Better Than Fine with Darlene Marshall

This is the 99th episode of Better Than Fine - next week, for our 100th episode - we’ve got something really exciting to share.  We're also moving new episodes to Thursday beginning next week.

Today's episode is about moving into emotionally uncomfortable exploration instead of running from the things that make us uncomfortable.  You'll learn practical strategies for shifting your mindset towards acceptance, processing, purpose, and meaning-making.  I'll share some of my own strategies as well as what has worked for my clients.

In this episode we'll explore what to do when you've been emotionally overwhelmed and how to move from being overwhelmed, make positive meaning, and return to thriving.

In this episode we explore people pleasing, when you put others before yourself and sacrifice your own needs so you can be liked and perceived positively.  We'll cover why this happens for some people, why it's detrimental to your well-being, and strategies for drawing boundaries and saying "yes" to yourself.

With many people on edge right now challenging emotions are more present than ever.  Anxiety.  Frustration.  Fear.  Even anger.  Yet, as deeply social creatures we're still living and working together.

In today's episode I share a technique born from 20 years of service experience as well as my education in psychology - RARE.  It stands for Recognize, Appreciate, Reassure, Execute and it's the system I teach in my communication workshops and mentoring.  This simple 4 part system allows each of us to hold space for another person's challenging emotion.  It's based on the premise that you cannot resolve a transactional need (getting coffee, syncing schedules, holding a meeting) if challenging emotions go unaddressed.

If you ask most people they can tell you what they want to change to take better care of themselves.

Workout.  Eat differently.  Meditate.  Prioritize sleep.  Sounds basic.

So why don't more people do the basic things for their health, longevity, and well-being?

In this episode we look at human motivation and how the language we choose affects how we feel about our behavior.  Along the way I'll teach you some of the foundational psychological tools my clients use to help un-stick themselves and get to what they "should" be doing towards their goals.

Michelle McQuaid is one of the world's leaders in well-being at work.  She Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania with Professor Martin Seligman and a Ph.D. in creating positive change under the supervision of Professor David Cooperrider.  Michelle also hosts the Making Positive Psychology Work podcast.  

In this episode Michelle shares her own journey from being a "stressed out mess" to a life of playfulness and thriving.  We talk about balancing the pursuit of well-being with the inevitable struggles of life, following calling professionally, and getting curious to cultivate psychological safety.

It's Valentine's Day!  What if we reconceive Valentine's Day to not focus on hollow gestures, but to pulse check what skills would enhance our connections with those we love.  In honor of that idea this episode is devoted to the #1 thing I believe defines, enhances, and supports our relationships with others: communication.  But not just any old communication skillset - how do we build one another up with how we listen AND speak with one another.

Lara Kallander is a positive psychology practitioner, coach, and college professor.  She has a PhD in Chemistry and a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology ~ a unique combination of the science of what our world is made of and how we can build flourishing in it.

Her new journal, "Thriving Through Adversity", is informed by her own experiences of dealing with medical challenges as well as the science of human well-being.  

In this episode we talk about how you can thrive through the inevitable adversity in your own life, criticisms of toxic positivity, and the power of positive practices facing overwhelming circumstances.

Her website: https://thrivingthroughadversitycoaching.com/

Her book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09M54H3LC/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0 

Back in episode 33 Sherri Fisher came on to talk about Positive Education.  In her new book, “The Effort Myth”, Sherri tackles the idea of common advice to “try harder” that we give students from well-meaning parents & teachers.  This isn’t just kids.  Trying Harder isn’t the key (or at least not the only key) - not only for those with kids, but anyone struggling to succeed in achievement driven environments.

In the last few weeks of 2021 it felt like we all took a collective break - some forced and some by choice - to process that challenging year.  But, moreso than any other time in my life, it felt like we collectively also were bracing for 2022.  And, most troublesome to me, an underlying fear of what might be just around the corner.

