The Art of Living Well Podcast®

Marnie Dachis Marmet & Stephanie May Potter

Welcome to The Art of Living Well Podcast® — your go-to resource for longevity, women's health, functional medicine, biohacking, hormones, gut health, mindset, and holistic wellness. Hosted by board-certified integrative health practitioners Marnie Dachis Marmet and Stephanie Potter, each episode features expert interviews, actionable tips, personal stories, and proven strategies to help you unlock your vitality, optimize your health, and age with strength and confidence. Whether you're navigating midlife, looking to balance hormones, improve gut health, prevent chronic disease, or simply live a vibrant, healthy life, this show empowers you to take control of your health with real science, real stories, and real results. Join our thriving community of women who are prioritizing well-being, building resilience, and discovering their Art of Living Well. Subscribe for new episodes every week covering: •Longevity & Anti-Aging •Women's Hormones & Menopause •Gut Health & Nutrition •Functional Medicine Insights •Biohacking for Energy & Vitality •Stress, Sleep & Mental Health •Mindset & Personal Growth •Cutting-Edge Wellness Trends Let's rewrite the rules of aging and wellness — together. Marnie and Stephanie do not diagnose, treat or cure in any manner any disease, condition or ailment of the body. They serve as trainers, educators, coaches, mentors and guides who provide training, education, support, resources, guidance and information.

  1. 1d ago

    E319: Community Is the Missing Piece of Longevity: Why Connection Matters More Than You Think

    When most people think about longevity, they immediately think about nutrition, exercise, sleep, supplements, or hormone health. But what if one of the biggest predictors of living a longer, healthier life has nothing to do with what's on your plate? In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we're diving into one of the most overlooked pillars of health: community and meaningful human connection. Loneliness has quietly become a public health crisis, and research continues to show that meaningful relationships influence everything from mental health and stress resilience to inflammation, cognitive function, and longevity. Yet many of us—especially women in midlife—find ourselves unintentionally putting friendships and community on the back burner while juggling careers, parenting, caregiving, and endless responsibilities. We share personal stories from our Minneapolis Hiking Collective, discuss why in-person connection matters so much, explore the difference between loneliness and isolation, and offer practical ways to build deeper relationships—even if you're an introvert or feel like you don't have the time. In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 Why community may be one of the most overlooked pillars of longevity 02:05 The surprising statistics on loneliness and why they matter 04:10 Why we started the Minneapolis Hiking Collective 07:20 Building community through shared interests and activities 09:55 Making time for relationships in a busy season of life 11:55 Loneliness vs. isolation—and why they aren't the same thing 15:45 Finding your people and creating meaningful connections 17:40 Community after retirement and during the empty nest years 20:30 Volunteering, travel, and creating experiences that strengthen relationships 23:45 Lessons from the Blue Zones and cultures that prioritize community 25:15 Why experiences often matter more than gifts 27:00 How to build deeper friendships through simple one-on-one connection 29:00 Our challenge for you this week Mentioned in today's episode • Minneapolis Hiking Collective • Blue Zones • DIY Vitality Reboot If you've been feeling sluggish, foggy, or just not like yourself lately, this is where we'd start. The Vitality Reboot is a 7-day functional medicine liver detox you can do anytime, at your own pace, with full support from us along the way. Women consistently tell us it's the thing that finally helps them feel like themselves again. Start here Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox. If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468 Connect with your Hosts:  https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E319: Community Is the Missing Piece of Longevity: Why Connection Matters More Than You Think
  2. Jul 22

    E318: Your Strongest Years Are Still Ahead: Endurance Athlete Jen Segger on Goals, Grit, and Thriving in Midlife

