pose more questions or topic ideas to Rachel and Ashleigh at musclescience4women@gmail.com

Sign up for our new Strong & Sculpted Shoulders workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

If you've always wanted to test some things out and try a CGM, Muscle Science for Women is partnering with NutriSense to help you! Nutrisense combines cutting-edge technology and human expertise so you can see how your body responds to different food, exercise, stress, and sleep in real time. By pairing a CGM with their app and expert nutritionist guidance, you can help understand which foods impact your glucose levels and how you respond to foods, stress, exercise, and sleep changes. You simply pair a continuous glucose monitor with their Nutrisense app, where you can keep all your data around food, exercise and so on, and their subscription plan also includes a month of free nutritionist support.

Go to Nutrisenseio.com/MSW or use the code MSW at checkout to receive a $30 discount off your first month which includes 2 CGM sensors, free shipping, and a month of professional Nutritionist support.

Ep 63: Are BCAA's any good | Do you need a coffee detox? Apr 09, 2024

In this episode, Rachel and Ashleigh answer listener questions about the efficacy of BCAA's for muscle building and recovery, the concept of "macro thresholds" ie, how much wiggle room do you have with your macros if you're trying to lose fat, and whether or not you should really be doing a coffee detox.

If you want more information on BCAA's and EAA's, check out episode 59 of the podcast.

If you have any questions or topic ideas for the ladies, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Get on the waiting list for their NEW Strong & Sculpted Shoulders Workshop waitlist: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Thank you to our sponsor Purity Coffee! Quality coffee can be health promoting and help fight inflammation. Purity Coffee is certified organic and lab tested for pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. They use a proprietary roasting protocol that results (when tested) in up to 65% more antioxidants on average vs other organic coffees. It truly is the best of the best - and it tastes great, with a number of options for you to choose from - even a decaf and a 1/3 caffeinated option! Use our link or the discount code MSW25 to get a full 25% off your first order of the best coffee out there: https://puritycoffee.com/discount/MSW25

Ep 62: Vegan Protein | Nutritional deficiencies from a meat-based diet? Apr 02, 2024

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel talk about how to enjoy vacation without guilt, vegan protein powders, and Ashleigh's nutritional deficiency test results. They discuss how to balance "vacation mentality" with enough discipline that provides a sense of control while still allowing you to enjoy time off, new experiences, and a break from your regular life. They also talk about protein powders and their thoughts on vegan protein. Ashleigh discusses the results of her Genova Metabolomix+ nutritional deficiency test, including whether her meat-forward diet is giving her enough variety, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. You'll have to listen to hear what she learns!

Send us your thoughts about today's episode or any questions you have to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Sign up for our NEW workshop, Strong & Sculpted Shoulders: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Have you been thinking about getting some health testing done, without the hassle of getting a doctor's appointment? Genova Diagnostics is a direct-to-consumer testing company that allows you to order specific testing online that you can do easily at home and receive personalized recommendations based on the results.

Testing options include a GI Effects gut health test that provides insight into digestive function and intestinal inflammation; Metabolomix+ nutritional testing that can identify individual needs for certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; a hormonal health test that measures sex and adrenal hormones for men and women, and more.

Genova provides educational resources to help you understand results, and you can also work with your own healthcare provider to help further interpret and make use of your findings. Genova makes the testing process easier, so you can do your own research, advocate for yourself, and empower yourself to find the answers you’re looking for to improve your health. Learn more about the options at https://connect.gdx.net/ and use our code, MSW10 for 10% off any of the tests.

And shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder and beef protein powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 61: Are genetic "body types" a thing, and how do you train accordingly? Mar 26, 2024

This is a fun one! In today's episode, Rachel and Ashleigh discuss the concept of body types: (you've probably heard of these, ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph). They talk about:

how these body types are characterized
if there's real "truth" to these categorizations
whether you can change your body composition dramatically outside of your body type
how to train to optimize your body type
and how all this may impact your feelings about your body and your capabilities.

They also talk about specific strength training for sports, gestational diabetes management, and they tease their brand new program launching in April: Strong & Sculpted Shoulders! Sign up to learn more here: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

If you've always wanted to test some things out and try a CGM, Muscle Science for Women is partnering with NutriSense to help you! Nutrisense combines cutting-edge technology and human expertise so you can see how your body responds to different food, exercise, stress, and sleep in real time. By pairing a CGM with their app and expert nutritionist guidance, you can help understand which foods impact your glucose levels and how you respond to foods, stress, exercise, and sleep changes. You simply pair a continuous glucose monitor with their Nutrisense app, where you can keep all your data around food, exercise and so on, and their subscription plan also includes a month of free nutritionist support.

Go to Nutrisenseio.com/MSW or use the code MSW at checkout to receive a $30 discount off your first month which includes 2 CGM sensors, free shipping, and a month of professional Nutritionist support.

If you have questions or topic ideas, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Leearn more about the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 60: Talking to teens about fitness Mar 19, 2024

Ashleigh and Rachel are VERY excited to answer questions from some younger listeners! They answer questions from a high school listener about weight gain and birth control, training plans for weight loss, training around injury, and optimal nutrition for younger people.

They also dive into pesticides in your coffee (and how to avoid them); why they don't give out free workouts to help sell their programs, and more.

Any more teens have fitness questions? Looking for advice? Do you have questions about how to talk to your teens about fitness or encourage them? Send us your thoughts about today's episode or any questions you have to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Get on the waiting list for their NEW Strong & Sculpted Shoulders Workshop waitlist: https://www.rgfit.com/shoulders

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Thank you to our sponsor Purity Coffee! Quality coffee can be health promoting and help fight inflammation. Purity Coffee is certified organic and lab tested for pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. They use a proprietary roasting protocol that results (when tested) in up to 65% more antioxidants on average vs other organic coffees. It truly is the best of the best - and it tastes great, with a number of options for you to choose from - even a decaf and a 1/3 caffeinated option! Use our link or the discount code MSW25 to get a full 25% off your first order of the best coffee out there: https://puritycoffee.com/discount/MSW25

Ep 59: Essential Amino Acids: what exactly are they and why do we need them Mar 12, 2024

In this episode Ashleigh asks the CEO and co-founder of Kion, Angelo Keely, to do a deep dive on essential amino acids. As a life-long meat eater, Ashleigh is skeptical about EAA supplements, so they talk about:

What essential amino acids are and why they're important
The differences between BCAA's and EAA's
How much you're actually getting from your food
How to make sure you're getting enough to optimize your health
How to best incorporate EAA's to optimize intake, muscle growth, and overall health
Can you overdo it and ingest too many EAA's?
Are supplemental EAA's necessary, and if you want to use them, how best to incorporate into a well-rounded diet

All that and more - if you enjoyed this specific deep dive with a subject matter expert let us know and we can do more like this. Email musclescience4women@gmail.com with your questions, feedback, and topic ideas.

If you want to try Kion's Essential Amino Acids products (which Ashleigh is currently using, as well as their creatine) you can get up to 20% off here: getkion.com/musclescience

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 58: Should Ashleigh give up working out? | Can stronger glutes fix low back pain? Mar 05, 2024

In this episode Ashleigh shares her struggles with burnout, comparing her current self to her former self, and struggling with balancing her current goals and responsibilities with her training plan. She and Rachel dive into concepts like identity and fitness, the importance of training in an organized and progressive way, and how to move past boredom and even burnout.

They also answer questions about training with lower back pain, including which exercises may help and setting expectations around recovery time, and Rachel talks about her own struggles with back injury.

Finally, Ashleigh talks about a nutritional assessment test she's taking through Genova Diagnostics.

Send us your thoughts about today's episode or any questions you have to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Genova Diagnostics is a direct-to-consumer testing company that allows you to order specific testing online that you can do easily at home and receive personalized recommendations based on the results.

Testing options include a GI Effects gut health test that provides insight into digestive function and intestinal inflammation; Metabolomix+ nutritional testing that can identify individual needs for certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; a hormonal health test that measures sex and adrenal hormones for men and women, and more.

Genova provides educational resources to help you understand results, and you can also work with your own healthcare provider to help further interpret and make use of your findings. Genova makes the testing process easier, so you can do your own research, advocate for yourself, and empower yourself to find the answers you’re looking for to improve your health. Learn more about the options at https://connect.gdx.net/ and use our code, MSW10 for 10% off any of the tests.

Thank you to our sponsor Purity Coffee! Quality coffee can be health promoting and help fight inflammation. Purity Coffee is certified organic and lab tested for pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. They use a proprietary roasting protocol that results (when tested) in up to 65% more antioxidants on average vs other organic coffees. It truly is the best of the best - and it tastes great, with a number of options for you to choose from - even a decaf and a 1/3 caffeinated option! Use our link or the discount code MSW25 to get a full 25% off your first order of the best coffee out there: https://puritycoffee.com/discount/MSW25

Ep 57: How to "start over" in the gym | Rachel's new job Feb 27, 2024

In this episode of Muscle Science for Women, Ashleigh and Rachel dive into a case study of a woman looking to start over again in her fitness and strength journey, after kids and taking time away from the gym. They provide practical tips on how to overcome obstacles and mental hurdles, identify small wins and how they add up to big change over time, and how much time and effort a busy person really HAS to dedicate to their workout program to see results. They also chat about Rachel's new part time job and a work trip Ashleigh is excited about!

If you've always wanted to test some things out and try a CGM, Muscle Science for Women is partnering with NutriSense to help you! Nutrisense combines cutting-edge technology and human expertise so you can see how your body responds to different food, exercise, stress, and sleep in real time. By pairing a CGM with their app and expert nutritionist guidance, you can help understand which foods impact your glucose levels and how you respond to foods, stress, exercise, and sleep changes. You simply pair a continuous glucose monitor with their Nutrisense app, where you can keep all your data around food, exercise and so on, and their subscription plan also includes a month of free nutritionist support.

Go to Nutrisenseio.com/MSW or use the code MSW at checkout to receive a $30 discount off your first month which includes 2 CGM sensors, free shipping, and a month of professional Nutritionist support.

If you have questions or topic ideas, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 56: Not making progress in your fitness goals? Here's the missing piece Feb 20, 2024

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel talk about some of the ways their beliefs and behaviors around fitness and nutrition have changed over the past ten years; they discuss what may be missing from your plan if you seem to be doing everything right but just aren't seeing progress; and what the margin of error is when trying to determine your optimal macro ratio.

If you have any questions you want answered, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

We're excited about our new show sponsor: Genova Diagnostics is a direct-to-consumer testing company that allows you to order specific testing online that you can do easily at home and receive personalized recommendations based on the results.

Testing options include a GI Effects gut health test that provides insight into digestive function and intestinal inflammation; Metabolomix+ nutritional testing that can identify individual needs for certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; a hormonal health test that measures sex and adrenal hormones for men and women, and more.

Genova provides educational resources to help you understand results, and you can also work with your own healthcare provider to help further interpret and make use of your findings. Genova makes the testing process easier, so you can do your own research, advocate for yourself, and empower yourself to find the answers you’re looking for to improve your health. Learn more about the options at https://connect.gdx.net/ and use our code, MSW10 for 10% off any of the tests.

And shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen peptide powder in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. The chocolate flavor literally tastes like chocolate milk - it's a great way to get a collagen boost in your daily diet.

Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 55: Can you REALLY grow your legs in a home gym? | Prepping for pregnancy Feb 13, 2024

In this episode Ashleigh and Rachel discuss whether or not you can effectively grow your legs and glutes with a limited home gym (and give plenty of advice on how you can maximize your workouts no matter where you are or what equipment you have). They both recently invested in some of the trendy new walking office treadmills and talk about whether they think they're worth it; how their meal prepping has changed over time; the best way to prep for pregnancy; and they have their favorite "lifting straps vs. no lifting straps" debate, AGAIN. This one is a fun episode, and full of practical takeaways.

Here's a link to the Versa Gripps product Rachel loves.

Here's a link for a similar product in Canada.

If you have questions, comments, or topic ideas for us, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thank you to our brand new Sponsor Purity Coffee! Quality coffee can be health promoting and help fight inflammation. Purity Coffee is certified organic and lab tested for pesticides, mold, and heavy metals. They use a proprietary roasting protocol that results (when tested) in up to 65% more antioxidants on average vs other organic coffees. It truly is the best of the best - and it tastes great, with a number of options for you to choose from - even a decaf and a 1/3 caffeinated option! Use our link or the discount code MSW25 to get a full 25% off your first order of the best coffee out there: https://puritycoffee.com/discount/MSW25

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 54: Maybe gluten and dairy aren't so bad | Our blood glucose experiment Feb 06, 2024

In this episode Ashleigh and Rachel dive into a variety of topics around nutrition, including understanding the difference between a food "sensitivity" and an actual allergy; they talk about whether foods that are widely touted as unhealthy (like gluten) should be avoided even if you don't seem to be sensitive to them; and they discuss their own recent experiments with continuous blood glucose monitors - including what raised their blood sugar and what didn't, how stress and exercise impacted their results, and some other surprising findings.

If you've always wanted to test some things out and try a CGM, Muscle Science for Women is partnering with NutriSense to help you! Nutrisense combines cutting-edge technology and human expertise so you can see how your body responds to different food, exercise, stress, and sleep in real time. By pairing a CGM with their app and expert nutritionist guidance, you can help understand which foods impact your glucose levels and how you respond to foods, stress, exercise, and sleep changes. You simply pair a continuous glucose monitor with their Nutrisense app, where you can keep all your data around food, exercise and so on, and their subscription plan also includes a month of free nutritionist support.

Go to Nutrisenseio.com/MSW or use the code MSW at checkout to receive a $30 discount off your first month which includes 2 CGM sensors, free shipping, and a month of professional Nutritionist support.

If you have questions or topic ideas, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Some other links discussed in today's show:

US-based:

Walking Pad: https://amzn.to/48TRHNA Apple Watch Elastic Bands for tracking steps on walking pad: https://amzn.to/3SmcXEz Stainless Steel Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/3SmuVGY Canada-based: Walking pad, stainless steel water bottle, Versa Grips: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/themusclemaven/list/34JTH7DP3MJJ8?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfthemusclemaven

Ep 53: Staying on track with your health while traveling Jan 30, 2024

In this episode Rachel and Ashleigh discuss mindset and the do's and don'ts of staying healthy while traveling. Rachel has just come back from an epic three-week trip to Thailand, and Ashleigh is about to embark on an all-inclusive family vacation, so they chat about stuff like:

How to approach exercise while on vacation - how much should you prioritize it? What's the most effective exercise to do while traveling? How much downtime can you get away with without losing your gains?
How to manage eating while on vacation - should you still track your food? How easy is it to gain weight on vacation, or conversely how easy is it to maintain your current state even when taking a break from your normal routine?
How much does jet lag and other travel factors impact your health, gut health, sleep, etc and how can you combat this?
How can you best balance enjoying yourself, relaxing, and still sticking to your health goals?

All this and more in this episode - if you have any questions or comments, please send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

We're excited to introduce a new show sponsor in this episode: Genova Diagnostics is a direct-to-consumer testing company that allows you to order specific testing online that you can do easily at home and receive personalized recommendations based on the results.

Testing options include a GI Effects gut health test that provides insight into digestive function and intestinal inflammation; Metabolomix+ nutritional testing that can identify individual needs for certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; a hormonal health test that measures sex and adrenal hormones for men and women, and more.

Genova provides educational resources to help you understand results, and you can also work with your own healthcare provider to help further interpret and make use of your findings. Genova makes the testing process easier, so you can do your own research, advocate for yourself, and empower yourself to find the answers you’re looking for to improve your health. Learn more about the options at https://connect.gdx.net/ and use our code, MSW10 for 10% off any of the tests.

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep: 52 - Do's and don'ts: creatine, therapy, competitive bodybuilding Jan 16, 2024

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about:

Why creatine may be making you sick;
The fun of coming up with new workout challenges;
Resources for overcoming hypothalamic amenorrhea;
Why most people shouldn't try competitive bodybuilding;
New experiences with therapy and how it can improve overall health

The ladies get personal in this one, we hope you enjoy it and learn something that helps you! If you have any thoughts, comments, or feedback, please send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen protein in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 51: Parasite Cleanses | Gut Health during Travel Jan 09, 2024

In this episode, Ashleigh sits down with Halie Schoff, functional wellness and nutrition expert and coach who specializes in gut and hormonal health, to talk about how to best support digestive health during different phases of life. They also discuss certain controversial health practices (coffee enema, anyone?) and whether or not someone who practices a healthy lifestyle really "needs" additional detoxifying.

They discuss:

Keys to optimizing gut health
What are parasite cleanses and do we need them?
How to prep for and optimize gut health around travel, and how to minimize any damage done
Do we really "need" regular detoxing? Isn't our body supposed to do that for us naturally?
Ashleigh asks skeptical questions about some health practices like castor oil packs, coffee enemas, and more.

And a lot more! If you have any feedback, questions, or other topics ideas send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thank you to our show sponsor, the Primal Health Coach Institute, an online health and fitness coaching certification school founded by Mark Sisson with a mission to develop highly skilled coaches who are proficient in guiding their clients toward lasting behavior change and excellent health outcomes. Ashleigh was one of the first 50 coaches certified through the program, and she has since developed her own Strength Training for Women Coaching Certification program for coaches through the PHCI. Head to https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/msw/

Use the code MSW25 at checkout to get 25% off the price of either the Strength Training for Women course or the flagship Primal Health Coach course.

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 50: Training around injuries | What people get wrong about muscle building Dec 19, 2023

In the LAST episode of 2023, Ashleigh and Rachel talk about goals and answer listener questions about:

Training around injuries: how to keep training, how to avoid making injuries worse, and how to know when it's time to back off or keep going
Reverse dieting - what it means, how to do it, and why your diet may be holding you back from your goals
Running training (and how you can train for endurance and strength at the same time

All that and more! Email your comments, feedback, topic suggestions and questions to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Get fit with us in 2024 - sign up for the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

or our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality collagen protein in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 49: Can we really change our mindset to improve our health? Dec 12, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh speaks with Erin Power, the coaching and curriculum director at the Primal Health Coach Institute about the complex and layered relationship between a health/fitness/nutrition coach and their client. They dive into topics like:

How to get the most out of your coach (and pick the right one)
Goal-setting: when it's useful, when it's not, and how to feel good in between goals
What does mindset mean? Can we really change our mindset to help reach our health goals?
Why isn't there more attention paid to longevity and sustainability in the health industry? (spoiler, because if more coaches actually taught clients to be self-sufficient they'd be out of work!)
Some tips on how to work smarter, not harder, on your health

And a lot more! This is like a brief mastermind into how coaching works, a behind-the-scenes look at the human beings who work to improve the lives and health of their clients - because we have failures and worries about it too.

If you have any feedback, questions, or other topics ideas send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thank you to our show sponsor, the Primal Health Coach Institute, an online health and fitness coaching certification school founded by Mark Sisson with a mission to develop highly skilled coaches who are proficient in guiding their clients toward lasting behavior change and excellent health outcomes. Ashleigh was one of the first 50 coaches certified through the program, and she has since developed her own Strength Training for Women Coaching Certification program for coaches through the PHCI. Head to https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/msw/

Use the code MSW25 at checkout to get 25% off the price of either the Strength Training for Women course or the flagship Primal Health Coach course.

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 48: How sore is too sore? | More glute-building tips Dec 05, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer more listener questions, like:

What to do when your training goals conflict with your work requirements
How to optimize training around high-stress jobs and shift work
How to know when you're too sore to work out
How to continue to traing your glutes even if they're already "too big"....

And much more! Remember, if you're a first responder, medical professionl or military member you get a special discount on all Muscle Science for Women programs. Email us a musclescience4women@gmail.com for the discount or to send in a question or topic for the podcast.

Thank you to our new show sponsor, CanadianProtein.com, where you can find everything you need to help you reach your fitness goals: creatine monohydrate, whey protein in every flavor you can think of, vegan protein (if you're into that), greens powder, all high quality and incredibly affordable prices. Get free shipping in Canada when you spend more than $99 and free shipping to the U.S. on orders over $149. Check out our favorite creatine product here: https://canadianprotein.com/products/creatine-monohydrate?sca_ref=4752819.iCBCZXTM7A

Or you can try the new flavored collagen peptides from Active Stacks - same amazing ingredients and delicious chocolate and vanilla flavors, with 22 grams of collagen per serving to support gut health and strong skin, hair, and nails. Mixes easily and easy to digest for folks who have trouble with whey protein! Visit activestacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save.

Check out our lower body specialist program, Grow Your Glutes: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Find more info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 47: Optimizing hormonal health throughout your life with menopause expert Esther Blum Nov 21, 2023

Today Ashleigh dives into your most frequently asked hormone questions with Esther Blum, an Integrative Dietitian and Menopause Expert. In the past 27 years she has helped thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones and self-advocacy. Esther is the bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator and Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat, among others. Learn more about Esther here: estherblum.com They discuss topics including: ● How can women go through menopause like a rock star? ● What are the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause? ● What tests do women need to have done to know their hormonal baseline? ● Are supplements necessary? What ones actually work? ● What are the best types of hormone replacement therapy? ● Why do MDs often dismiss HRT? ● Is HRT safe for long-term use? ● What are the best exercises menopausal women can do to feel energized and happy? All that and more! If you have any feedback, questions, or other topics ideas send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thank you to our show sponsor, the Primal Health Coach Institute, an online health and fitness coaching certification school founded by Mark Sisson with a mission to develop highly skilled coaches who are proficient in guiding their clients toward lasting behavior change and excellent health outcomes. Ashleigh was one of the first 50 coaches certified through the program, and she has since developed her own Strength Training for Women Coaching Certification program for coaches through the PHCI. Head to https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/msw/

Use the code MSW25 at checkout to get 25% off the price of either the Strength Training for Women course or the flagship Primal Health Coach course.

Check out our specialized program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 46: Ranting about lazy journalism | mainstream nutritionists | Instant gratification Nov 14, 2023

In this episode Ashleigh and Rachel catch up on their lives, answer listener questions, and get pretty fired up over:

Lazy journalism around diet and nutrition
Major misconceptions about "super foods" and ideal diets that mainstream nutritionists are still teaching
The biggest challenges they see in their coaching practices that hamper client progress
Why instant gratification is the enemy of success

All that and more! Email your questions, feedback, or topic ideas to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thank you to our new show sponsor, CanadianProtein.com, where you can find everything you need to help you reach your fitness goals: creatine monohydrate, whey protein in every flavor you can think of, vegan protein (if you're into that), greens powder, all high quality and incredibly affordable prices. Get free shipping in Canada when you spend more than $99 and free shipping to the U.S. on orders over $149. Check out our favorite creatine product here: https://canadianprotein.com/products/creatine-monohydrate?sca_ref=4752819.iCBCZXTM7A

Check out our lower body specialist program, Grow Your Glutes: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Find more info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 45: Fitness in your 40's and beyond | Dr. Stephanie Estima Oct 31, 2023

In this week's episode, Ashleigh speaks with Dr. Stephanie Estima, a doctor of chiropractic and a health expert focusing on improving lifespan, health span, body composition, and optimal performance. They dive into topics like:

Optimizing diet and training for longevity and health
Optimizing hormones throughout the lifespan
The benefits of HRT for women
Sexism in the fitness industry and how it impacts both professionals and the greater community
Stephanie's favorite workouts and some of her best practices to live a healthy, vibrant life.

Learn more about Stephanie and her book, The Betty Body, here: https://hellobetty.club/ and check out her podcast, Better with Dr. Stephanie.

Thank you to our show sponsor, the Primal Health Coach Institute, an online health and fitness coaching certification school founded by Mark Sisson with a mission to develop highly skilled coaches who are proficient in guiding their clients toward lasting behavior change and excellent health outcomes. Ashleigh was one of the first 50 coaches certified through the program, and she has since developed her own Strength Training for Women Coaching Certification program for coaches through the PHCI. Head to https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/msw/

Use the code MSW25 at checkout to get 25% off the price of either the Strength Training for Women course or the flagship Primal Health Coach course.

Check out our newest program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 44: Is body positivity a good thing? | Are you eating more than you think? Oct 17, 2023

In this Q&A episode, Rachel and Ashleigh answer questions about:

How to hydrate properly, and how alcohol factors in
What to do when you've hit a body composition plateau
How to determine if you're actually eating as much (or more, or less) than you think you are - spoiler alert, most of us are not good at accuracy with this!
Ashleigh talks about her plan to get fitter by the end of the year and some of the obstacles she's facing (another spoiler alert, one of those obstacles is peanut butter cup trail mix)
And they have a discussion about "body positivity": what it is and what it's trying to do, when it fails us, and why "body neutrality" might be a more practical approach

All this and more! If you have any feedback, questions, or topic ideas please send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Check out our newest program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

And thank you to sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen, coffee, powdered MCT and hydration products on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to veteran-supporting charity.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ep 43: Are weight "set points" real? | How to eat out on a diet Oct 03, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh talks about the stress of sending her toddler to pre-school and her fitness plans for the rest of 2023; Rachel gives an update on her "mini cut" and they answer questions about how to eat out while on a diet. They also dive into the concept of a "weight set point": what it is, can you change it, and how your understanding of it may help or hinder your body composition goals or progress.

If you have any other questions you want to ask, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thanks to our sponsor, Goodr! These super cute, polarized, quality sunglasses are incredibly well-priced, and some with a one year warranty. These comfortable sunnies come in a ton of styles, colors, shapes, and sport-specific styles - all with incredible names (one of our favorites is the "Sells House, Buys Avocados" style.) Head to goodr.com/MSW and use the code MSW for free shipping!

Check out our newest program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 42: Dr. Bill Schindler - What does it mean to eat like a human? Sep 26, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh speaks with Dr. Bill Schindler, an archaeologist, primitive technologist, chef, and author of the book, Eat Like a Human.

They cover:

His journey from having an unhealthy approach to food and body image in his younger years, to learning how to enjoy a more nourishing and less punishing relationship with food;
The ONE food humans are actually perfectly designed to eat, and why human beings are actually not very efficient eaters;
The science of digestion in animals and humans;
His experience on a survival-based reality show called The Great Human Race;
His food trips to places like Ireland, Sardinia, and beyond, and how he shares these adventures with his family;
Why fermentation is such a crucial food preparation tool - and how to ferment foods you never imagined could be fermented!
Some of the most "challenging" foods he's ever tried (fermented shark and maggot cheese, anyone?)
How he came to his current work in understanding and teaching the benefits of ancestral forms of food preparation, and why this dying art is important to capture now, which leads to
The work he's doing at his Eastern Shore Food lab, which he founded to preserve and revive ancestral dietary methods to create a nourishing, ethical, and sustainable food system.

You might want to take notes for this one! Learn more about Bill at eatlikeahuman.com and @drbillschindler.

Thank you to our show sponsor, the Primal Health Coach Institute, an online health and fitness coaching certification school founded by Mark Sisson with a mission to develop highly skilled coaches who are proficient in guiding their clients toward lasting behavior change and excellent health outcomes. Ashleigh was one of the first 50 coaches certified through the program, and she has since developed her own Strength Training for Women Coaching Certification program for coaches through the PHCI. Head to https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/msw/

Use the code MSW25 at checkout to get 25% off the price of either the Strength Training for Women course or the flagship Primal Health Coach course.

Check out our newest program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 41: Rachel's "mini cut" | Girl dinner takedown Sep 19, 2023

In this episode Rachel tells us about her "mini cut" for an upcoming vacation, which leads to a discussion on pool party fashion; Ashleigh has a wellness industry rant about "girl dinner;" they talk about their favorite (and most embarrassing) music to listen to while working out, and they get into the business and branding side of Muscle Science for Women. This one is a real mixed bag of fitness and funny - submit your questions and topic ideas to the ladies at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thanks to our new sponsor, Goodr! These super cute, polarized, quality sunglasses are incredibly well-priced, and some with a one year warranty. These comfortable sunnies come in a ton of styles, colors, shapes, and sport-specific styles - all with incredible names (one of our favorites is the "Sells House, Buys Avocados" style.) Head to goodr.com/MSW and use the code MSW for free shipping!

Check out our newest program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 40: TMI Time! All about periods Sep 05, 2023

Ashleigh and Rachel get real womanly in this episode, covering everything about periods including:

the period products we like and use;
how to avoid premenstrual headaches,
a case study about how to get your period back if you've lost it;
and why having a period is "a luxury."
We also talk more about skincare and have a surprise special guest!

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Here's Ashleigh's ebook, Fuel for Pregnancy and Postpartum: https://ashleighvanhouten.com/collections/my-book/products/ebook-fuel-for-pregnancy-and-pospartum

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: https://www.rgfit.com/msw

Info on our Grow your Glutes workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Here is the Amazon link for Rachel's workout top: https://amzn.to/3r73Eyz

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! Go to bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order of coffee, collagen, grass-fed butter-based creamer, MCT powder and more with the code MSW20 when you visit https://www.bubsnaturals.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at active stacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase.

Ep 39: Best hormonal testing | Unilateral training | American Gladiators Aug 22, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel chat about the new American Gladiators documentary, what type of testing is best to determine hormone levels and overall health, and how to optimize unilateral --single limb--training: why it's important, what exercises are most impactful, and how to rest properly for maximum output.

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: musclescienceforwomen.com

Info on our Grow your Glutes workshop: rgfit.com/glutes

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! Go to bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order of coffee, collagen, grass-fed butter-based creamer, MCT powder and more with the code MSW20.

They are also doing an awesome giveaway for the month of August - win a coffee bundle and a pair of Ashleigh's custom-designed solid gold barbell earrings by entering here: https://www.bubsnaturals.com/MSW

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at active stacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase.

Ep 38: Thoughts on 75 Hard | Safe Tanning | Caffeine Aug 08, 2023

In this Q&A episode, Ashleigh and Rachel dive into the 75 hard challenge, they talk about safe sun exposure, caffeine consumption, and they revisit their old debate on using wrist straps when lifting...this is a fun one, don't miss it!

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: musclescienceforwomen.com

Info on our Grow your Glutes workshop: rgfit.com/glutes

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! Go to bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order of coffee, collagen, grass-fed butter-based creamer, MCT powder and more with the code MSW20.

They are also doing an awesome giveaway for the month of August - win a coffee bundle and a pair of Ashleigh's custom-designed solid gold barbell earrings by entering here: https://www.bubsnaturals.com/MSW

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at active stacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 37: How to: fix bloating, find a good doctor, and target your hamstrings Aug 01, 2023

In this fun episode Ashleigh and Rachel show off some summer fashion (follow us on YouTube to watch the episodes!) and answer listener questions including:

How to fix bloating, and how much stomach bloat is normal
How to optimize good digestion
How to find a doctor who understands the importance of nutrition
What is nutritional yeast and is it good for you?
Are good mornings a good exercise?

And more!

Thanks to our BRAND NEW sponsor, Goodr! These super cute, polarized, quality sunglasses are incredibly well-priced, and some with a one year warranty. These comfortable sunnies come in a ton of styles, colors, shapes, and sport-specific styles - all with incredible names (one of our favorites is the "Sells House, Buys Avocados" style.) Head to goodr.com/MSW and use the code MSW for free shipping!

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

Ep 36: Postpartum fitness and health with Melissa Paris Jul 25, 2023

In this episode with Ashleigh and her special guest, postpartum fitness and kettlebell expert Melissa Paris, the two moms discuss the importance of the postpartum period for long-term health and healing, the kinds of breathwork that help improve core stability, the best way to support and strengthen core and pelvic health both before and after birth, how to navigate fitness "as a mom" while juggling all the new responsibilities and distractions, and the number one thing women should do in the weeks after birth...you'll have to listen to find out what it is!

Follow Melissa on Instagram @melissaparisfitness

If you want to learn more about my thoughts on pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, check out my ebook.

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 35: A deep dive on Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Jul 11, 2023

In this episode, Rachel and Ashleigh dive deeper into the topic of hormone replacement therapy for women, attempting to clear up some misconceptions and provide information for listeners to better inform their own further research. (As a reminder, this episode does not contain medical advice and is meant for general information and entertainment purposes only.)

The ladies cover topics including:

Some common misconceptions around the health risks of HRT for women, and where these misconceptions stemmed from;
An overview of The Women’s Health Initiative, the largest-ever hormone replacement therapy clinical trial, the results that came from it and the limitations and issues with this study;
The differences between synthetic and bio-identical hormones;
Some concluding thoughts on how to conduct your own research and speak to your care provider if you're interested in learning more about HRT.

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Further reading and resources:

Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, MD (a breast oncologist) and Carol Tavris, PhD. They dive deep into this topic, debunking the estrogen myth, and cite over 400 references in their book.
Happy Healthy Hormones by Dr. Daved Rosensweet, MD. A deep dive into hormones, menopause, BHRT (bioidentical HRT), and much more.

Clark JH. A critique of Women's Health Initiative Studies (2002-2006). Nucl Recept Signal. 2006 Oct 30;4:e023. doi: 10.1621/nrs.04023. PMID: 17088939; PMCID: PMC1630688.

Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative Investigators. Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: Principal Results From the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2002;288(3):321–333. doi:10.1001/jama.288.3.321

Cagnacci, Angelo, and Martina Venier. 2019. "The Controversial History of Hormone Replacement Therapy" Medicina 55, no. 9: 602. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090602

Ep 34: Q&A - Ozempic | Cottage Cheese trend | Net vs total carbs Jun 27, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel try (and fail) to do a rapid-fire Q&A, but they still cover a lot of ground: they chat about the latest fat-loss drug, Ozempic; the new social media food trend of making everything out of cottage cheese; and answer other questions about gut health, whether there's value in core-specific workouts, and how often you should "go to failure" in your workouts. All that and more!

If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Interested in pre and post-natal nutrition? Check out Ashleigh's Fuel for Pregnancy and Postpartum ebook.

Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ep 33: Q&A: HRT | best glute exercises Jun 13, 2023

In this Q&A episode, Rachel and Ashleigh catch up on what's going on in their lives after a brief break and chat about:

Impactful glute exercises
Learning new skills
The misconceptions around hormone replacement therapy for women

And that's just the tip of the iceberg! If you have more questions for Ashleigh and Rachel, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ep 32: What's wrong with the health and fitness coaching industry, and how we can fix it May 30, 2023

In this re-released episode, Ashleigh discusses what she's seen/experienced as the issues in the coaching industry today, and what we can all do to improve it.

As a professional in the health and fitness industry for more than a decade, Ashleigh has worked as a coach and has experience as a client; she’s also worked with, observed, interviewed, and learned from some of the top coaches in the industry. When a coaching experience doesn’t go well, it’s easy to chalk it up to an unmotivated client, or a crappy coach - sometimes this is true, but more often it boils down to miscommunication and unclear goals. A coach/client relationship requires understanding, open-mindedness, respect, and communication (just like every relationship) but often we don’t focus on this; instead we focus on how much money we’re spending, how fit the coach looks, and how long this “getting healthy” process will take. In this episode, Ashleigh breaks down what she sees as the biggest “failures” of both coaches and clients, and how she thinks we can improve the culture and understanding and approach to coaching to improve outcomes and create healthier, happier people.

Have more questions or topic ideas for us? Email them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our new program, the Grow your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - use code MM20 to save on anything you buy: grassfed collagen, MCT, and their new amazing coffee!

Ep 31: How Nutrition and libido are connected May 16, 2023

In this re-released episode, Ashleigh welcomes back her friend Dr. Elly Michelle Lieppman, a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in individualized women’s medicine, optimizing hormones, digestion, and energy. Learn more at drellymichelle.com.

Dr. Elly and Ashleigh tackle the complex and spicy topic of sexual health and libido - discussing topics like:

How libido is an indicator of overall health
The many physical and emotional layers that contribute to libido
What our sex hormones are telling us
Dietary issues that can contribute to low libido
Why women especially should prioritize their sexual health more

Have more questions or topic ideas for us? Email them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our new program, the Grow your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - use code MM20 to save on anything you buy: grassfed collagen, MCT, and their new amazing coffee!

Ep 30: Body fat percentages | Rest day restlessness May 09, 2023

In this Q&A episode, Ashleigh and Rachel are asked about their body fat percentages, our favorite lifts, what to do with rest day restlessness, and more chats about optimizing training around your monthly cycle.

Have more questions or topic ideas for us? Email them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our new program, the Grow your Glutes Workshop.

More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Ep 29: The Science of Stress and Stress Mitigation with Dr. Andrew Huberman May 02, 2023

Since May is a busy month for the Muscle Science for Women ladies, please enjoy the re-release of one of the most popular podcast episodes Ashleigh ever recorded: her interview with Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and a professor in the department of neurobiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. If you haven't heard this episode before, it's full of usable, accessible tools to understand and manage your stress response - and if you have heard it before, we really think this one is worth listening to again!

Dr. Huberman studies brain development, brain plasticity, neural regeneration as well as things like controlling your brain state, tangible ways to manage fear, stress and anxiety, and at his lab he also works on strategies for halting and reversing vision loss ad how visual perceptions and autonomic arousal states impact behavioral responses. In this episode we dive into practical ways to immediately control brain state and help mitigate acute stressors, rewiring your brain for positivity, we talk about neurotransmitters, breath work, and even how your vision impacts your stress response.

Questions, comments, feedback? Send us a note at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Check out our flagship training and education program, Muscle Science for Women.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen, delicious, high-quality coffee, and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MM20 for a discount!

Ep 28: What is reverse dieting? | How to do it correctly Apr 18, 2023

This week is all about reverse dieting: Ashleigh and Rachel discuss what a reverse diet is, and why you should do it after spending time in a caloric deficit. They also talk about what many people get wrong about reverse dieting; how changing your body size changes your nutritional and metabolic needs; and how to find your new "maintenance" calories after you've changed your body composition. This is an important episode for anyone who's lost weight or changed their body composition, hit their goal, and thought, "now what do I do?"

You'll also want to listen to this episode to find out why Rachel has a black eye...

AND the Muscle Science for Women: Grow your Glutes Workshop is now open! Sign up here: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Email your questions, comments, topic ideas and feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com

We are so excited to announce a new show sponsor: BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ep 27: Are HIIT workouts actually good for you? Apr 11, 2023

In today's episode, Ashleigh and Rachel talk all things High Intensity Interval Training:

What exactly is it, and what are the common ways people do it wrong?
What are the potential benefits?
What are the potential downfalls?
Can it be effective for women looking to lose fat, build muscle, and who have limited time for workouts?
What are their favorite HIIT workouts?

The ladies also discuss their new offering, the Grow Your Glutes workshop, and introduce a potential new intro theme song, hope you love it!

Learn more or sign up for the Grow your Glutes workshop here: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Sign up for the Muscle Science for Women course here: http://musclescienceforwomen.com

Email your hosts any feedback, funny stories, questions or topic ideas to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at https://bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ep 26: Can you change your body composition without changing your weight? Apr 04, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel talk about cutting and bulking in tandem with the seasons; whether or not you can/should try to change your body composition without losing or gaining weight; how to know when it's time to move on from a current goal and start a new challenge; and of course, they talk about healthy protein treats for those of us who are trying to chaise gains but who also need ice cream.

Here's a link for how to make the BEST protein ice cream: https://www.rgfit.com/blog/ninja-creami-protein-ice-cream-low-calorie

Here's the link to get on our Grow Your Glutes workshop waitlist: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Want to share your funny fitness stories, suggest topic ideas or guests, or give feedback? Email musclescience4women@gmail.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Shoutout to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.rgfit.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 25: Final photoshoot prep update | Dealing with back pain Mar 28, 2023

"A healthy body is a responsive body."

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a body composition or fat loss goal - you feel like you're doing everything right but not seeing the results you want? It could be that you're missing some of the foundational health principles that will help encourage body composition changes. Many of the most important factors for fat loss or muscle gain - things like proper nutrition, recovery, rest, hormonal health, stress management, and more - are ignored in favor of sexier things like new workout plans, but the fact remains: a healthy, well-fed and recovered body will respond better to new challenges than an undernourished, overworked one.

This is what Ashleigh and Rachel chat about in today's episode as Ashleigh talks about the final week of prep before her photoshoot; they discuss what went well, what didn't, how she feels, and what comes next.

Rachel also talks about some injury recovery, how to manage back pain, and the two coaches share some painfully hilarious fitness-related stories.

Send in your feedback and podcast questions or comments to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Add your name to the waitlist for their new Grow your Glutes workshop, coming soon: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Thank you to our sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at https://www.bubsnaturals.com/ and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.rgfit.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 24: Motivation and cardio - How important are they for fat loss? Mar 14, 2023

In this episode of Muscle Science for Women, Ashleigh gives an update on her short but intense photo shoot prep and fat loss plan, revealing the challenges she's having (they're not what you think!) and they talk about the importance of motivation in goal setting - as well as what to do when motivation fails.

They dig into the role cardio can play in fat loss, and how to implement it in a strategic, sustainable, and healthy way.

Email us with your thoughts, comments, topic suggestion to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Learn more about the Muscle Science for Women flagship program at http://musclescienceforwomen.com

Thanks to our show sponsor, BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans and creamer, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 23: Let's talk glutes! | Training around your cycle Mar 07, 2023

Join the Build Your Glutes Workshop interest list HERE!

This week, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about training around your cycle; Rachel shares details about her business rebranding; and the two ladies announce their first new workshop product since Muscle Science for Women was born...hint, it's all about the glutes :) Learn more about the new course and how you can sign up for a bigger, stronger backside.

Reach out with any questions, comments, or topic ideas by emailing musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Learn more about the Muscle Science for Women flagship program at musclescienceforwomen.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 22: Talking beauty standards in the fitness industry Feb 28, 2023

In this episode, hosts Rachel and Ashleigh answer your questions, including whether their feelings about themselves or about beauty in general have changed as their "online careers" have grown. They also offer their own tips or advice for how to cultivate contentment, compassion, and self-love in an online world that can be increasingly judgemental and negative.

Ashleigh also gives an update on her photoshoot prep, and they discuss how to manage your goals when unexpected stresses are thrown at you.

If you have questions, comments, feedback, or podcast topic ideas, email them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thank you to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Ep 21: Does nutrition timing matter for fat loss? | Nerding out on creatine Feb 21, 2023

In this episode, the girls nerd out about the benefits and uses of creatine and collagen; they discuss the nuances of nutrition timing when in a deficit; Ashleigh talks about her experience with Rachel’s Training program so far, and more.

If you have any questions, topic ideas, comments or feedback, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 20: Ashleigh talks about her photoshoot prep with a SURPRISE coach! Feb 14, 2023

Even coaches need coaching - Ashleigh is working on a short but intense "prep" for an upcoming photoshoot, and she discusses her plan and goals with her surprise coach - including things she does and doesn't like about having a coach, the difficulties of a prep after having a child, her changing values, the non-negotiables required when looking to make body composition changes, and ultimately, the TRUE value of a coach...it's not always what we think it is!

What do you want to learn from or know about Ashleigh's photoshoot prep? Send your questions to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thank you to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans in dark and medium roast options, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 19: Is fasting good for women or not? Feb 07, 2023

In this short solo episode, Ashleigh answers listener questions about whether fasting for women is a good idea; when you know you've reached a goal and when it's time to take a break/maintain, and her thoughts on the current state of fitness coaching and accreditation.

Learn more on her episode with women's fasting expert Cynthia Thurlow here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hmsWBTLSmU&t=276s

Listen to Ashleigh's episode about "what's wrong with the coaching industry and how we can fix it" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAyfP4kGpDs

Learn about Ashleigh's Strength Training for Women Specialist Certification through the Primal Health Coach Institute here: https://nm356.isrefer.com/go/STW/themusclemaven/

If you have any questions, feedback, or topic ideas, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Thanks to our new show sponsor: BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ep 18: Optimize your hormones with Dr. Halie Schoff Jan 31, 2023

One of the questions most frequently asked of the Muscle Science for Women podcast hosts is around optimizing hormonal health as we age, so we can maximize muscle, minimize stress, and live vibrant, healthy lives. It's a complex topic, though, and one that requires more than one podcast episode to dive into!

This week, Ashleigh chats with Dr. Halie Schoff, a licensed and practicing Functional Chiropractor, Integrative Health Practitioner, and Podcaster with a Master's in Applied Clinical Nutrition. She is a former collegiate athlete who has a passion for teaching people how to bridge the gap between fitness and holistic health. With a focus on women's hormones and gut health, Dr. Halie has worked with thousands of people all over the world to regain their health through lifestyle, optimal diet, movement, and functional practices. Learn more on her podcast, Podcast-Alpha Health + Wellness Radio, her instagram @drhalieschoff @alphahealthwellness, and her website, drhalieschoff.com

They dive into topics like:

- How to be healthy in our cortisol driven society; - How to optimize hormones for overall health; -The important hormones we're not paying attention to; -Adrenal health

and more! If you have more questions or topic ideas for us, email musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Thanks to our show sponsors:

Active Stacks makes high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

BUBS Naturals offers the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ep 17: How to get your strength back after injury or illness Jan 24, 2023

Ashleigh and Rachel answer some of the most commonly asked questions they get about:

How much protein can you really metabolize at once? How do you know how much protein you should be eating per meal? They provide actionable strategies to help you figure it out for yourself
How to come back to training after injury and illness in a safe smart way and how to minimize muscle loss during injury
What do they think of cold water therapy, including when it can be helpful and when it can be harmful
New protein ice cream recipes (squash ice cream anyone?)

If you have questions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 16: Can you spot reduce muscle? Jan 17, 2023

In this episode, Rachel and Ashleigh catch up after the holidays and talk about their new year’s challenges and resolutions and some things they’re working on.

Rachel talks about improving gut health and Ashleigh discusses a new exercise goal she's scared to try. They also answer a very unique listener question about spot REDUCING muscle, rather than spot reducing fat: can you do it, and if so, how? Why might you want to spot reduce muscle in the first place?

This is a fun one - please email your feedback and any questions you want answered on the show to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

We are so excited to announce a new show sponsor: BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans.

They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 15: Answering more of your questions about healthy, fit pregnancy Jan 03, 2023

In this episode, Ashleigh speaks with health and fitness coach Laura Ruspis (@coachlaura.fit) and mom of four about her fitness and motherhood journey, and together they answer your questions about prenatal vitamins, training in the postpartum period while breastfeeding, postpartum food prep, how partners can support postpartum women, how to look at fitness post-birth, and so much more. If you'd like more info about fueling for pregnancy and postpartum, you can download Ashleigh's ebook on the topic here: https://ashleighvanhouten.com/products/ebook-fuel-for-pregnancy-and-pospartum

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback for us, send us a message at musclescience4women@gmail.com

Thank you to our show sponsor, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 14: Is Intra-Workout Fuel Useful? Dec 13, 2022

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of intra-workout fuel (I.e., eating something during a workout). We dive into the details of why it might help performance, what intra-workout fuel is best, and how it could promote unhealthy attitudes toward food if you're unaware of how you're using it. They also answer questions about rehabbing injuries, and the two hosts have some differing opinions on what does and does NOT count as dessert.

If you have questions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

We're excited to introduce our podcast partner, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Ep 13: Get Strong AND Look Good Naked with Functional Bodybuilding Dec 06, 2022

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel chat with Functional Bodybuilding Master Coach Bri Lamb about her journey from college athlete to CrossFitter to training for health and aesthetics.

She talks about her struggles with overtraining and how she's worked to find balance while still chasing goals and, of course, wanting to look good naked...and how she applies her experiences and training to help her clients do the same. Connect with Bri on Instagram @briannalamb

But first, the ladies dive into some current events, weighing in on the "Liver King controversy" and also a discussion on whether the rise in cosmetic procedures in women is part of women's empowerment or just another way for women to feel like they aren't good enough without some kind of outside intervention. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics! Please send your feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com and we may read your comments on the show!

Thanks to our show sponsor Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Ep 12: The hosts answer YOUR personal questions! Nov 29, 2022

In this fun - and overdue - episode, you can get to know your hosts Rachel and Ashleigh as they answer your rapid-fire personal questions about how they met, what it's like being an entrepreneur in the fitness industry, how they spend their "rest days", whether they were into sports and fitness as kids, their favorite junk food, and more. They also answer some health questions around recovery and hot/cold therapy.

Rachel's Book List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rachelgregory

If you have questions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

We're excited to introduce our new podcast partner, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Email your questions, comments, and feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 11: What CrossFit gets wrong about strength training Nov 22, 2022

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer questions about:

-the importance (or lack therof) of dynamic warm-ups for strength training;

-why some coaches program "ego" workouts and whether they're helpful or a waste of time;

-whether sweating, exhaustion, and soreness is an accurate indicator of a good workout;

-what crossfit gets wrong about strength training

Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Email your questions, comments, and feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 10: Preventing holiday weight gain - LIVE podcast! Nov 15, 2022

In their second live webinar/podcast episode, Ashleigh, Rachel, and their guests discuss the fears, misconceptions, and tactics around eating during the holidays. They cover topics including:

Do people actually tend to gain weight around the holidays, or is it a myth?
How to balance enjoying special meals with loved ones while also feeling good and sticking to your goals and boundaries
How to manage peer pressure around eating and drinking with family and friends
Straightforward strategies to plan ahead around holiday meals, and also what you can do during meals to enjoy your food without guilt, and without the junk food hangover the next day!

The hosts also decode some of their dreams and ask the question: is it ever ok to approach strangers in the gym?

If you have questions, topic ideas, or suggestions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to musclescience4women@gmail.com.

We're excited to introduce our new podcast partner, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at activestacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 9: Troubleshooting Body Composition Plateaus - LIVE podcast! Nov 01, 2022

This episode marks the first time that Rachel and Ashleigh recorded a “live” podcast, allowing listeners to attend the zoom call and participate, asking questions and giving input. It was super fun, so watch out for more of these in the future! This week, they discuss overcoming body composition plateaus, focusing on challenges with fat loss. They cover:

How to ensure your goals align with your lifestyle and your behaviors
How to conduct a “body composition” audit on yourself to ensure you’re actually doing the right things to meet your goals
How to know the difference between a fat loss stall and your body just being happy where it is
Different ways to monitor success aside from the weight on the scale
How to know when you need to change your plan, or stick to it a little longer

We also gave away the biggest discount EVER on our Muscle Science for Women program…so make sure you sign up for our next live podcast/workshop so you don’t miss special discounts and offers. Sign up here: https://www.metflexlife.com/registration-page

Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Email your questions, comments, and feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 8: Is weight fluctuation normal? Oct 18, 2022

Rachel and Ashleigh are answering your questions today on topics like the importance of veggies when building muscle, how to add carbs intelligently to support training and muscle building, and more - but first Rachel talks about her new healthy treat obsession and Ashleigh tells a story about the strangeness of online coaching, which leads her to an idea for a "reverse Only Fans"...you have to listen to this one to hear what she's talking about! This episode is a little adult, a little funny, and educational too.

Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

For Rachel's ice cream recipes, head here: https://www.metflexlife.com/blog/ninja-creami-protein-ice-cream-low-calorie

If you want to sign up for the program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

Email your questions, comments, and feedback to musclescience4women@gmail.com

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 7: Ashleigh and Rachel get in a fight over squats Oct 04, 2022

This one is spicy! In this Q&A episode, Rachel and Ashleigh start out by discussing workout and exercise order selection, but then dive deep into a fun, but respectful, debate about whether or not you should “pre-exhaust” your muscles before doing your big lifts, or whether you should keep it simple and do the big, challenging lifts first and exhaust your muscles at the end.

They also get into whether more people could benefit from machine-assisted movements or if we should prioritize old-school compound lifts with barbells. Wherever you fall in this debate, it’s a good lesson that there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to fitness and that the best approach is the one that works for you.

The ladies also decide to come up with a Spotify workout playlist – if you want to send in your suggestions, email your fave songs to musclescience4women@gmail.com

If you want to sign up for the program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 6: What the fitness coaching industry is missing Sep 20, 2022

In this solo episode, Ashleigh talks about some of the key elements largely missing from the strength and fitness coaching industry, especially regarding coaching women - the biggest challenge being the lack of women's focused research, study, and resources to better inform coaches programming and support. The industry as a whole needs more resources, formal scientific study, and compassionate listening in order to best understand, support, and guide our clients to their reaching their goals and finding their healthiest selves.

Ashleigh also briefly discusses her new coaching resource, the Strength Training for Women Specialist Certification offered through the Primal Health Coach Institute, designed for all coaches who work with female clients. For more information or to sign up, head here: https://nm356.isrefer.com/go/STW/themusclemaven/

Reach out to us with questions and comments at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 5: Let's stop blaming carbs for our poor lifestyle habits Sep 06, 2022

In this episode Rachel and Ashleigh answer listener questions about carbs (carbs aren't bad, it's how we use-or abuse-them), talk about some upcoming trips and exciting life plans, and discuss the latest launch of their Muscle Science for Women training program!

If you want to sign up for the program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Reach out to us with questions and comments at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 4: Prepping For A Photoshoot Aug 23, 2022

In this episode Rachel and Ashleigh chat about how Rachel is prepping for her latest photoshoot - they talk nutrition and caloric deficits, how much cardio you really need to do to change your body composition, how to achieve aesthetic goals without driving yourself crazy, and lots more! If you have any fitness or wellness topics you want us to cover, reach out!

Please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Reach out to us with questions and comments at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 3: Women Are Not Small Men with Dr. Stacy Sims Aug 09, 2022

In this episode, Ashleigh chats with Dr. Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist and leading voice in women’s performance.

She has directed research programs at Stanford, AUT University, and the University of Waikato, focusing on female athlete health and performance and pushing to improve research on all women.

She’s written two books, Roar and Next Level, and is well known for her ted talk women are not small men – her goal, similar to Rachel and Ashleigh's, is to educate everyone about the unique challenges and needs of women who are looking to improve health and performance.

Please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Reach out to us with questions and comments at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Ep 2: When Doctors (and Kim Kardashian) Give Bad Health Advice Jul 26, 2022

In this episode of Muscle Science for Women, Ashleigh and Rachel discuss Kim Kardashian's new job as "chief taste consultant" for Beyond Meat, and also talk about Rachel's experience with a doctor giving her bad nutrition advice. We dive into advocacy, misleading marketing, and why understanding and listening to your own body is so important.

Please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Reach out to us with questions and comments at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Introducing: The Muscle Science For Women Podcast! Jul 12, 2022

Today's podcast is a big one, and comes with an announcement: Ashleigh is officially changing the Muscle Maven Radio podcast to the Muscle Science for Women podcast!

First: please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

Moving forward, Ashleigh and her co-host Rachel Gregory, the creators of the Muscle Science for Women program, will answer listener questions and address key elements of wellness and fitness including nutrition, training, recovery, hormonal health, and more - all with a focus on women's unique physiology, goals, and challenges. We encourage EVERYONE, male and female, to continue to listen, engage, and learn, because the more we all know about strength and fitness, the better!

Reach out to us with questions and comments at musclescience4women@gmail.com.

And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: amazon.com/optimalcarnivore

Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns

Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Erin Power | Can we change fitness culture? Jun 07, 2022

In this episode Ashleigh takes a deep dive on fitness culture with Erin Power, Coaching & Curriculum Director at the Primal Health Coach Institute about the current state of fitness culture, it's impact on women specifically, and whether or not leaders in the fitness and wellness industry can hope to change or dismantle the harmful aspects of fitness culture in an increasingly digital, instant-gratification world.

Ashleigh also reveals that she is developing a course for Primal Health Coach Institute for coaches aimed at creating a deeper understanding around strength training for women: the physiological, psychological, hormonal, and cultural aspects as well as practical knowledge that is sorely lacking in generic strength training programs. It will cover practical aspects around recovery, hormonal health, physical changes throughout a woman's lifecycle, as well as nutritional requirements, physiological differences and the impacts on training programming, and how coaches can better inform themselves about these topics to provide better support to strength-training women.

Erin and Ashleigh cover the following topics:

Is it naive to ask people to aim for non-esthetic goals, or will body image always be a significant part of fitness?
How can coaches promote self-efficacy?
How can we help determine the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic goals in our social media obsessed culture?
Is competition (and comparison) inherently bad?
Is #fitspo ever inspiring?
How can we work to lessen the influence and impact of fitness culture?
So much more!

For more information about the courses offered by Primal Health Coach Institute, visit: https://www.primalhealthcoach.com

To follow Erin, head to @eat.simple.erin on Instagram

And stay tuned for more information about Ashleigh's course, launching soon!

Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Dr. Will Cole | Spirituality, Consistency, and Bravery - wellness factors we aren't talking about May 31, 2022

Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the world via webcam, having started one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Cole specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems.

He is also the bestselling author of Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, and the New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting. In this episode, Will and Ashleigh cover the following topics:

What is Intuitive Fasting and why is it so misunderstood?
What is functional medicine
The impact he sees clinically on wellness with consistent incorporation of mindfulness/meditation/gratitude/spiritual practices
Why he thinks we need a cultural reframing around alcohol consumption
Social media, raising healthy kids, and more!

Learn more about Dr. Will Cole, his work, podcast, and books at www.drwillcole.com

Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make Ashleigh's favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Barefoot training and functional foot health with Dr. Emily Splichal May 17, 2022

Ashleigh chats with functional podiatrist and movement specialist Dr. Emily Splichal today about mobility and strength work we can all do to improve our foot function and health. She talks about her functional approach to foot health and pain and how strongly connected the feet are to the rest of our bodies, including our hips, pelvic floor, and even jaw. She also offers suggestions for how we can encourage proper mechanics with our young kids as they learn to walk and run.

Learn more about Dr. Splichal at www.dremilysplichal.com and her company Naboso and its proprioceptive products at www.naboso.com

Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Why you should be eating heart May 03, 2022

This episode is an excerpt from a talk Ashleigh did recently for Robb Wolf's private community health and fitness platform called The Healthy Rebellion. She spoke to the community about the origins of her organ meat cookbook It Takes Guts, the importance of incorporating organ meats into your diet, and then a breakdown about one specific cut: heart. She discusses how to source, prep, and cook heart, the health benefits, and why it may be a tasty and relatively easy addition to your meal planning!

To learn more about The Healthy Rebellion: https://join.thehealthyrebellion.com/

Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Learning from Tom Cruise's former personal chef Apr 19, 2022

This week Ashleigh chats with chef James Berry, founder of Pluck, which is an organ-meat based seasoning blend. James is also a former private chef for celebrities including Tom Cruise and George Clooney! Ashleigh and James chat about how subtle dietary changes can reap big rewards, and James offers tips to make meal planning and cooking at home easier and less of a chore. He also shares some pretty crazy stories of his time making meals for some of the world's biggest celebrities!

If you'd like to try Pluck organ meat seasoning, head to eatpluck.com and use the code MAVEN10 to save money on your first order.

Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

What is intuitive eating? Mar 15, 2022

Ashleigh is back with her Muscle Science for Women co-creator Rachel Gregory! This time they're tackling the topic of Intuitive Eating: what is it? Is it possible to eat intuitively in a food culture where everything is hyperpalatable? Can you eat intuitively and still lose body fat? Do you need to track calories to lose weight? They cover all of this and more, don't miss this episode if you're looking to remove some of the stress and rules around your daily eating habits.

Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

My pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience Dec 14, 2021

In the last episode of 2021, Ashleigh talks about her pregnancy and birth story: her experiences being pregnant; including how she adjusted her diet and workout regimen; her actual birth experience, which involved an unmedicated birth at a birth center with a midwife and doula (and a couple surprises); and how she approached recovery, health, and life in the fourth trimester, aka the first few months after birth.

While this episode is not meant to be formal advice to any potential or new mom, it is a deeply personal story where Ashleigh shares her thoughts, feelings, experiences, and some suggestions or things to think about when you're going through this incredible journey - questions to ask yourself, and areas you may want to research more, learn about, or ask your care provider about. This episode is for moms-to-be and also their support people, spouses, and family.

If you'd like to know more specifics about Ashleigh's birth preparation, recovery, fitness plan, products used, and so on, send her a message through her website: ashleighvanhouten.com

Rachel Gregory | The differences between strength training and hypertrophy training Dec 07, 2021

Ashleigh is back with another episode co-hosted by her friend and Muscle Science for Women co-creator Rachel Gregory! In this episode the two podcast hosts and health coaches answer questions from listeners about the differences between muscle building and strength building; how to get back into the gym after injury; how to start working out in your 40's and 50s, and they talk about the next round of their Muscle Science for Women course starting again in January 2022.

If you want to learn more and sign up for this 12-week course all about the theory and application of strength and muscle building, sign up here to be notified when spaces open up.

If you want to learn more about Kabuki Education Week and register to listen to our lecture, you can do that here.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at here (www.bubsnaturals.com) and use the code MM20 for a massive 20% discount!

Jill Coleman | Fitness, business, and personal growth Nov 30, 2021

Jill Coleman is a veteran of the fitness industry, with a history in figure competitions, fitness magazine cover modeling, personal training, and more - now, she has her own range of programs and certifications and offers business coaching for people looking to grow and level up in the health and fitness industry. Ashleigh worked with Jill personally on a fitness business consultation, and they got together recently to talk all things efficiency, work/life balance, the importance of daily commitments to your health and your business, how to approach investing in yourself, and so much more.

In this episode Ashleigh and Jill chat about:

How to prioritize a few thing (instead of trying to prioritize everything) to become more productive
What moderation in life, nutrition, and exercise means for Jill
What "anchor actions" are and how they help productivity
Why she thinks you should play to your strengths instead of focus on your weaknesses
A discussion on investing in yourself as an entrepreneur - how to know when to spend money
And more!

Learn more about Jill and her programs at jillfit.com, her #moderation365 course, and check out her business podcast Fit Biz U.

Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make Ashleigh's new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Hormonal Health with Dr. Carrie Jones Nov 23, 2021

Dr. Carrie Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who is board certified in Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE) with a Master's in Public Health (MPH) and over 15 years in the field of functional and integrative medicine. She lectures all over the world on the topic of hormones and helps "hormonally challenged people feel less crazy." Ashleigh brought her on the show to explore the complexity of our hormonal cycles and what we can do to optimize them so we feel and perform our best.

In this episode Ashleigh and Dr. Jones discuss:

The natural cycles of our hormones, and what they do for our body
Options for hormonal testing if you think something is off
The impact of cortisol on your body and your hormones
Lifestyle factors that play important roles in optimal hormone health; how to reduce your toxic load
And more!

Speaking of reducing toxins, shoutout to show sponsor Primally Pure, my favorite skincare company - they use a few natural ingredients like beef tallow, shea butter, and essential oils, and their products are beautiful and luxurious like high-end skincare without the pricetag or the sketchy ingredients. The natural deodorant and body butter are lifechanging! Head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

If you want to learn more about hormonal health, check out the three day workshop I did with women's naturopathic doctor Dr. Elly Michelle. This workshop consists of three in-depth lectures and discussions around key aspects of female hormonal health, and additional reading material and resources for you to keep. This intimate and thorough workshop allows you inside access to a naturopathic doctor who specializes in hormonal, sexual, and fertility issues, as well as an experienced health and wellness coach.

Cassy Garcia | Making healthy eating easier, tastier, and less expensive Nov 09, 2021

Cassy Joy Garcia is the bestselling author of Cook Once Dinner Fix, Cook Once Eat All Week, and Fed and Fit as well as the creative force behind the popular food blog Fed + Fit, which she started in 2011 and has grown exponentially. Eager to share her healthy living secrets with the world, she started Fed + Fit in 2011. She is a holistic nutrition consultant and mom, and wrote her new book to address the challenges that many people have with creating healthy meals for their families that are inexpensive, easy, and delicious.

In this episode Ashleigh and Cassy chat about:

How to save time, money, and energy when trying to get a home-cooked dinner on the table
Her experience with eating and cravings during pregnancy, and how to get young kids to eat the same healthy foods you're eating
As a holistic nutritionist, Cassy shares how to sneak in healthy choices for your family in addition to special diet modifications

Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Can you lose fat and gain muscle at the same time? Oct 26, 2021

The question, "can you build muscle and lose fat at the same time?" may be one of the most pervasive in the fitness industry, and the answer, as usual, is more complex than many of us would like. But it's not all bad - there is plenty to be learned about our bodies and how they work while we explore the most efficient and healthy ways to achieve these two separate (but often combined) goals.

In this episode Ashleigh covers:

Who may be able to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time, and who may have a harder time
The ways in which these two goals can work with each other, and against each other
A discussion on the practical applications of caloric surpluses/deficits, and how to apply them to your life in a realistic way
A better, more sustainable solution to the "gain muscle, lose fat" question
Resources to learn more about how to apply this to your lifestyle

If you'd like to dive even deeper into this topic, sign up for the Muscle Science for Women program - our second run will begin in January 2022 and tickets are limited! Add your name to the "first to know" list here: https://www.metflexlife.com/muscle-science-women

Try the Precision Nutrition calorie/macro calculator: https://www.precisionnutrition.com/nutrition-calculator

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at here (www.bubsnaturals.com) and use the code MM20 for a massive 20% discount!

Stan Efferding | Lessons learned training elite athletes Oct 19, 2021

Stan Efferding is an IFBB Professional bodybuilder and World Record Holding Powerlifter. He is one of only 10 men in the world to ever total over 2,300 pounds raw in competition. Stan holds the title as the World's Strongest Bodybuilder.

He conducts seminars all over the country for various sports and nutrition and training techniques, and he coined the Vertical Diet - his book, The Vertical Diet, just came out and in this episode Ashleigh and Stan talk all things diet, muscle building, and what we can all take from the regimens of elite athletes.

In this episode:

Stan's morning/daily routine
His new book, The Vertical Diet
Some of his key nutrition tips around fiber and protein
Practical tips for the rest of us gained from the worlds of powerlifting and bodybuilding
Stan's experience dealing with depression and anxiety, and how he addressed it
Working with elite athletes like Hafthor Bjornsson and Jon Jones
And much more!

Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Bethany McDaniel | Improve your skin with animal-based products Oct 05, 2021

In this episode Ashleigh and Bethany, the founder of natural skincare brand Primally Pure, discuss specific animal-based skincare ingredients: how they’re processed and used, their benefits, how they’ve been used historically, and much more. Bethany McDaniel started Primally Pure by personally rendering tallow from the animals at her family’s organic lifestock farm in Southern California, and has grown the brand exponentially to offer high-quality, luxurious natural skincare without any harmful ingredients - and specifically highlighting healthy animal ingredients. Just like with food, “animal-based” ingredients don’t have the same healthy reputation as plant-based, but humans have been using ingredients like tallow to address skin issues for generations. In this episode:

Why grass-fed beef tallow is good for your skin
How it’s processed for use in skincare
What is emu oil and why it’s a great skin care ingredient
How to simplify and detoxify your skin care routine
And much more!

For more information about the company, head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN to save money on anything you buy. A big thank you to our show sponsor, Medicine Man Plant Co, maker of uniquely formulated herbal supplements to support optimal health and immune function. Their products are rigorously third party tested and contain ingredients like elderberry, vitamin c, echinachea, and cordyceps - incredible natural ingredients that humans have used for generations to support their health. Learn more at https://medicinemanplantco.com/ and use the discount code MUSCLEMAVEN for 20% off!

Anita Lambert | Pelvic Health Masterclass Sep 28, 2021

Core and pelvic health is a hugely important, and deeply under-respected aspect of health - but especially women’s health, and especially for post-partum women who have undergone drastic changes during pregnancy and childbirth. While pelvic physical therapy SHOULD be a standard of care for women who have given birth, more often we’re just told that women who have had babies will “pee a little” when they sneeze or exercise, and to deal with it; while this is common, it’s not normal and doesn’t have to be a life sentence. In today’s episode with pelvic health physiotherapist Anita Lambert, Ashleigh asks her about:

What it means to have diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, or other pelvic dysfunction issues
Why pelvic health isn’t JUST a pregnant woman’s issue
How to minimize pelvic issues before, during, and after pregnancy and child birth
Why the common advice for women to “just do kegels” isn’t a good idea
How to improve pressure management and core strength for everyone
And much more!

Anita is a Registered Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health and Orthopaedic) with a focus on women’s health, specifically prenatal and postpartum care as well as a Certified Pilates Instructor and Certified in Acupuncture. She graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Masters of Science in Physiotherapy in 2009. Anita is passionate about helping pregnant clients connect more with their body including pelvic floor plus keep you active and comfortable during pregnancy while you prepare for birth which will give you a head start on your postpartum recovery. She enjoys helping postpartum clients navigate their recovery and return to activities they love including exercise, sports and dance without pain and pelvic floor symptoms. Learn more or work with Anita - check out her website https://www.holistichealthphysio.com/about and listen to her on the To Birth and Beyond Podcast https://tobirthandbeyond.com/podcast/ Please check out our newest show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn’t cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy! Learn more about Ashleigh, suggest an idea for the podcast, or sign up for one of her health coaching programs at ashleighvanhouten.com

Autumn Smith | Knowing the difference between fitness and wellness Sep 21, 2021

Autumn Smith is the co-founder of Paleovalley, a certified eating psychology coach, former fitness trainer, professional dancer, yogi and all around wellness warrior! Five years ago, she healed her IBS and anxiety with high quality FOOD and strategic lifestyle shifts. Ashleigh chats with Autumn about all this and more:

Her process of improving digestive issues and anxiety though diet and lifestyle
Ingredients in “healthy” food products that could be causing you issues
What a “Pleasure inventory” is and how to use it to make positive health changes

Learn more about the important work she is doing with her company at paleovalley.com (and use code MMR to save 15% on anything you purchase). Level up your gut health game with BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh’s favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount. Check out The Muscle Maven’s brand new, interactive online coaching resource!

Dr. Steven Lin | Functional Dentistry, and how our mouth impacts our overall health Sep 14, 2021

Dr. Steven Lin is a board-accredited dentist, author of The Dental Diet, and TEDx speaker. He coined the term functional dentist and is doing incredibly innovative work in this emerging area to prevent dental disease and overall health issues that are related to jaw and facial structure, improper breathing, gut and digestive health, and so much more. As we learn in this episode, oral health is about so much more than flossing and eating less sugar. In today’s episode with functional dentist Dr. Lin, he and Ashleigh discuss:

What a functional dentist does that’s different from traditional dentistry
The prevalence and danger of sleep apnea in all different types of people
The importance of nasal breathing for oral and overall health
The importance of “tongue posture”
Can you proactively and positively impact things like jaw structure?
Can you reverse cavities and tooth decay?
What are some of the issues with crooked teeth and jaw problems aside from aesthetics
So much more!

Please check out our newest show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn’t cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy! Learn more about Ashleigh, suggest an idea for the podcast, or sign up for one of her health coaching programs at ashleighvanhouten.com

Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen | Benefits of black pepper: plant medicines you already have in your pantry Sep 07, 2021

You may not be aware that many of our culinary herbs and spices started out as medicine. I asked chemist and plant expert (and product developer for Medicine Man Plant Co) to do a deep dive on a spice everyone knows, but many may not know the benefits of: black pepper. Yes, it tastes great with salt on french fries, but it also works with other healthy compounds to enable them to work better: things like turmeric and cayenne pepper, for example, by helping your body absorb more of those healthy compounds. Find out more about how black pepper works in this episode, and check out the previous episode with Mark all about another common pantry item: sage.

Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen, Ph.D. grew up in the wilds of Minnesota where his parents and grandparents utilized the amazing wild foods and medicinal plants found in local woods, fields, and lakes. He received a BS in professional chemistry from South Dakota State University followed by a MS in medicinal chemistry and a PH.D. in physical organic chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest technical university in the US.

