Pursuing Private Practice

Jennifer McGurk
  • 4.9 (68)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast, hosted by Jennifer McGurk, a Registered Dietitian and business coach. This podcast is your go-to resource for everything related to building and growing your private practice, whether you're just getting started, leading your team, or celebrating a season of coasting. In each episode, we'll dive into the real stories of dietitians navigating the ups and downs of private practice. You'll hear about the challenges, wins, and lessons learned from dietitians who help clients reinvent wellbeing on their health journey. Get ready for actionable tips, proven strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in private practice. This show will empower you with the knowledge and inspiration to run your private practice like the CEO you are. CEO is not just a title— it means you are Choosing Extraordinary Opportunities.

  1. 1d ago

    Building a Sports Nutrition Private Practice with a Membership Model

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!   Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Alex Larson, Registered Dietitian, endurance athlete, and owner of Alex Larson Nutrition, for a conversation about sports nutrition, supporting endurance athletes, and building a private practice around your passion and expertise.   Jennifer and Alex discuss what dietitians need to know about fueling for endurance sports, including recovery nutrition, carbohydrate intake, body image, and the complexities of working with athletes who have performance goals. They explore why sports nutrition is about so much more than what someone eats during a workout and how dietitians can support athletes in building sustainable nutrition habits that work with their training and everyday lives.   Beyond the clinical conversation, Alex shares how she turned her personal passion for endurance sports into a thriving private practice with a team of dietitians. She explains why she offers a longer-term counseling membership instead of individual sessions, how she helps clients navigate behavior change over time, and why creating a business model you truly believe in makes such a difference in how you serve your clients.   Finding Your Niche in Sports Nutrition and Private Practice (03:48) Alex shares how her personal experience as an endurance athlete led her to specialize in sports nutrition, build a private practice, and eventually grow a team of dietitians who share her passion for supporting endurance athletes. Fueling for Performance, Recovery, and Everyday Life (11:03) Jennifer and Alex discuss the foundations of sports nutrition and why supporting endurance athletes goes far beyond fueling workouts. They explore how consistent nutrition throughout the day impacts energy levels, recovery, athletic performance, and the ability to balance training with everyday responsibilities. Understanding the Connection Between Underfueling and Binge Eating (14:21) Jennifer and Alex explore how inadequate fueling can contribute to intense hunger, cravings, and binge eating behaviors in athletes. They discuss the importance of identifying nutritional gaps while also recognizing the emotional and behavioral factors that may influence someone's relationship with food. Making Sports Nutrition Simple, Flexible, and Sustainable (17:36) Alex explains how she approaches nutrition assessments, carbohydrate fueling, and individualized nutrition planning for endurance athletes. She shares why she separates workout fueling from daily nutrition targets and how this approach helps athletes fuel their performance without becoming overly focused on calories and numbers. Navigating Body Image, Weight, and Performance Goals in Sports Nutrition (22:22) Jennifer and Alex discuss the complexities of body image and weight concerns in endurance sports, including the influence of diet culture and performance metrics. They explore how dietitians can honor a client's goals while prioritizing their health, relationship with food, and overall well-being. Creating Space for Honest Conversations About Weight (27:42) Alex shares how she approaches weight-related goals with curiosity rather than judgment, and Jennifer reflects on the importance of having these conversations in weight-inclusive nutrition counseling. Together, they discuss why understanding a client's motivations and experiences can lead to more meaningful and individualized care. Why Ongoing Nutrition Counseling Works Better Than a Single Session (31:11) Alex explains how she developed her private-pay practice around longer-term coaching packages rather than one-time consultations. She shares how her team uses food journaling, regular check-ins, and progressive behavior changes to help athletes build confidence and create sustainable nutrition habits. Supporting Clients Through Different Seasons of Life (36:21) Jennifer and Alex reflect on why meaningful behavior change takes time and how ongoing counseling allows dietitians to support clients through unexpected challenges. They discuss the value of maintaining progress during busy or difficult seasons and helping clients develop the skills to eventually feel confident managing their nutrition independently. Finding Your Place Within the Sports Nutrition Specialty (40:00) Jennifer and Alex discuss the many different areas of sports nutrition and how dietitians can begin working with active clients while recognizing the limits of their expertise. Alex encourages dietitians to start with what they know, seek mentorship, learn from colleagues, and gradually build their clinical knowledge and confidence. Building Expertise Through Education, Writing, and Community (42:23) Alex shares her perspective on professional development, including why additional certifications aren't always the only path to becoming a more knowledgeable clinician. She discusses using Substack to explore nutrition research, share educational content, and connect with other dietitians interested in sports nutrition. Building a Private Practice Around Your Passion and Expertise (44:14) Alex shares how podcasting, educational content, and community connections have helped her grow her sports nutrition business. Jennifer and Alex reflect on the importance of finding work you genuinely enjoy, positioning your expertise clearly, and creating services you believe in so you can confidently connect with the clients you want to support.   One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that effective nutrition counseling is about so much more than providing the right information. Whether you're working with an endurance athlete, someone navigating their relationship with food, or a client with a completely different nutrition concern, lasting change takes time. It requires curiosity, individualized care, and the willingness to work through challenges together. As dietitians, our role isn't just to tell clients what to do. It's to help them understand their own needs, develop confidence in their decisions, and build skills they can carry with them long after your work together ends.   I also love how Alex has built a private practice that reflects both her clinical expertise and her personal passions. Her business is a great reminder that you don't have to offer the same services or structure your practice the same way as everyone else. You can create a business model that supports the type of care you believe in, attracts the clients you love working with, and allows you to build a career that feels meaningful to you.   Whether you're interested in sports nutrition or working in an entirely different specialty, I hope this episode encourages you to think about the kind of work you want to do and how your private practice can support that vision. There is so much opportunity within our profession to build something different, and you get to decide what success looks like for you.   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧  Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Alex: Alex Larson is a Minnesota-based registered dietitian, endurance athlete, and founder of Alex Larson Nutrition. She specializes in helping runners, cyclists, and triathletes optimize their nutrition for peak performance, body image, and sustained energy, all while cultivating a positive relationship with food. As an Ironman finisher and mom of three, Alex blends personal experience with professional expertise to deliver science-backed, approachable strategies that work in the real world. Through her 1-on-1 nutrition coaching, Endurance Eats podcast, and her Instagram, Alex inspires athletes to fuel confidently and reach their goals with joy.   Connect with Alex: Website Substack Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition

  2. Oct 13 ·  Bonus

    The Business of Private Practice: How to Grow, When to Evolve, and Why Coasting Matters

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice Podcast!   In this special bonus episode, we're switching things up! Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, joins Alyssa Callahan, Registered Dietitian and private practice owner, for a conversation about building a business that evolves alongside your life, navigating the different stages of private practice, and redefining what success looks like as a business owner.   Jennifer shares her journey from starting a solo private practice specializing in eating disorders to growing a group practice and eventually creating Pursuing Private Practice. Jennifer and Alyssa discuss the business lessons learned along the way, including experimenting with different offers, navigating unexpected challenges, setting boundaries, and recognizing when it's time to make a change.   They also explore the five stages of private practice—Set Up, Start, Grow, Lead, and Coast—and why building a successful business doesn't always mean continuing to grow. This conversation is a reminder that there are many different ways to build a fulfilling career in private practice, and your business can change as your priorities, capacity, and goals evolve.   The Flexibility of Private Practice and Balancing Life as a Business Owner (08:35) Jennifer and Alyssa discuss the realities of balancing motherhood, family responsibilities, and entrepreneurship. They explore how owning a private practice can provide flexibility and autonomy, especially when unexpected challenges arise in your personal life. From Private Practice Dietitian to CEO of Pursuing Private Practice (12:33) Jennifer shares her journey from starting a solo eating disorder practice to growing a group practice and eventually building Pursuing Private Practice. She reflects on how a small side project evolved into a business coaching company and the lessons she learned through each transition. Why Experimenting, Failing, and Pivoting Are Essential to Business Growth (16:03) Jennifer and Alyssa discuss why not every business idea needs to be immediately successful to be valuable. They explore the importance of taking risks, learning from experiences that don't go as planned, and surrounding yourself with people who can support you through difficult business decisions. Learning to Set Boundaries as Your Business Evolves (20:19) Jennifer reflects on the rapid growth of Pursuing Private Practice during the pandemic and how experimenting with different business models challenged her capacity and boundaries. Jennifer and Alyssa discuss recognizing resentment, valuing your time, and why boundaries with clients and team members may need to change as your business grows. Understanding the Five Stages of Private Practice (24:04) Jennifer introduces the five stages of business—Set Up, Start, Grow, Lead, and Coast—and explains how this framework developed from supporting dietitians at different points in their entrepreneurial journeys. They discuss why each stage comes with unique priorities, challenges, and opportunities, and why there isn't one right path to business success. The Coast Stage: Giving Yourself Permission to Slow Down (26:43) Jennifer and Alyssa explore why slowing down can be just as important as growing your business. They discuss navigating maternity leave, caregiving, health challenges, burnout, and other life circumstances that may require a different approach to business ownership, and why coasting doesn't mean you're falling behind. Building a Foundation for Future Business Growth (31:19) Jennifer and Alyssa discuss how maintaining a smaller client caseload or working fewer hours can still create meaningful opportunities for the future. They explore the value of gaining experience, developing systems, and building a sustainable business even when growth isn't your current priority. The Lead Stage: Hiring Support and Stepping Into Your CEO Role (35:40) Jennifer shares why the Lead stage has become her favorite stage of business and how delegating responsibilities has allowed her to focus on the work she enjoys most. Jennifer and Alyssa discuss hiring different types of support, evaluating return on investment, and recognizing that building a team looks different for every private practice owner. Business School and Finding Support at Every Stage of Private Practice (39:05) Jennifer explains how Business School supports dietitians through the different stages of entrepreneurship with individualized coaching, educational resources, and community. She also shares how her vision for Pursuing Private Practice continues to evolve as she considers new opportunities for supporting healthcare professionals. The Value of Business Friendships, Mentorship, and Stepping Away (41:05) Jennifer and Alyssa discuss the importance of having trusted colleagues who can challenge your thinking, offer different perspectives, and support you through different seasons of business. They reflect on how business retreats and time away from everyday responsibilities can create space for new ideas and important decisions. Taking CEO Time to Reevaluate Your Business and Boundaries (44:38) Jennifer and Alyssa explore why intentionally stepping away from daily operations can help you recognize what is and isn't working in your business. They discuss reevaluating systems, communicating changing boundaries, and creating space to think about what you want your business to look like in the future.   One of the greatest opportunities in private practice is that your business doesn't have to look the same forever. You can start with one idea, learn from what works and what doesn't, and create something entirely different as your experience, priorities, and life circumstances change. There isn't one right path through business ownership, and success doesn't always mean moving on to the next stage as quickly as possible. Sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from slowing down, setting different boundaries, or recognizing that what worked for you in the past isn't necessarily what you want for your future.   Whether you're just getting started, actively growing your practice, leading a team, or navigating a season where you need to coast, this episode will remind you that every stage of business has value. You have the opportunity to build a career that supports your clients while also making room for the life you want to live, and you're allowed to redefine what that looks like along the way.   Sponsor:   ✨ One of the biggest challenges dietitians face in private practice is keeping clients coming back for ongoing support. If you've ever had a client stop scheduling sessions before reaching their goals, or you're wondering how to create more consistency in your schedule, this free workshop is for you! Save the date for 5 Steps to Keep Clients Coming Back, happening on Wednesday, October 28th at 12:00pm Eastern. You'll learn practical strategies to help you improve client retention, strengthen your counseling skills, and build a more sustainable private practice. We'll talk about how to set clear expectations, build strong relationships with clients, and help them see the value of continuing to work with you.   Learn more and sign up here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/5-steps-to-keep-clients-coming-back/   Sponsor:   ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast

  3. Sep 29

    Understanding Pediatric Gut Health: Microbiome Testing, Nutrition, and Individualized Care

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Kristen Fustos, board-certified pediatric dietitian, for a conversation about pediatric gut health, microbiome testing, and building a private practice around your clinical expertise. Jennifer and Kristen dive deep into the science of the gut microbiome and the business of finding the offers and marketing strategies that work for your business. Kristen discusses how gut health begins developing early in life, and why nutrition during infancy and childhood can have an important impact on long-term health. She also shares how she brings this science into her work with families through individualized nutrition recommendations and a food-first approach to supporting gut health. Breaking Down Pediatric Gut Health (03:10) Kristen walks through just how much falls under pediatric gut health, from reflux and constipation to eczema, food reactions, feeding challenges, and the gut-brain connection. How Kristen Found Her Niche (06:38) Kristen shares how her work with WIC and at a children's hospital eventually led her to gut health—and why seeing frustrated families made her realize she wanted to offer something different. Why Gut Health Matters So Early in Life (11:14) Kristen explains what drew her to the gut microbiome and why supporting gut health during infancy and childhood can have an impact far beyond digestive symptoms. Giving Parents the Time and Support They're Looking For (13:07) Kristen talks about working with parents who know something isn't quite right but don't always feel heard, and how she helps them explore what could actually be going on. Trying Different Offers Until You Find What Works (14:41) Kristen shares what she learned from trying one-on-one sessions, a group program, and eventually a more personalized program model that better fits the families she works with. Why One Nutrition Session Usually Isn't Enough (19:13) Jennifer and Kristen discuss the value of ongoing nutrition counseling, follow-up, and collaboration, and why packaging services can help clients understand that meaningful change takes time. Finding the Marketing Strategies That Work for You (21:41) Kristen shares how her marketing has evolved from Instagram and online collaborations to local networking, workshops, provider referrals, and more in-person connections. Where Do You Start With Pediatric Gut Health? (24:10) Kristen breaks down what beginner, intermediate, and advanced pediatric gut health care can look like so that other dietitians can better understand where their own knowledge and scope fit. Getting More Personalized With Microbiome Testing (28:18) Kristen explains how she learned to interpret microbiome testing, what these tests can reveal, and how she uses the information to personalize nutrition recommendations while continuing to prioritize food first. Kristen's Advice for Dietitians Getting Into Pediatric Gut Health (37:01) Jennifer asks Kristen for her best tip for dietitians who want to explore pediatric gut health and microbiome testing.   Pediatric gut health is a specialized area, but Kristen's story is also a great example of what can happen when you build a private practice around your clinical expertise. From deepening her knowledge of the gut microbiome to experimenting with different offers and marketing strategies, she has created a business that gives families the time, support, and individualized care they are looking for.   This episode is a reminder that you don't need to have every part of your business figured out from the beginning—you can keep learning, refining, and finding the approach that works best for both you and your clients.   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Krsiten: Kristen Fustos, MS, RDN, CSP, LD is a board-certified pediatric dietitian and founder of Happy Tummy Nutrition. She specializes in infant and early childhood gut health and nutrition, helping families navigate everything from starting solids to food sensitivities, eczema, reflux and complex feeding challenges. Kristen brings a collaborative, practical approach making pediatric nutrition and gut health feel simple and doable for everyone!   Connect with Kristen: Website Instagram: @happytummynutrition

  4. Sep 15

    The Art of Nutrition Counseling: Building Skills, Confidence, and Clinical Judgment

