Is walking really exercise, or just something we do between workouts?

In this Raw, Real, Relatable mini episode, Susan tackles one of the most common (and damaging) fitness myths out there: that walking “doesn’t count.” And she’s not holding back.

In a culture obsessed with intensity, sweat, and punishment-style workouts, walking is often dismissed as too easy or ineffective. But science, and real-world results, tell a very different story.

From clients with chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions to high performers and endurance athletes, Susan has seen firsthand how walking can dramatically improve health, metabolism, mood, blood pressure, blood sugar, and longevity. And research backs it up.

This episode reframes walking not as a fallback, but as one of the most accessible, powerful, and personalized forms of movement we have — especially when done with intention.

Susan also explores how walking works differently depending on your unique biology and health type, why “no pain, no gain” thinking is outdated, and how walking can complement, not replace, other forms of exercise.

If you’ve ever said “I only walk”… this episode might completely change how you see movement.

In this episode:

• Why walking absolutely qualifies as exercise
• How walking lowers heart disease risk, blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation
• Why intensity-obsessed fitness culture overlooks powerful daily movement
• The science behind steps, pace, and long-term health benefits
• How walking supports mental health, mood, and cognitive clarity
• Why walking works differently for different health types and nervous systems
• When walking is enough, and when it should be paired with other training
• Simple ways to make walking more effective and intentional

RESOURCES:

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes:

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/26/episode108/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

Susan Robbins sits down with Shelly Jefferis, M.A. for a high-energy, real-talk conversation about toxins, lifestyle, and how everyday exposures can influence genetic expression. They break down what actually matters (without fear or perfectionism): how environmental toxins can dial up inflammation, impact detox pathways, and contribute to symptoms people often normalize, like brain fog, low energy, and poor sleep.

You’ll learn simple ways to reduce your toxin load starting where you are, reading labels, spotting “health” products that aren’t so healthy, avoiding common artificial sweeteners and synthetic fragrances, and making realistic swaps in food, skincare, and home products. The bottom line: you don’t need to do everything, you just need better awareness, smarter choices, and consistent habits that support your body’s natural detox systems.

In This Episode:

• Why toxins don’t have to be scary, but ignorance can be costly
• How environmental chemicals can influence inflammation, detox genes, and overall health
• The biggest red flags to watch for on food and supplement labels
• Why “sugar-free” and “wellness-branded” products often aren’t what they claim
• Simple, realistic ways to reduce toxin exposure without becoming obsessive
• How lifestyle basics, sleep, movement, hydration, and nutrition, support natural detox pathways
• Why feeling “okay” isn’t the same as feeling your best

Learn more about our guest Shelly Jefferis:

Shelly Jefferis, M.A. is an expert in wellness & longevity and has been in the profession for over 40 years. She is an educator, speaker & mentor. Through teaching & her compassionate nature, she is dedicated to the goal of impacting the lives of others to feel and live their best lives! Shelly is a retired college professor, is partnered with a global wellness company, and is passionate about increasing awareness and educating on toxins and ways to reduce our exposure in order to live healthier lifestyles. She is the podcast host of “Words of Wellness” and is the founder of Moms Who Flourish, a community created to empower moms to put their health and self-care as a priority through 1:1 & group mentorship and live wellness in-person events!!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Shelly Jefferis:

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

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

Products Mentioned:

Yuka: https://yuka.io/en/

Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/

Crunchy: https://crunchi.com/

Branch Basics: https://branchbasics.com/

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/02/episode109/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

“Everything in moderation” sounds harmless, even responsible.
But what if that phrase is actually keeping you stuck… or quietly damaging your health?

In this Raw, Real, Relatable mini episode, Susan breaks down why moderation is not one-size-fits-all and how this widely accepted advice can work against your unique biology.

Epigenetics shows us that health is personal. What’s “moderate” for one person can be inflammatory, disruptive, or even dangerous for another, especially when it comes to food, alcohol, sleep, stress, and exercise.

This episode isn’t about restriction or perfection. It’s about awareness, precision, and accountability.

In this episode:

• Why “everything in moderation” is outdated and oversimplified
  
  
• How moderation often removes responsibility and delays real change
  
  
• Why individual biology matters more than generic health advice
  
  
• How small daily habits create cumulative epigenetic stress
  
  
• Who moderation fails the most (and why)
  
  
• What to focus on instead: personalization, patterns, and awareness
  
  
  

RESOURCES:

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes:

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/26/episode108/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast