• Healing, Resilience, and Radiant Skin with Alitura’s Andy Hnilo
    Aug 20 2025

    In powerful Episode 162 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Andy Hnilo, founder and CEO of Alitura, to explore the deep connection between skincare, nutrition, and overall health. Andy’s journey began as a college athlete struggling with cystic acne. This led him into a lifelong passion for natural remedies and clean living. But his story took a dramatic turn after a near-fatal accident that left him with multiple fractures and a wired jaw. Out of his recovery process came the experimentation and innovation that would eventually lead to his skincare line, now trusted by women and men worldwide.

    Andy shares his four-step approach to radiant skin—cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, repair—and explains why most commercial products are full of toxic additives that can do more harm than good. He dives into the ingredients you should look for (like pearl powder, propolis, and aloe vera) and the ones you need to avoid, while highlighting the role of diet, hydration, and light therapy in maintaining glowing, healthy skin.

    Beyond products, Andy offers practical insights on routines, habit-stacking, and the importance of integrity in both personal health and business. From the use of red light therapy to his philosophy on safe sun exposure, Andy’s holistic framework blends ancestral wisdom, cutting-edge science, and pure passion for helping people feel and look their best.

    This conversation is more than just skin deep—it’s about resilience, creativity, and honoring the body as a sacred vessel. Whether you’re struggling with your skin, curious about natural skincare alternatives, or simply want to learn how to optimize your health from the inside out, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways.

    Key Takeaways:
    • The pivotal accident that led to Andy’s healing journey and the creation of Alitura
    • Importance of switching from harsh commercial products to simple, natural alternatives
    • Why your skin is the body’s largest detoxifying organ
    • Four-step skincare framework: cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, repair
    • The role of clays and pearl powder in skin rejuvenation
    • Propolis, aloe vera, and other natural powerhouse ingredients
    • Hidden toxins in mainstream skincare: synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, dyes
    • How to use the Yuka app to check product safety
    • Andy’s perspective on sun exposure and safe alternatives to conventional sunscreens
    • The connection between nutrition, hydration, and skin health
    • The benefits of red light therapy and habit-stacking routines
    • Why processed foods, refined sugars, and poor water quality damage the skin
    • Simple starter kit recommendations: Pearl Cleanser, Clay Mask, Gold Serum
    • Andy’s mission: integrity, artistry, and guiding the skincare industry toward clean, effective products

    Where to Discover More with Andy Hnilo and Alitura:

    Website: https://alituranaturals.pxf.io/9La6ge

    • Use discount code FITFAMILY at checkout and receive 20% off your first order.

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlituraNaturals/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIiI78N6imQrFbuBqohhzWg

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    48 mins
  • Algae: The Most Powerful Superfood You’re Not Eating with Dr. Catharine Arnston
    Aug 12 2025

    In Episode 161 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Dr. Catharine Arnston, founder and CEO of ENERGYbits, to explore one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet — algae. With over 15 years dedicated to researching and educating about spirulina and chlorella, Dr. Arnston shares her fascinating journey from a career in international business to becoming a global advocate for algae nutrition. It all started when her sister’s battle with breast cancer inspired her to learn about plant-based nutrition and the healing power of alkaline foods.

    Dr. Arnston explains why spirulina and chlorella are considered superfoods among superfoods — boasting more protein per gram than steak, rich in essential fatty acids, packed with B vitamins, chlorophyll, antioxidants, and powerful compounds like phycocyanin and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Spirulina is an energy-boosting, hunger-satisfying, mitochondria-supporting powerhouse, while chlorella is the ultimate detoxifier, binding to heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and other toxins. Together, they address three major modern health challenges: nutrient deficiencies, toxin overload, and age-related cellular decline.

    Listeners will learn exactly how to incorporate these foods into their daily lives — from quick energy before workouts to deep detox support at night — and why they’re safe for everyone from kids to grandparents (even pets). Dr. Arnston shares specific protocols, including dosages, timing, and pairing strategies for maximum benefits, as well as unique “biohacks” combining algae with red light therapy, cold plunges, and saunas.