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Marci Evans, Registered Dietitian and Food and Body Imager Healer®, for a conversation about developing confidence in your counseling skills, recognizing when overgiving can lead to burnout, and working through complex clinical topics like food addiction, GLP-1 medications, and weight-inclusive care. Jennifer and Marci discuss why there are so many different "right ways" to do clinical work, what happens when new research challenges what you believe, and why social media rarely captures the complexity that exists inside the counseling room.   Why There Isn't One Right Way to Do Clinical Work (04:27) Marci reflects on why good clinical work can take many different paths, and why learning to trust the nuance can feel both freeing and uncomfortable for dietitians who were trained to look for the "right" answer. When New Research Challenges What You Believe (06:35) Marci reflects on revisiting the research around food addiction and intentionally leaning into information that challenged her existing perspective. Marci and Jennifer discuss staying open to evolving your thinking as new research and different perspectives emerge. Building Confidence in the Counseling Room (11:21) Marci explains how supervision, role play, and hearing the language another clinician uses can help dietitians develop more confidence in their own counseling skills, especially in eating disorder work. When Overgiving Leads to Burnout (15:49) Jennifer and Marci explore why newer clinicians often compensate for uncertainty by giving clients more: more handouts, more access, and more time between sessions. They discuss why your presence, curiosity, and relationship with a client may be far more valuable than everything you feel pressured to add. Teaching Clinicians How to Think, Not What to Think (19:36) Marci shares how feedback from course participants and her continued client work have shaped the way she teaches. Through real case studies, she helps clinicians see not just what she might do, but how she thinks through complex clinical situations. Finding Your Own Internal Clarity as a Clinician (24:06) Jennifer and Marci discuss why the same behavior can mean something completely different from one client to another, and why clinical work can't always follow a formula. They discuss how clinicians can work to develop their skills to make thoughtful, individualized decisions in the moment. Navigating the Gray Areas of Clinical Practice (27:02) From food addiction to GLP-1 medications and weight-inclusive care, Jennifer and Marci discuss why some clinical topics are especially difficult to navigate. When GLP-1s Change the Counseling Relationship (32:00) Jennifer and Marci discuss what can happen when a client you've worked with for months or years begins using a GLP-1 medication and the goals of your work start to shift. Marci shares why clinicians may need to revisit expectations, clarify their own boundaries, and have direct conversations about whether they are still the right provider. Building a Career That Multiplies Your Impact (38:00) Marci reflects on the many ways her career has expanded beyond individual client care, including courses, workshops, supervision, and her upcoming book. Let Your Heart Lead Your Professional Life (44:16) Marci closes with a reminder to pay attention to the work that genuinely lights you up instead of getting caught in comparison or someone else's definition of success.   There is so much pressure as a dietitian to know the "right" thing to say, make the right clinical decision, and feel confident that you're supporting your clients in the "right" way. But some of the most meaningful work we do with clients doesn't come with a clear answer.   This conversation reinforces that being a thoughtful clinician is about developing the skills and confidence to think critically, stay curious, and make decisions that reflect both your ethics and the individual client in front of you.   Marci's career shows us that expanding your impact doesn't require having everything figured out or giving up the parts of the work you love. You can continue seeing clients while teaching, supervising, creating, writing, or building something entirely different. There are many right ways to build a meaningful career, and part of the work is giving yourself permission to discover yours. Sponsor: I would love to invite you to a free business coaching Q&A session! Join me on Wednesday, September 16th at 12pm Eastern. This event is FREE and open to all stages of business: SET UP, START, GROW, LEAD, and COAST. You're welcome no matter what stage of business you're in. I expect questions about vision, operations, systems, money, team, boundaries, counseling skills, and so many other dietitian business topics.  Learn more and sign up here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/free-business-coaching/   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Marci:   Marci Evans, MS, RDN, CEDS-C, is a weight-inclusive eating disorder dietitian, educator, author, and speaker. She has dedicated her career to counseling, supervising, and teaching in the field of eating disorders through a relational, anti-oppressive approach to nutritional care. Marci is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Supervisor (CEDS-C) and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.   Since 2015, she has provided online eating disorders and body image training and education for clinicians through her Food and Body Imager Healers® Training Institute. In 2016, she joined the Simmons University nutrition department, where she co-developed a specialized eating disorder internship and continues to teach graduate-level nutrition counseling courses. In 2018, she received the Professional Integrity Award from the Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.   Her forthcoming book, co-authored with Lisa Pearl, Nourishing Recovery: A New Integrated Approach to Nutritional Care for Eating Disorders, will be published in November 2026. Marci has presented nationally on eating disorder treatment and education. To learn more about her trainings, book and access her free resources for clinicians, visit www.marcird.com. She also maintains a professional presence on social media under @marciRD.

