In epsiode 14 of the Living Very Well Podcast, Michael discusses why you shouldn't ignore your gut health if you are exercising. Your body resonds to exercise as it would stress - the hormone cortisol. While cortisol has many roles in your body, too much can increase gut permability, allowing microrganisms, food particles, and toxins into your bloodstream. It can also cause an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria. He also discusses the idea of fitness seasons, as talked about by a fellow health coach.

In epsiode 13 of the Living Very Well podcast, Michael is back with a fresh new master's degree and celebrating being named Austin's Best Podcast for 2022 by Austin Fit Magazine. Makalah Krick, a therapist based in Austin, Texas, joins Michael to talk about setting realistic goals in the new year. Makalah shares her incredible weight-loss journey and finding peace with herself, how she set goals that were acheviable and realistic, and what she has her sights on in 2023.

Almost everyone sets goals in the beginning of the new year, yet statistics say 80% of you will abandon them by Februrary. More often than not it's because they were unobtainable in the first place.

In episode 12 of the Living Very Well podcast, Michael talks about dating and why it's time to cancel dating altogether! Dating apps have broken our ability to truly connect with each other. Dating behaviors of both sexes are leaving us jaded and has turned dating into game swiping to find the next best thing. We have no desire or the attention span to build connections the way we did before dating apps, social media and texting.

MIchael shares his bad dating stories, how both sides are to blame for bad dating behavior, and why it's time to get back to writing love letters! This is a must listen episode.

In episode 11, Pleasure & Feminine Embodiment Coach Lauren Schaeffer joins Michael to talk about sex!. Lauren and Michael discuss sex and dating, how to communicate about sexual desires, and the health benefits of sex (It's very healthy!).

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on your sexual health! Good sexual health depends on a strong environment that supports positive and affirming vies of sexuality, knowing the risks of actions and unprotected sex, and access to sexual healthcare. Being connected to your sexuality physically, mentally, and socially can make your sexual relationships healthy and more positive.

Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.laurenschaeffer.com/home https://www.instagram.com/laurenlikesitlikethat/

In episode 10, Austin fitness instructor Lauren Hart returns to discus functional fitness. You're likely hearing this term more around the fitness world, but do you know what it is? Lauren and Michael discuss this new trendy term in the fitness industry, why functional fitness is important, and the type of workouts designed with functional fitness in mind. Michael also may or may not have agreed to do a Spartan Race in the near future.

In episode 9 of the Living Very Well podcast, Terri Ramirez returns to discus knowing when to slowing dow, prioritizing yourself and what serves you, and letting go of what doesn't.

In today's always on-the-go world, we often get caught up in trying to do too much until we hit a wall. Not wanting to fail, disappoint others, and so many other reasons often leads us to stretching our energy too thin. Terri and I discuss ways to create space to recharge and let go.

In episode 8 of the Living Very Well podcast, Michael is joined by friend, Kelsey Drake, to discuss fitness and how it affects your mental health... for better or for worse. They share our experiences with our mental health, how fitness has helped us overcome anxiety, depression, and a lack of confidence, and the benefits of fitness for your mental health.

However, with all the good, there is a bad side people don't like to talk about. Sometimes fitness has a negative effect on your mental health, from eating disorders, to body dysmorphia, and comparing yourself to others. They talk about that, too!

In episode 7 of the Living Very Well podcast, Michael celebrates his birthday (July 31). If your wondering, he's turning 39... again! Michael discusses how fitness and focusing on using exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle to support his daily life has him feeling healthier and bette than he did in his 20s and 30s. Link is in the bio for this week's episode or find the Living Very Well podcast on Spotify!