    Whether you’re looking to boost your athletic performance, support longevity, enhance detoxification, or simply fill nutritional gaps in a clean, convenient way, this episode will open your eyes to the untapped potential of algae. Plus, you’ll hear Dr. Arnston’s vision for bringing algae farming to the U.S. — making this ancient food a modern health staple.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Dr. Arnston’s journey from international business to algae nutrition expert
    • Spirulina = “nourishment in” for energy, focus, protein, and mitochondria health
    • Chlorella = “toxins out” for detox, gut health, and immune support
    • Spirulina has 3x more protein (by weight) than steak; 64% bioavailable protein
    • Chlorella binds to heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and microplastics
    • Both algae are rich in chlorophyll — nature’s blood builder
    • No lectins or oxalates — gentle on digestion and autoimmune-friendly
    • High in B vitamins for energy conversion at the cellular level
    • Contains glutathione and SOD for antioxidant and mitochondrial protection
    • Biohacks: spirulina before workouts, sauna, or cold plunge; chlorella after
    • Chlorella stimulates peristalsis for healthy bowel movements
    • Safe for all ages, pets included; easy to travel with
    • Nutrient-dense enough to replace multiple supplements

    Learn More about Dr. Catharine Arnston and ENERGYbits:

    Website: https://energybits.com/

    • Use discount code FitFamily at checkout and receive 20% off your order.

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

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catharinearnston/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ENERGYbits/

    YouTube:

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    49 mins
  • Menopause is Not a Disease: Reclaiming Midlife with Dr. Sharon Stills
    Aug 5 2025

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Number 160 of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is joined by naturopathic physician Dr. Sharon Stills, a leading expert in women’s hormone health and a passionate advocate for transforming how we approach aging and menopause. Dr. Stills shares how she went from aspiring pediatrician to menopause expert—thanks to one curious patient and a Suzanne Somers book—and how that moment sparked a lifelong mission to help women reclaim vitality in their second act of life.

    Dr. Stills challenges the outdated narrative that menopause is a disease to be feared or managed. Instead, she offers a "pro-aging" perspective, describing menopause as a sacred transition that can be optimized with the right tools. She dives deep into the science and clinical application of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining why most women are being underserved by conventional approaches—and how individualized care using 24-hour wet urine testing, bioidentical hormones, and strategic supplementation can unlock vibrant energy, libido, and mental clarity.

    Listeners will learn why standard blood tests miss the mark, how improper supplementation (like DIM and calcium d-glucarate) can backfire, and why topical hormone creams need to be applied to the mucosal tissues—not the skin—for proper absorption. Dr. Stills also debunks myths around estrogen, explains the vital role of estriol in preventing cancer and inflammation, and shares inspiring case studies of women who got their lives back—even after decades of suffering.

    Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this conversation will reframe how you see aging—and give you real tools to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease
    • Pro-aging is a mindset: support aging instead of fighting it
    • Estriol (E3) is anti-inflammatory and protective, not dangerous
    • Standard blood tests often miss hormone fluctuations and metabolites
    • 24-hour wet urine testing offers the most accurate hormone insights
    • Individualized treatment is essential—no one-size-fits-all protocols
    • Hormone creams must be applied to mucosal tissue for effectiveness
    • DIM and calcium-d-glucarate can be harmful if not needed
    • Hormones impact brain, bones, gut, libido, and overall vitality
    • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can work in as little as 3–4 weeks
    • Transdermal patches often contain toxins and are poorly metabolized
    • DHEA is best delivered orally in liposomal form
    • Women in their 70s and 80s can still start HRT and experience huge benefits
    • Symptoms like joint pain, insomnia, and brain fog often resolve quickly with proper HRT
    • “Sort of better” isn’t good enough—optimize to feel amazing

    Where to Discover More with Dr. Sharon Stills:

    Website: https://drstills.com/

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REDHotMedicine

    Biographical Information on Dr. Sharon Stills:

    Dr. Sharon Stills, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor with over two decades of dedicated service in transforming women's health has been a guiding light for perimenopausal and menopausal women, empowering them to reinvent, explore, and rediscover their vitality and zest for life. Her pioneering RED Hot Sexy Meno(pause) Program encapsulates her philosophy: to Reinvent your Health, Explore your Spirit, and Discover YOUR Sexy. This unique approach has revolutionized the way women experience their transformative years, making her a sought-after

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    44 mins
  • From Behind the Camera to Center Stage: LIVE Event Photographer Andre Walker’s Health Comeback
    Jul 29 2025

    In this deeply inspiring Episode 159 of the Fit Mother Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Andre Walker — a Navy veteran, international photographer, filmmaker, and devoted father — to talk about health, faith, creativity, and reinvention at any age. At 69 years young, Andre is living proof that vitality doesn’t have an expiration date.