To greet the new year this episode focuses on how to move through challenges when they feel overwhelming, how mindfulness isn't enough when we're aware of the challenges we face, and how to frame overwhelming challenge so you can move forward.  I hope these tools offer you a glimmer of optimism as you move into 2022.

Happy New Year, dear listener.

Happy-almost-New-Year!  Aggressive weight loss marketing season it here!  But why do we as practitioners fall into the hole of marketing what we know to be manipulative and unsuccessful?  

I've invited Isabel Foxen Duke back on Better Than Fine to talk about Weight Neutrality and what weight really (doesn't) have to do with health to arm you for whatever you're looking to build for yourself in the New Year.

Hope is unique among the positive emotion - it's the only one that requires something to go wrong in order to feel it.  For many of us, there's a lot going wrong this holiday season.  Cultivating hope through the darkest part of the year can help to carry you through.

Support the show by snapping up your copy of the Better Than Fine Workbook - www.darlene.coach/workbook

Jeremy Sherman has a Masters in Public Policy from UC Berkeley, a PhD in Decision Theory and is the author of two books on the self and self management, writes regular articles for Psychology Today - and some of my favorite work is in what he calls psychoproctology: the study of what makes people act like "jerks".  In this episode we explore what makes some people act like A-Holes, how to deal with them, and how to meet life's challenges with humor.

You can get your copy of the Better Than Fine Workbook by visiting https://www.darlene.coach/ 

Martha Tettenborn, RD is a Registered Dietitian and certified Primal Health Coach with over 30 years of experience working in many areas of nutrition & wellness.  Diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer at age 58 and dove into the research on cancer metabolism, which lead her to approach her own cancer treatment from a lifestyle lens.    Like many of our guests, turned that combination of professional knowledge and personal wisdom into a passion for helping others. - her book is Hacking Chemo: Using Ketogenic Diet, Therapeutic Fast, and a Kickass Attitude to Power Through Cancer.

When you're in the fitness industry long enough you find that there are a few big lies.  Some about movement; but many about diet.  In his latest book "Supersized Lies" Dr Robert Davis dismantles many of the lies we've been taught about nutrition, nutrition science, and managing health through food.  In this episode we explode some of those big lies, where they come from, and how to know when you're being taken for a marketing ride.

Sandy Blaine is an author and expert wellness consultant whose work draws on the power of positive psychology – the science of happiness and a meaningful life – in conjunction with wellness and mind/body integration to help people realize their highest potential and create greater well-being, fulfillment and happiness.  She's been working with Pixar’s in house wellness program since 1994 - long before wellness was on most of the corporate radar.

In this episode we unpack our shared experience of other's telling us we have "discipline", whereas we both feel we have aligned motivation.  You'll learn about the difference between the two, the science underlying human motivation, and how to tap into your own intrinsic motivation, values, meaning, and purpose to shift your behavior in ways that feel good and build well-being.

I want to tell you about a 10 day meditation challenge leading up to American Thanksgiving - it starts next Monday.  You’re welcome to just join, just meditate daily to prepare yourself for a holiday based on gratitude (you might have noticed the title of today’s show) - OR you can follow along on Instagram (@darlene.coach) and sign up on the website - link in show notes or go to darlene.coach/november-mediation-challenge

Previous episode on positive emotion (#45) dives deep into the science of why pos emo is different than neg emotions for our experience.

This episode is specifically about gratitude - it’s that time of year after all!

By listener request - how often do we hear "boundaries" vaguely referenced?  As something people are working on, something they proclaim to suck at, or someone else has violated?

Lately it seems boundaries are coming up a lot.  At work, with our loved ones, and even within ourselves.  With stress levels not only high, but staying that way, it's easy to feel like others are coming over the metaphorical walls.  So when we throw around the word "boundaries" what are we really talking about?

And, what can you do to shift your boundaries to a better place?

So many of us are able to extend compassion to others, but struggle with how we comfort and support ourselves.  In a world where many people are struggling self-compassion is an essential component of building wellness and well-being.

This solo-sode unpacks why self-compassion matters, the three foundations of self-compassion, and practices to bring self-compassion into your life.

Darlene has a love-hate relationship with the phrase "self care" because of how it's used in the media; but meaningful self care isn't products or services.  It's sustainable ways of taking care of yourself coupled with practices that bring you back into balance.  In this solo-sode Darlene unpacks how to identify you're human needs and what it means to build sustainable self care practices; even when you're overwhelmed.

Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist from Stanford University and the author of "The Joy of Movement".  Dr McGonigal's work focuses on using scientific evidence to inform positive behavior change in health and wellness.  In this episode we talk about movement's positive benefits not only on health, but also on emotion, mental health, cognition, and more.    

You can find more about Kelly's work at her website: http://kellymcgonigal.com/

Amy Smith, "the Joy Junkie", knows a thing or two about boundaries.  She's spends her professional time helping people unlock their self-worth through successful self-worth - which often means saying a few big "NO!"s to the things you don't want, so you can have room for the big "YES"es!  She's certified in hypnotherapy, coaching, NLP (just to name a few).

In this episode you'll learn about:

You can find more of Amy Smith at https://thejoyjunkie.com/ (where she also has a ton of freebies)

She's on Instagram: @thejoyjunkie

And her podcast, The Joy Junkie Podcast

If Albert Einstein was correct that “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” that means having a way to recognize we're in a moment of transitioning thought.

I've found myself in such a moment and I want to share that journey and my takeaways with you.

Part 2 of the split episode with Dr Kelsy Demelo.  Kelsy and I are back on to talk about why "weight loss" isn't necessarily what everyone needs, that eating less probably wont get you the results you think it will, and what to do about it if you want to change how your body looks, feels, and it's ration of fat to lean mass.

As fitness professionals with a combined twenty years in the industry Dr Kelsy Demelo joins me today on the show to share a clear message: long term and extreme calorie restrictive diets suck.  And they don't get you the outcomes you've been told they will.

When we think about longevity and aging we're often considering adding years to our life; but how about adding life and vitality to those years?  My guest for this episode of Better Than Fine has dedicated her third career to learning, researching, and sharing information that inspires others to live fully throughout their lifespan.  

In this episode you'll learn about:

Sally Duplantier is the founder of https://myzinglife.com/ - a website and community focused on a holistic approach to improve lifelong health.  She has a Certificate in Nutrition Science from Stanford Center for Health Education and is currently studying for her masters in Gerontology at  University of Southern California, where she plans to also get her PhD.

After repeated betrayals in her own life Debi Silber got the push she needed to go back to school and learn more deeply about transformations.  Now Doctor Silber, Debi decided to study betrayal and uncovered the process by which we either grown from or languish in the aftermath of betrayal.  In today's episode we unpack what happens to ourselves or those we love when we've been betrayed, the 3 groundbreaking discoveries Debi made, and how they effect us physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Think you might have Post Betrayal Syndrome?  Take the quiz at the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute: https://thepbtinstitute.com/quiz/

Get the Trust Again book and bonuses: https://thepbtinstitute.com/trustagain/

TEDx: “Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome?“: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=iyqOR69dHiU

By fan request!  We've all experienced the challenge and frustration when our best laid plans don't turn out.  Projects, passions, and even marriages failing.  On this episode I share some of my own setback and failures, how I dealt with them in the past, how I wish I'd handled them, and what I do now when things don't go the way I've planned.

To vote for Darlene in Burn Along's America's Favorite Trainer 2021: https://burnalong.us.launchpad6.com/aft2021/entry/8

In all the workshops and consultations I teach, the #1 question I get is some version of "how do I get myself to do the things I know I should be doing?"  So often we "know" what's good for us, but struggle to make it happen.  In this week's solo episode I share why "should-ing" happens, why it sabotages our success, and the tools and tricks you need to snap out of it and actually make progress!

For many the act of writing is a torturous creative challenge.  For more than a decade Kathryn Britton has been guiding writers of all levels through her unique writing workshops, editing, and coaching.  In this episode we talk about her journey to become the "midwife of words", why writing is challenging, the system of her writing workshops and many more drops of Kathryn's expertise and wisdom.  

Vote Now!  Burn Along 2021 America's Favorite Trainer: https://burnalong.us.launchpad6.com/aft2021/entry/8

Show notes: betterthanfinepodcast.com/episodes/62-kathryn-britton

On Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Rev Gaylord "Jake" Campbell passed away at the age of 84.  

In this tribute episode of Better Than Fine I've invited my brother, Dan "OnePeg" Marshall onto the show to talk about our grandfather, his legacy, and the dichotomies of his baffling life.

In Darlene's first ever Facebook live she took questions from the Come What May Challenge Facebook group on gratitude, motivation, consistency, keeping positive, tight hips, and more.

If you have any feedback on the Better Than Fine podcast or this episode please share it by emailing info@darlene.coach 

"Self Love" is one of those things you see all the time on social media but it can feel like it doesn't mean anything.  Katy Sine wants to change that with her model of Whole Self Love.  In this episode we talk about what meaningful self love is, how it's not narcissism, it's important role in well-being, and how you can cultivate it in your own life.

Follow Katy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/self_love_sine

Or check out Positive Voices: https://www.positivevoices.com/

Fitness.  Wellness.  Well-being.  A life that works for you.  What does it mean to be better than "fine"?

Andrew Soren is the founder and CEO of Eudaimonic by Design, where he and his collaborative team are "working at the intersection of organizational effectiveness, design thinking and positive practice."  He has a Master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and 20 years of experience working with companies of all sizes and industries on culture, leadership, well-being, and empowering their workforce.

In this episode Andrew shares his wisdom on meaning, work, burnout, motivation, and so much more that many of us are juggling right now.

Episode Link: www.betterthanfinepodcast.com/episodes/56-andrew-soren-on-intentionally-designing-well-being-amp-meaning-at-work

Come What May Challenge 2021: https://www.darlene.coach/comewhatmay

In her first ever podcast interview retired Brigadier General Dr. Rhonda Cornum shares her story of meeting challenge, learning about resilience, and how her own journey lead her to starting what has become the largest resilience training programs in the world - the US Army's Comprehensive Solder Fitness program.  We dive into the deeper skills of resilience and how optimism, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and self-awareness all contribute to growing from challenge.

The Science of Well-being on Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

Resilience Skills on Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/learn/positive-psychology-resilience

Nic Marks is a statistician, policy advisor, speaker, and author known for his work on the Happy Planet Index - the first global measure of sustainable well-being which envisions a future where good lives don't have to cost the earth.  He's also the founder and CEO of Happiness Works, an organization focusing on changing the world of work.  

In this episode we explore meaningful work, happiness in the pandemic, working for a better world at multiple levels of influence and intervention, why measuring happiness helps us make meaningful interventions, and Nic shares much of his own journey through a career working in the economy, government, planet level happiness, climate impact, and now affecting happiness at work.  

Friday One: https://fridaypulse.com/the-happiness-test/ 

Friday Pulse: https://fridaypulse.com/

Views on sleep have been changing from the old belief that sleep as "a lazy habit" to the prioritization of high quality sleep in a high functioning, healthy, actualized life.  

By listener request as a follow-up to last week's episode, this week we dive into the science of how sleep works, how to get quality sleep, and hacks you can use to upgrade yours - so you can get a solid one tonight!

In Oct 2020 the American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a position paper against daylight savings time saying it "incurs significant public health and safety risks, including increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, mood disorders, and motor vehicle crashes".    

What's underneath this position paper? How does daylight savings affect our bodies and our societies? Why am I so adamant that it's bad for us?And how can you make choices to mitigate DST's effects?

In this episode of the Better Than Fine podcast the microphone gets turned around and Darlene is in the hot seat!   Friend of the show David Van Daff comes on to celebrate this milestone episode and ask Darlene some burning questions about her personal journey, career, and where she thinks the fitness industry is headed.  She's also got a special thank you & announcement at the end of the episode so check it out!

With everything that's happened in the last year many more people are struggling with anxiety - and those who have had it in the past are feeling it more acutely.  But what is anxiety, really?  And what strategies have been shown to help?

In this mini episode I share my own experiences and tactics to help with anxiety, some things my clients us, and what clinical research shows can help when anxiety strikes.

Research has shown that modern humans aren't great at gauging what will make us happy ~ why is that?  In this episode we'll explore what "happiness" is, why we struggle to identify the things that build happiness long term, and what research shows actually contributes to lasting happiness (and what disrupts it).

This episode is part of a series of short episodes on foundational concepts that are common in interviews on the show.  If there are topics you'd like to hear an episode on you can email info@darlene.coach and let us know.

You know that thing that happens when you feel really good and then things start clicking into place?  Where good stuff rolls into more good stuff and your normal problems bother you less?  You feel cuter.  Smarter.  Things are going your way.  That's called an Upward Spiral and there's research into what it is, how it works, and some of the elements in how to get one rolling - and that's what this episode is all about.

https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/194/

We regularly dive into positive emotion research with guests on BTF, so in this episode I share the foundations of the work of Barbara Fredrickson - one of the world's leading emotion researchers.  You can find more information & specific practices in her 2 books: "Positivity" and "Love 2.0".

Cecilie Løvestam is a positive psychology practitioner with a master degree in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. Cecilie facilitates corporate well-being workshops and trainings. She is a teacher assistant for New York University’s (NYU) positive psychology class 'The Science of Happiness,' the university’s largest and most popular elective. In this role, she teaches undergraduate students about positive psychology and well-being theory, research and practice, and facilitates class discussions. She also guides them through evidence-based positive interventions on a weekly basis.

Instagram: @cecelie.lovestram.wellbeing

Website: https://cecilielovestam.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilie-l%C3%B8vestam/

Capstone Paper on Self Permission: https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/164/ 

Henry Richardson is an entrepreneur, yogi, Positive Psychology practitioner and thought leader at the intersection of yoga, wellness, and well-being.  In this episode we explore what it means to have balance and alignment in your life and in your body.  How caring for your physical self and community foster resilience in the face of challenge.  How it takes time to foster meaningful and lasting results in changing your life.  

Dr Darcia Narvaez is a professor of psychology at the University of Notre Dame who focuses on moral development and flourishing from an interdisciplinary perspective.  In this episode we explore the indigenous worldview on thriving, how that effects child rearing and the evidence that indigenous childrearing practices are more closely aligned with most of human history and evolution.  Along the way we explore a variety of subjects directly relevant to this moment in climate, COVID, well-being, human connection, and our interconnected existence.

Links mentioned in the show:

Dr Darcia's website: https://darcianarvaez.com/

Links to her research and books via Notre Dame: http://sites.nd.edu/darcianarvaez/

Evolved Nest: https://evolvednest.org/

David Van Daff is the Director of Health Club Relations at the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the world's largest certifying body for Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors.  After 22 years in all aspects of the fitness industry, from celebrity training to high performance athletes to fitness club management, David is arguably one of the most knowledgeable people in the world about fitness industry trends, marketing, and what it takes to be successful as a fitness professional or someone looking to make a change in their fitness.

In this episode we dive deep into the evolution of the fitness industry, what motivates clients, the effects of the pandemic on fitness, the direction of the industry as a whole, why client expectations for trainers has changed in the last 20 years, and his hopes for what the industry will evolve into going forward.

If you have a interest in evolving your fitness, or you're an aspiring fitness professional, don't miss this episode.

In Episode 38 Amanda Masters shares the benefits of breath training & leads us through a brief practice.  As promised in that episode, here is a stand alone recording of that breath practice for your regular use.

Enjoy.

Amanda Master's is a yogi, well-being educator, and program coordinator with a background in Positive Psychology who works primarily with non-profits, youth, and families to help individuals, organizations, and communities flourish.

In this episode we dive into what it means to live a lifestyle committed to self-discovery and "yoga as a world view", the concept of effortless effort, breath training, and so much more!

At the end of the episode Amanda leads us through a brief breathwork training session.  The next episode after this is that same session available for regular practice.

This episode looks back over 2020 - 10 months of episodes heard in 36 countries with 20 guests!

Darlene also unpacks her Master's Capstone project - the Upward Spiral of Self Development & Well-being

And then we wrap up the year by looking ahead to the themes and guests on deck for 2021.

Felix Yerace is the Assistant Executive Director and Advanced Summer Leadership Camp Co-Director for the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC). Professionally, Felix is an educator at South Fayette School District, where among other responsibilities he teaches two semester long leadership classes for high school students, using a curriculum he designed. Working with the University of Pittsburgh, he helped establish a College in High School (CHS) Leadership course for high school students. Felix also teaches AP/CHS US and AP Comparative Government & Politics, Honors/CHS US History 1865-Present, and Applied Positive Psychology at his school. At South Fayette, Felix is co-advisor of Student Government, Interact, and Link Crew.

Felix holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in History and Political Science, with a minor in Economics, a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Public Management degree from the H. John Heinz III College at Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

The research behind a popular practice, just in time for Thanksgiving.

This episode is a crossover from my recent guest appearance on Whiskey, Wine & Spine - which you can find on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

About Whiskey, Wine & Spine: Led by Dr. Kelsy DeMelo and Dr. Peyton Vickers - this is a podcast where we believe life is a sport and we want YOU to perform better.

About the episode:

Where do we even begin?

With a Masters Degree in Applied Positive Psychology, Coach Darlene brings a WHOLE new light to the health and fitness industry. Covering diet culture, fitness misconceptions and the latest research on WHY working out benefits not only your body... but also your brain!

Jodi Wellman, MAPP, is a keynote speaker and professionally certified coach who helps people make the most of their time while they're lucky enough to be above ground... to not take life for granted, to live squander-free lives. She has an online course through her coaching practice, Four Thousand Mondays, where she playfully uses mortality as a spark to live life with more vitality and meaning.

Four Thousand Monday's website: https://fourthousandmondays.com/

Four Thousand Monday's on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourThousandMondays 

We all live with the push & pull between the need for control and structure in our lives and the fact that we actually can't control the world around us.  In times of challenge that dichotomy can derail us from our path to well-being.

In this solosode I break down the dynamic between control and chaos, how it shows up in our lives, and how each of us can learn to accept it, work around it, and still build meaningful change.  Along the way I share my own journey of learning not to hate the word "surrender" on an adventure in Thailand.

Dorota Soto is taking over Better Than Fine today and turning the mic around!  She's asking me YOUR questions in the first of a 2 part episode (you had so many questions).  

Questions covered in today's episode:

Seems like every trainer, coach, and guru on the internet has a post about goals... so why are you still struggling with making yours happen?

This episode isn't "just another goals post".  In this episode we dig into the research validated reason we know people struggle to keep up behavior after they hit their "goal" ~ AND what to do about it.

Jared Glenn works with the All Stars Project of New York creating youth development programs focusing on community and police relations, an activist, writer, film maker, and a student of history.  Before working with the All Stars Project, Jared spent 15 years working as a trainer and wellness coach in New York City

In this episode we cover the complex emotional reactions to race, purpose and leadership, communicating with people who you don't agree with, being a good ally, and more.