  5. Sep 1

    How Functional Nutrition Uses a Holistic Approach to Uncover Root Causes

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Dr. Katie Smith, Registered Dietitian and certified exercise physiologist, for a conversation about functional nutrition, a holistic approach to health, and building a private practice that supports the season of life you're in. Jennifer and Katie discuss what it really means to look for the root cause of a client's symptoms, why more testing isn't always better, and how gut health, stress, sleep, and nutrition connect to hormone health. They also discuss career transitions and how Katie's decision to leave her "dream job" to create a private practice gave her space for both meaningful work and the life she wants outside of it. What Functional Nutrition Really Means (03:12) Katie explains functional nutrition as individualized care that looks at the whole health picture. Jennifer and Katie discuss how food, sleep, stress, movement, and other lifestyle factors all work together. Getting to the Root Cause Without More Overwhelm (06:24) Katie discusses what it really means to get to the root cause of a health concern, and why replacing a long list of medications with an overwhelming list of supplements isn't necessarily the answer. From Academia to Private Practice (10:22) Katie shares how motherhood and a changing season of life led her to reconsider a career in academia that she once thought she'd have forever. The Story Behind 4Gen Wellness (17:19) Katie explains how her background in women's health, her four daughters, and the idea of generational wellness inspired her private practice. Jennifer adds another layer to the conversation: the impact our relationship with food can have on the next generation. Hormones Are the Messenger (22:20) Katie explains why hormones aren't always the problem, but can instead be the messenger of what's happening elsewhere in the body. Jennifer and Katie discuss the foundational role of gut health, sleep, stress, nutrition, and nervous system regulation. When Functional Labs Are Actually Useful (28:33) Katie shares why she doesn't automatically start with functional testing and how she considers cost, symptoms, and foundational nutrition first. Building a Practice Around How You Work Best (33:58) Katie shares how her background as a teacher shapes everything from her initial appointments to the education she provides clients. Jennifer and Katie also explore future offers that could expand her impact without creating burnout. Getting Started in Functional Nutrition (36:56) Katie offers advice for dietitians interested in functional nutrition, including why learning will always be part of the process. Private Practice Doesn't Have to Look One Way (41:30) Katie reflects on building a full practice through word of mouth while keeping social media lower on her priority list. Jennifer reinforces the freedom to choose a business model that works for you. Your clients may come to you wanting their hormones "fixed" or looking for the one test that will finally give them an answer, but this conversation is a reminder of how much deeper nutrition care can go. You have the opportunity to help clients understand the bigger picture, prioritize what matters, and make changes that are actually realistic for their lives. This bigger-picture thinking matters in your business, too. You don't need to do everything, follow someone else's business model, or have your entire career figured out. You can keep learning, lean into the work you do best, and build a business that supports both the clients you want to serve and the life you want to live. Your private practice doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be meaningful, impactful, or successful.   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Katie: Dr. Smith is a Registered & Licensed Dietitian and Certified Exercise Physiologist with nearly 20 years as a health & fitness practitioner and researcher. She received her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Nutritional Sciences and her B.A. in Athletic Training. She is a published author in several scientific journals and has presented throughout the United States and internationally. Her research background encompasses several facets of women's health, particularly prenatal lifestyle interventions to prevent maternal and fetal chronic disease. This work sparked her interest in generational health across the lifespan. She's also a wife and mom to 4 young girls, further inspiring her professional pursuits to optimize hormonal health & function for all ages. Outside of work, she loves to be active, be in the kitchen with her family, travel, and all things Disney!   Connect with Katie: Website Instagram: @fourgenwellness

  6. Aug 18

    When Your Health Changes Your Career: Endometriosis, Burnout, and Private Practice

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Lindsay Stenovec, Registered Dietitian and Clinical Supervisor, for a conversation about the clinical complexities of endometriosis, how dietitians can best support their clients, and what it looks like to navigate burnout, career pivots, and build a sustainable private practice. In this episode, Lindsay shares what she has learned through her own diagnosis and treatment, and how dietitians can bring more informed, compassionate care to clients with endometriosis. Jennifer and Lindsay also have a real conversation about burnout, honoring your capacity, transferring your existing skills into a new niche, and building a business differently the next time around. When a Diagnosis Changes Your Career (03:55) Lindsay shares how her endometriosis diagnosis led her to close her private practice, step away from dietetics, and give herself time before deciding what came next. Understanding Endometriosis as a Full-Body Chronic Disease (06:20) Lindsay explains what endometriosis is, the wide range of symptoms it can cause, and why a diagnosis often takes years. Why Community Care Matters in Endometriosis (13:11) Lindsay reflects on how sharing experiences can help people recognize symptoms, advocate for themselves, and find better care. Nutrition Considerations for Endometriosis (20:19) Lindsay discusses nutrition considerations for endometriosis, commonly co-occurring conditions, and why recommendations need to be individualized. When Food Fear and Symptom Management Overlap (24:40) Jennifer and Lindsay unpack low FODMAP diets, gluten fears, and the nuance of supporting clients whose food restrictions may be rooted in very real symptoms. Endometriosis, Eating Disorders, and Grief Around Food (27:31) Jennifer and Lindsay explore how chronic illness can alter someone's relationship with food and why eating disorder counseling skills can be especially valuable when supporting clients with endometriosis. Supporting Clients Before and After Endometriosis Surgery (31:57) Lindsay explains excision surgery and how dietitians can support nourishment, GI symptoms, and healing before and after surgery. Taking Burnout Seriously Enough to Let Your Career Change (40:16) Lindsay describes the burnout that followed after closing her longtime practice and why she gave herself permission not to rush her return to work. Building a Practice Around Client Care and Your Capacity (43:25) Lindsay shares how she is designing her next chapter around what best serves her clients while also creating a sustainable way to work with chronic illness.   Lindsay reminds us how powerful it can be to listen closely, believe what clients are telling you about their bodies, recognize patterns that deserve further exploration, and know when to connect someone with additional support. Sometimes excellent care isn't about having every answer. It's about being curious, staying within your scope, and helping clients feel less alone while they navigate something incredibly complex. Lindsay's story is also a reminder that your business and career can and should evolve alongside your life, and that the experience and skills you've built don't disappear simply because you choose a different direction.   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Lindsay: Lindsay Stenovec has spent nearly two decades in rooms where people finally say the thing they've never said out loud. As a Registered Dietitian specializing in eating disorders, women's health, and now endometriosis, she's learned that feeling seen and heard isn't a soft add-on to good care — it's where healing actually begins. She's built a group practice, led teams, supervised clinicians, and navigated her own complicated health journey along the way. These days, she works at the intersection of endometriosis, gut health, and whole-person nutrition — for patients who are tired of being dismissed, and for the clinicians who want to do better by them.   Connect with Lindsay: Website Instagram: @lindsaystenovec_rd Resources from Lindsay: Substack