    Andre shares his compelling life journey: from single fatherhood and creative hustle to discovering the Fit Father Project during COVID after seeing a photo that made him want to change everything. Now, he’s medication-free, full of energy, and showing up with passion — not just for his family, but for the world through his lens. And this August, Andre will be the man behind the camera at the Fit Father & Fit Mother LIVE event.

    This episode is more than a health story — it’s about how purpose, legacy, and creativity all come alive when you commit to your well-being. You’ll hear about Andre’s mindset shift, his daily practices, how he uses faith as fuel, and the lessons he’s passing down to his kids.

    Tune in to hear Andre’s tips for staying consistent, eating clean (even with a sweet tooth), and what it really means to be a fit, spiritual leader of your family — no matter your age. If you're looking for motivation, this conversation will light a fire in your soul.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Age is not a barrier to transformation
    • Faith and gratitude are Andre’s daily fuel
    • Photography sparked from childhood passion with National Geographic
    • Health journey began after a jarring beach photo
    • Fit Father Project provided a structure and inspiration
    • Consistency is more important than motivation
    • Being fit gives you confidence and power
    • Fitness helps you show up fully for your family
    • Creativity can thrive at any stage of life
    • Joy and energy are signs your body is working right
    • Daily water, enzymes, and protein shake = Andre’s staples
    • Being fit is about energy, not big muscles
    • You must be accountable — to yourself, your family, or your faith
    • "True strength has no age limits"

    Where to see Andre Walker’s work:

    Website: https://www.andrewalkerphoto.com/

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

    Biographical Information on Andre Walker:

    Andre Walker discovered his passion for cinematography when he watched Gordon Parks Jr.'s blaxploitation film Super Fly. The realistic portrayal of crime and drama in New York City captivated him. He was also inspired by Parks' famous photograph "American Gothic, Washington, D.C.," which depicted an African American woman standing in front of the American flag with a mop and broom. This experience led him to pursue a career as a photographer and filmmaker. Hailing from Queens, NY, Andre is a United States Navy veteran who produced his first feature film, Better DayZ, distributed by York Entertainment. He also directed, produced, and wrote Don't Take It Personal, which was an official selection at the North Carolina Black Film Festival and was nominated for Best Cinematographer for the award-winning short film, Which Line Are You In? at the World Music & Independent Film Festival. He also directed and produced The Million Woman March documentary Sisterhood, Alive and Well, distributed by Cinema Guild and several independent music videos. Additionally, he had a lead role in Crackdown Big City Blues and appeared on television in Law and Order. A graduate of the Hollywood Film Institute in California, Andre is a highly sought-after photographer whose award-winning images have been featured in Israel, Costa Rica,...

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    43 mins
  • David Bayer on Healing, Wholeness & the Spiritual Side of Transformation
    Jul 22 2025

    In this profoundly insightful conversation, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi welcomes world-renowned mindset coach David Bayer for a deep dive into the intersection of personal development, nervous system regulation, and spiritual alignment. As the opening keynote speaker at Fit Father / Fit Mother LIVE, David shares the life-altering principles that help high performers — and everyday parents — break free from burnout and finally experience peace, vitality, and purpose.

    David explores how most of us are stuck in "problem consciousness," over-identifying with our struggles and over-controlling our outcomes. Whether it's overeating late at night, skipping workouts, or grinding through burnout at work, the answer isn’t more willpower — it’s radical acceptance and a shift in perception. David shares how meditation, breathwork, nervous system healing, and even giving up caffeine played pivotal roles in his transformation.

    The conversation also touches on the deeper meaning of health as a spiritual journey. David reflects on how being a father opened his heart to a more divine relationship with life — and how helping our children thrive in today’s tech-driven world requires slowing down, limiting screen time, and fostering imagination and stillness.

    Whether you’re striving to heal your body, grow your business, or simply feel better day to day, this episode will inspire you to slow down, surrender, and realign with the energy of trust and flow — where true breakthroughs happen.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Acceptance unlocks progress
    • Emotional regulation > external control
    • Beliefs shape reality
    • Willpower is overrated
    • Temptation loses power when normalized
    • Caffeine disrupts inner peace
    • HRV breathing calms the nervous system
    • Meditation builds inner stillness
    • Hold the vision, not the pressure
    • Stop doing it all — create space for grace
    • Energy leaks come from self-judgment
    • Health is a spiritual practice
    • Your outer world reflects your inner world
    • Parenting = energetic container, not control
    • A peaceful body invites divine connection

    Where to Discover More with David Bayer:

    Special Bonus for our upcoming Fit Father, Fit Mother LIVE 2025 Event

    David is giving every attendee free access to his mind hack book and video course. An amazing primer to rewire your thinking, break the resistance, and upgrade your performance in every area of your life. You'll get this gift just for signing up for the Fit Father, Fit Mother LIVE 2025 event, but it's only available for the next two weeks.

    Go to https://www.fitmotherproject.com/live-event-2025 to register now and claim your bonus.


    Podcast: A Changed Mind: https://davidbayer.com/podcast/

    Book: A Changed Mind on Amazon: https://a.co/d/eIITlfM

    David’s Annual Powerful Living Experience Event: https://powerfullivingexperience.com/live-v2

    Website: https://davidbayer.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKCS2T2uR_7h4zpVETbcFjg

    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrbayer

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    55 mins
  • Gratitude, Growth, and Getting Real: How to Reignite Your Relationship - Melissa Nanavati
    Jul 8 2025

    In this deeply insightful and practical episode, Number 157, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is joined by Melissa Nanavati to explore how high-performing individuals can create thriving, fulfilling relationships without compromising their ambition or energy. Whether you're a busy parent, a driven professional, or someone simply seeking more connection at home, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for relationship success.

    Melissa shares how neuroscience, hormones, and behavioral patterns shape the health of our closest relationships—and what to do when they start to fade. You'll learn how to operationalize connection using tools like daily gratitude rituals, novelty, and synchronized movement, and discover how dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin play vital roles in sustaining long-term emotional bonds.

    Together, they also explore what happens when one partner outgrows the other, the silent killers of connection, and how to reignite intimacy even in long-standing relationships. Melissa introduces her Four Pillars of Peak Performance Love—Courage, Curiosity, Presence, and Play—and shares actionable steps and conversation scripts you can use immediately to reconnect with your spouse, children, and yourself.

    If you want a healthier relationship that amplifies your mission, your health, and your joy—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    Key Takeaways:
    • High performers need a different relationship strategy
    • Operationalizing daily gratitude can transform intimacy
    • Novelty boosts dopamine and reignites connection
    • Shared rituals prevent disconnection and complacency
    • Asking your partner what they want to be acknowledged for builds closeness
    • Walks, shared workouts, and deep questions create serotonin and oxytocin
    • Long-term relationships require intentional curiosity
    • Assumptions and under-communication are silent killers
    • Men often under-communicate change—explain your “why”
    • Kids model your behavior—rituals and modeling matter more than lectures
    • Feeling unsupported often stems from unspoken fear
    • Scripts can help you reframe difficult conversations
    • Play is the secret ingredient to long-lasting chemistry
    • Courage is required for honest conversations that heal
    • Curiosity is the antidote to friction

    Learn More about Melissa Nanavati:

    Website: http://www.melissananavati.com/

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeakPerformanceLove

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissananavati/


    Biographical Information on Melissa Nanavati:

    Melissa Nanavati helps high performers create peaceful, thriving relationships without sacrificing ambition. As an author, speaker, and relationship architect, she combines lived experience with neuroscience and evolutionary biology to teach how the same skills that drive success in business can be applied to love. Despite early career success as a best-selling textbook author and Fortune 100 consultant, Melissa struggled with anxious attachment, people-pleasing, and went on over 100 first dates before meeting her husband. Through that journey, she discovered that dating and relating as a high achiever is different and developed frameworks to help others navigate it with courage. She is currently working on her next book, Peak Performance Love. Learn more at

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    40 mins
  • Rewriting Your Body Story: A New Way to Heal Image Struggles with Whitney Otto
    Jul 1 2025

    In this profoundly moving episode of the Fit Mother Project Podcast, number 156, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with body image educator and coach Whitney Otto, co-author of Body Image Inside Out. Whitney opens up about her personal journey with body image struggles, disordered eating, and the healing power of relational self-inquiry. This conversation dives deep into the emotional terrain of how women relate to their bodies—and why that relationship is about far more than what we see in the mirror.

    Whitney introduces the transformative idea that body image isn't static or skin-deep—it's a dynamic inner story shaped by our lived experiences, upbringing, relationships, trauma, and even the media we consume. She unpacks how societal standards and early relational “mirrors” can skew how we see ourselves—and how shifting that reflection with compassion, curiosity, and connection can begin to rewire how we feel in our skin.

    The conversation also challenges the perfection-driven, beauty-obsessed messages perpetuated by social media and diet culture. Whitney offers practical tools to help listeners navigate body image “spikes,” reframe jealousy, and begin cultivating a more authentic, aligned sense of beauty rooted in inner awareness—not comparison.