Reading list mentioned in this episode:
(purposely not linked to encourage purchasing from a local bookstore in your location)

Doctor Kelsy DeMelo graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in

April of 2019.  As a student at Texas Chiropractic College she excelled as

a teaching assistant in the Department of Anatomical Sciences. Prior to

Chiropractic College, Dr. Kelsy graduated from Simmons College in

Boston, MA with a Bachelors in Science, majoring in Exercise

Physiology and Nutrition. Dr. Kelsy has worked at New York University

in cardiovascular research. She has also worked as a health and fitness

coach at Equinox, providing group and individual fitness training to a a

wide spectrum of clientele. 

Dr. Kelsy aspires to continue her specialization in the fields of Pre and

Post-natal Women's Health, Nutrition, and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation.

She is currently working towards the Herman and Wallace pelvic floor

therapy certification, and is offering both virtual and home care services.

In her spare time, Dr. Kelsy is also a nationally qualified Figure and

Bikini competitor with the National Physique Committee. Her previous

passions were marathon running and classical ballet.

Kelsy's instagram is @dr.kelsydemelo and is how you can reach her for all inquiries

What's the vegus nerve and why do you care?  Also your pelvic floor, breath work, why progression is important, and a bit about caring for yourself in COVID

Understanding how humans change can help us grow and evolve in our own lives.  In this short episode we dive into the phases of change and how you can use your awareness of them to support your personal development.

Darwin Diaz is a personal trainer, nutrition coach, movement instructor, and mentor.  He's a sought after trainer in New York City.  You can find him on Instagram @coach.darwin

Regoaling comes out of research in pediatric palliative care to guide a process of accepting where you are, releasing what you thought you wanted, and identifying what to hope for going forward.

Coping with isolation, the importance of connection, building resilience, and being patient with yourself

Jodi Wellman is a co-founder of Spectacular at Work, a leadership consulting firm specializing in well-being at work, spectacular employee engagement, and cultures where people want to work.  She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and ICF Professional Certified Coach working with CEOs, Senior Executives, and emerging leaders.  

In this episode we cover corporate leadership in the COVID19 crisis, the importance of values driven leadership, using ones strengths to lead in challenging times, and how not everyone leads from the front of the room.

If you'd like to support Better Than Fine visit anchor.fm/betterthanfine and become a regular supporter.

Coronavirus is getting under all our skins; and it's likely that at some point you'll struggle a bit emotionally.  That's what happened with me this morning, and in today's episodes I'm sharing some of what I know about State Management and Ritual Building that I'm using to help me cope.  Hope it helps.  Stay safe, be kind, and keep sane.

If you're struggling to deal with the COVID19 threat, this meditation is meant to help you recenter, relax, and move through this difficult time.

This episode is on the foundational ideas of aligned action, how to cultivate it, and what the terms mean.

What is alignment in yourself. Two models to explore:

- Spiritual alignment

- Psychological ideas of alignment

Show notes: 

In this episode we discuss: Impostor syndrome, over exercise, Dorota’s journey through divorce, miscarriage, and feeling lost in your body.  How to find balance.  What balance looks and feels like.

How coaches can recognize clients struggling with self-acceptance and what to do when you recognize it.

Transitions and self-transformation after trauma and change.

Show notes: darlene.coach/blog/2020/3/2/better-than-fine-dorota-soto

Better Than Fine – Episode 3 – What the Hell is Mindfulness?

What’s the difference between you mind and your consciousness? How does understanding that change your ability to observe yourself, your behavior, and use that awareness to shift your life?

In this episode we:

Show notes: 

Traditional psychology western medical model focused on the problems of the mind. That method brought people from negative to “zero”; a neutral baseline. Positive Psychology is the study of a well-lived life and flourishing; defining the models of flourishing and well-being.