Rest Days

Soup or Bowl Feb 07, 2024

It’s time for the Super Bowl. Who are we rooting for? Usher, baby. When Usher plays the halftime show, we’re all winners.

So, instead of Super Bowl talk, we’re talking soups and bowls. Does soup count as a meal? What’s our favorite bowl meals? We get into nutrition and simple food hacks to keep you nourished all winter long.

Give this one a listen for lots of giggles and what we believe to be actually helpful meal suggestions!

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

What Have We Learned About Ourselves? Jan 31, 2024

Do people actually change, or do they just become more of who they really are? To be honest, we aren’t sure and we aren’t answering that big question today. We do want you to take a moment in your day to acknowledge what you’ve learned about yourself lately. Even better, what do you LIKE about yourself?

We walk through some of our favorite topics, like food, movement, routine, and style, and discuss the things we’ve learned about ourselves, especially coming out of our diet headspace eras. We hope this episode serves as a fun way to get to know us and as an example for a conversation you can have with yourself!

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

We Only Marched for 30 minutes Jan 24, 2024

Did you think Mardi Gras was just one day, too? Well, you’re not totally wrong. Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, but when you live in New Orleans, Carnival Season is weeks long. This episode is the result of a phone call in which Lauren asked Maria, “Wait… is my friend a Mummer?” The rest is for you to find out.

As you may know, Maria is based in New Orleans and has adopted Carnival Season with great enthusiasm. She’s in multiple dance krewes, spends weeks creating costumes, attends practices for weeks, and… Lauren really had no idea.

Lauren interviews Maria about her Carnival experiences, how she manages her movement routine with practices, and how community makes a huge difference when it comes to your relationship with exercise.

We’re not saying joining a dance krewe will fix your relationship with movement, but we’re not saying it won’t!

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

New Year, Same (Horrible) Me Jan 17, 2024

Be honest: are you having a happy new year? We’re back for Season 5, and that’s enough. Being back, being here, and keeping on with our lives is the win for us!

In this episode, we first get into the details of what exactly happened in Season 4: our shortest season of all time.

Mostly, this episode explores what we encourage you to unlearn about the New Year: expectations to be a different person, to achieve a new level of goals, and to feel industrious. The truth is: it is really enough to step into the New Year as you are.

We share tangible next steps and reframes for embracing the New Year with a spirit of acceptance. In addition, we teach you something from our recent workshop - how to set intentions that make room for more of you instead of a New You.

No promises, but you might feel better about the year ahead after this episode. Go give it a whirl and let us know.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Gadgets and Gizmos a’plenty II Nov 25, 2023

Welcome back to Rest Days! This is our second installment of Gadgets and Gizmos a’plenty and we definitely have who’s its and what’s its galore. There will DEFINITELY be thingamabobs. Is it an episode of entirely clickbait items? Maybe.

We hope this episode brings some comical relief to the onslaught of devices and products we will be marketed throughout the holiday season. Some of them are luxury, others problematic, and some just won’t age well.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

The Hormone Monsters (PMS + PMDD) Sep 20, 2023

Today, we’re interviewing two guests: our own Hormone Monsters. Navigating a menstrual cycle - be it regular AF or simply untrackable - can feel like filing taxes depending on the time of the month. As two people with some pretty frustrating Hormone Monster moments, we’re taking time to discuss PMS, PMDD, and what sets them apart. In this episode, we discuss the differences between PMS and PMDD, what it’s like to get a PMDD diagnosis, and a host of helpful strategies to support the stages of your cycle. Given our specialties, we talk a good bit about how movement and food can affect/be affected by that Hormone Monster. Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

I Think You Should Leave [The Gym]. Here’s Why. Sep 13, 2023

If there’s a topic that gets fitness fans talking, it’s that bench that never got a good wipe down by its last user. There are just some gym behaviors related to etiquette and boundaries that, well, have us thinking… maybe you should leave.There are also elements of etiquette that make gyms and studios special places. We’re covering the good, bad, and the sweaty on this episode of Rest Days. From bathrooms to music to classes and more, we cover the spectrum of healthful and not so healthful habits that can make or break your fitness experience. Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

An Interview with a Vampire: When Life Sucks Aug 23, 2023

On this special episode of Rest Days, Lauren interviews a vampire (Maria), who has spent six months in anticipatory grief and recently returned from a month away from home to support her family.These experiences can turn our lives, routines, and habits upside down. How do you eat, sleep, move, and work when we feel like a total vampire?While we are no experts on getting through the suck, we do hope this episode shines a light for those of you in a dark time. This interview discusses self-care strategies and mindsets for those seasons of your life that, well, want to suck your blood.Maria is back from her vampire status to share thoughts and wisdom with you, and Lauren asks hard questions and reminds us she is the favorite daughter of Maria’s family (true).Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

HAGS (that means Have A Great Summer) Aug 02, 2023

We’re bringing back HAGS, short for “have a great summer,” in this episode dedicated to summer shifts in routine and habits. The truth is… we aren’t all having a great summer. The earth is hotter than ever [literally though], the air quality is variable at best, and the social and emotional conditions are rough. This is a season and an era for extra intentionality and compassion for our bodies. Tune in for the ways we’re adapting to the summer season when it comes to sleep, nutrition, movement, and skin care. Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

The Internet Lately Jul 26, 2023

Or the alternative title "I have no problem being on my phone for hours and hours"The internet is gonna internet, y’all. We’re talking about what’s been trending on the internet lately, specifically health and fitness topics that are giving clickbait. Yes, you know what we’re talking about – mustard on everything, nootropics, 12/30/30, and more. As usual, we give our honest takes and provide nuance to otherwise nuanceless conversations we see on the internet. It’s not all bad, though – tune in for what we’re digging and what we’re skipping. Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

You better fix my entire life Jul 19, 2023

We’re living in a clickbait world, baby. And this right here is our Click Baits of Yesteryear episode. We’ve all fallen into the trap of thinking a product, program, food, or protocol would ‘fix our entire lives.’ And… we can pretty much all agree that most of those silver bullet solutions left us wanting more [or less… looking at you, Quest Bars].Have a listen to our first episode of Season 4! Find out the haircare product that Maria fell for hard [hint: she fell cause it was greasy AF] and the food product Lauren proudly layered into her fitness routine. We love you and all the clickbaits you took to get to where you are. Give yourself a little grace! Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Body Goals Pt 2 May 31, 2023

We’re talking bodies - again! We know we left you in a bit of a thought swamp in Body Goals, Part 1. This time around, we take a look at body goals from another angle. What if our body goals felt good? Inspired us? Reminded us of how strong and capable we are? In this ep, we discuss when the transition from negative-feeling body goals to positive ones occurred… with an unfortunate, mutual discovery about that entire process. There are of course some serious sticky spots on this journey; after all, not everyone is on your journey, which means fielding unsolicited comments and conversations. Be prepared for some unhearable yet admittedly helpful metaphors. At the end of this episode, we share our own body goals and aspirations from a new lens. A new and ever-evolving lens, of course. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know what you think in the Q+A or via the poll below! Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Body Goals Pt 1 May 24, 2023

Body goals: we’ve had them. We might still have them! How those goals feel is what matters most. In Part 1 of our Body Goals episode series, we are getting into the not-so-great side of body goals. Some of our old body goals may feel as painful as a lukewarm, concentrated shot of apple cider vinegar. We’re here to walk through the swamp with you. Click Bait features a couple cringeworthy throwbacks to the 90s and early 00s. We stick around in the time machine to explore some of our earliest influences of body image and body goals: from commercials and pop culture to that absurd rack of tabloid magazines in the grocery store. Y’all – we were just KIDS! Let us know what you think of this episode in the Q+A or via the poll below! Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Fitness Trackers May 17, 2023

“What do you think about fitness trackers?’ is a question we get a lot. The TL;DL? We love our trackers. However, it wasn’t always that way.In this episode, we explore what it can look and feel like to have a fitness tracker as a supportive tool. And also, we share our experiences and insights about fitness trackers becoming more of a rule than a tool. Tune in to our conversation about how we get derailed by trackers and ways to utilize them in an informed, thoughtful way. Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Talking Shit May 10, 2023