After graduation a strange twist of fate set him traveling the world as a petroleum chemist rather than in pharmaceuticals. However, his knowledge of natural products blessed him with the ability to tap natural compounds to replace traditionally hazardous oilfield chemicals. During this career he earned fourteen chemical patents that made the petroleum industry safer for all. After 20 years of that he moved on to the position of R&D Manager for a consumer chemical product company. Here Dr. Vorderbruggen reinvented their line of construction chemical products, safely and effectively replacing the dangerous compounds the industry had been using. He also spearheaded the company’s R&D efforts for a whole new line of personal care products designed to protect people from the toxins they encounter daily. Mark wrote Idiot’s Guide Foraging and The Medicinal Plants of Texas (to be published 2022).

To learn more about Medicine Man Plant Co’s products and the ingredients they use, click here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a 20% discount on anything you purchase. Please check out our newest show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn’t cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy! Learn more about Ashleigh, suggest an idea for the podcast, or sign up for one of her health coaching programs at ashleighvanhouten.com

The Muscle Maven’s Guide to Better Sleep Aug 31, 2021

In this short episode Ashleigh offers up practical, tangible, and experience and science-backed tips for improving your sleep. Sleep is often the toughest and most under-appreciated aspect of the health puzzle, and considering Ashleigh has struggled with this element the most, she’s done her research and is sharing with you her own struggles as well as what’s worked for her. She covers key elements of sleep hygiene and sleep science around:

Room set up/temperature/lighting
Diet
Exercise and lifestyle
Why cultivating a night time routine is just as important as your morning routine
Supplements, and more!

If you want more holistic health advice around sleep and all aspects of wellness, consider signing up for Ashleigh’s online habit coaching platform - every day she’ll send you information and resources, and you have one-on-one access to her as your personal health coach to ask questions! Learn more about it here: https://www.volv.ai/channels/-12/musclemaven/stack/36/coachmaven Here is the direct link to the BiOptimizers Magnesium breakthrough product Ashleigh endorses - use the code MUSCLEMAVEN to save on this and anything else you buy! https://bit.ly/3dPW7uh Other resources to check out: BLUBLOX: eye masks, light blocking and computer glasses, warmer light bulbs: https://www.blublox.com/?currency=CAD Natural Stacks GABA Brain Food: https://www.naturalstacks.com/products/gaba Effects of Light on Circadian Rhythms, Sleep and Mood: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6751071/ Understanding your sleep chronotype: https://www.sleepscore.com/blog/chronotype-ideal-bedtime/

Dr. Elly Michelle | How nutrition and libido are connected Aug 24, 2021

Let’s talk about sex! Today Ashleigh welcomes back her friend Dr. Elly Michelle Lieppman, a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in individualized women’s medicine, optimizing hormones, digestion, and energy. In this short episode, Dr. Elly and Ashleigh tackle the complex and spicy topic of sexual health and libido - discussing topics like:

How libido is an indicator of overall health
The many physical and emotional layers that contribute to libido
What our sex hormones are telling us
Dietary issues that can contribute to low libido
Why women especially should prioritize their sexual health more

Dr. Elly Michelle is passionate about restoring balance in the body naturally and sustainably through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and strategic supplementation, by uncovering the root cause of health concerns and understanding what is going on in your body at a deeper level. Learn more at drellymichelle.com If you liked this episode and want to learn more, consider downloading the In Harmony with your Hormones online workshop - it contains more than four hours of lectures hosted by Dr. Elly and Ashleigh on women’s physiology and hormones; understanding your cycle; optimal dietary and exercise approaches for hormonal health; and a deeper dive on sexual health, two healthy recipe ebooks, as well as a number of downloads and resources. Check it out here: https://gumroad.com/l/UipbQY Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at here (www.bubsnaturals.com) and use the code MM20 for a massive 20% discount! Learn more about Ashleigh, suggest an idea for the podcast, or sign up for one of her health coaching programs at ashleighvanhouten.com

Dr. Brooke Kalanick | Give yourself the gift of muscle (and hormonal health) Aug 10, 2021

This week Ashleigh sits down with functional medicine practitioner and co-author of the book Hangry, Dr. Brooke Kalanick, to talk about hormonal health, managing stress, and why muscle is the gift that keeps on giving. They cover practical tips on how to not let your health take the back burner no matter how busy you are; learning how to listen to your body and make adjustments without guilt or fear; and how the past year has made people more proactive about their health. They also touch on the challenges of peri-menopause and how to combat them, and Dr. Brooke backs up Ashleigh’s most common tips on the importance of eating protein and lifting weights. These aren’t fads, people!

A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Brooke attended Seattle, Washington’s Bastyr University, where she earned a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Her areas of expertise include female health, hypothyroidism and autoimmunity with specialties in PCOS, Hashimoto’s, menopause and weight loss. Learn more and work with Dr. Brooke - check out her website Betterbydrbrooke.com

Please check out our newest show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn’t cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Learn more about Ashleigh, suggest an idea for the podcast, or sign up for one of her health coaching programs at ashleighvanhouten.com

Dr. Cynthia Thurlow | Understanding fasting for women Jul 27, 2021

We often hear that fasting doesn’t work as well for women - but we rarely get the details as to WHY it may be more complicated, or how we could be doing it differently to reap the myriad benefits of fasting. If you’re a woman looking to improve health and body composition, or you’re a coach or someone who works with women on their health, this podcast is for you. Ashleigh speaks with Cynthia Thurlow, an intermittent fasting expert, nutrition educator, and nurse practitioner about fasting, covering many topics like:

Rules for when fasting is NOT a good idea
How to start fasting in a measured and intelligent way to maximize your chances for success
Misconceptions/things we do wrong when we try to fast
Can you fast and grow muscle at the same time?
Hormonal change throughout our lives and how that can impact fasting, and more

Find out more about Cynthia, her work, and her new book at https://cynthiathurlow.com/ Please check out our newest show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn’t cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy! Learn more about Ashleigh, suggest an idea for the podcast, or sign up for one of her health coaching programs at ashleighvanhouten.com

Robb Wolf | What’s wrong with the wellness industry, and what can we do about it? Jul 13, 2021

Robb Wolf is a 2 x New York Times best selling author of The Paleo Solution and Wired to Eat, co-authored Sacred Cow with Diana Rodgers, is a former research biochemist and one of the world’s leading experts in Paleolithic nutrition. Wolf has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people around the world via his top ranked iTunes podcast and wildly popular seminar series as well as his The Healthy Rebellion online community.

Robb is also one of the first people Ashleigh listened to and learned from when she began her health writing, podcasting, and coaching career, and this episode is a meta-conversation: talking about the state of the health community while being a part of it. This episode is less about a Q&A with Robb about ideal food and exercise and more about a high-level (and at times provocative) conversation about the current environment and culture around ancestral health.

We cover it all: politics, the pandemic, the changing nature of communication and teaching (and why Robb briefly considered giving up his work), cancel culture and community, how subtle messaging can be more insidious than aggressive anti-meat marketing, how to make a positive impact in such an emotionally-charged industry, veganism for pregnant women and children, and so much more. You’ll want to listen to this one all the way to the end!

TIME STAMPS:

0:00 - Intro message

5:59 - What’s going on in Robb’s life

21:40 - How COVID-19 changed the way Robb works + implications of the online world

37:23 - Is there any point in coming to a middle ground with people online?

48:40 - Censorship and when personal opinions, emotion, and misinformation matter more than cold hard facts

1:02:00 - Common theme of anti-meat / veganism continued; how to get your opinion across when cancel culture triumphs

1:19:33 - The misconception of meats in regards to women; normalizing styles of eating as “healthy eating”

1:32:33 - Outro message

Please check out our newest show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn’t cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Please connect with Ashleigh and learn more about her new projects, recipes, programs and more at ashleighvanhouten.com

Tiana Pollari | A plant-based coach and a meat-based coach sit down for a podcast Jul 06, 2021

Did you hear the one about the plant-based coach and the meat-based coach who sat down together for a podcast? Well, the punchline is, they have an open conversation about making informed dietary choices, eating disorders, getting enough protein on a plant-based diet, how to adjust your body back to animal protein after years of vegan eating, how to know when someone is using dietary protocols to “excuse” disordered eating, and identity issues around diet, among other topics.

Ashleigh chats with Tiana Pollari, a Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer who specializes in the integration of functional strength training and holistic living. She believes that food should nourish and fuel you and is always in the kitchen creating nutritious and delicious meals to satisfy any skeptic. When she isn’t in the kitchen creating recipes she is also coaching women on how to build sustainable habits and feel confident and sexy in their bodies through her online programs. You can find more information at www.tianapollari.com including access to her workouts, meal plans, and coaching.

A big thank you to our show sponsor, Medicine Man Plant Co, maker of uniquely formulated herbal supplements to support optimal health and immune function. Their products are rigorously third party tested and contain ingredients like elderberry, vitamin c, echinacea, and cordyceps - incredible natural ingredients that humans have used for generations to support their health. Learn more at https://medicinemanplantco.com/ and use the discount code MUSCLEMAVEN for 20% off!

And don’t forget to check out The Muscle Maven’s brand new, interactive online coaching resource! Get one-on-one access to Ashleigh and her expertise, as well as daily info on her favorite health and wellness resources - no micromanaging, just a support system for the enthusiastic health nerd looking to optimize their wellness.

The benefits of plant medicines you already have in your pantry Jun 29, 2021

You may not be aware that many of our culinary herbs and spices started out as medicine. Ashleigh asks chemist and plant expert (and product developer for Medicine Man Plant Co) to do a quick but deep dive on a specific herb: sage. You may be only familiar with sage as a tasty seasoning for chicken or turkey, but turns out it has a long list of incredible benefits around brain health and focus, antibacterial benefits, digestive support, hormonal balance, and even more. Find out why you might want to start adding more sage to your recipes!

Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen, Ph.D. grew up in the wilds of Minnesota where his parents and grandparents utilized the wild foods and medicinal plants found in local woods, fields, and lakes. He received a BS in professional chemistry from South Dakota State University followed by a MS in medicinal chemistry and a PH.D. in physical organic chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest technical university in the US.

After graduation a strange twist of fate set him traveling the world as a petroleum chemist rather than in pharmaceuticals. However, his knowledge of natural products blessed him with the ability to tap natural compounds to replace traditionally hazardous oilfield chemicals. During this career he earned fourteen chemical patents that made the petroleum industry safer for all. After 20 years of that he moved on to the position of R&D Manager for a consumer chemical product company. Here Dr. Vorderbruggen reinvented their line of construction chemical products, safely and effectively replacing the dangerous compounds the industry had been using. He also spearheaded the company’s R&D efforts for a whole new line of personal care products designed to protect people from the toxins they encounter daily. Mark wrote Idiot’s Guide Foraging and The Medicinal Plants of Texas (to be published 2022).

To learn more about Medicine Man Plant Co’s products and the ingredients they use, head to medicinemanplantco.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a 20% discount on anything you purchase.

Thanks to show sponsor BiOptimizers - level up your gut health game with the makers of my favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. I’ve been using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion especially during times of stress. Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

And don’t forget to check out The Muscle Maven’s brand new, interactive online coaching resource!

The Muscle Maven’s guide to healthy skin Jun 15, 2021

In this solo episode, Ashleigh breaks down her key tips for healthy, beautiful, resilient skin - for both men and women - from a nutritional lifestyle perspective, as well as her key topical skincare tips. She breaks down some skincare ingredients you should avoid and some you may want to try, ways to think about sun exposure, and much more. (Please note that Ashleigh is not a dermatologist and this is not medical advice; please use your own discretion when trying new products or nutrition protocols).

Some resources that may help you:

Cosdna.com

https://primallypure.com/pages/find-your-skin-state

https://philmaffetone.com/sun-and-brain/

Speaking of skincare, one Ashleigh’s favorite companies and partners is Primally Pure - they use a few natural ingredients like beef tallow, shea butter, and essential oils, and their products are beautiful and luxurious like high-end skincare without the pricetag or the sketchy ingredients. The natural deodorant and body butter are lifechanging! Head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Steve Liberati | Encouraging healthy practices in kids Jun 08, 2021

Steve Liberati is the Founder of Steve’s, a healthy snack food company, and the non-profit organization Steve’s Club Camden. Steve’s is a small, family-owned business that Steve started in 2007 when he saw an opportunity to help make a real and positive impact in his community. Ashleigh has been a fan of Steve’s products and company ethos of fitness, wellness, and giving back to the community for a long time, so she asked Steve on to talk about the origin and growth of his business, how to manage the business side of a company that is founded on non-profit and philanthropic principles, and why it’s so important and rewarding to teach and encourage kids and teenagers about healthy living and eating.

Steve’s Club provides fitness, nutritional guidance and personal development to at-risk youth. Since that day, Steve’s has devoted themselves to creating zero-sugar jerky and other paleo and Keto friendly snacks using the proceeds to fund Steve’s Cub Camden. Learn more at https://stevespaleogoods.com/

A big thank you to our show sponsor, Medicine Man Plant Co, maker of uniquely formulated herbal supplements to support optimal health and immune function. Their products are rigorously third party tested and contain ingredients like elderberry, vitamin c, echinachea, and corcyceps - incredible natural ingredient that humans have used for generations to support their health. Learn more at https://medicinemanplantco.com/ and use the discount code MUSCLEMAVEN for 20% off!

And don’t forget to check out The Muscle Maven’s brand new, interactive online coaching resource!

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci | Using food to slow the aging process Jun 01, 2021

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci is a New York Times bestselling author, weight-loss and natural anti-aging expert, and a concierge doctor for celebrities in New York City and Los Angeles. She is a board-certified naturopathic physician and a certified nutrition consultant. She is a massive proponent of using food to encourage robust health and beauty, and challenging what we think about “natural aging.”

In this episode Dr. Kellyann and Ashleigh discuss eating for beauty; addressing gut health as a means of overall health but also anti-aging; how to slow down brain aging; and ways we can switch our perspective from thinking of aging as an inevitable declone, to thinking of it as an opportunity for growth, improvement, and continued vitality. Aging well doesn’t happen by accident, and there’s so much we can do to feel, look, and perform well as move through life. Learn more about her work at drkellyann.com.

Speaking of looking great, shoutout to show sponsor Primally Pure, Ashleigh’s favorite skincare company - they use a few natural ingredients like beef tallow, shea butter, and essential oils, and their products are beautiful and luxurious like high-end skincare without the pricetag or the sketchy ingredients. The natural deodorant and body butter are lifechanging! Head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

And don’t forget to check out The Muscle Maven’s brand new, interactive online coaching resource!

Kristin Rowell | How to be more efficient with your fitness and nutrition May 18, 2021

In this episode Ashleigh and Kristin, a former lawyer turned nutritional therapy practitioner and coach, talk about stomach acid deficiency; stress management among type A athletes and professionals; how to massively increase your muscle-building potential with less time in the gym; when “biohacking tools” can actually be really effective; and what she means by “nutrition frequency” (spoiler alert - it’s more about the energy and mindfulness you bring to eating rather than actual meal timing)

Kristin Rowell is a former business litigator turned Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and the founder of Energetically Efficient. She consults for companies and organizations around the country on a variety of nutrition, lifestyle and wellness topics as well as works with individual clients one-on-one.

During Kristin’s 16 years as a business litigator, she ran 24 marathons, became an IPE Natural Professional Bodybuilder, became 2018 Ms. Natural Minnesota (Figure) by the National Amateur Natural Bodybuilding Federation, successfully litigated numerous complex business cases to conclusion and, in 2019, was identified by Super Lawyers on the list of Minnesota’s Top 50 Women Attorneys. Now, her passion is helping people get fit, healthy and to finally take control of their lives. Learn more at https://energeticallyefficient.com/

Level up your gut health game with BiOptimizers, makers of my favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. I’ve been using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion especially during times of stress. Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Check out The Muscle Maven’s brand new, interactive online coaching resource!

Dr. Marc Bubbs | How to avoid the mid-life “fitness and happiness” slump May 11, 2021

Dr. Marc Bubbs is a Naturopathic Doctor, Performance Nutrition Lead for Canada Basketball, and Performance Nutrition Consultant for a portfolio of professional and Olympic athletes. Marc is the author of the best-selling book Peak: The new science of athletic performance that is revolutionizing sports - An integrated and personalized approach to health, nutrition, training, recovery and mindset. His new book, Peak40 is all about building a leaner, stronger body and sharper mind in mid-life - and you can check it out here: https://drbubbs.com/peak40

In this episode Ashleigh and Marc talk about the differences, and similarities, in training - both from a mental and physical standpoint - between general population and high level athletes; how crucial the fundamentals are, and how the less time you have to do them, the greater the indication that you SHOULD be doing them; and why happiness and fitness tends to bottom out for people in their 40s, and what we can do about it.

A big thank you to our new show sponsor, Medicine Man Plant Co, maker of uniquely formulated herbal supplements to support optimal health and immune function. Their products are rigorously third party tested and contain ingredients like elderberry, vitamin c, echinachea, and corcyceps - incredible natural ingredient that humans have used for generations to support their health. Learn more at https://medicinemanplantco.com/ and use the discount code MUSCLEMAVEN for 20% off!

How plant-based dieters can transition to eating more, and better meat May 04, 2021

In this solo episode, Ashleigh answers questions from former vegans and vegetarians who are looking to incorporate more, or healthier animal-based food sources into their diets. She covers:

The mindset shift required to change views and try something new and how to work through uncomfortable feelings about eating meat
Testing, tracking in order to understand if your dietary changes are working or in your best interest
Supplements and tricks for a healthy transition from plant-based to plant-and-animal based eating
Practical tips on how to gradually and healthily incorporate more animal protein into your diet
Information about animal protein sourcing, quality, and further resources to learn more about sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming

Thanks to show sponsor BiOptimizers - level up your gut health game with the makers of my favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. I’ve been using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion especially during times of stress. Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount. If you’d like to learn more about eating nose to tail, you can purchase my book It Takes Guts in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters. You can also download my FREE ebook online here.

PosturePro founder Annette Verpillot | The neuroscience of posture optimization Apr 27, 2021

“If you can work your way into poor posture, you can work your way out of it.” - Words of hope from today’s guest, Annette Verpillot, the founder of Posturepro, a health company specialized in restoring the brain-body connection through some of the world’s most advanced rehabilitation and injury prevention techniques. She has created the Posturepro Method which has gained global recognition for eliminating chronic pain, optimizing children’s development, and improving sports proficiency. Additionally, Annette actively works with children, clients, professional athletes, trainers, practitioners, and researchers to develop solutions to tackle global health issues.

