The Daily Ascent

Latest Episodes:

115. Finding Inner Rest with Caleb Campbell May 10, 2023

Show notes

Caleb Campbell is a dynamic keynote speaker, coach, and mental health advocate known for his authentic and transformational message on high-capacity leadership, whole-person success, and emotional well-being. In this episode, Caleb shares more about his story, childhood, and how he always had that itch to seek more in life.

We all tend to live adulthood as a reflection of our childhood, and Caleb's story is no different. Ever since he was a young boy, he looked for his mom's approval, and that eventually made him feel pressure to be the best in all areas of life. Growing up, he also felt the need to establish some boundaries for all his relationships - something we all can relate to.

Caleb talks about difficult moments when he used to feel self-hatred, disempowerment, and the need to sustain a happy external image when, in reality, he was falling apart inside. After identifying all these signs and red flags, Caleb sought therapeutic help, which changed his life and gave him new perspectives. With this guidance, he could choose himself over others and find inner rest.

Episode Quotes

"Moving our life forward is not by doing more, is not by hustling more, is not by holding on tighter; it's actually learning to let go."
"There is no healing without feeling safe. It's hard to heal when you are living in an environment where you're barely getting by."
"I was hating myself because I knew the way I was doing life was working against me."

Key Highlights

Caleb always had the intuitive knowledge that there is more in life.
Caleb started therapy to heal childhood wounds.
The importance of boundaries and not carrying our parents' burdens.
Listen to your own intuition and listen to your own body.
Caleb shares how he was able to recognize he needed therapy help.
Choosing yourself instead of choosing others.
Caleb details his connection with God and spirituality.
Caleb's final message: take the time to grieve whatever you need to.
If something we engage with is not empowering us, it's not worth it.

Connect with Caleb

Instagram: @caleb_campbell

Website: www.calebcampbell.me

Connect with Molly

LOTS of EXCITING stuff going on over at www.mollycarmel.com - enrollment for ALL IN INtensive Coaching is OPEN! Get the spots while you still can! 3 months of coaching, connection and guaranteed CHANGE! Sign up here - www.mollycarmel.com/all-in-intensive-coaching/

Our Forgiveness Fireside is on May 21st from 5-6:30 EST - sign up here: https://molly-carmel.mykajabi.com/offers/LtqgDB9E/checkout

There are also LOTS of other offerings - Fireside chats, intenSati classes all on mollycarmel.com

You can purchase the Breaking Up with Sugar course here: mollycarmel.com/buws

Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel
YouTube: Molly Carmel
TikTok: @realmollycarmel
Facebook: com/mollycarmel.buws

114. From Food Addiction to Forgiveness and Freedom May 03, 2023

Show notes

Are you struggling to break free from your addiction to food? Do you turn to food as a coping mechanism during tough times? In this episode of What You're Craving, Molly chats with Felicia, a current member of the Breaking Up with Sugar community and the All In Intensive coaching group. Felicia is a fighter and survivor of trauma who shares her inspiring story of transformation and regaining control of her life.

For years, Felicia battled with her weight and tried various diets, including intermittent fasting, Weight Watchers, and low-carb approaches, but nothing seemed to work. She realized that food had become her go-to coping skill when the world felt out of control. Even when she tried to fix things with a relationship, her food issues worsened. Feeling suicidal, desperate, and with children to care for, Felicia knew she had to make a change. She borrowed money from a friend and joined the All In program, where she learned to set self-determined goals and embrace a beginner's mindset, despite her initial resistance.

Through the guidance and support of the All In community and her coach, Molly, Felicia was able to redefine herself and begin to let go of the shame and guilt she felt about her addiction. Although Felicia acknowledges that her journey has not been without its challenges, she is now 66 days without sugar or flour and has seen a significant improvement in her blood sugar levels. Felicia plans to continue her growth journey by taking another round of the All In coaching program.

Key Highlights

The role of grief and shame in Felicia's journey
Felicia's story of joining Breaking Up With Sugar & All In
Tools Felicia used to stop self-harm
Addressing cognitive distortions and qualifying the positives
Felicia talks about her goals for forgiveness and redefining herself
Felicia talks about Feelings vs. Facts

Episode Quotes:

"Recovery is not linear, but my brain wants it to be linear so when it's not linear, it turns lemonade back into lemons."
"I have tools. Having tools isn't my problem. The problem is when I get dysregulated, I forget the tool box even exists… Why am I okay today? It's because I used all of my tools and I had a huge support network that All In allowed me to build. I just needed somebody I trusted to tell me it was going to be okay."

Connect with Molly:

LOTS of EXCITING stuff going on over at mollycarmel.com - enrollment for ALL IN INtensive Coaching is OPEN! Get the spots while you still can! 3 months of coaching, connection and guaranteed CHANGE! Sign up here - mollycarmel.com/all-in-intensive-coaching/ There are also LOTS of other offerings - Fireside chats, intenSati classes all on mollycarmel.com You can purchase the Breaking Up with Sugar course here: mollycarmel.com/buws Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

113. From Chronic Illness to Wellness with Krista Joy Palmer Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

Krista Joy Palmer is a health coach and advocate for essential oils who has a unique story of healing herself with the help of plants. Despite suffering from autoimmune symptoms that confined her to bed, hospitals, and wheelchairs for years, Krista was able to heal herself and rediscover her passion for healing others. In this episode of What You're Craving, Krista shares her journey to healing and how she now travels to teach others about the power of essential oils. She and Molly also recount a story of how Krista used her essential oils to cure an allergic reaction that Molly had on the day they met.

It took Krista four years to receive a diagnosis for her autoimmune illness, during which time she had to balance raising her teenage children while dealing with her symptoms. Despite this, Krista continued to work as much as she could, focusing on what she could do rather than what she couldn't. When doTERRA approached her to help build their business and offered her a new solution for her healing journey, Krista decided to give it a try. Through doTERRA supplementation, she was able to heal more rapidly and went on to continue her work of sharing the tools and natural solutions that have helped her with others.

Krista's objective is not to fix or heal anyone independently. Instead, she aims to establish an environment where those with chronic health challenges can enable their bodies to heal naturally. She believes that slowing down and simplifying our lives can aid in our health journey as it did with hers. This episode is perfect for anyone struggling with chronic illness, looking for natural healing methods, or simply interested in learning more about the power of essential oils. Tune in now to discover the gentle power of essential oils with Krista Joy Palmer.

Episode Quotes:

"I don't fix anybody. I don't heal anybody. I create the environment where your body can heal itself."
"Pain is inevitable, it's part of this life, but suffering is a choice."

Key Highlights

Krista and Molly share a story of how Krista used essential oils to save Molly's life
Krista talks about her personal journey of healing herself with the help of plants
The importance of slowing down and simplifying to achieve real progress in our health journey
Using essential oils as a more gentle form of healing

Episode Resources:

Book: The Body Keeps the Score

Connect with Krista:

Website: kristajoypalmer.com

Instagram: @kristajoypalmer

Twitter: @kristajoypalmer

Facebook: Krista Joy Palmer

Connect with Molly:

LOTS of EXCITING stuff going on over at mollycarmel.com - including our EMBRACE RENEWAL retreat on April 30, from 12-5 EST - sign up on the website - and you'll receive a deep discount on the ALL IN Coaching program along with an amazing experience There are also LOTS of other offerings - Fireside chats, intenSati classes all on mollycarmel.com You can purchase the Breaking Up with Sugar course here: mollycarmel.com/buws Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

112. A Breakthrough Moment in Healing Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

Join us for an inspiring episode as Molly is joined by Elizabeth, a member of Molly's All In group coaching program. Elizabeth shares her journey with weight loss surgery, various diets such as keto and intermittent fasting, and the breakthrough moment when she discovered the All In program created by Molly.

Elizabeth initially felt intimidated by the level of commitment the program required, but she persevered and modified it to fit her own pace. Through taking small steps, she successfully achieved better emotional health, a more positive outlook, and greater energy for her body.

By sharing her story and discussing the powerful tools of Opposite Action and Radical Acceptance that helped her along her journey, listeners will learn valuable insights into creating a healthy lifestyle that works for them. So, tune in now to discover how Elizabeth overcame the blocks that used to hold her back and hear some tips on how to make positive changes in your own life.

Episode Quotes:

"You have to heal your brain, it's not just the food thing."
"There's always an option out there. It might take a little bit to find it."
"Lots of little steps will lead to one big step."

Key Highlights:

Elizabeth's journey with weight loss surgery and failed diets
The modifications Elizabeth made to the Molly's All In program
The amazing tools of Opposite Action and Radical Acceptance
Elizabeth's success through small steps and persistence

Connect with Molly:

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

111. A Financial Planner's Guide to Becoming Truly WELLthy with Dawn Dahlby Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

Do you constantly worry about money or feel dissatisfied with your financial situation? Molly's guest today is Dawn Dahlby, a certified financial planner and wellness expert who has helped many clients transform their financial situation from moderate incomes to affluence while prioritizing their well-being.

Dawn's refreshing take on money and finances emphasizes the importance of spending money on things that truly align with your values and bring you joy, without feeling guilty. During this conversation, she shares a powerful exercise that she does with her clients to help them identify their values and allocate their net income accordingly.

Dawn also shares her personal journey of growing up with parents who struggled financially, and how she was able to overcome her fears and build wealth by believing in herself and owning what was truly important to her.

Dawn's new book, "Live WELLthy: Own Your Worth, Gain Your Wealth," which was released on April 10th, introduces her "Earn it, Own it, Grow it" mentality. This mindset involves owning who you are and maximizing your life and income, which she will delve into further in this episode. Her unique perspective on money and finances is bound to motivate you to take charge of your financial situation and create the life you desire.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with Dawn Dahlby. Tune in now to discover how you can become truly WELLthy. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to enhance their relationship with money, prioritize their well-being, and build wealth.

Episode Quote:

"Most people have this fear based relationship with money. Either we fear not having enough, so we over save or we fear not being enough, so we overspend."

Key Highlights:

Dawn shares the important questions you need to ask yourself to better understand your relationship with money.
Dawn draws a comparison between money and food, highlighting the key difference between managing your finances and maintaining good health.
Dawn explains the concept of compound interest and how it can impact your finances.
Dawn opens up about her journey to becoming a behavioral financial advisor, discussing what led her down this path
Practical advice on the first steps you can take towards improving your relationship with money that will make the biggest impact

Connect with Dawn:

Instagram: @dawndahlby

Facebook: Dawn Dahlby

Website: dawndahlby.com

Connect with Molly:

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

110. You Always Have A Choice Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

When we feel like a victim of our circumstances, we often forget that we have choices. In this episode, Molly encourages you to bring yourself back to the present moment by reminding yourself that even if you feel stuck, you always have choices. Some situations can feel so painful that it seems impossible to actually have a choice in the matter, but you always do. Bad things may happen to you, but there are infinite ways that you can respond to them. Your choices are to solve the problem, change your feelings about the problem, tolerate it, stay miserable, or make the problem worse. This isn't all to say that it will be an easy road, but there is tremendous power in knowing that you don't have to just lie down and let the pain take over. This is your season of taking your power back.

If a problem arises that you truly don't have control over, you still have the power to change how you feel about it. For so many of us, we have been bombarded with failure experiences, shame responses, and rejections. If you have been in these cycles, your first response is most likely to play dead, but a much more powerful option is to work to feel better about the problem.

In this episode of What You're Craving, Molly wants you to know that there is so much more in your control than you think. You never have to feel like a victim in your circumstance. It is time to take your power back because if any problem coming up causes you to fall over and be a victim, there is so much of your power that is just roaming out there. Molly wants you to get it back.

Episode Quote:

"When you accept what is, you open yourself up to a lot of different options." - Molly Carmel
"A lot of times when you're in pain, a lot of the pain is in the non-acceptance." - Molly Carmel

Key Highlights

The 5 choices we have in any circumstance
What to do when you forget that you have choices
The most underrated way to solve a problem
Changing your perspective about a problem
Learning to accept a problem
What if you can't accept something because it is too painful?
What happens when you continue to stay a victim?

About Molly Carmel

Molly is a leading addiction and eating disorder therapist and the founder of the Beacon Program, which offers individual and group solutions to help people break free from their destructive relationships with food and dieting. She is also the author of 'Breaking up with Sugar' and the host of 'What You're Craving' Podcast.

