Sometimes the most turbulent waters reveal the pearls of our deepest transformations. In a heartfelt exchange on our latest podcast, Zach Lloyd, a beacon of hope whose story punctuates my book "The Gratitude Challenge," opens up about his life's rough patches that ultimately sculpted the man he is today. Together, we navigate the emotions of the past—bullying, heartbreak, substance abuse—and how these shared experiences, raw and unfiltered, have shaped our dedication to fitness, faith, and helping others find their way through the dark.

As you listen, you'll be moved by Zach's harrowing journey from the brink of despair to the strength he found in the most unexpected of places. His encounter with near-death experiences and drug dealing, followed by a pivotal life-saving call, exemplifies the incredible impact of human connection and the undying hope that lives within us all. It's not just our struggles that define us, but also our capacity to rise, to rehabilitate, and to discover new directions. We're here to show you that no matter how deep the valley, the climb to the summit is within reach.

This episode isn't just about overcoming—it's about the transformative power of giving. I share how serving those in need, those who the Bible refers to as 'the least of these,' has not only alleviated my own battles with depression but has filled my life with a joy that transcends the ordinary. We invite you to find solace and inspiration in our narratives, and we challenge you to embrace the cycle of compassion and thankfulness. Your story, like ours, holds the potential to uplift and guide others towards a life where gratitude isn't just a practice, but a lifeline.

Connect with Zach:
Zach's website here
Get a free resource: End Calorie Counting Toolkit here
Follow Zach on IG: @zachlloydcoaching

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Rebecca Shellito stepped into the spotlight, as she accepted an honor that many would covet - yet for her, it was a mountain of anxiety to climb. Our heart-to-heart conversation reveals Rebecca's raw battle with the glare of recognition while juggling life as a caregiver for her child with autism. As I walk her through her trepidation and strategize ways to navigate this prestigious event, we uncover the universal stress of public accolades and the underestimated impact of seeking support. It's a compelling lesson in valuing our personal victories, even as we shoulder the weight of our day-to-day lives.

The conversation then takes a lighter turn as we swap stories of unexpected joy, like the time an employer-sponsored getaway offered much more than just a break from the office. Together, we celebrate the simple yet powerful act of fun and self-care and how it can rekindle our spirits and transform our relationships. We laugh over the familiar pangs of 'mom guilt' and debunk those self-imposed narratives that hold us back from embracing life's playful moments. It's a candid exchange with Rebecca about the friendships that see us through our highs and lows, emphasizing the beauty of honesty, intention, and the little efforts that keep our bonds strong. Join us for a heartfelt journey through the transformative power of honoring our achievements, seizing joy, and cherishing the friendships that light up our lives.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Stephanie and Zach share the transformative power of confronting friends with love and courage. Zach, always the advocate for transparency, recounts the vital lessons learned from friends who once held their tongues when guidance was most needed. Together, we dissect the delicate art of understanding intentions behind advice, and how this molds our personal growth and spiritual paths.

It's an episode that transcends the boundaries of faith, challenging all listeners to reflect on the courage it takes to forge a life surrounded by meaningful connections.

Connect with Zach:
Zach's website here
Get a free resource: End Calorie Counting Toolkit here
Follow Zach on IG: @zachlloydcoaching

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever felt the weight of your possessions taking up physical and mental space to distract you from pursuing your calling? Join me, Stephanie, as I reveal the transformation that unfolded when I cleared out a space for my prayer closet, inviting a deeper connection with the divine. Our latest heart-to-heart dissects the poignant message of 1 John 2:15-17, shedding light on the traps of materialism and the overshadowing of our faith by worldly distractions. Together, we tackle the tough questions about what really holds value in our lives and how the love for the ephemeral can lead us astray from a fulfilling spiritual journey. I invite you to reflect on your own life and consider whether the spaces you inhabit are nurturing your faith or cluttering your mind.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Ever feel like you're on a solo mission toward health while your spouse is content with takeout and couch evenings? You're not alone. Join me, Stephanie, as I open up about the personal challenges I've faced in syncing my fitness goals with my spouse's lifestyle. Together with Zach Lloyd, the Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach, we dissect the complexities of diet and relationships, offering insights on how to foster communication and set realistic expectations that can turn your loved one into a supportive ally on your wellness journey.

This conversation goes beyond the typical "eat this, not that" dialogue. It's an exploration of the deep-seated connections between our past food experiences and our present habits, and how to navigate these waters within the context of our most intimate relationships. As Zach and Stephanie unravel listener scenarios, providing tailored strategies to help you balance your health aspirations with the dynamics of your relationship. Whether you're looking for tips on how to get your partner on board or seeking external support through a community like a local running group, this episode is a treasure trove of advice for those aiming to live healthier without sacrificing your relationship.

Connect with Zach:
Zach's website here
Get a free resource: End Calorie Counting Toolkit here
Follow Zach on IG: @zachlloydcoaching

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Discover the thin line that separates the excuses we make from the stark reality of our actions with co-host, Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach Zach Lloyd. In this thought-provoking discussion, we peel back the layers of self-deception that often hinder our health and fitness aspirations, stressing the power of self-awareness and the necessity of setting achievable exercise benchmarks. Listen closely as we delve into strategies for ensuring consistent progress—even through life's inevitable upheavals—and why a burst of intense physical activity could be the secret ingredient to revitalizing your wellness journey.

Connect with Zach:
Zach's website here
Get a free resource: End Calorie Counting Toolkit here
Follow Zach on IG: @zachlloydcoaching

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your phone, losing hours meant for more meaningful pursuits? On this episode Stephanie will peel back the layers of everyday distractions, drawing wisdom from 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 and the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42.

We delve into how the modern world's temptations, from the ping of a notification to the demands of daily chores, can sidetrack us from our life's true calling. As we unravel the ways in which even the most wholesome activities can become detrimental distractions, you'll be equipped to discern between what's truly essential and what's merely a diversion for God has for you.

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the vicious cycle of "starting over" every time you falter on your goals? Join us as we unwrap the secret to resilient progress with our sustainable anti-diet coach, Zach Lloyd. We'll share intimate tales from our own lives, unraveling the pitfalls of the reset mentality that so many of us fall prey to. Discover why it's not just about how often you fall but how you rise that truly counts, and learn how to maintain your course without backtracking to square one. Life's curveballs don't have to mean starting from scratch, and together, we'll explore how to fortify your resolve and transform setbacks into powerful lessons.

We'll talk about taking those tiny, mighty steps towards your dreams. In this heart-to-heart, we demystify the art of overcoming procrastination by initiating action with micro-goals. Imagine the ripple effect of spending just 15 minutes on a task or the triumph in flossing a single tooth—yes, it can lead to a cascade of productivity!

We'll also link arms with episode 95, revisiting the essential connection between your health and your life's purpose. So whether you're looking for motivation to uphold a balanced lifestyle or seeking the push to show up for your calling, let this episode be the gentle nudge you need to keep moving forward, one small victory at a time.

Connect with Zach:
Zach's website here
Get a free resource: End Calorie Counting Toolkit here
Follow Zach on IG: @zachlloydcoaching

Connect with Stephanie:

Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here.
Shop Stephanie's books here.
Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal