Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK - The Podcast cover art

Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK - The Podcast

Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK - The Podcast

By: Melyssa Allen
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 Welcome to the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK podcast, where we have casual conversations about ways to live happier and healthier that don't require you to ditch everything you enjoy in life! We refer to our listeners as Change Makers, because if you are tuning in - then you are probably working on making some positive changes in your life! With occasional guests from the health and well-being industry that share their stories and strategies for making healthy living suck less, you are sure to walk away with knowledge and tangible tips for ways to put it into practice in your own life!Melyssa Allen Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 41. LM Week 2025 Day 8: Sustainable Behavior Change with Dr. Erica Jowett Hirst

    41. LM Week 2025 Day 8: Sustainable Behavior Change with Dr. Erica Jowett Hirst
    May 25 2025

    In the latest episode of the Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK podcast, Melyssa wraps up Lifestyle Medicine Week 2025 with an in-depth discussion on sustainable behavior changes with Dr. Erica Jowett Hirst, a clinical behavior analyst and expert in behavioral psychology! The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning daily actions with core values and the role of community support in achieving health goals. Dr. Erica shares insights on overcoming barriers to healthy living, practical strategies for behavior change, and the significance of maintaining motivation. Listeners are offered actionable advice for those seeking to improve their health through lifestyle changes!


    ABOUT DR. ERICA JOWETT HIRST

    Dr. Erica Jowett Hirst is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional. In her clinical work, she specializes in behavior change related to all aspects of wellness, including both mental and physical health. Her therapeutic approach involves skills and strategies for better living.

    Dr. Erica is also an Adjunct Professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science where she teaches courses in lifestyle medicine that focus on lifestyle factors that influence chronic disease such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes.


    CONNECT WITH DR. ERICA JOWETT HIRST

    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-jowett-hirst/
    • Webpage: http://www.ericajowett.com
    • Email: ejhirst@gocuris.com


    CHECK OUT OUR LINKS!

    • Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
    • Check out our size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa!
    • Grab our FREE 25-minute audiobook Introduction sneak peek from the book!
    • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
    • Grab your copy of Melyssa’s book here!
    • Follow us on Instagram:
    • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
    • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/


    TIMESTAMPS

    00:53 Final Day of Lifestyle Medicine Week

    01:50 Guest Introduction: Dr. Erica

    02:20 Understanding Behavior Change

    02:54 Behavior Analysis and Autism

    04:00 Applying Behavioral Science to Health

    06:55 Lifestyle Medicine and Chronic Disease

    09:11 The Importance of Values in Health

    17:57 Strategies for Sustainable Change

    22:25 Struggling with Cravings

    22:44 Proactive Meal Preparation

    23:16 Community and Social Support

    26:13 Setting Realistic Goals

    27:24 Building Momentum with Small Steps

    29:20 Overcoming Barriers and Accountability

    38:42 Sustainable Healthy Living

    43:54 Conclusion and Resources
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    46 mins
  • 40. LM Week 2025 Day 7: Social Connection with Simon Matthews

    40. LM Week 2025 Day 7: Social Connection with Simon Matthews
    May 24 2025

    In this episode, Melyssa is joined by Simon Matthews, a seasoned expert in health and wellness coaching, to delve into the importance of social connection as a pivotal component of lifestyle medicine. Simon shares his unconventional journey from nearly becoming a radio broadcaster and airline pilot to establishing himself in the field of psychology and lifestyle medicine. The conversation highlights the multi-faceted nature of social connectedness, from interpersonal relationships to connections with nature, animals, and broader cultural and spiritual communities. They discuss practical strategies like 'social snacking'—simple, everyday interactions—that can help build and strengthen social ties. Emphasizing intentionality, Simon and Melissa explore how these small steps can lead to significant improvements in overall health and wellbeing, making healthy living an enjoyable and sustainable endeavor.

    CONNECT WITH SIMON

    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmatthewsfaslm/
    • Website: https://www.simonmatthewsconsulting.com
    • Tiny Health Stories: https://www.tinyhealthstories.online/


    CHECK OUT OUR LINKS!

    • Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
    • Check out our size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa!
    • Grab our FREE 25-minute audiobook Introduction sneak peek from the book!
    • Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
    • Grab your copy of Melyssa’s book here!
    • Follow us on Instagram:
    • Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
    • Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/


    TIMESTAMPS

    • 00:53 Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine Week Day 7
    • 01:40 Special Guest: Simon Matthews on Social Connection
    • 02:22 Simon's Journey to Lifestyle Medicine
    • 04:16 The Importance of Behavioral Change
    • 07:30 Exploring Systemic Connectedness
    • 16:56 The Concept of Social Snacking
    • 19:09 The Power of Social Snacking
    • 20:31 Positive Psychology Interventions
    • 21:49 Starting Small: Building Social Connections
    • 26:40 Intentionality in Social Connections
    • 28:41 Introversion vs. Extroversion in Social Connections
    • 36:24 Combining Lifestyle Medicine Principles
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    40 mins
  • 39. LM Week 2025 Day 6: Stress Management with Dr. Jessica Matthews

    39. LM Week 2025 Day 6: Stress Management with Dr. Jessica Matthews
    May 23 2025
    For Lifestyle Medicine Week 2025 Day 6, Melyssa welcomes Dr. Jessica Matthews for an in-depth conversation on stress management within the realm of lifestyle medicine. Dr. Matthews, with over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and wellness, shares her journey from being a group fitness instructor to becoming a professor and director at Point Loma Nazarene University. The discussion explores shifting perceptions of stress, practical strategies for managing stress, and the importance of awareness and mindfulness. Dr. Matthews highlights the value of yoga, movement, and compassionate self-coaching as essential tools for stress recovery. By challenging negative thoughts, embracing flexibility, and expanding one's understanding of stress, listeners are encouraged to view healthy living as a pathway to freedom and a more fulfilling life.ABOUT DR. JESSICA MATTHEWSDr. Jessica Matthews is an industry leader in the fields of lifestyle medicine and health and wellness coaching. A passionate tenured professor and innovative curriculum designer, she has created graduate degree and professional certificate programs at several college in Southern California, including the Master of Science in Integrative Wellness program at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) for which she serves as Program Director.A passionate advocate for whole person health, Dr. Matthews previously served as Interim Executive Director and Chair of the Board Directors for The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and was among one of the first national board certified health and wellness coaches (NBC-HWCs) in the country. Additionally, she is board certified in lifestyle medicine (DipACLM) and served on the board of directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) from 2020-2023. In 2021, Dr. Matthews was named a Fellow of ACLM for outstanding achievement in the field of lifestyle medicine and exceptional dedication to advancing the organization's mission. Presently she serves on the scientific advisory board for Pritikin.CONNECT WITH DR. JESSICA MATTHEWSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessmatthewsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJessMatthews/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjessmatthews/The Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference (in-person in San Diego and via virtual livestream October 17-19th, 2025).: http://www.thehealthandwellbeingcoachingconference.comCHECK OUT OUR LINKS!Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!Check out our size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa!Grab our FREE 25-minute audiobook Introduction sneak peek from the book!Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!Grab your copy of Melyssa’s book here!Follow us on Instagram: Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.comVisit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/TIMESTAMPS00:53 Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine Week01:24 Meet Dr. Jessica Matthews02:11 Understanding Stress Management04:57 Harnessing Stress for Health10:19 Empowerment Through Awareness14:21 Engaging in Stress Management Strategies24:51 The Role of Yoga and Mindfulness30:29 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins

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