Connect with Molly:

There are also LOTS of other offerings - Fireside chats, intenSati classes all on https://mollycarmel.com

You can also purchase the Breaking Up with Sugar course here: https://mollycarmel.com/buws

Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: https://mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

109. Undoing Diet Culture Thinking with Jennifer Steinman Sternin Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of What You're Craving, Molly interviews Jennifer Steinman Sternin, an award-winning filmmaker with over 20 years of experience in television and filmmaking. Jennifer is passionate about creating films that speak to the heart and has gained incredible insights into the human spirit through the process of creating her documentaries, which involve deep dives into people's lives.

During the conversation, Jennifer discusses the ways she has healed through being of service to others and finding bigger problems than her own, which she feels can help shift one's perspective. She shares her personal journey of breaking up with diet culture and finding freedom from societal expectations as a woman. Jennifer talks about her struggles with food, eating, and weight and how she continues to work on loving her body, regardless of its size.

Jennifer highlights the need for women to be furious about diet culture, not themselves, and discusses the importance of accepting and loving one's body for what it is, rather than striving for unattainable beauty standards. Her insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone struggling with similar issues. Join us as we dive into the impact of societal expectations on women's self-esteem and learn more about Jennifer's filmmaking process.

Episode Quotes:

"We think it's an issue about us and our self control, and if were doing it right or wrong or good or bad. We've internalized it as our issue, but this is patriarchy working on women… I want women to get furious about diet culture."

Connect with Jennifer Steinman:

Website: jennifersteinman.com

Website: walnutandrose.com

Instagram: @jennifersteinman

Facebook: facebook.com/jennifer.steinman.sternin

Connect with Molly:

LOTS of EXCITING stuff going on over at https://mollycarmel.com - including (drumroll pleaseeeee) our EMBRACE RENEWAL retreat on April 23, from 12-5 EST - sign up on the website - and you'll receive a deep discount on the ALL IN Coaching program along with an amazing experience Last MINUTE for the OWN YOUR WORTH EXPERIENCE - March 30-April 1 - there are still spots available - JOIN ME - https://www.ownyourworthexperience.com - use code MOLLY10 for 10 percent off! There are also LOTS of other offerings - Fireside chats, intenSati classes all on https://mollycarmel.com

You can also purchase the Breaking Up with Sugar course here: mollycarmel.com/buws

Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

108. The Importance of Compassion in Achieving Wellness Mar 22, 2023

Show notes

At the age of 30, Christine was diagnosed with gluten intolerance, which forced her to learn how to eat all over again. She tried various diets but found that counting things like calories or carbs only led to obsession. This is a common issue with restrictive diets that focus on counting calories, macros, or other factors. These diets may work for weight loss in the short term, but they often lead to rebound weight gain and a negative relationship with food.

Christine eventually discovered Molly's book and decided to follow the plan Molly outlines in it. After quitting sugar for only two weeks, Christine noticed improvements in her skin, weight, and sleep. The benefits only multiplied as time went on, and Christine even reports having much less stress and a better relationship with herself and her family. Christine has been imperfectly sugar-free for three years now.

Christine discusses the self-care routines, support system, and motivation behind her personal transformation. This conversation serves as a valuable reminder that there is no universal formula for well-being and that treating ourselves with kindness and empathy yields the most positive outcomes.

Episode Quotes:

"I always have to go back to my why. There is a reason why I am doing this."
"You just have to put one foot in front of the other, wait, be kind to yourself. Be patient because it's not a quick fix. It's a process, and it's a practice, so you don't have to be perfect at it you just have to keep going."

Connect with Molly:

LOTS of EXCITING stuff going on over at mollycarmel.com - including (drumroll pleaseeeee) our EMBRACE RENEWAL retreat on April 23, from 12-5 EST - sign up on the website - and you'll receive a deep discount on the ALL IN Coaching program along with an amazing experience OWN YOUR WORTH EXPERIENCE - March 30-April 1 - there are still spots available - JOIN ME: ownyourworthexperience.com - use code MOLLY10 for 10% off! There are also LOTS of other offerings - my SUNDAY LOVE LETTER, Fireside chats, intenSati classes all on mollycarmel.com You can also purchase the Breaking Up with Sugar course here: mollycarmel.com/buws

Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

107. Navigating Menopause: A Comprehensive Approach to Nutrition and Wellness with Dr. Mary Claire Haver Mar 15, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of What You're Craving, Molly chats with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB/GYN and Certified Culinary Medicine specialist. As the creator of the nutrition program, The Galveston Diet, and author of the book by the same name, Dr. Haver has made it her mission to help women navigate the challenges of aging with a comprehensive approach to nutrition and wellness. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Haver is also a wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur.