  7. Aug 4

    Sports Nutrition Meets Private Practice: Finding Your Niche and Growing Your Business

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Serena Stewart, Registered Dietitian, running coach, and running nutrition expert, for a conversation about what dietitians need to know about running nutrition, sports nutrition, and building a private practice that evolves alongside your life. Jennifer and Serena explore why so many runners unknowingly underfuel, how proper nutrition impacts everything from performance to GI symptoms and recovery, and why working with a sports dietitian is about so much more than carb loading. They also discuss creating offers beyond one-to-one counseling, finding mentorship within your specialty, and designing a business that supports both your clients and your personal life. Why Running Nutrition Is More Than Just Eating More (04:41) Serena explains why fueling runners requires far more nuance than simply increasing calories. She walks through the many pieces that come together in an individualized running nutrition plan, from glycogen replenishment to GI tolerance and recovery. How Serena Accidentally Found Her Niche (07:32) Serena shares how her clinical background unexpectedly led her into running nutrition, and how what started as a hobby became a thriving private practice. Helping Clients Connect the Dots Between Nutrition and Performance (13:24) Jennifer and Serena discuss why dietitians need to translate nutrition science into meaningful, real-life outcomes so clients understand how proper fueling supports both their running goals and everyday life. Building a Practice Beyond One-to-One Sessions (15:56) Serena shares how her services evolved from individual counseling into memberships, masterclasses, and her Eat Like an Athlete Bootcamp, creating more flexibility for both her clients and herself. Why Group Programs Can Create Incredible Client Results (21:14) Jennifer and Serena reflect on the unexpected benefits of group coaching, including peer support, shared learning, and creating a client experience that goes beyond traditional individual sessions. Growing Into Sports Nutrition With Confidence (24:52) Serena shares why supervision, continuing education, and asking for help have been essential to her growth as a sports dietitian. The Overlap Between Sports Nutrition and Eating Disorder Care (26:57) Jennifer and Serena explore the important relationship between running nutrition and eating disorders, along with the ethical considerations, boundaries, and referrals that help dietitians practice within their scope. Marketing That Speaks to Real Client Pain Points (31:14) Serena explains how identifying the specific symptoms clients experience has transformed her marketing and helped attract the right people to her practice. Building a Business That Fits Your Season of Life (34:06) Jennifer and Serena close with an honest conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and giving yourself permission to build a business that supports your family, your values, and your long-term goals. Whether you're a sports dietitian or simply want to feel more confident supporting active clients, this conversation will help you better understand the important role nutrition plays in performance, recovery, GI health, and overall well-being. Beyond the clinical conversation, this episode is also a reminder that there isn't just one way to build a successful private practice. As your expertise grows and your life changes, your business can evolve with you. The most sustainable practices are often built by staying curious, continuing to learn, and creating offers that allow you to care deeply for your clients while honoring your own priorities, too. This episode is a reminder that some of the best opportunities come from being willing to ask questions, seek mentorship, and trust that your business is allowed to grow right alongside you.   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Serena: Serena Stewart is a Registered Dietitian and running coach specializing in helping female runners shift their focus from shrinking to fueling for BIG dreams! Serena uses a unique blend of somatic counseling techniques and running nutrition to help female runners embrace eating like an athlete while learning to finally feel more comfortable in their skin. She is a runner herself and has run 4 BQs, 33 half marathons, and 7 marathons. When not running, she enjoys cooking, hiking, or playing in the park with her son.   Connect with Serena: Instagram: @runnergirldietitian Resources from Serena: Free Race Week Checklist Offseason Reset