This is the poop episode. The episode where we talk about poop. Buckle up the bidet and have a sitz with us.In this week’s episode, we chat through what it means to be regular with a poop routine [and how that can mean something different for all of us!]. From our professional perspectives, we also identify the ways in which movement and nutrition can play a part — for better or for worse — in our poop routines. And, of course, it’s not Rest Days without relevant clickbait. We guess you could call this a literal shit show! Have a listen – from wherever you listen to podcasts, the bathroom included.Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Spring Cleaning May 03, 2023

Have you been spring cleaning? So have we! When we talk spring cleaning, we mean something fairly nuanced. We’re cleaning out more than closets!In an unlikely turn of events, our Click Bait turns a little bit into a Ricki Lake mediation episode… meets a heavily influenced beverage commercial. You’ll love it. This week on Rest Days, we’re diving into the many ways you can enter the spring season. You can clean out your closet of clothes and styles that no longer serve you. You can fill your fridge or pantry with items that meet your needs as the weather gets warmer. And, one of our favorites? You can spiff up that social media feed and your photo albums on your phone! Amidst the summer body talk and the summer heat inviting less coverage, it’s easy to get the dreads when spring arrives. We hope these strategies bring a little sunshine and blossom positive thoughts for you this spring season. Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Why you so obsessed with me? Apr 12, 2023

Ooooh, why you so obsessed with me? Boy, I wanna know.

Well, here’s the thing: we DO know. We have been obsessed with a lot of not great fitness, nutrition, and wellness habits. A lot of the “why” has to do with feeling in charge of your health and your life. And also, we can’t disregard the impact of societal pressures, fatphobia, and diet culture.

On this episode, we share our insights on staying off the obsession hamster wheel and key observations to make around your fitness and nutrition routines.

Listen to the ultimate Call Me Maybe Mash Up HERE

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork:

Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Itchy Girl Season Apr 05, 2023

Season 3 is here, and so is the pollen. Welcome to Itchy Girl Season! This episode is our spring variation of ‘Crock Pot Season,’ and we’re sharing the specific ways we make space for shifts, adaptations, and grace in our spring routines.Amidst our face scratching and sneezing, we talk through general routine, movement, food habits, energy and sleep, skincare, and clothing. Learn to work within the seasons of your life, instead of against them! Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Why You Stressin? Mar 22, 2023

Stress is a part of life. When does the thing we’re accustomed to become the thing we’re relying on to get anything done? The stress of needing to meet a deadline or eat before you get too hangry or drink water before your body turns into a raisin – yep, we know those stressors and more. MAJOR CW for talk about Gwyneth Paltrow + other diet culture thingsDiet and wellness cultures are their own stressors, as noted by Lauren in her recent TikTok [link: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR7wuFD5/ ]. We do our best to tackle Goop Queen and her IV throne for this week’s clickbait. We also highly recommend that you check out Chrissy King’s book, The Body Liberation Project: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704696/the-body-liberation-project-by-chrissy-king/In this episode, we talk about the stressors related to fitness and nutrition. In some ways, movement and food help us decrease stress, and in other ways, they are stressors in and of themselves. How to deal? Have a listen, and join us!

*Correction: In this episode, Lauren refers to PEM as post exercise malaise when it is actually post exertional malaise (that can be triggered by exercise)

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_riContact: restdayspodcast@gmail.comMusic: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmodeArtwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Guest Episode: Food access, gut health, and a sprinkle of astrology with Lauren Bell, MPH Mar 15, 2023

This week on Rest Days we are in excitingly good company. Our second ever guest is the one and only Lauren Bell, aka Nutrition Lo on social media. Her knowledge and insights will get you thinking, unpacking, and reimagining your understanding of nutrition from a public health lens.

In this episode, we discuss public health nutrition, food access in the US and particularly in Louisiana, and ways we can support our local communities. And, in good Rest Days fashion, Lauren delivers a public health clickbait, too!

You can learn more about Lauren Bell and the topics discussed in this episode via the information and links below:

Lauren Bell, also known as Nutritionlo on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, is a public health nutrition advocate living and learning in New Orleans, Louisiana. Originally hailing from Maryland, Lauren begin her deep dive into the nutrition space in 2020, after seeing the many gaps in the American healthcare system due to COVID-19.

