Badass Thriving: Beyond Mind, Body & Plate

Caressa R. Dunphy

Badass Thriving Podcast This is for the woman who’s done playing small—on her plate, in the gym, and in her life. A space to rise, reclaim your energy, and take radical ownership of your health and healing. Hosted by Caressa R. Dunphy—Master of Science in Dietetics, gym enthusiast, military veteran, and healing human—this podcast is where mindset meets muscle, and nourishment goes way beyond macros. We’re breaking rules and breaking cycles. We’re ditching perfection and diet culture. And we’re fueling the next chapter with food, movement, and real conversation. You’ll get science-backed nutrition, unapologetic mindset shifts, deep healing without the fluff, and powerful reminders that proper nourishment isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. This space is inclusive of food intolerances, allergies, trauma, grief, and growth. You can have some—or all—of these experiences and still belong here. 🥑 Join me as we go beyond mind, body, and plate.

  1. 09/30/2025

    Badass Bites: How to Recharge Like a Badass

    Episode Description: Are you craving a reset? In this mini Badass Bites episode, I share what it really means to pause, recharge, and reconnect with your intuition. After 13 years of pushing through nonstop education and goals, I’m finally learning to slow down, protect my energy, and honor rest as a vital part of transformation. If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, hormone shifts, weight loss, or burnout, this conversation is for you. You’ll hear how I’m tuning into my body, releasing the pressure of “busy,” and finding alignment through gentle movement, meditation, and nervous system regulation. Because rest isn’t lazy—it’s the medicine your hormones, health, and mindset have been craving. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why rest is essential for hormone health, inflammation, and weight lossHow “busyness” can be a trauma response (and what to do about it)Practical ways to recharge: walks, yoga, meditation, and saying yes to joyHow to listen to your intuition and honor your body’s cuesWhy giving yourself permission to pause can be the most powerful resetLet’s Connect: Instagram & Facebook: @caressardunphy Website: aisforavocados.com Timeline Recap: 00:00 Introduction to Badass Bites 01:24 Reflecting on Exhaustion and Overwork 02:56 Navigating Uncertainty and Rest 04:25 Embracing Rest and Self-Care 05:12 Understanding the Need for Rest 06:37 Reprogramming the Busy Mindset 08:48 The Ongoing Journey of Healing 09:50 Conclusion and Invitation to Connect

    11 min
  2. 09/05/2025

    Episode 9- How to Stop Being a Beginner All the Time

    Episode 9: How to Stop Being a Beginner All the TimeYou’re allowed to learn. You’re not meant to live in restart mode forever. Hello, my little badasses — this episode is your wake-up call (with love).  You’re not failing. You’re not broken.  You’re just stuck in beginner mode… and it’s time to finally move forward. This isn’t about shaming beginners — being a beginner is brave.  But staying stuck in the start–stop cycle for months (or years) isn’t growth — it’s perfectionism and fear in disguise.  Today, I’ll help you break the pattern, step into progress, and finally finish what you start. You don’t need a new plan.  You need to stop ghosting yourself.  You need structure, support, and a system that works when life gets lifey.  You need someone in your corner who gets it — and who can walk you all the way through it. Let’s make this the last time you ever start over again. In This Episode Why you're not actually "starting over" — you're just stuck in restart modeThe difference between being a beginner and staying stuck in beginner identityWhy perfectionism hides behind “I’m still figuring it out”What follow-through really looks like in real life (spoiler: it’s not sexy)Why coaching is the container that helps you finally finish what you startWhat to do when motivation fades and life goes sidewaysHow to stop waiting for “the right time” — and use this season to actually riseTop 7 Takeaways You are not broken — you’re just stuck in restart modeThere’s a difference between being new and staying stuckStarting over is a pattern — not a solutionYou’ve done the work. You’re ready to riseThis season is your space to recommitFollow-through isn’t perfection — it’s consistency with supportCoaching gives you the tools to finally finish what you startJournal Prompts Where have I been hiding in beginner mode to avoid messy progress?What is one thing I’ve started that I know it’s time to finish?What would change if I stayed in it — even when it felt boring or hard?Mantra of the Week “I don’t need to start over. I just need to keep going.” Say it. Write it. Move like you mean it. Ready to Stop Starting Over? One-on-one coaching with me is now open for September. This is your time to: Step out of the start–stop cycleBuild real structureStay consistent — even when life gets lifeyBecome the woman who finishes what she startsTo apply: DM “COACH” on Instagram at @badassthrivingpodcast Or email me at badassthrivingpodcast@gmail.com Or visit aisforavocados.com for full detailsConnect with Me Instagram: @badassthrivingpodcast Email: badassthrivingpodcast@gmail.com Website: aisforavocados.com Leave a Review If this episode landed: Leave a reviewShare it with a friendSend it to the version of you who needed this three months agoThat’s how this message spreads.  That’s how we rise — together. Stay fierce, stay nourished, and I’ll see you next week.

    24 min
  3. 08/29/2025

    Episode 8: Leaning into Resistance- The Emotionally Uncomfortable Zone

    Episode 8 — Leaning into Resistance- The Emotionally Uncomfortable Zone Resistance isn’t proof you’re failing—it’s proof you’re on the threshold of change. In this episode, we unpack how “analysis paralysis” disguises itself as discipline, why your nervous system blocks follow-through when it doesn’t feel safe, and how to regulate your body so you can finally act. You’ll learn fast somatic tools (breath work, humming/singing, grounding), simple micro-commitments that beat all-or-nothing plans, and a nightly “Winning Inventory” that rewires your brain for progress. Clarity doesn’t come before action—it comes after it. Start small. Start now. Mantra: I don’t abandon myself. I act even when resistance screams the loudest. Journal Prompts: Where is resistance showing up in my life right now?What’s the 80% prep I’ve done—and the 20% action I keep avoiding?Which micro-commitments can I take today to move forward?How does resistance show up in my body—and what calms it down?Top 7 Takeaways: Resistance is where the growth is. If you feel it, you’re expanding.Analysis paralysis feels like discipline, but it’s avoidance.Prep without action is self-abandonment.Your nervous system needs safety before it allows follow-through.Breath work + grounding turn “unsafe” into “safe enough.”Momentum comes after action—never before.Micro-commitments beat massive overhauls every damn time.Coaching & Connection: 1:1 Nutrition Coaching opens September 1Badass Rising membership launches September 1 for deeper work with structure, accountability, and communityShare this episode with a friend who’s stuck in prep modeMore info: inquire about coaching or membership via IG or emailInstagram: @badassthrivingpodcastEmail: badassthrivingpodcast@gmail.com “See you next week, you little badass. Stay nourished, and keep thriving.”

    32 min
  4. 08/22/2025

    Episode 7: Fitness vs Fit This Whole Pizza in My Mouth

    🎙️ Episode 7: Fitness vs. Fit This Whole Pizza Badass Thriving Podcast with Caressa Dunphy, MS, RD We’ve all been there — chasing perfection like a gym rat with macros taped to the fridge, or burning it all down with a “screw it, I’ll start Monday” pizza binge. Neither one is thriving. This episode is about the messy middle — the gray space between rigid restriction and reckless rebellion. That’s where food freedom actually lives. Where joy and discipline can sit at the same damn table. Where pizza isn’t the villain, and balance isn’t lukewarm — it’s intentional. We’ll laugh, we’ll get real, and we’ll break down how to build a badass life with crust (your non-negotiables), sauce (your structure), and toppings (your joy). Because thriving isn’t built on perfect weeks — it’s built on the real ones. ⸻ 🔥 Your Mantra This Week “I can have my pizza and my progress too — because I’ve built my life with intention.” ⸻ 📝 Journal Prompts 1.Where in my life am I still living in the all-or-nothing trap? 2.What’s one way I can add flexibility without losing my foundation? ⸻ 🍕 Top 7 Takeaways 🍕 All-or-nothing thinking keeps you stuck in shame and inconsistency. 🍕 Pizza is not the enemy — restriction is. 🍕 A sustainable strategy includes the foods you love, not just the “healthy” ones. 🍕 Your health is like a pizza: crust = non-negotiables, sauce = structure, toppings = joy. 🍕 Micro-commitments > massive overhauls. Small actions create real momentum. 🍕 You can’t build food freedom if you still believe you have to “earn” your food. 🍕 Balance isn’t passive — it’s intentional. You get both the pizza and the progress. ⸻ ✨ Let’s Stay Connected 🌐 Website: aisforavocados.com — sign up for the Badass Avocados Newsletter — real talk, recipes, nutrition strategies, and badass motivation in your inbox weekly. 📲 Follow on IG: @caressardunphy | @aisforavocadosllc | @badassthrivingpodcast 🎙️ Podcast: Subscribe, rate, and share the show — every review helps this community grow. ⸻ 🚀 Coaching with Me Ready to stop spinning your wheels and actually see results? I offer 1:1 Nutrition Coaching designed to help you dial in your diet, mindset, and systems — without restriction or burnout. Spots are limited, so apply now through aisforavocados.com or email me directly to learn more.