    Whether you're just beginning your wellness journey or have already hit your goal weight but still struggle to love what you see, this episode is a must-listen. It offers both philosophical insight and real-world practices for anyone looking to heal their relationship with their body.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Body image is a lived relationship, not a snapshot in the mirror
    • Healing begins in connection, not isolation
    • Early caregivers shape our unconscious body beliefs through "relational mirroring"
    • Shape-shifting for belonging often precedes body-altering behaviors
    • Curiosity and compassion are antidotes to body shame
    • Alignment is a deeper definition of beauty—more than aesthetics
    • Jealousy can be a guidepost to unmet desires
    • Social media distorts body ideals and feeds comparison
    • Movement boosts mood more immediately than it changes physique
    • Negative body image moments can become spiritual and emotional practice
    • Presence and self-inquiry trump perfectionism
    • Practical reframes like the “Relational Mirror Exercise” can rewire body narratives
    • Acceptance often requires grieving what won’t or can’t be
    • Healing doesn’t require loving how you look every day—it requires tools and awareness
    • Community and shared humanity are essential for lasting transformation

    More About Whitney Otto

    Website: https://bodyimageinsideout.com/

    Book: Body Image Inside Out

    https://bodyimageinsideout.com/book

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

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneylpost/

    Biographical Information on Whitney Otto

    Whitney Otto is a US world rowing champion and 2000 Olympic alternate who pivoted her skill and passion into helping individuals and teams achieve their goals through leadership development and clinical intervention. She holds a BA from Brown University, an MA in counseling psychology from Lesley University, and a Professional Coaching Certification from The Coaches Training Institute. Her clinical perspectives are informed by over a decade of experience treating eating disorders. Her inspiring

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    51 mins
  • The Art of Suffering Well: Akshay Nanavati on the Lessons from Antarctica
    Jun 17 2025

    In this soul-shaking episode of the Fit Mother Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with polar explorer, Marine veteran, and Fearvana founder Akshay Nanavati, just weeks after his record-setting solo expedition across Antarctica pulling a 400-pound sled for 60 days. But what begins as an exploration of extreme adventure quickly turns into a transformative discussion on how to face fear, cultivate meaning through adversity, and build a legacy that deeply impacts your family and your soul.

    Akshay opens up about his own journey from addiction and suicidal despair to becoming one of the most mentally resilient and spiritually awakened adventurers alive. He shares why contemplating death can be the most life-giving practice, how solitude is the birthplace of true power, and why creating small personal challenges is the secret weapon to living with aliveness—even inside the structure of work, family, and daily routine.

    Listeners will walk away with a completely new framework for turning pain into power, monotony into mastery, and building a family culture of resilience and deep connection. Whether you’re a parent looking to lead by example or someone trying to reignite your purpose, this episode will leave you shaken, inspired, and armed with practical tools to make every part of life more epic.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Why “Memento Mori” is fuel, not fear
    • The hidden cost of resisting discomfort
    • Reframing pain as a path to peace
    • Creating micro-adventures in daily life
    • Why solitude improves every relationship
    • Overcoming “rut” energy with identity work
    • Coexisting ego + humility for true growth
    • Constructing your own illusion of self
    • The power of family mission statements
    • Tools to shift from stuck to soul-aligned
    • Parenting through struggle, not around it
    • How to help your kids fall in love with effort
    • Making consistency feel novel
    • The mindset behind making your life movie-worthy

    Learn More about Akshay Nanavati:

    Website: https://fearvana.com/

    Book: FEARVANA: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth, and Happiness

    https://www.amazon.com/FEARVANA-Revolutionary-Science-Health-Happiness/dp/1630476056

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fearvana

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

    X: https://twitter.com/fearvanalife

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fearvana/


    Biographical Information on Akshay Nanavati:

    Akshay Nanavati has overcome drug addiction, PTSD from fighting in Iraq with the Marines (where one of his jobs was to walk in front of vehicles to find bombs), depression and alcoholism that pushed him to the brink of suicide.

    Since then, by alchemizing his demons, he has built a global business, run ultramarathons, spent 17 days in darkness and isolation, and survived 100 days alone dragging heavy sleds through the polar regions. Despite a rare blood disorder that 2 doctors told him would kill him in boot camp, he defied the odds and most recently pushed his body to the edge of death, dragging a 420-pound sled for 500 miles, alone in Antarctica for 60 days, on what experts have called “the boldest Antarctic expedition in modern times.”

    Combining his...

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    58 mins