After a career switch, Lauren received her Master of Public Health with a Nutrition concentration from Tulane University in 2022 and currently works with the Louisiana Department of Health to help evaluate Heart Disease in Louisiana.

In addition to this, Lauren is also an adjunct professor at Tulane's School of Professional Advancement teaching an introductory nutrition course.

In her free time, Lauren loves TikTok and has been an avid user there for over a year, hoping to spread more nutrition knowledge. She loves to chat about favorite foods, gut health, and unpacking whiteness in the American food system.

Links:

Lauren's Socials

Instagram | Tiktok | Twitter

NOLA Food Rescues:

https://www.instagram.com/foodrescueus.nola/?hl=en

NOLA Community Fridges:

https://www.nolacommunityfridges.org/

Lauren’s piece on extending universal school meal program:

https://undark.org/2022/09/01/universal-school-meals-should-be-extended-indefinitely/

Lauren’s favorite anti-diet IBS dietitian: https://www.instagram.com/antidiet.ibs.dietitian/?hl=en

Lauren’s Feature on Healthline:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/dieticians-who-get-it#Lauren-Bell

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Those No Good Bad Body Image Days Mar 08, 2023

We’ve all been there: the bad body image day. Maybe it’s a whole day or just a moment within one. Regardless of the duration, these times are tough to navigate.

While we don’t consider ourselves the experts, we do know the power of community in sharing what has helped us on our journeys!

Tune in for our discussion on common body image triggers, conversations with others who don’t quite get it, and five strategies for working through those bad body image experiences.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Diet and Fitness Lore 101 Mar 01, 2023

How many times have you wondered to yourself, is [insert trend/advice here] even TRUE? Welcome to your intro course, Diet and Fitness Lore 101 with adjunct faculty Lauren and Maria.

This episode is short, sweet, and to the point. Lauren and Maria debunk 2 foundational myths from their respective fields, and yes, you can receive a certificate of completion for your learning time.

The curriculum for Diet and Fitness Lore 101 includes a discussion on exercises for body types, perfect posture and form, recommended protein intake, and what ‘fires up’ your metabolism.

What should we cover in our next unit? Join us on Patreon and let us know! www.patreon.com/restdayspodcast

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Realistic Self Care Feb 22, 2023

Two roads diverged into yellow wood… and we took the Gremlin Girl off-road trail instead. When confronted with the [potentially arduous] task of self-care in 2023, we’re getting real and talking realistic.

No, not the 5-9 That Girl Routine; this week on Rest Days, Lauren and Maria talk through their own definitions of self-care from a realistic angle, as well as their favorite health-promoting self-care behaviors that are supporting them lately. Of course, because life isn’t always about protecting strong boundaries and journaling, you’ll also hear a good bit about the Gremlin Girl behaviors. You’ll know them when you hear them.

Have feedback or thoughts to add? Join us on Patreon and jump in on the conversation!

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Kitchen Nonconfidential Feb 08, 2023

There’s nothing confidential when it comes to our kitchens. This week, we’re talking about our recent go-to choices for meals, snacks, and hydration. Why? Because a life without dieting means a life full of choices! We’re here with you in your decision fatigue and your 4pm lunches.

This episode is not prescriptive or directive in ANY capacity. Rather, this is an intentional share about the ways we work to nourish our bodies - the bodies that run businesses, love movement, and enjoy a hyperfixation meal for a solid few weeks at a time. With every meal, we spotlight the rules we love the break to remind you that it truly is about doing what’s best for you. We also get real about eggs, delivery over pickup, and caffeine.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Guest Episode: Nikki Pebbles Rocks Our World Feb 01, 2023

This is the very first episode of Rest Days featuring… a GUEST! Your trusty Rest Days duo shares the mic with the incomparable, wildly energetic Nikki Pebbles. Read more about Nikki below!

In this episode, we ask Nikki about how we can set goals and create routines without feeling the dreaded structure and pass/fail system we learned from dieting. She delivers! Nikki also teaches us about neutral affirmations and how to talk to that voice inside your head about yourself. Special bonus material is available on our Patreon!