You may already know that the way you move, sit, and your footwear can contribute to posture issues and pain, but this episode will open your mind to how much more is involved in proper movement patterns - from your eyes, to your jaw and “tongue” posture,” to your breathing patterns, and so much more. Nearly all of us are misaligned in some way, contributing either to daily chronic pain or suboptimal movement patterns, sports related injury, and other issues, but the good news is there is SO much you can do in your daily life to start making improvements.

Check out Annette’s work, her website, and her Ted Talk here.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at here and use the code MM20 for a massive 20% discount!

Check out my brand new website here!

Rachel Gregory | Answering your nutrition questions Apr 13, 2021

Nutritionist, coach, podcast host and honorary co-host of Muscle Maven Radio Rachel Gregory joins Ashleigh again to answer listener questions about nutrition! They cover topics like eating for healthy hormones; how sleep and food cravings are connected; “keto” sweeteners; tips for snacking, why moderation sounds great but rarely works, and a lot more.

Learn more about Ashleigh’s brand-new habit coaching service - where she provides you with all of her healthy habit routines and resources, and you have direct access to her to get all of your nutrition, training, and lifestyle questions answered.

And a big welcome to our new show sponsor, Medicine Man Plant Co, maker of uniquely formulated herbal supplements to support optimal health and immune function. Their products are rigorously third party tested and contain ingredients like elderberry, vitamin c, echinachea, and corcyceps - incredible natural ingredient that humans have used for generations to support their health. Learn more at https://medicinemanplantco.com/ and use the discount code MUSCLEMAVEN for 20% off!

Ryan Farr | Asking a professional chef and butcher about common kitchen mistakes Apr 06, 2021

In preparation for Ashleigh’s upcoming second cookbook all about protein-forward recipes, she interviews chef, butcher, entrepreneur, author, and educator Ryan Farr about some basic rules and mistakes folks make in the kitchen when it comes to preparing, cutting, handling, and cooking meat. This super practical episode is a must-listen for any amateur chef and meat-lover who wants to get the most out of their cooking. The two cover ideal equipment and utensils; biggest mistakes many at-home chefs make; questions to ask your butcher, and much more.

Ryan is the founder of San Francisco’s 4505 Meats, an artisan whole-animal meat company devoted to sustainable practices (and making delicious chicharrons and other tasty products!) He started 4505 Burgers and BBQ, opened a butchershop, and authored two books: Whole Beast Butchery: The Complete Visual Guide to Beef, Lamb, and Pork and Sausage Making: The Definitive Guide.

Don’t forget Ashleigh already has a meat-based cookbook out: It Takes Guts is a meat-eater’s guide to cooking, eating, and enjoying organ meats and it’s available wherever books are sold!

If you care about immune health and nutrient density as much as I do, you’ll want to give my new partner, Organifi, a try. The makers of a line of superfood blends that are low in sugar and high in nutrition, I love their Organifi Red Juice the best - it’s loaded with veggie and fruit-derived antioxidants and adaptogens like cordyceps, reishi, and rhodiola, so I can get all these superfoods in one convenient, tasty place (and save more room in my belly for steak). They also offer some of their products (currently Organifi Green and Gold, and more) in single serving packs so you can take them with you on the go! Head to http://www.organifi.com/musclemaven and use the code musclemaven for 15% off your order!

What’s wrong with coaching, and how we can fix it Mar 30, 2021

Coaching is big business - perhaps even more so now, when our options for going to the gym and working out can be more limited. As a professional in the health and fitness industry for more than a decade, Ashleigh has worked as a coach and has experience as a client; she’s also worked with, observed, interviewed, and learned from some of the top coaches in the industry.

When a coaching experience doesn’t go well, it’s easy to chalk it up to an unmotivated client, or a crappy coach - sometimes this is true, but more often it boils down to miscommunication and unclear goals. A coach/client relationship requires understanding, open-mindedness, respect, and communication (just like every relationship) but often we don’t focus on this; instead we focus on how much money we’re spending, how fit the coach looks, and how long this “getting healthy” process will take.

In this episode, Ashleigh breaks down what she sees as the biggest “failures” of both coaches and clients, and how she thinks we can improve the culture and understanding and approach to coaching to improve outcomes and create healthier, happier people.

You can learn more about Ashleigh’s coaching services at ashleighvanhouten.com, or https://www.volv.ai/channels/-12/musclemaven

TIMESTAMPS:

[08:33] - Part 1: The problem with coaches

[34:41] - Part 2: The problem with clients

[1:02:17] - Part 3: How to fix the client/coach relationship

If you care about immune health and nutrient density as much as I do, you’ll want to give my new partner, Organifi, a try. The makers of a line of superfood blends that are low in sugar and high in nutrition, I love their Organifi Red Juice the best - it’s loaded with veggie and fruit-derived antioxidants and adaptogens like cordyceps, reishi, and rhodiola, so I can get all these superfoods in one convenient, tasty place (and save more room in my belly for steak). They also offer some of their products (currently Organifi Green and Gold, and more) in single serving packs so you can take them with you on the go! Head to http://www.organifi.com/musclemaven and use the code musclemaven for 15% off your order!

The science of muscle building and strength training for women Mar 16, 2021

It’s finally here! Ashleigh has teamed up with nutritionist and coach Rachel Gregory to develop the Muscle Science for Women program, a three-month course on the theory and application of strength and muscle building that begins in April. In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel talk in-depth about the scope of the course; what they will cover, what participants will gain and learn, and some of the key challenges and sticking points for women who are looking to change body composition and improve strength and performance.

Real, sustainable progress and change is made possible when individuals invest in truly learning a subject, rather than blindly following someone else’s plan, and this program will equip participants with the research, science, resources, support, and practical tools to improve their health through nutrition, training, and mindset.

Learn more about our Muscle Science for Women course (starting April 12!) here: https://www.metflexlife.com/muscle-science-women

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! If you care about immune health and nutrient density as much as I do, you’ll want to give my new partner, Organifi, a try. The makers of a line of superfood blends that are low in sugar and high in nutrition, I love their Organifi Red Juice the best - it’s loaded with veggie and fruit-derived antioxidants and adaptogens like cordyceps, reishi, and rhodiola, so I can get all these superfoods in one convenient, tasty place (and save more room in my belly for steak). They also offer some of their products (currently Organifi Green and Gold, and more) in single serving packs so you can take them with you on the go! Head to http://www.organifi.com/musclemaven and use the code musclemaven for 15% off your order!

Holistic Nutritionist Amanda Carneiro | Gut Health 101 Mar 09, 2021

Amanda Carneiro is a personal trainer, fitness nutritionist, and holistic nutritionist specializing in gut health and fat loss (which are often closely linked). She works one-on-one with remote clients and also offers fantastic online courses on Gut Health and Fat Loss specifically. In this episode, Ashleigh and Amanda talk about the links between stress, gut health, digestion, mental health, and more; how Amanda works with clients to uncover the root cause of gut health issues, which can be complex and multi-layered; and why striving for resilience and flexibility is more sustainable than seeking out the “perfect diet.”

Find out more about Amanda’s gut health and fat loss courses and working one-one-one with her through her website, rawfitnessandnutrition.com.

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! If you care about immune health and nutrient density as much as I do, you’ll want to give my new partner, Organifi, a try. The makers of a line of superfood blends that are low in sugar and high in nutrition, I love their Organifi Red Juice the best - it’s loaded with veggie and fruit-derived antioxidants and adaptogens like cordyceps, reishi, and rhodiola, so I can get all these superfoods in one convenient, tasty place (and save more room in my belly for steak). They also offer some of their products (currently Organifi Green and Gold, and more) in single serving packs so you can take them with you on the go! Head to http://www.organifi.com/musclemaven and use the code musclemaven for 15% off your order!

My #JackedBack Pull-Up Program, designed to get you functional strength, mobility, and beautiful strict pull-ups, is available now online and in PDF form! Sign up for lifetime access to the program, a full exercise video library, and access to me, your personal pull-up coach, HERE, or e-mail me at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com for the PDF version (only $34.99!)

Physiotherapist Kayla Mulvogue | Understanding women’s physiology and training Mar 02, 2021

Kayla Mulvogue is a physiotherapist, expert in women’s physiology and training, coach and mentor. She recently created an incredible course called Applied Women’s Physiology and Training which teaches women (and people who coach women) all about the unique considerations for optimizing women’s training, health, and fitness, including aspects of physiology, hormones, reproductive health, and much more.

In this episode Ashleigh and Kayla talk about key differences in women’s physiology about how and why we may want to train differently due to our hormones, physical structure, etc. They dive into details about why muscle contraction and tension matter more than how much weight you’re lifting; overrated exercises and what you can do instead to maximize your time in the gym; pelvic health and pelvic floor therapy and managing diastasis recti, and so much more. To learn more about and sign up for Kayla’s next AWPT course, check her out on instagram @kaylaleephsio and her website, kaylaleephysio.com

Level up your gut health game with BiOptimizers, makers of my favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. I’ve been using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion especially during times of stress. Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

My #JackedBack Pull-Up Program, designed to get you functional strength, mobility, and beautiful strict pull-ups, is available now online and in PDF form! Sign up for lifetime access to the program, a full exercise video library, and access to me, your personal pull-up coach, HERE, or e-mail me at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com for the PDF version (only $34.99!)

Alone contestant Callie Russell | Gratitude and resilience from a survival expert Feb 25, 2021

Having a bad day? Feeling frustrated and annoyed with life? Things not going your way? Listen to this podcast and prepare to have your perspective drastically changed.

Callie Russell is a survival expert, ancestral skills instructor, hunter, goat herder, and true renaissance woman. She came into the public eye when she became the runner up for groundbreaking reality Show Alone, Season 7, spending 72 days on her own in the Canadian Artic, surviving with only 10 tools she brought along and her own wits. Throughout the course of her time on the show, she demonstrated a level of competence and understanding and respect for nature that is truly awe-inspiring (even if it is our natural tendency, it’s something most of us have grown away from in the modern world). Her perspectives on connecting with nature, killing animals for food, feeling gratitude in the toughest moments, and learning and smiling through everything - these are lessons we can all learn from her story, whether we plan to become survival experts or not.

She also shares her story of going from a vegetarian to a professional hunter; how life-changing tragedy in her childhood shaped her adult perspective; and tons of behind-the-scenes insider knowledge about what it’s like to be on Alone, like how you recover and reintegrate back into society, her friendships with other contestants, and what she missed most while she was out in the wilderness.

NEW SPONSOR ALERT! If you care about immune health and nutrient density as much as I do, you’ll want to give my new partner, Organifi, a try. The makers of a line of superfood blends that are low in sugar and high in nutrition, I love their Organifi Red Juice the best - it’s loaded with veggie and fruit-derived antioxidants and adaptogens like cordyceps, reishi, and rhodiola, so I can get all these superfoods in one convenient, tasty place (and save more room in my belly for steak). They also offer some of their products (currently Organifi Green and Gold, and more) in single serving packs so you can take them with you on the go! Head to http://www.organifi.com/musclemaven and use the code musclemaven for 15% off your order!

Demystifying fears around childbirth Feb 09, 2021

Today Ashleigh speaks with a family dedicated to ancestral health and lifestyle, including natural home birth: Colin Stuckert, founder of Wild Foods Co, and his wife, Allison Bingham. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about the current culture and education around childbirth in America, and why a focus on empowerment, understanding our bodies, and trusting in our ability to birth is needed.

This podcast is not meant to discourage anyone from a hospital-based birth, it’s about empowering individuals to advocate for themselves, research different options, and know that there are many ways to have a successful, positive birth. Allison talks about the differences in her first c-section birth and her second home birth; the ways in which she ate, exercised, researched, and labored, and some of the questions we should be asking as we prepare for our own labor and deliveries. Because birth is a family affair, this one isn’t just for moms and moms-to-be, but for birth partners and anyone who loves or cares about a potential birthing person!

Level up your gut health game with BiOptimizers, makers of my favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. I’ve been using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion especially during times of stress. Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

My #JackedBack Pull-Up Program, designed to get you functional strength, mobility, and beautiful strict pull-ups, is available now! Sign up for lifetime access to the program, a full exercise video library, and access to me, your personal pull-up coach, HERE.

Dr. Mike T Nelson | Is intuitive or flexible eating possible in today’s world? Feb 02, 2021

Dr. Mike T. Nelson is a body composition and performance expert. He has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He’s an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

In this episode Ashleigh and Mike talk about metabolic flexibility as well as physiologic flexibility; whether intuitive eating is a realistic expectation in today’s world; the psychology of positive behavior change; and his online programs that Ashleigh is currently taking to learn a pragmatic approach to helping people improve their health.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at here and use the code MM20 for a massive 20% discount!

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

My #JackedBack Pull-Up Program, designed to get you functional strength, mobility, and beautiful strict pull-ups, is available now! Sign up for lifetime access to the program, a full exercise video library, and access to me, your personal pull-up coach, HERE.

Dr. Andy Galpin | MMA training, hydration, and taking ownership over your health Jan 26, 2021

Dr. Andy Galpin is a professor with a PhD in Human Bioenergectics, a researcher and scientist who studies and works to enhance sports performance, including working directly with MMA athletes prepping for competition. His work on topics like hydration, eating and training for hypertrophy and performance, and understanding hypertrophy is helping professional and recreational athletes alike, and his wealth of free information via his YouTube account is an excellent starting point for folks looking to learn more.

In this episode Ashleigh and Andy talk about training MMA athletes - including optimal hydration for high performance and how to minimize the detrimental effects of those crazy “weight cuts”; we talk about his experience working with specific UFC fighters; we talk nutrition and exercise for optimal muscle growth and performance, and perhaps most importantly, how to take ownership over your own health and fitness journey so you feel empowered and in control of your decisions and your results.

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

My #JackedBack Pull-Up Program, designed to get you functional strength, mobility, and beautiful strict pull-ups, is available now! Sign up for lifetime access to the program, a full exercise video library, and access to me, your personal pull-up coach, HERE.

Level up your gut health game with BiOptimizers, makers of my favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. I’ve been using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion especially during times of stress. Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Answering your questions about the dreaded “C word” - Cardio Jan 12, 2021

In this latest episode with podcast host, nutritionist, and coach Rachel Gregory, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about cardio - the best kind depending on your goal; how to know when you’re overdoing it; if you can be a high-performing endurance athlete and eat low carb; when to implement it for fat loss; and so much more. Head to my website, ashleighvanhouten.com, to submit more questions for an upcoming podcast!

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

My #JackedBack Pull-Up Program, designed to get you functional strength, mobility, and beautiful strict pull-ups, is available now! Sign up for lifetime access to the program, a full exercise video library, and access to me, your personal pull-up coach, HERE.

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MUSCLE10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Dr. Ben Bikman | Understanding insulin, and why we get sick Jan 05, 2021

Today Ashleigh speaks with Dr. Ben Bikman, author of Why We Get Sick, about insulin resistance, optimal diet, and the nearly universal contributing factors as to why we get sick - so we can approach health from the ground up, address the root issues, and truly understand how our bodies work.

They discuss why we should be focusing more on our insulin than our blood sugar; why a lower carb diet is still the best approach for most people; why animal sources of protein and fat (always together) are ideal; how insulin resistance can impact hormonal health, fertility, and a host of other chronic and all-too-common diseases; and most importantly: how we can start learning about our health and our bodies to take ownership and control over our health.

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

My #JackedBack Pull-Up Program, designed to get you functional strength, mobility, and beautiful strict pull-ups, is available now! Sign up for lifetime access to the program, a full exercise video library, and access to me, your personal pull-up coach, HERE.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at here and use the code MM20 for a massive 20% discount!

Rachel Gregory | Developing a resilient mindset and clear goals Dec 15, 2020

In this episode with podcast host, nutritionist, and coach Rachel Gregory, Ashleigh and Rachel do a deep dive on the mental aspect of health and goal setting. Information and enthusiasm are both important for making positive health changes, but having the right outlook and a plan for sustained behavior change is even more crucial. Ashleigh and Rachel draw on their extensive experience as coaches and athletes to discuss why behavior change can be so difficult (even when we want to change!), why managing expectations and creating consistent habits matters more than hard work, and the tough questions we must ask ourselves before we set out for any goal. Don’t miss this one!

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Primally Pure is my favorite skincare company - they use a few natural ingredients like beef tallow, shea butter, and essential oils, and their products are beautiful and luxurious like high-end skincare without the pricetag or the sketchy ingredients. The natural deodorant and body butter are lifechanging! Head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MAVEN10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Boxer Chris Algieri | Eat like a fighter Dec 08, 2020

Today Ashleigh learns from former WBO World Boxing Champion and ISKA+WKA World Kickboxing Champion and author of The Fighter’s Kitchen, Chris Algieri. From practical tips for at-home boxing practice; nutrition for athletes; and their favorite fighter movies, two cover it all. Being inspired by an elite athlete and training and eating like one are two completely different things, but in this episode, Chris and Ashleigh break down the fundamentals of fueling for performance and how you can take inspiration from your favorite athletes and use it to realistically inform your own diet and training plans.

Chris has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare science and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition, and he provides nutrition services for elite and recreational athletes alike. Check out his book, The Fighter’s Kitchen, and follow him on Instagram @chris_algieri

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MAVEN10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Primally Pure is my favorite skincare company - they use a few natural ingredients like beef tallow, shea butter, and essential oils, and their products are beautiful and luxurious like high-end skincare without the pricetag or the sketchy ingredients. The natural deodorant and body butter are lifechanging! Head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

CrossFit superstar Kari Pearce | Training, diet, mindset, and abs Nov 17, 2020

Kari is a six times CrossFit Games athlete and four time Fittest American Female. She is currently the 3rd fittest woman on earth and has been in the top 10 the last five years. She has a long athletic career in gymnastics, and she earned her degree in Movement Science from the School of Kinesiology and was three time Academic All Big Ten.

In addition to being a full time athlete, she has developed PowerAbs, which is a core program thousands of people are doing. It incorporates many of the things she learned in her 18 years of gymnastics and through her education to get people stronger and better looking midsections.

In this episode Ashleigh and Kari talk about her recent CrossFit Games experience, including her training, diet, recovery, and mindset approach; being an older athlete at 31; why we love and hate burpees, and we dig into her Power Abs program too.

Find more at karipearce.com and follow Kari on Instagram at @karipearcecrossfit

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at https://www.bubsnaturals.com/pages/musclemaven and use the code MM20 for a discount!

Barbell Shrugged’s Anders Varner | Functional fitness to the masses Nov 10, 2020

Anders Varner co-hosts the uber popular Barbell Shrugged podcast, and creates programs for folks to get shredded, get muscular, and get fit. The Shrugged team is embarking on a totally new area of fitness: they are launching a series of workout programs that will be available in WalMart stores, effectively bringing high-end fitness programs to a mass market. It’s the first time it’s ever been done, and I wanted to chat with my friend about the business of fitness, the challenges to entering new markets, the importance of balance and perspective in the fitness world, and how to be a “diesel dad” (or mom) and still have other hobbies and interests outside of the gym.

Learn more about their programs, podcast, and other free resources at barbellshrugged.com

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MAVEN10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Ep. 22 | How anyone can use a continuous glucose monitor to improve their health Nov 03, 2020

Are you looking to learn more about your health? Maybe you want to try a new style of eating, or understand how different foods effect you. It turns out, you can learn a lot about your body using a continuous glucose monitor, even if you aren’t diabetic or have insulin sensitivity issues. It helps you to understand how your body uniquely reacts to different foods, workouts, and other stressors; it can help you see how insulin sensitive or resistant you are during different times, and how well your body returns back to homeostasis; and it can help you individualize your diet and lifestyle to better support your unique physiology and goals.

Ashleigh experimented with a NutriSense CGM for two weeks, tracked the data, and asked Kara Collier, director of nutrition for NutriSense, to help interpret her results as well as answer questions from listeners. They also discussed the differences in results if you’re keto or not keto; the time of your monthly cycle, if you’re a female; and possible “experiments” you can try with your CGM. If you’d like to try NutriSense for yourself, head to this link and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN to save $25!

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at https://www.bubsnaturals.com/pages/musclemaven and use the code MM20 for a discount!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Esther Blum | Improve your health by treating the root cause Oct 27, 2020

Today Ashleigh chats with integrative dietician, holistic nutritionist and author Esther Blum about the ongoing complexities of gut health, hormonal health, and getting to the root of your problems to achieve sustainable positive health outcomes. So often we try to rush to a solution, or focus on addressing symptoms rather than a root cause; reframing our health goals as a life-long journey helps us slow down and truly understand ourselves, our bodies, and our challenges. We talk about digestive health, autoimmune issues, tracking and testing, continuous glucose monitoring, and much more!

Connect with Esther on Instagram @gorgeousesther or on her website, estherblum.com

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now in-stores and online on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Learn more about the book and nose to tail eating in my episode with Paul Saladino, and my episode with Beth Lipton.

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MAVEN10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Ep.20 | Want to compete in bodybuilding? Listen to this first! Oct 20, 2020

In this solo episode, Ashleigh talks about her experience with bodybuilding: how she got into the sport and what she learned; common mistakes and her recommendations; competition day drama and unexpected challenges; and she answers listener questions about what competing is really like, including sharing how she eats when prepping; whether or not you can be a competitive bodybuilder and eat keto or paleo; if there are special concerns for women; ways to put on muscle while losing fat, and much more.

Man or woman, if you’ve ever thought about prepping and competing in an amateur bodybuilding competition but aren’t sure if you’re ready or if it’s right for you: listen to this episode first, as Ashleigh shares behind the scenes insider knowledge with some humor, transparency, and helpful tips thrown in.

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MM20 for a discount!

Primally Pure is my favorite skincare company - they use a few natural ingredients like beef tallow, shea butter, and essential oils, and their products are beautiful and luxurious like high-end skincare without the pricetag or the sketchy ingredients. The natural deodorant and body butter are lifechanging! Head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Rachel Gregory | A Conversation about Emotional Eating Oct 13, 2020

In this Q&A episode with coach and low-carb/keto diet expert, nutritionist, and host of the Metflex and Chill podcast Rachel Gregory, Ashleigh and Rachel dive into listener questions around flexible dieting, macro counting, emotional eating, food shame, and so much more. Please share this episode with someone you think could benefit!

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MAVEN10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Primally Pure is my favorite skincare company - they use a few natural ingredients like beef tallow, shea butter, and essential oils, and their products are beautiful and luxurious like high-end skincare without the pricetag or the sketchy ingredients. The natural deodorant and body butter are lifechanging! Head to primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Ede Fox | Creating an inclusive health community for carnivores Oct 06, 2020

This week Ashleigh speaks with Ede Fox, an educator about the carnivore diet who has created an inclusive space for black people and people of color to learn about the carnivore diet, health and nutrition.

Ashleigh and Ede talk about Ede’s health journey, how she eats now and what she’s learned, and why it’s important to her to create space for people of color to connect with each other in the health world. They also speak more broadly about what the carnivore diet means to them, the potential issues around macro counting, why women need to get over their fear of dietary fat, and more.

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

You can now purchase Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Ashleigh’s muscle-centric-medicine course that took place in Summer 2020! Learn on your own time by accessing more than 8 hours of video lectures with the two and other fitness and nutrition experts, as well as more than 50 pages of course material and a Gabrielle-and-Ashleigh-approved high protein recipe e-book! The material is only available for a short time, but you can access it here

Thank you to my awesome show sponsor, Santa Cruz Medicinals, offering high-quality, third-party-tested CBD products including MCT-based tinctures, CBD-infused coconut oil, skincare, and so much more! Head to scmedicinals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN15 for a 15% discount.

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon | Optimizing muscle for health and longevity Sep 29, 2020

Ashleigh sits down with her doctor, and one of the world leaders in functional medicine, the creator of the Muscle-Centric-Medicine approach to health and longevity, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon. In this episode, they take listener questions about the efficacy of a ketogenic diet for women; optimal protein intake; optimal carb intake and what a “carb threshold” is; understanding and managing “hedonic” eating, even during times of extreme stress; and much more.

If you’d like to learn more about muscle-centric medicine and how to optimize your protein and muscle for health and longevity, you can download the full course materials from Dr. Lyon and Ashleigh’s muscle-centric-medicine course that took place in Summer 2020. Learn on your own time by accessing more than 8 hours of video lectures with the two and other fitness and nutrition experts, as well as more than 50 pages of course material and a Gabrielle-and-Ashleigh-approved high protein recipe e-book! The material is only available for a short time, but you can access it here

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MM20 for a discount!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Cristi Bartlett | Coaching, Confidence, and football Sep 22, 2020

Ashleigh sits down with Cristi Bartlett, an assistant strength coach for the Tennessee Titans to talk about coaching, confidence, powerlifting, and football - not necessarily in that order! We learn about Cristi’s background in sports, how she decided her career path and the steps she took to get there; what it’s like being one of the few women in her position in the NFL; and how competence, confidence, and passion will always matter more than luck or gender. Of course, having a great squat never hurts!

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MAVEN10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Sam Pogue | What is "biohacking" and is it worth it? Sep 08, 2020

Today Ashleigh chats with her friend and personal trainer/ fitness consultant /brand builder Sam Pogue about balancing our desires for a “magic pill” or quick fix with the reality of long-term, consistent habits. They talk about the trend and subculture of biohacking; what’s snake oil and what’s really helpful; the importance of clearly understanding your goals before you can reverse engineer the steps needed to get there; and when “biohacking” can be fun and helpful, and when you need to simply get back to basics and build the foundation first.

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Connect with Sam on Instagram @spogue86 at and sampogue.com, and stay tuned for his Be Less Unfit 12-week lifestyle program dropping soon!

Want to ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

You can have beautiful, effective, and healthy skincare - it’s really a thing! Primally Pure has natural deodorant that actually works, beef tallow-based body butter that is the most decadent and deliciously scented I’ve ever tried, and a host of other amazing products from dry shampoo to face oil and so much more - all with ingredients you can pronounce and at an affordable price. Shop at primallypure.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for 15% off!

Rob Mack | The art and science of happiness Sep 02, 2020

This week’s episode is one everyone can learn from and use immediately to become happier - no small claim! Ashleigh speaks with Rob Mack, an ivy-league-educated Positive Psychology expert, happiness coach, and Author. He is one of the world’s leading experts on the relationship between happiness and success. He helps individuals and organizations achieve an energizing balance of authentic personal happiness and effortless professional success, based on time-tested, face-valid, empirical data and timeless, transcendental wisdom.In this episode, Rob walks us through his journey to his current work, including struggling with suicidal depression as a younger person, to dedicating his life to helping people find “peaceful aliveness.”

They talk about the importance of understanding for your self what “peace” and happiness means to you; how to balance internal and external validation and pleasure; how to reframe challenge and adversity so your struggles work for you instead of against you; and the stunning concept that your perception of your health and success matters more than quantifiable, extrinsic measurements. This episode is the best free therapy out there - if you enjoy it, please share it with someone you care about, and check out Rob’s book, Happiness from the Inside Out.

My nose-to-tail cookbook, It Takes Guts, is available now for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chapters!

Connect with Rob online at coachrobmack.com and on social media @robmackofficial, and buy his book, Happiness from the Inside Out

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grass fed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MM20 for a discount!

Dr. Elly Michelle | Q&A about hormones, disordered eating, and the "toned" woman myth Aug 18, 2020

Today Ashleigh welcomes back her friend Dr. Elly Michelle Lieppman, a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in individualized women’s medicine, optimizing hormones, digestion, and energy. Dr. Elly Michelle is passionate about restoring balance in the body naturally and sustainably through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and strategic supplementation, by uncovering the root cause of health concerns and understanding what is going on in your body at a deeper level. With specific expertise in eating disorders, Elly brings so much to table and the two women answer audience questions about vitamin deficiencies, overcoming body insecurity, what your cycle is telling you about your health, and misconceptions over what it takes to achieve that “toned” look so many women are after. All that and more in this info-packed episode!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MM20 for a discount!

Try Sweet Apricity’s Paleo and AIP friendly sweets, like amazing caramels and marshmallows, for a treat that won’t make you feel gross. Use the code MUSCLEMAVEN at sweetapricity.com for 15% off!

Follow Dr. Elly Michelle on Instagram @dr.ellymichelle and check out her website, www.drellymichelle.com

Ep 12: Eating organ meat, thriving on a low carb diet, and making decisions with facts rather than emotion: chatting with Paul Saladino Aug 11, 2020

This week Ashleigh chats about organ meat, optimizing health, and the carnivore diet with the carnivore MD himself, Paul Saladino, author of the Carnivore Code. They break down listener questions about the healthiest animals to eat, how to eat them, how to optimize immune and gut health, how to train on a low carb or carnivore diet, using a carnivore approach as a health reset, insulin sensitivity, and a lot more. If you’re interested in the benefits of a nose-to-tail diet, optimizing your animal protein intake, and possibly upgrading your health, you’ll want to listen all the way through to this one!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thank you to my awesome show sponsor, Santa Cruz Medicinals, offering high-quality, third-party-tested CBD products including MCT-based tinctures, CBD-infused coconut oil, skincare, and so much more! Head to scmedicinals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN15 for a 15% discount.

Ep11: Talking skincare, sex, and stem cells with Dr. Amy Killen Aug 04, 2020

In today’s episode Ashleigh speaks with anti-aging expert Dr. Amy Killen about all the fun stuff: sexual health, skin health, and longevity, for men and women. They talk about stem cell therapy, peptides, hormone therapy, and all the ways Dr. Killen is researching and implementing bio-optimization with her clients. Often, addressing sexual health or even cosmetic anti-aging treatments can be a gateway into a deeper understanding of true health and longevity, so this is a fun intro into all the ways we can look at our health and address the myriad challenges or questions we all have.

This is a great chat about anti-aging with an expert in the field, and a good reminder that we shouldn’t be trying to “stop” the natural process of aging; rather, we can address some of the negative aspects of getting older that we take for granted are inevitable, when they don’t have to be. We can have beautiful skin, great sex, and robust health as we age - listen to this episode to find out how to do it!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Want the health benefits of organ meats but not ready to eat them? I use Ancestral Supplements grass-fed desiccated organ supplements. I love the company and the quality of their offerings - check them out at here, use the code MAVEN10 for a discount and let me know if you have any questions about their products before you buy!

Ep 10: The science of stress and stress mitigation with Dr. Andrew Huberman Jul 28, 2020

Today on Muscle Maven Radio, Ashleigh speaks with Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and a professor in the department of neurobiology at the Stanford university school of medicine. He studies brain development, brain plasticity, neural regeneration as well as things like controlling your brain state, tangible ways to manage fear, stress and anxiety, and at his lab he also works on strategies for halting and reversing vision loss ad how visual perceptions and autonomic arousal states impact behavioral responses.

In this episode we dive into practical ways to immediately control brain state and help mitigate acute stressors, rewiring your brain for positivity, we talk about neurotransmitters, breath work, and even how your vision impacts your stress response. All that and much more, you might want to take notes on this one!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount!

Try Sweet Apricity’s Paleo and AIP friendly sweets, like amazing caramels and marshmallows, for a treat that won’t make you feel gross. Use the code MUSCLEMAVEN at sweetapricity.com for 15% off!

Ep 9: Strength takes many forms: powerlifting through a cancer diagnosis with Nikki Balkau Jul 21, 2020

Today’s episode is about the many forms that strength can take, the power of perspective, and ultimately the story of a pretty remarkable human being who has been through more than most and has come out of it all a stronger, wiser person. Nikki Balkau is a powerlifter, but like all of us she’s a lot more than that. We discuss her experience being diagnosed with Leukemia has an otherwise healthy twenty-something, and how she dealt with that diagnosis physically and mentally (including continuing to train, literally, while undergoing chemo).

We talk about her background with and recovery from an eating disorder, and how different sports throughout her life have shaped her attitudes towards her body and her self-worth and identity. Her openness and willingness to share the good and the bad of her deeply personal story with the world is incredibly inspiring, and may help anyone who’s listening and going through something tough - it’s a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone, and there are lessons to be learned even in our darkest times.

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount!

EP 8: Hormones, fertility, and strength with Dr. Fit and Fabulous, Jaime Seeman Jul 14, 2020

On this episode of Muscle Maven Radio, Ashleigh speaks with Dr. Fit and Fabulous, Dr. Jaime Seeman. A functional OBGYN and surgeon, she also calls herself the vagina doctor so it only makes sense that they talk about nutrition and health for pregnancy and women who wish to become pregnant; what your monthly cycle can tell you about your health; metabolic flexibility, carbs, and keto for women; and hormonal health in general. They also discuss Dr. Seeman’s participation in the Titan Games, and is The Rock really as cool in person as he seems? This is a must-listen for any woman looking to learn more about health and hormones.

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

EP7: Talking sex and pull-ups with Untrue author Wednesday Martin Jul 07, 2020

Because sexual health is an important part of overall health and wellness, In today’s episode Ashleigh speaks with writer Wednesday Martin about her groundbreaking book Untrue.

They dive into complex topics like women’s sexuality and how stereotypes about women’s sexuality are created and perpetuated. They talk about the historical and anthropological bases for a lot of our ideas about sexuality; why common tropes about women and sex and relationships tend to be vastly different from how women speak about these thing amongst themselves; and how female autonomy, rather than attempting to define the “best” way to be a sexual person in this world, is a more practical and helpful goal for all of us.

And, because this is Muscle Maven Radio, we also talk about pull-ups. Don’t miss this provocative and eye-opening conversation!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thank you to my awesome show sponsor, Santa Cruz Medicinals, offering high-quality, third-party-tested CBD products including MCT-based tinctures, CBD-infused coconut oil, skincare, and so much more! Head to scmedicinals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a 15% discount.

EP 6: Trusting yourself over technology: the future of wellness tracking with the founders of MetriLife Jun 30, 2020

The problem with most health tracking apps is that they tend to influence people to rely more on external data than their own thinking. Today’s guests are Paul Oneid and Jay Nera, the founders of MetriLife, a mobile app that teaches you how your daily behaviors affect your life and provide you with actionable feedback to improve your mental and physical health and performance. They join us on the show to talk about their app, but also the idea that all health goals are contingent on mindset, behaviors, and our ability to understand and be honest with ourselves. We begin by hearing how our two guests met before diving into a fascinating conversation about what mental health is all about and how to approach it. Jay and Paul talk about journaling, the need for reflection along with introspection, and the freedom of being in the present. We also discuss how to get past faddy understandings of conscious living and what we can learn about growth from a place of self-love rather than insecurity and obsession. We touch on defining what being good means for ourselves and how to start the process of breaking bad habits that are self-serving. From there, we take a deeper dive into MetriLife and how it differs from other tracking apps by holding an up a mirror based on feedback you give it, thereafter providing tools to form associations between where you are and want to be. Join us for all these amazing philosophical insights into the role of accountability and technology in health today!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

My favorite CBD is Santa Cruz Medicinals; their products are third-party tested and the most effective I've used. They offer flavored CBD tinctures, CBD-infused pain lotion, coconut oil and soaps, and a bunch more - check them out at scmedicinals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Key Points From This Episode:

Jay and Paul’s background in the fitness space and cofounding 1-Life Inc.
How our guests met through powerlifting and combined strengths in a business partnership.
Lessons about mental health Paul takes from his job and applies in the business.
How Jay got into stem journaling leading to writing Sisyphus is Smiling.
Journaling practices and the use of them for achieving better mental health.
The fad of living consciously and the deep introspection this habit really involves.
Leveling up without becoming neurotic by learning from Sisyphus and powerlifting.
Learning that freedom and growth are about being present in the moment, even if it’s difficult.
The challenge of approaching growth from a place of loving, not hating yourself.
Moving past stoicism to define your version of good using broader philosophy.
Our tendency react to problems by depressing and never taking action.
Getting past self-serving negative habits by being aware of the need they serve.
How MetriLife works by holding up a mirror and helping users reflect on their feelings.
The problem with many fitness tracking apps’ data gathering methodology.
A story where a user’s bad attitude caused him to give MetriLife a bad review.
Overall positive responses that MetriLife receives from the fitness community.
The value of being open with struggles and taking initiatives to change them.
The age range and demographic of users who are downloading MetriLife.
The ins, outs, and benefits of Paul’s get shredded program!
How Paul and Jay are training at this time where everybody is staying at home.
Free resources from Jay and Paul, and new projects in the pipeline!