Dr. Haver's journey began when she noticed her patients complaining about weight gain during menopause, despite following traditional weight loss advice of eating less and exercising more. As a physician, she quickly realized there were gaps in her training, specifically with regard to nutrition.

Motivated by her own and her patients' struggles with weight gain during menopause, Dr. Haver delved into the world of nutrition, conducting her own research and pursuing certification in culinary medicine at Tulane University to better serve their needs.

Molly and Dr. Haver discuss the importance of tailoring nutrition plans to the individual, focusing on non-scale measures such as muscle mass and subcutaneous fat. Dr. Haver also provides insights on how to manage chronic inflammation, how to incorporate micronutrients and supplements into one's diet, and other issues specific to women experiencing menopause.

Dr. Haver's unique approach to nutrition and wellness is rooted in a focus on serving others and helping her patients age optimally. Whether you're looking for advice on managing menopause or seeking a more holistic approach to nutrition and wellness, you won't want to miss this fascinating conversation with Dr. Mary Claire Haver.

Episode Quotes:

"Aging is normal, but suffering is not."
"If you're not maximizing your nutrition, almost nothing's going to help you."
"We don't exercise to be skinny… We go to the gym to be strong."

Connect with Dr. Haver:

Website: maryclairewellness.com

Website: galvestondiet.com

TikTok: @drmaryclaire

Instagram: @drmaryclaire

Facebook: Dr. Mary Claire

Youtube: Mary Claire Haver MD The Galveston Diet

Connect with Molly:

Come join me at the AMAZING Own Your Worth Experience March 31-April 1st. http://ownyourworthexpereince.com use code: MOLLY10 for 10 percent off! There are also LOTS of other offerings - Fireside chats, intenSati classes all on mollycarmel.com You can also purchase the Breaking Up with Sugar course here: mollycarmel.com/buws

Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws

106. Discovering Joy on Demand with IntenSati - with Lucy Osborne Mar 08, 2023

Show notes

In the episode of What You're Craving, Molly interviews Lucy Osborne, owner and CEO of intenSati, a method of movement, mantra, and meditation that aims to cultivate joy and self-awareness. Lucy describes intenSati as an ecstatically blissful practice that allows individuals to set intentions for their lives without judgment.

Lucy shares her personal transformation through intenSati, which began when she believed that weight loss was the key to achieving her goals. However, after attending her first intenSati class, she realized that what she was craving was joy. IntenSati helped Lucy to understand that joy is not a result of external factors, but rather a state of being that can be cultivated through intentional practice.

Lucy goes on to explain that intenSati is not just about positivity, but rather about an awareness of what is present and a choice for what will come next. By becoming more self-aware through intenSati, Lucy was able to change her behavior to be in alignment with the person she wanted to be, without force or coercion. Today, Lucy is the owner and CEO of intenSati and leads her own classes, helping others to cultivate joy and self-awareness in their own lives.

Lucy also discusses her experience with grief after the founder of intenSati and her former business partner, Patricia, passed away. She explains that this experience taught her the importance of prioritizing what is most important in life. Her experience with grief also highlights the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life and knowing that life goes on, even in the face of loss.

Lucy's journey through intenSati is an inspiring reminder of the power of intentional practices to create lasting change in our lives. If you're looking to cultivate more joy and self-awareness, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover the transformative potential of intenSati and the valuable lessons Lucy shares from her personal experiences.

Quotes:

"I think we think we're craving the things that win awards like determination and grit, but I think what we're really craving underneath that is joy."
"We can do this work and still not be happy all the time. We can go through this work and still have negative thoughts. Not only is that good, that's life. That's natural. That's what will happen."

Connect with Lucy:

Website: intensati.com

Instagram: @intensati and @lu.osborne

Connect with Molly:

Join my mailing list for a free mini masterclass: mollycarmel.com/minimasterclass

Become a part of the Breaking Up with Sugar FB Group: facebook.com/groups/buwsbook

Come hang with me on social media!!

IG (I love a DM!): @mollycarmel

YouTube: Molly Carmel

Tiktok: @realmollycarmel

Facebook: facebook.com/mollycarmel.buws