About Nikki Pebbles

She's a rockstar in the world of personal development and movement! As a Lead Performance Coach at Google and the owner of the virtual fitness studio, Rock Your Body Online, Nikki is all about empowering people to reach their full potential and live their most BOLD lives.

With her Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology and experience as a Mental Performance Practitioner, Nikki knows just how to help people overcome self-doubt and tap into their inner strength.

And if you needed any more proof of her expertise, just check out the list of top-tier publications she's been featured in, like Self Magazine, Women's Health Magazine, In Style, Forbes, and The Times of London.

Guest: Nikki Pebbles | Website | Tiktok | Instagram

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Rest Day’s Guide to the Gym Galaxy Jan 25, 2023

If there’s one thing we love to talk about, it’s the good, the bad, and the ugly of fitness culture. At the beginning of the year, fitness spaces tend to experience higher attendance as folks resolve to be more active. How would we approach these fitness spaces? Consider this episode your guide to that messy gym galaxy.

CW: This episode contains talk about dieting, diet behaviors, and adult language.

This episode is broken down into a few parts. Have a listen to learn Navigating a Gym 101, all about gym etiquette, and what our dream gyms would include. The ending involves chaotic laugh-crying, a touch of HGTV, and a conclusion that we’re definitely sauna people.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Resolution Evolution Jan 18, 2023

Season 2 is here!

And so is the New Year. The start of the year is closely associated with expecting big changes from yourself and… your body. It can get messy. This week, Lauren and Maria dive into resolutions and how they’ve learned to reframe and pivot from that messy thinking.

CW: This episode contains talk about dieting and diet behaviors plus some adult language

Included in this episode is a brief history of resolutions as well as Lauren and Maria’s personal ‘resolution evolution’ that provides insights for how you can see the New Year with refreshed eyes.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Stu-Stu-Studio Nov 30, 2022

Fitness studios can be some of the welcoming community spaces… and sometimes, they’re spaces where we can feel awkward, out of place, or even unworthy. Lauren and Maria spent thousands of collective hours in fitness studios as barre and yoga instructors, respectively. Who better to walk you through this episode dedicated entirely to stuuuu stuuu studios?

In this episode, Lauren and Maria play yet another round of This or That and share their studio stories, the good/bad/ugly for instructors and clients, and their best strategies for finding a studio space you enjoy. Lauren drops a nugget of wisdom on this you don’t want to miss.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Gadgets and Gizmos a’Plenty Nov 23, 2022

Welcome back to Rest Days! In this episode, we’re getting into Gadgets and Gizmo a’plenty, who’s its and what’s its galore. There will DEFINITELY be thingamabobs. Is it an episode of entirely clickbait items? Maybe.

We hope this episode brings some comical relief to the onslaught of devices and products we will be marketed throughout the holiday season. Some of them are luxury, others problematic, and some just won’t age well.

This first recording of this episode is available to our Patreon subscribers in the bits and pieces we have remaining. If you love behind the scenes silliness, become a patron!

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

An Honest Conversation about Sleep Nov 09, 2022

We’ll be honest - we’re pretty weird when it comes to our sleep routines. And, that’s the way we like it! We’re here to have an open, honest convo about sleep hygiene and share how you can embrace a sleep routine that serves you well.

In this episode, we leave no stone unturned and discuss just how all-or-nothing we can get about our sleep and how to find the nuances that matter when it comes to a sleep routine. You’ll leave this episode with 5 tangible next steps on improving your sleep hygiene.

Love what you’re hearing? Give us a 5-star rating wherever you listen to podcasts. Your reviews and feedback go a long way!

Special thanks to Sho’leh Geula for her support with this episode.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

The Hydration Episode Nov 02, 2022

CW: Some discussion of diet culture, calories, and disordered eating

There are skincare girlies. Green juice folks. And then there’s the hydration heroes. The wellness world is just about obsessed with the concept of staying hydrated.

Is it really that serious? Do we need electrolytes? A gallon a day? Are you Team Hydroflask, Team Stanley, or Team 17 Cups of Water Around Your House? This week, we’re doggy paddling through the sea of hydration info and misinfo.

Lauren and Maria talk through hydration habits, strategies, and helpful practices to help you feel less stressed and more confident about your hydration routine.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

The Wrecking Ball Routine Oct 26, 2022

BIG CW for diet talk and ED talk

It’s us, you, and Miley - we’re riding the wrecking ball this week on Rest Days.

In this episode, we are talking about something we’ve nicknamed the Wrecking Ball Routine – the wild swing from chaos to restrictive thinking that keeps us feeling off for most of the holiday season. It’s weird – we swing in one direction to help us feel more in control but it really doesn’t help!

If you find yourself swinging on the pendulum from restriction to overdoing it during the holidays, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Crock Pot Season Oct 19, 2022

Are you noticing that your routine is changing as the seasons shift? Rather than resisting it, we are practicing the art of leaning into the ‘low and slow’ energy - it’s crock pot season, baby!

In this episode, we’re talking through six elements of our lifestyle that change with the seasons, from nutrition to skincare to clothing and more. Lauren shares numerous lifestyle shifts that are the ultimate life hacks. Maria identifies how to lean into the Crock Pot vibe even when you live in a warm-weather state.

Get in on the action via Patreon! We’ll share exclusive episodes and content just for patrons. We appreciate your support!

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

No tricks, mostly treats Oct 12, 2022

No tricks, mostly treats - that’s the episode. And, truth be told, that’s probably a motto for our lives, too.

CW: Discussions around diet culture

On this episode of Rest Days, we’re getting into the sweet parts of spooky season – trick or treating, halloween costumes, our favorite candies, and more. No candy stone is left unturned.

Depending on your community of friends and family, you may have a positive or negative connotation of the word ‘treat.’ Lauren and Maria have a different perspective to share with you – tune in and see how it sits with you.

Join us on Patreon for exclusive content aka something we call Big Barney Energy.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Basic Person Fall Starter Pack Oct 05, 2022

It’s fall, y’all. Feeling basic? Yep, us too – we’re digging into our Basic Person Fall Starter Pack this week. Even our Click Bait is pumpkin spiced!

CW: Discussion around diet culture and brief mention of alcohol

Here’s the rundown:

Lauren shares our first ever in person click bait. Maria draws hard lines around pumpkin spice products.
Maria introduces the history of pumpkin pie spice blend and takes us to the present day, revenue generating fad. It smells like cinnamon and colonization.
Lauren owns being a PSL fan
Lauren + Maria discuss the nuances of popular fall fashion, like boyfriend fit [what does this even mean?] and oversized tops.
Maria unpacks her issues with hats and Lauren puts out a call for a custom fall hat.

This is a silly one. Cheers to a basic time!

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Back to School Ep 2: Creating a new relationship with BTS Sep 28, 2022

CW: This episode contains conversations around diet culture, diet, and exercise. Listener discretion is advised.

Ready for Part 2? In this episode, we’re sharing our best strategies for rebuilding your relationship with what we were taught in school. We might not even realize the ways in which we are impacted by BTS energy or school in general. Today, we get to reflect on what works for us, what doesn’t, and how we can live our lives as authentically us.

Before we jump into the topics of unlearning the ‘perfect’ schedule, feeling good with fashion, redefining movement, and approaching lunch as adults, Lauren and Ri share their weekly clickbait.

Most notable in this episode? Lauren and Ri realize they think QUITE differently, showing you there’s more than one way to get to the same outcomes.

Hosts: Lauren Leavell + Maria Sylvester Terry | @laurenleavellfitness @vitamin_ri

Contact: restdayspodcast@gmail.com

Music: Nick Sylvester | @nickgodmode

Artwork: Brandi Wheeler | @stardustbyjuno

Back to School Ep 1: Deconstructing the shitty things about BTS Sep 21, 2022

Back to school, back to school, to prove to our gym teachers we aren’t running the freaking mile. The first episode of Rest Days is a two-part special centered on Back to School energy. It’s a lot more than gel pens and Lisa Frank folders.

This season can bring us back to turbulent times, even as adults. In this episode we’re focusing on deconstructing…