Tweetables:

“Living consciously is becoming a fad phrase and I honestly haven’t heard one person talk about it on a non-superficial level. It involves a lot more things than, ‘Oh, living consciously means not operating on a subconscious level.” — @jay_nera [0:15:12]

“If I’m working and I’m busy, I don’t have to think about my problems, but the reality is that those problems and that friction within your life is where all of your personal growth is going to be. You need to take time to reflect.” — @pauloneid [0:26:10]

“Our tagline for MetriLife is that it’s an intelligent approach to living healthier, living happier, and living stronger, and the reason why it is an intelligent approach is because you’re the one in the driver’s seat.” — @pauloneid [0:52:36]

“This is a reality check and look in the mirror to see where are you today, and then it’s a helping hand to guide you along a journey that you’re creating for yourself.” — @pauloneid [0:53:47]

“Through technology, we’re inundated with so many external connections that we lose this connection with the inside. We don’t look inside and that’s where the revolutionary act is.” — @jay_nera [0:55:05]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Paul Oneid

Jay Nera

MetriLife

Sisyphus is Smiling

'Is it OK to Not Be OK?'

‘Behaviors to Monitor and Practice’

Shane Church

Nathaniel Branden

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

Tony Robbins

Seneca the Younger Marcus Aurelius

Muscle Maven Radio on YouTube

Ashleigh VanHouten

Ashleigh VanHouten Email

Ashleigh VanHouten on Instagram

Santa Cruz Medicinals

Santa Cruz Medicinals on Instagram

EP 5: Q&A: Deep dive on the carnivore diet, and learning to love organ meats Jun 16, 2020

Covering all aspects of the carnivore movement, today’s episode is flipped on its head with Muscle Maven Radio host Ashleigh Vanhouten as today’s guest! Beth Lipton, chef, recipe developer, and wellness writer is today’s host and asks Ashleigh all the questions you’ve ever wanted to ask about a carnivorous diet. We cover health, safety, and sustainability, especially for women interested in following this lifestyle, and Ashleigh shares how a carnivorous diet can work as a tool for building muscle and living a longer, healthier life. We also talk about convenience and where to source what some would consider unusual animal proteins, including organ meat, which Ashleigh endorses as a delicious and nutrient-rich source of protein, as well as some personal stories about cooking with animal protein and recipe development from both Ashleigh and Beth. For all you’ve ever wanted to know about the carnivore movement, and to find out more about Ashleigh’s upcoming book, Nose-to-Tail, tune in today!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount!

Key Points From This Episode:

What the carnivore movement means to Ashleigh.
Whether a carnivorous diet is safe and sustainable for women.
Beth’s experience of a carnivorous diet as a reset method, not something permanent.
Ashleigh explains how and why a carnivorous diet can work as a tool for women specifically.
Beth weighs in on why stressing about food is unhealthy and counterproductive.
Protein in meat as the most satiating macronutrient for Ashleigh, preventing overeating.
How a carnivorous diet can be simpler and easier while traveling.
Women, muscle, body composition, and a protein first approach on a carnivorous diet.
Losing fat versus building muscle and the importance of muscle for health and longevity.
What Ashleigh’s process is for recipe development, prioritizing health and familiarity.
Ashleigh relates to how scary working with new ingredients can be, especially organ meat.
Where Ashleigh’s interest in organ meat and a carnivorous diet came from.
Ashleigh’s advice for someone interested in this lifestyle but is struggling to get started.
Beth suggests asking your butcher to integrate organ meat into your regular order.
Ashleigh describes the process of sourcing ingredients for her recipes.
Ashleigh’s experience of having difficulty with organ meats and how she got through it.
Beth’s experience of cooking with organ meats or unusual animal proteins.
Why Ashleigh will or won’t eat specific animal proteins, focused on safety and ethics.
Ashleigh summarizes what she wants to impart about animal protein and organ meat.

Tweetables:

“For me, the carnivore approach is someone who is deciding to eat animal products only” — @Ashleigh_VH [0:07:47]

“The point is to find an approach to diet that best suits your goals, your physiology, how you want to live” — @Ashleigh_VH [0:18:42]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Bubs Naturals Website

Ashleigh Vanhouten on Twitter

Ashleigh Vanhouten Website

Ashleigh Vanhouten Instagram

Beth Lipton Website

Beth Lipton on Twitter

Beth Lipton on Instagram

Michaela Petersen Website Mark Bell Website

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Website

Paul Saladino Website

Diana Rodgers: Sustainable Dish Website

Tara Couture: Slow Down Farmstead

EP 4: Healthier Meat, Healthier People, Healthier Planet: Belcampo’s Alternative Meat Supply System Jun 09, 2020

The conventional agricultural system, with its focus on efficiency and mass scale, is harmful to animals, the environment, and humans. Belcampo is the only fully vertically integrated meat supply company in the US with a carbon positive impact and fully regenerative processes, and they are a shining example of a business that is moving the needle in healthy and sustainable directions. Anya Fernald, its CEO, joins us today, and her passion for the industry, healthy living, and conscious consumption is palpable. We begin the episode by getting to know Anya and the Belcampo founding story. After spending several years in Italy, where high-quality food is prioritized, Anya realized that the US paradigm was an entirely different one. This prompted her to take matters into her own hands. From there, look at Anya’s ‘radical’ approach to food, which includes nose-to-tail and seasonal eating. We then take a deeper dive into Belcampo’s holistically sustainable approach where Anya sheds light on the cascading benefits of their regenerative practices. Along with this, we also hear about some of the challenges Anya has faced going against the industry norms, positive COVID-related changes that she has noticed both in her business and her personal life, and what it’s like being a woman in the male-dominated meat game. This was an incredible conversation that we learned so much from, and we know you will too. Tune in today!

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Thanks to our show sponsor Ancestral Supplements for providing animal-based superfoods in capsule form: try their grass-fed beef organs or beef liver supplements for 15% off with the code MUSCLEMAVEN at ancestralsupplements.com

Key Points From This Episode:

Learn more about Anya’s background, her company, Belcampo, and what they do.
What Anya’s time working and living in Italy taught her about food quality.
Anya’s return to the US and the different ventures that led to founding Belcampo.
Why the current consumption paradigm has to shift for the food system to be sustainable.
What we can learn from our ancestors about seasonal and nose-to-tail eating.
Find out why the industrial agricultural system produces bad offal.
Insights into Belcampo’s regenerative approach to agriculture and what it entails.
Belcampo’s species-specific ethos: Evolutionary diet, natural mothering, and natural mating.
The biggest challenges Anya has encountered when getting her message out there.
Why Anya has chosen to steer clear of focusing on her competition.
How COVID — through the challenges it brings — will teach us all much-needed lessons.
Some of the positive changes COVID has brought for Belcampo.
Encouraging shifts around food waste, slowing down, and conscious consumption.
Belcampo Meat Camps: Why they started, what they are, and their goal.
What it’s been like as a woman in a male-dominated industry for Anya.

Tweetables:

“My heart is in revolutionizing meat and changing the system for the better.” — @anyafernald [0:14:16]

“We make choices every day that support a certain style of meat eating.” — @anyafernald [0:19:29]

“I really do think of Belcampo as an animal wellness company trying to create a system where animals thrive and that’s to the benefit of human wellness and to the benefit of our animals’ quality.” — @anyafernald [0:35:13]

“From my perspective, nothing good comes from reflecting on your competition.” — @anyafernald [0:50:46]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anya Fernald on Instagram

Anya Fernald on Twitter

Belcampo Inc

Belcampo Meat Camps

Ancestral Supplements

Ancestral Supplements on Instagram

Ashleigh VanHouten

Ashleigh VanHouten Email

Ashleigh VanHouten on Instagram

EP 3: Hunting, harvesting, and cooking with Wilderness to Table's Bri Van Scotter Jun 02, 2020

No matter how we eat, the way we participate in the food cycle in the most ethical, sustainable, and healthy way is a really important conversation to have. Joining me to talk about cooking what you hunt is Bri Van Scotter, a true renaissance woman with degrees in art, communications, and cuisine – and the force behind Wilderness to Table, through which she teaches people about making, enjoying, and also sourcing delicious and healthy food. We chat with Bri about her journey to becoming a self-sustained food maker through harvesting and hunting, hearing about how she felt unfulfilled with her initial education and career before learning about cuisine and becoming fascinated with self-sourced ingredients.

She talks about how she learned to hunt and reconcile her hesitance to kill with her belief that it’s more humane than mass farmed approaches, recounting the story of her first kill and how she overcome the initial shock. We consider the contrasts between factory farms, slaughterhouses, and sustainable harvesting, and Bri weighs in on our culture's damaging eating habits, how organic food helped her health journey, and that self-harvesting results in a more meaningful cooking process. Bri speaks about the contrast between Instagram’s culture of trophy hunting and her approach, according to which the whole hunt is geared toward the meal, and the work she is doing to advocate it with women's hunting groups and a course in the pipeline. Bri’s current career also takes center stage, and we chat about her show, the hunts she goes on, her favorite game meat, the new recipe book she is working on, and the nose-to-tail message behind all her projects. For this and a whole lot more on the topic of self-sustained cooking, tune in today!

Want to improve your skin health with ingredients you can actually pronounce? Want a natural deodorant that actually works? Check out show sponsor Primally Pure and treat yourself to their beautiful and luxurious natural skincare products with discount code MUSCLEMAVEN for 15% OFF

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten@gmail.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Key Points From This Episode:

Culinary school, rearing a chicken, bowhunting, spearfishing: how Bri found her passion.
The contrast between the evils of slaughterhouses and rearing/catching your own food.
How Bri overcame her hesitance to kill; learning humane practices, and her chef background.
Bri’s perspective that cooking becomes more respectful if you have harvested the meat.
Bri’s approach to ethical questions of Instagram trophy shots, and the backlash she still gets.
How Bri learned her bow skills, her first hunt, and what the hunts she goes on involve.
Bri’s work with women hunters promoting approaches centered around cuisine, not trophies.
How Bri dealt with feelings of shock after killing and field dressing a doe on her first hunt.
The influence of Bri’s childhood and chef/hunter mentality to her nose-to-tail approach.
The need for ‘normal’ people being the face of the organ meat movement.
Bri’s career since leaving the restaurant industry: focusing on her show and personal brand.
The message behind Bri’s brand; bridging the gap between wild game hunting and cuisine.
Bri’s renaissance woman status with five degrees in photography, cuisine, and more!
Some of the recipes Bri is working on using duck fat and wild boar lard.
How eating organic protein helps Bri manage rheumatoid arthritis and stop taking meds.
Side effects of the eating habits of our culture and the importance of eating organic foods.
Bri’s thoughts on making her recipe-dense wild game cookbook and when it will drop.
Why Bri loves moose and bear so much and which periods their meat tastes best.
Perspectives on the quality of organic food and the need for farming to become more humane.
New projects that Bri is working on which teach how to cook meat you harvested.

Tweetables:

“I need to pay respect to these animals and if I had my hands on them since the beginning, I need to have only my hands on them in the end.” — @Chefbrivs [0:06:19]

“Even when I hunt, if I can’t get a good shot, I am not going to take it, because the last thing I want is for that animal to suffer.” — @Chefbrivs [0:10:46]

“It’s been my dream to have a cookbook. As a chef, that’s my goal, but I never thought I was going to have a wild game cookbook.” — @Chefbrivs [0:43:35]

“Farming could be transformed into something really amazing.” — @Chefbrivs [0:54:18]

“You have to know what to cook before you harvest your animal because that determines how you butcher in the field.” — @Chefbrivs [1:00:37]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Bri Van Scotter on Instagram

Wilderness to Table

The Culinary Institute of America

Slow Down Farmstead on Instagram

Primally Pure Skincare

Primally Pure Discount Code

Ashleigh VanHouten

Ashleigh VanHouten Email

Ashleigh vanHouten on Instagram

EP 2: The most important hormone we aren't talking about with Dr. Anna Cabeca May 19, 2020

Discovering the intricacy of the female body is a beautiful process. Our delicate hormonal balance affects all aspects of our health and wellbeing, from the condition of our skin to the quality of our sleep and sex lives. In this episode, I interview Dr. Anna Cabeca who is board certified in genealogy and obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine and who is also an authoritative voice in the realm of functional medicine, menopause, and women’s sexual health. Dr. Cabeca unpacks the three major hormones and how an increase or decrease in their levels affect us and explains how they can be managed and even optimized for healing. We get into the variables that affect the efficacy of oxytocin supplementation, the use of exogenous hormones such as melatonin, and the relationship between adiponectin and weight loss resistance. Turning our attention to her newly released book Keto-Green 16, Dr. Cabeca explains how her approach to the ketogenic diet differs from the mainstream understanding, highlighting her views on alkalizing foods, the need for digestive enzymes, consuming greens versus proteins, intermittent fasting, and much more.

Want to connect, ask questions for the podcast, or offer feedback? Drop me a note on Instagram @themusclemaven, send me an email at ashleighvanhouten.com, and sign up for my weekly newsletter at ashleighvanhouten.com

Check out our show sponsor Sweet Apricity and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for 15% off. Get a digital subscription to Paleo Magazine for as low as $1.25 a month!

Key Points From This Episode:

How Dr. Cabeca’s personal experience informed her approach to her OB-GYN practice.
Three major hormones—insulin, cortisol, and oxytocin—and how the levels change with age.
The impact of the stress hormone (cortisol) on other hormones and our health in general.
An explanation of the role of oxytocin in the body and how it can be optimized for healing.
The dangerous cortisol-oxytocin disconnect that occurs amid prolonged stress and trauma.
Suggestions for the lifestyle practices that can help you regulate oxytocin and cortisol levels.
The variables that can affect our physiological response to oxytocin supplementation.
Advice about the correct use of exogenous melatonin: dosage, timing, and more.
The relationship between adiponectin levels and weight gain in menopausal women.
The four key markers that women need to pay attention to when it comes to their hormones.
How Dr. Cabeca’s approach to the ketogenic diet differs from the traditional view.
Distinguishing between foods that have an alkalizing effect versus those that are alkaline.
The importance of increasing your digestive enzymes and not diluting them with liquids.
The ideal amounts of protein versus greens in Dr. Cabeca’s approach to the keto-green diet.
Guidelines around the best times to eat, intermittent fasting, and stabilizing your blood sugar.
Caloric restriction versus fasting and how each affects our basal metabolic rate.
Using metrics and tracking in a way that is non-dogmatic and serves your goals.

Tweetables:

“It takes more than hormones to fix our hormones. That’s where lifestyle medicine becomes really powerful.” — @AnnaCabeca [0:05:18]

“We really need to look at the major hormones and for me, those are insulin, cortisol, and oxytocin. Those three hormones are the most powerful hormones in our body, with oxytocin being the crowing hormone.” — @AnnaCabeca [0:05:57]

“It is our own activities and our perceptions and our lifestyle practices that increase our own natural oxytocin. We manage cortisol and do practices that increase oxytocin.” — @AnnaCabeca [0:18:25]

“Increasing your digestive enzymes is one of the key things that we need to do and focus on, especially as we get older.” — @AnnaCabeca [0:43:06]

“These low-calorie days that we have, destroy our metabolism. We are better to fast than eat small meals.” — @AnnaCabeca [0:59:42]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Anna Cabeca

Dr. Anna Cabeca on Twitter

Dr. Anna Cabeca on Instagram

Keto-Green Community on Facebook

Ashleigh VanHouten Email

Ashleigh vanHouten on Instagram

EP 1: Welcome to Muscle Maven Radio May 12, 2020

A lot has happened since the last time I published a podcast episode, so I want to thank all of you for sticking around despite all the chaos in the world right now. I hope that you guys missed me as much as I missed talking to you. Today I’m introducing you to the new name and brand of the show and explain to listeners the reasons for all these changes.

In short, Paleo Magazine is undergoing some big transformations and part of their restructuring resulted in much uncertainty about the future of the podcast. But loving this show and the community we’ve created, I jumped in and purchased the podcast, and decided to rebrand it as Muscle Maven Radio! This is an exciting journey that I hope to take all the current listeners on with me and hopefully gain a whole lot more as we continue building out the community. In this episode, I walk you through the aspects that will stay the same, and those that—I’m certain—will be even better than before!

Key Points From This Episode:

The exciting news: I purchased the Paleo Magazine Radio podcast!
Hear about Paleo Magazine’s transformation and what they decided about the podcast.
Rest assured: You will still be getting the same quality, high-value content as before.
Why I feel so strongly about the podcast and the community we’ve built together.
Find out which elements of the show will remain the same and which will change.
The perks of a new brand—we can talk much more broadly about health and wellness.
I need all of you to help me make the podcast a viable and helpful resource!
What I’m currently envisioning for the show in terms of its structure and featured guests.
Let me know which topics you’d like to see covered and any other suggestions you have.
Monthly giveaways, special offers, and more for those actively participating in the show!

Tweetables:

“I have purchased the Paleo Magazine Radio podcast and I have rebranded it under my own name aka the Muscle Maven, which is my nickname.” — Ashleigh VanHouten [0:01:01]

“All I knew was that putting the podcast on hold or permanently getting rid of it was just too sad for me to bear.” — Ashleigh VanHouten [0:01:58]

“I wanted to make a space that is for everybody who is a health and fitness and food nerd and just likes to learn.” — Ashleigh VanHouten [0:04:26]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ashleigh VanHouten

Ashleigh VanHouten Email

Ashleigh vanHouten on Instagram

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