    What if your strongest, most adventurous years are still ahead of you — not behind you? In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie sit down with Jen Segger, world-class endurance athlete, high-performance coach, and co-founder of the Rebuild Retreat, to explore what it really looks like to keep dreaming bigger in midlife. From her roots in adventure racing to coaching women through the physiology of perimenopause and beyond, Jen brings a grounded, practical perspective on what separates the women who achieve meaningful goals from those who stay stuck. Jen's path started with a pivot away from competitive field hockey and a move to Whistler in her early twenties, where she began building a life around adventure racing — a sport that takes teams through remote terrain for up to ten days nonstop. Over two decades, she has raced across the world, guided expeditions in Colombia, co-created immersive retreats on Vancouver Island, and built a coaching practice around getting people to the finish line of whatever matters most to them. Whether you're training for your first endurance event, trying to figure out how to work with your hormones instead of against them, or simply wondering what's still possible in this chapter of life, this conversation will help you move forward. Key Takeaways: Starting small is not settling — it's the most sustainable path to a big goal The most consistent athletes aren't the most talented; they're the ones who protect their training time like an appointment with themselves Comparison is one of the biggest obstacles women face in perimenopause and goal-setting alike Your goal needs to be genuinely yours — not what your peers are doing or what looks good on paper Working with a coach isn't just about a training plan; it's about accountability, external perspective, and staying coachable Longevity matters more than peak performance — Jen herself is currently prioritizing addressing imbalances over racing Integrating your goals with your family life makes them more sustainable, not smaller Midlife is not a signal to scale back; it's an invitation to get clearer about what you actually want Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & How Marnie and Stephanie Met Jen 01:32 Jen's Path From Field Hockey to Adventure Racing 03:51 What Adventure Racing Teaches You About Life 09:32 Staying Motivated After 25 Years as an Athlete 11:12 What to Say to Women Who Think Midlife Means Slowing Down 14:12 How to Set a Goal That's Actually Yours 16:39 Planning Your Year With Intention 23:24 Working With Your Hormones in Perimenopause 26:28 What Separates Women Who Achieve Goals From Those Who Get Stuck 30:57 Why Every Woman Needs a Coach 35:40 The Rebuild Retreat on Vancouver Island 39:53 The Colombia Trekking Expedition With Terra Venture 51:42 One Thing You Can Do This Week 53:01 What's Lighting Jen Up Right Now 56:30 "What Does the Art of Living Well Mean to You?" Guest Links: Website: jensegger.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensegger/ Terra Venture expeditions (Colombia): https://www.terra-venture.com/expeditions If you've been feeling sluggish, foggy, or just not like yourself lately, this is where we'd start. The Vitality Reboot is a 7-day functional medicine liver detox you can do anytime, at your own pace, with full support from us along the way. Women consistently tell us it's the thing that finally helps them feel like themselves again. Start here Subscribe to our Substack to get episode updates, wellness tips, and personal reflections from Marnie & Stephanie delivered straight to your inbox. If you love the show and want to support what we're building, consider a paid subscription for $30 annually. Follow & Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflivingwel/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jOPdSHwrpM1BmxyJz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/id1482050468 Connect with your Hosts:  https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E318: Your Strongest Years Are Still Ahead: Endurance Athlete Jen Segger on Goals, Grit, and Thriving in Midlife
  3. Jul 15

    E317: How to design a life you're excited to live with Taylor Prokes

    Are you living your life by design...or by default? If you've ever found yourself saying, "I don't have enough time," feeling like the weeks fly by, or wondering where the year went, this episode is for you. This week, we're joined by Taylor Prokes, co-founder of the Big A## Calendar Company, endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and advocate for intentional living. Taylor shares why your calendar is much more than a scheduling tool—it's one of the most powerful ways to create a life filled with purpose, joy, adventure, and meaningful experiences. Together, we explore how planning ahead can help you stop simply reacting to life and start intentionally creating it. Whether you're navigating midlife, raising teenagers, becoming an empty nester, or simply craving more fulfillment, Taylor offers practical strategies to help you prioritize what matters most. We also discuss why women in midlife may actually have more opportunities than ever before to pursue meaningful goals, embrace adventure, and inject more fun into everyday life. In this episode, we discuss: Why your calendar shapes your life more than you realize How to stop saying "I don't have time" The power of planning adventures and experiences in advance Why midlife is the perfect time to prioritize yourself The concept of a Misogi—a year-defining challenge Why doing hard things builds confidence and resilience How to balance family, work, relationships, and personal goals The importance of creating seasons instead of chasing "perfect balance" How mini adventures can add more joy to everyday life Practical ways to become more intentional with your time Episode Breakdown with Timestamps In This Episode 01:15 How Taylor discovered intentional living 09:30 Stop reacting to life—start designing it 15:30 Why planning ahead creates more freedom 19:30 Rethinking work-life balance 27:00 What is a Misogi? 34:45 How the Big Ass Calendar works 42:00 Why women in midlife should prioritize fun 50:30 When life changes your plans Whether your next adventure is running your first race, learning a new skill, taking a bucket-list trip, or simply scheduling more fun with friends and family, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start living. Connect with Taylor Prokes Instagram: @TaylorProkes Website: TheBigAssCalendar.com Use this link and code LIVINGWELL for a discount off your calendar purchase.   Summer is the perfect time to press reset. Our 7-day Vitality Reboot gives you a clear, guided path to reducing inflammation and reclaiming your energy, with Marnie and Stephanie in your corner the whole way. You do the work, we provide the roadmap and the support. Join us at https://p.bttr.to/39XDmpQ Follow and Connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Connect with Your Hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/ If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that it's never too late to design a life they truly love.

    E317: How to design a life you're excited to live with Taylor Prokes
  4. Jun 24

    E316: Creatine Isn't Just for Bodybuilders: What Midlife Women Need to Know About Muscle, Energy, and Brain Health

    When was the last time you heard someone say creatine was for women? Probably not often enough. In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie break down one of the most researched supplements available and make the case for why midlife women should be paying attention. Creatine has long been associated with bodybuilders and gym culture, but the science tells a far more interesting story, especially for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the hormonal shifts that come with them. This conversation covers the basics of how creatine works, why women naturally have lower stores than men, and what the emerging research says about its benefits for muscle, recovery, energy, and brain health. Marnie and Stephanie also share how they each take it daily, what brands they trust, and how to work through the bloating concern that keeps many women from sticking with it. Supplements are never the whole picture. But this one may be worth a closer look. Key Takeaways What creatine is and how it supports cellular energy production Why women have lower creatine stores than men How declining estrogen affects muscle mass and recovery The strength and lean muscle benefits of creatine in perimenopause and postmenopause Why brain fog and cognitive decline make creatine worth considering The truth about bloating and water retention The form, dose, and timing that Marnie and Stephanie each use What to look for on a label and brands they recommend Who should consult a doctor before starting Episode Breakdown with Timestamps 00:00 Why creatine matters for women 01:30 What creatine is and how ATP works 03:30 Why women have lower creatine stores 05:00 Strength, muscle mass, and recovery 07:00 Addressing the bloating concern 08:30 Perimenopause and postmenopause research 10:00 Brain health and cognitive function 11:30 Benefits across all life stages 12:00 Myths and contraindications 13:30 Creatine monohydrate: dosing and timing 15:00 Brands and what to look for 18:00 Final takeaways Resources and Links Kion Creatine: Code: ARTOFLIVINGWELL  Brick House Nutrition Creatone Code: livingwell Equi.Life Cell Force Website: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us  Sponsors This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing. Summer is the perfect time to press reset. Our 7-day Vitality Reboot gives you a clear, guided path to reducing inflammation and reclaiming your energy, with Marnie and Stephanie in your corner the whole way. You do the work, we provide the roadmap and the support. Join us at https://p.bttr.to/39XDmpQ Join Us This Summer — Mahjong Night! If you are local to the Twin Cities, come spend a summer evening with us. We are hosting a fun night of mahjong, connection, and community on Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Expect good company, giveaways, and plenty of laughs around the table. Tickets are $20 to play. Location will be in Edina or Minnetonka depending on the weather, and the address will be shared upon registration. Please note this event is for experienced players only and space is limited. Grab your spot before it sells out at https://l.bttr.to/t9qKg Follow and Connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Connect with Your Hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

    E316: Creatine Isn't Just for Bodybuilders: What Midlife Women Need to Know About Muscle, Energy, and Brain Health
  5. Jun 17

    E315: Your Labs Look Fine—So Why Don't You Feel Fine? with Meghan Rabbitt

    Are you constantly being told your labs are "normal" but still don't feel like yourself? In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we sit down with award-winning journalist and author Meghan Rabbitt to discuss the critical health information women were never taught—and why so many women are falling through the cracks of today's healthcare system. We explore hormones, self-advocacy, sexual health, menopause, weight stigma, symptom tracking, and how women can become more informed and empowered when it comes to their health. If you've ever felt dismissed by a healthcare provider, struggled with symptoms that don't seem to have answers, or wondered whether what you're experiencing is truly "normal," this conversation is for you. Topics Covered Women's health myths Hormones and perimenopause How to advocate for yourself at the doctor's office Using AI and ChatGPT to prepare for appointments Sexual health and libido in midlife Weight stigma in healthcare The healthcare system's biggest blind spots for women Why symptom tracking matters The future of women's health Timestamps: 01:00 Why women aren't taught enough about their bodies 07:45 The biggest gaps in women's healthcare 12:00 Becoming your own health advocate 22:30 Hormones, perimenopause, and symptom tracking 26:20 Nutrition, food noise, and eating for nourishment 33:30 Sexual health, libido, and menopause 39:30 Understanding desire in midlife 43:40 The future of women's health 47:00 What it means to truly live well About Meghan Rabbitt Meghan Rabbitt is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author of The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. After more than 20 years covering women's health, she has interviewed hundreds of clinicians, researchers, and experts to help women better understand and advocate for their health. Resources Learn more: newrulesofwomenshealth.com Follow Meghan: @meghanrabbitt Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing. Ready for a Reset, On Your Own Time? If you've been feeling sluggish, bloated, inflamed, foggy, or just not like yourself, our Vitality Reboot Anytime is a simple way to give your body the reset it's been craving. This is our do-it-yourself version of The Art of Living Well Podcast® community detox, designed so you can move through the program whenever it works best for you. You'll receive everything you need to support your body with nourishing foods, targeted detox support, and simple daily practices that help you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized. A fun summer night of mahjong, connection & community. Join The Art of Living Well Podcast® for a fun summer evening of mahjong, connection, community, and giveaways. Come enjoy the love of the game, meet other mahjong lovers, and spend a lighthearted night out playing, laughing, and connecting. Wednesday, July 22nd 6:30–8:30 PM $20 to play Location: Edina or Minnetonka, depending on weather Sign up here: https://l.bttr.to/t9qKg  Subscribe to our Substack for wellness tips, episode updates, and your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist: theartoflivingwell.substack.com Follow us: Instagram: @theartofliving_well YouTube: @theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: The Art of Living Well Podcast TikTok: @theartoflivingwel Spotify and Apple Podcasts Connect with your hosts: theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E315: Your Labs Look Fine—So Why Don't You Feel Fine? with Meghan Rabbitt
  6. Jun 10

    E314: Wired But Tired in Midlife: Mitochondria, Stress, Hormones & Methylene Blue with Dr. Scott Sherr

    Do you feel exhausted but can't seem to wind down? That wired-but-tired feeling so many women experience in midlife has a name, and a cause most doctors never address. In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, Marnie and Stephanie are joined by Dr. Scott Sherr, a board-certified internal medicine physician and expert in health optimization, to explore the connection between chronic stress, hormone changes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dr. Scott introduces the concept of the "sympathetic spiral of doom" — the cycle of stress, poor sleep, and cellular energy breakdown that keeps so many women stuck, and shares practical, science-backed ways to break it. The conversation covers methylene blue (what it is, how it works, and who should use it), GABA and nervous system support, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Dr. Scott also explains why only 6% of US adults have optimally functioning mitochondria, and what the other 94% can do about it. Key Takeaways: Chronic stress and hormone fluctuations directly impair mitochondrial function Estrogen is a critical mitochondrial optimizer, losing it in perimenopause has real cellular consequences Only 6% of US adults are metabolically healthy; symptoms of the rest range from brain fog to poor sleep to slow recovery Methylene blue supports mitochondrial energy production and works as a bridge while you optimize your health more broadly If a GABA supplement works for you, that's a warning sign worth paying attention to Down-regulating the nervous system too fast, without mitochondrial support, can cause a crash Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is most effective once you have a foundational health plan in place Sleep is one of the most powerful levers for mitochondrial health 00:00 – Introduction and Dr. Scott's background 04:13 – Why midlife women's bodies stop responding the way they used to 07:32 – Progesterone, GABA, and sleep disruption 09:04 – What mitochondria actually do and why they matter 13:16 – The 6% metabolic health statistic 17:00 – The sympathetic spiral of doom, explained 21:01 – Cortisol: misunderstood and mismanaged 29:32 – What methylene blue is and how to use it 33:55 – Who should not take methylene blue 38:33 – Performance, travel, and targeted use 47:17 – GABA support and down-regulating the nervous system 55:18 – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: benefits, timing, and protocols 01:00:52 – One action to take today 01:03:09 – Where to find Dr. Scott and his products Guest Links: Dr. Scott Sherr: drscottsherr.com Troscriptions: troscriptions.com Use code LIVINGWELL for 10% off Products mentioned: Just Blue, Blue Cannatine, Tro Calm, Tro Zzz This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas. Visit goodhealthsaunas.com and mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing. Ready for a Reset, On Your Own Time? If you've been feeling sluggish, bloated, inflamed, foggy, or just not like yourself, our Vitality Reboot Anytime is a simple way to give your body the reset it's been craving. This is our do-it-yourself version of The Art of Living Well Podcast® community detox, designed so you can move through the program whenever it works best for you. You'll receive everything you need to support your body with nourishing foods, targeted detox support, and simple daily practices that help you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized. Subscribe to our Substack for wellness tips, episode updates, and your free Midlife Travel Resilience Checklist: theartoflivingwell.substack.com Follow us: Instagram: @theartofliving_well YouTube: @theartoflivingwellpodcast LinkedIn: The Art of Living Well Podcast TikTok: @theartoflivingwel Spotify and Apple Podcasts Connect with your hosts: theartoflivingwell.us/about-us

    E314: Wired But Tired in Midlife: Mitochondria, Stress, Hormones & Methylene Blue with Dr. Scott Sherr
  7. May 20

    E313: Cancer, chronic stress & emotional trauma: what Dr. Tony Jimenez wants you to know

    Cancer rates are rising, especially among younger adults and many people are asking deeper questions about prevention, root causes, and what it truly means to heal. In this powerful conversation, we welcome back Dr. Tony Jimenez, founder of Hope for Cancer Treatment Centers, to explore the evolving landscape of integrative cancer care, emotional healing, metabolic health, and proactive prevention strategies. We dive into the connection between chronic stress, unresolved emotional trauma, inflammation, immune dysfunction, metabolic health, and cancer risk, plus practical steps anyone can begin taking today to support longevity and resilience. Dr. Tony also shares fascinating insights into emerging diagnostics, telomere testing, the longevity-associated Klotho gene, hydrogen therapy, detoxification, oxygenation, and why emotional healing may be one of the most overlooked components of wellness. Whether you're navigating a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to optimize your health proactively, this episode offers hope, empowerment, and actionable insights. In This Episode, we cover: Why cancer rates are increasing in younger populations The connection between chronic stress, emotional trauma, and disease How metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance impact cancer risk The role of mitochondrial health and inflammation The importance of sleep, hydration, movement, and personalized nutrition Detoxification, immune support, and oxygenation therapies Hydrogen water and hydrogen inhalation therapy explained The emotional component of healing and releasing stored trauma Integrative oncology vs. conventional cancer treatment How to advocate for yourself during a cancer diagnosis Why hope, mindset, and emotional resilience matter in healing Episode Breakdown with Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & the current state of cancer care 06:15 Stress, trauma & lifestyle factors impacting health 19:00 Longevity testing & emerging integrative therapies 33:15 Emotional healing, mindset & resilience 48:00 Integrative oncology & advocating for yourself 1:02:00 Preventing recurrence & creating daily healing habits 1:10:00 Final thoughts on hope & healing Resources & Links Learn more about Hope for Cancer Treatment Centers: hope4cancer Follow Dr. Tony Jimenez and learn about upcoming webinars and wellness programs: https://hope4cancer.com/webinar-replay-all-access/ (Password:  HOPE) Testing we discuss: For Longevity (Klotho Test): https://www.jinfiniti.com/product/agingsos-klotho-test/ For Telomeres: https://repeatdx.com/ Link to the new medical wellness center in Cancun: Sevenby7KP.com   Previous episode: The 7 Key Principles of Cancer Therapy with Dr. Tony Jimenez Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing. Follow and Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Connect with Your Hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

    E313: Cancer, chronic stress & emotional trauma: what Dr. Tony Jimenez wants you to know
  8. May 13

    E312: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: How Nature, Community, and Challenge Transform Midlife Health

    Episode Summary When was the last time you did something that truly pushed you outside your comfort zone? In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we share our experience attending a hiking and endurance retreat on Vancouver Island and the powerful lessons we brought home from it. This was not your typical retreat. It was not about relaxation or escape. It was about challenge, growth, community, and reconnecting with yourself in a deeper way. We open up about the fears, self-doubt, and mindset shifts that showed up, along with the unexpected moments of joy, connection, and clarity that came from being fully present in nature. This conversation is about more than one experience. It is about why stepping outside your routine, disconnecting from distractions, and surrounding yourself with new people can be transformative, especially for women in midlife. If you have been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or craving something different, this episode will inspire you to take that next step. Key Takeaways Why getting outside your comfort zone leads to growth The mental and emotional benefits of being in nature How disconnecting from your phone improves connection and presence The power of community and meaningful conversations Why midlife is the perfect time to try something new How self-doubt shows up and how to move through it The impact of challenging your body in new ways Why you do not need a full retreat to create transformation Episode Breakdown with Timestamps 00:00 A question that sparks growth 02:30 What this retreat was really about 06:00 The power of nature and disconnecting 10:00 Letting go of distractions and being present 13:30 Facing self-doubt and physical challenge 18:00 Pushing past comfort zones and mindset shifts 22:00 The importance of community and connection 26:00 Why meaningful conversations matter 30:00 Lessons from being around different ages and backgrounds 34:00 Why you deserve experiences like this 38:00 How to bring these lessons into your everyday life Resources and Links Join our hiking community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368978181038556  Website: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/ Email: theartoflivingwellpodcast@gmail.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep. Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing. Follow and Connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true  Connect with Your Hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/

    E312: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: How Nature, Community, and Challenge Transform Midlife Health
4.9
out of 5
144 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Art of Living Well Podcast® — your go-to resource for longevity, women's health, functional medicine, biohacking, hormones, gut health, mindset, and holistic wellness. Hosted by board-certified integrative health practitioners Marnie Dachis Marmet and Stephanie Potter, each episode features expert interviews, actionable tips, personal stories, and proven strategies to help you unlock your vitality, optimize your health, and age with strength and confidence. Whether you're navigating midlife, looking to balance hormones, improve gut health, prevent chronic disease, or simply live a vibrant, healthy life, this show empowers you to take control of your health with real science, real stories, and real results. Join our thriving community of women who are prioritizing well-being, building resilience, and discovering their Art of Living Well. Subscribe for new episodes every week covering: •Longevity & Anti-Aging •Women's Hormones & Menopause •Gut Health & Nutrition •Functional Medicine Insights •Biohacking for Energy & Vitality •Stress, Sleep & Mental Health •Mindset & Personal Growth •Cutting-Edge Wellness Trends Let's rewrite the rules of aging and wellness — together. Marnie and Stephanie do not diagnose, treat or cure in any manner any disease, condition or ailment of the body. They serve as trainers, educators, coaches, mentors and guides who provide training, education, support, resources, guidance and information.