  8. Jul 21

    What Weight-Inclusive Nutrition Counseling Looks Like in Private Practice

    Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Chelsea Levy, Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, for a thoughtful conversation about caring for clients with diabetes, PCOS, and endocrine disorders through a weight-inclusive approach. Jennifer and Chelsea unpack what weight-inclusive medical nutrition therapy really looks like in practice. They discuss supporting clients with diabetes and PCOS, navigating conversations about weight loss with compassion instead of judgment, and building a private practice that allows you to practice in a way that truly aligns with your values. Why Weight-Inclusive Care Is More Nuanced Than People Think (04:41) Chelsea introduces her approach to weight-inclusive nutrition counseling, explaining how she combines evidence-based medical nutrition therapy with trauma-informed, fat-positive care for clients. Looking Beyond Weight in Nutrition Counseling (06:21) Jennifer and Chelsea discuss weight stigma, social determinants of health, client autonomy, and the many ways dietitians can build practices around this work. Chelsea's Journey Into Weight-Inclusive Practice (09:58) Chelsea shares how her own experience with chronic dieting and working with an intuitive eating dietitian ultimately shaped both her career and the way she cares for clients today. The Role of Lived Experience in Client Care (13:01) Jennifer and Chelsea discuss representation within dietetics, the importance of lived experience, and why clients deserve the autonomy to choose providers who feel like the right fit for their care. When Clients Say, "I Want to Lose Weight" (17:41) One of the biggest questions weight-inclusive dietitians face is how to respond when clients want weight loss. Chelsea explains why curiosity, consent, and exploring the deeper goal often lead to more meaningful conversations than simply shutting the topic down. Building a Practice That Supports the Whole Person (24:03) Chelsea shares how she has grown a private practice that includes individual counseling, supervision, meal support groups, body image work, and collaborative medical care, centered around meeting clients where they are. The Healing Power of Eating in Community (28:30) Chelsea describes the monthly community dinners she co-hosts in New York City and why creating weight-inclusive spaces around food can be deeply healing for clients working on their relationship with eating. Expanding Your Scope as a Weight-Inclusive Dietitian (33:00) From clinical supervision to diabetes education and business mentorship, Chelsea explains how dietitians can continue growing their skills while staying grounded in ethical, individualized care. What Weight-Inclusive Medical Nutrition Therapy Really Looks Like (37:37) Chelsea breaks down how weight-inclusive diabetes and endocrine care focuses on behaviors, labs, medications, and long-term health. Jennifer and Chelsea also discuss why curiosity and continued learning are essential throughout a dietitian's career. Taking Up Space in Your Specialty (44:08) Chelsea closes the conversation with encouragement for dietitians to confidently share their expertise, embrace their niche, and let people know how they can help. Weight-inclusive care is often misunderstood. From the outside, it can seem like it's simply about rejecting diet culture or avoiding conversations about weight. But as Chelsea shares, the work is so much more nuanced than that. Dietitians balance evidence-based recommendations, client autonomy, lived experiences, and the realities of practicing within a healthcare system that often focuses on weight loss. This episode is an honest conversation about counseling, clinical care, and creating space for more curiosity and autonomy. Chelsea's story is such a great example of what can happen when you continue learning, stay connected to your clients' needs, and allow your practice to evolve over time.   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Chelsea: Chelsea Levy, MS, RD, CDN, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the founder of Chelsea Levy Nutrition, a virtual private practice based in New York City. She specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and size-inclusive approaches to managing endocrine-related conditions such as diabetes and PCOS. A self-identified fat woman, Chelsea is committed to a weight-inclusive medical model. Her work is rooted in evidence-based nutrition therapy, intuitive eating principles, and trauma-informed care.     Connect with Chelsea: Website: Chelsea Levy Nutrition Instagram: @chelsealevynutrition

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4.9
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast, hosted by Jennifer McGurk, a Registered Dietitian and business coach. This podcast is your go-to resource for everything related to building and growing your private practice, whether you're just getting started, leading your team, or celebrating a season of coasting. In each episode, we'll dive into the real stories of dietitians navigating the ups and downs of private practice. You'll hear about the challenges, wins, and lessons learned from dietitians who help clients reinvent wellbeing on their health journey. Get ready for actionable tips, proven strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in private practice. This show will empower you with the knowledge and inspiration to run your private practice like the CEO you are. CEO is not just a title— it means you are Choosing Extraordinary Opportunities.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer McGurk
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jennifer McGurk 2026
  • Show Website
    Pursuing Private Practice

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