    29 min
  5. 08/15/2025

    Episode 6: How to Stop Ghosting Yourself

    Episode 6: How to Stop Ghosting Yourself Show Notes: If you’ve ever skipped one workout and let it turn into weeks… or told yourself, “I’ll start Monday” — you’ve ghosted yourself.  This episode is your call to stop disappearing when life gets inconvenient and instead adapt your plan without abandoning it. We’re talking about the patterns that drain your momentum, the seasons you cycle through (growth, maintenance, recovery), and how to keep your promises even when you’re not at 100%. You’ll learn: How to recognize when you’re ghosting yourselfWhy self-trust is the real foundation for successHow to scale your plan for the bandwidth you have right nowWhat to do when life throws curveballs (without losing momentum)Your energy will ebb and flow — but keeping your word to yourself is non-negotiable. This is how you stay consistent, rebuild trust, and keep climbing even in hard seasons. Mantra for the Week: I don’t ghost myself. I adapt my plan and keep my promises, no matter the season.Journal Prompts: Where have I been ghosting myself and why?What season am I actually in — growth, maintenance, or recovery?What is one non-negotiable I will keep this week no matter what?Top 7 Takeaways Ghosting yourself looks like skipping meals, ignoring hunger cues, missing workouts, breaking bedtime boundaries, or constantly “starting Monday.”Self-trust is the muscle you build by keeping promises to yourself — without it, no structure will save you.Name your season: Growth (push toward a goal), Maintenance (hold the baseline), or Recovery (prioritize rest/healing).Adapt, don’t abandon — scale workouts, batch cook simple meals, or protect bedtime instead of scrapping your plan.Micro-commitments rebuild trust — small promises (like a 10-minute walk or protein with each meal) are easier to keep and still move you forward.Nervous system regulation through breathwork, meditation, and boundaries keeps your momentum alive during hard seasons.Celebrate micro-wins — track them daily so you see progress and avoid moving the goalpost without acknowledging your victories.Connect with Me Instagram: @badassthrivingpodcast Instagram: @aisforavocadosllc Website: aisforavocados.com Email: badassthrivingpodcast@gmail.com

    36 min
  6. 08/08/2025

    Episode 5: Structure & Systems for Success

    EPISODE 5: Structural Support — FROM FOUNDATION TO MOMENTUM Podcast: Badass Thriving with Caressa Dunphy Show Notes: After rebuilding from square one, what comes next? In this episode of the Badass Thriving Podcast, we talk about the moment you decide to climb—not with hustle, not with chaos, but with structure, systems, and self-respect. Caressa walks you through how to move from surviving to rising, one aligned action at a time. This episode dives deep into the real work: Why motivation is a liarHow discipline becomes your superpowerWhat daily routines support your next-level selfAnd how to build momentum that actually lastsYou’ll hear stories from Caressa’s own journey—fitness, food, military life, motherhood—and exactly how she reverse-engineered her routines to rebuild from burnout, pain, and starting over. This is about designing your days with intention so you can live the life your badass self is asking for. This is not just another hype-up session. This is about structure, self-honesty, and the decision to rise—even when no one’s clapping. TOP 7 TAKEAWAYS: Motivation is fleeting. Discipline is built.You don’t find momentum—you design it.Structure supports consistency. Systems support freedom.Daily habits create a life you don’t need to escape from.Your new life requires new routines—sleep, food, fitness, and stillness.Keep micro-promises to yourself to rebuild trust and identity.You are not behind. You are climbing—and that’s the most badass thing you can do.THIS WEEK’S MANTRA I don’t wait to feel ready. I choose to show up. I am building momentum one aligned action at a time. JOURNAL PROMPTS Where am I still relying on motivation instead of structure?What system or habit would support the new version of me?What small promise can I keep to myself this week—and why does it matter?If this episode hit home, please like, share, or leave a review. It helps this show reach more badasses around the world. Tag us on Instagram @badassthrivingpodcast and tell us how you’re climbing this week. Want more real talk meets nutrition, energy meets fitness, and all-around badassery?  Sign up for The Badass Avocado Newsletter at www.aisforavocados.com → One bold email a week with mindset gems, food wisdom, fitness tips, and reminders to show up like the badass you are. You’re not behind. You’re building momentum. And that is badass as hell.

    31 min

About

Badass Thriving Podcast This is for the woman who’s done playing small—on her plate, in the gym, and in her life. A space to rise, reclaim your energy, and take radical ownership of your health and healing. Hosted by Caressa R. Dunphy—Master of Science in Dietetics, gym enthusiast, military veteran, and healing human—this podcast is where mindset meets muscle, and nourishment goes way beyond macros. We’re breaking rules and breaking cycles. We’re ditching perfection and diet culture. And we’re fueling the next chapter with food, movement, and real conversation. You’ll get science-backed nutrition, unapologetic mindset shifts, deep healing without the fluff, and powerful reminders that proper nourishment isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. This space is inclusive of food intolerances, allergies, trauma, grief, and growth. You can have some—or all—of these experiences and still belong here. 🥑 Join me as we go beyond mind, body, and plate.