Best Life By You Podcast

Julia Furlipa

Welcome to Best Life By You, a podcast hosted by Julia that explores nutrition, mindset, fitness, relationships, and holistic wellness to help listeners create healthier, more fulfilling lives. Blending education, humor, and meaningful conversations, the show focuses on the choices within our control that support personal growth and well-being. Our interviews include professional athletes, sports agents, bestselling authors, speakers, physicians, Olympic coaches, CEOs, and other leaders and experts from a variety of fields. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

  1. 4d ago

    #69 | The Hardest Part of MMA Happens Before the Fight with Jonathan Piersma, and Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast: The Athlete Corner

    Fighting in the cage is the easy part. Jonathan Piersma explains why the training, weight cuts, and sacrifices before fight night are the real challenge.In this episode of Best Life by You’s Athlete Corner, professional MMA fighter and Tapped Out Tavern co-owner Jonathan Piersma joins Julia to discuss his journey from college football to professional fighting and the commitment it takes to pursue a dream while running a business. Jonathan shares why he walked away from the state trooper hiring process to pursue MMA, how he balances training with coaching and business ownership, and what it took to return to competition after ACL surgery. We also explore fight-night nerves, the financial realities of chasing a passion, and his goal of opening his own gym.It’s an honest conversation about discipline, setbacks, freedom, and finding something worth working for. CHAPTERS 00:00 Fighting Is the Easy Part 01:31 Meet Jonathan Piersma | Athlete Corner 03:16 From College Football to MMA 05:25 Going Pro and a Pandemic-Delayed Debut 07:45 The Mindset Behind Stepping Into the Cage 08:55 How Tapped Out Tavern Began 11:16 Balancing Business Ownership and Fighting 13:30 A Professional MMA Fighter’s Training Schedule 15:27 Opponents, Rivalries, and Respect 17:42 Why Cutting Weight Is the Hardest Part 27:39 Preparation, Confidence, and Fight-Night Nerves 29:10 Appreciating Every Fight and Facing Injury 30:44 Fighting With a Torn ACL and Choosing Surgery 33:52 Recovery and Returning to Competition 35:12 A Comeback Win and Career Longevity 37:00 Chasing Freedom and Making a Living in MMA 40:43 Coaching Fighters and Opening a Gym 42:48 Building a Future Beyond Fighting 44:39 Balancing Relationships, Fun, and Sacrifice 48:11 How MMA Fight Cards Work 50:05 The Reward Behind the Work 51:47 Why Challenges Keep Him Focused 54:45 Recovery Favorites: Sauna, Cold Plunge, and Rest 55:58 What Living Your Best Life Means 57:17 Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect CONNECT WITH JULIA: My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/ My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://blby.app/ Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa CONNECT WITH JONATHAN PIERSMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpiersma170/ TAPPED OUT TAVERN Explore the menu and order online:https://order.spoton.com/mvcr-tapped-out-tavern-25276/sangerfield-ny/68bf5a1d9ed879735ab16dee Enjoyed this conversation? Like the video, subscribe to Best Life by You, and share it with someone pursuing a big goal.What keeps you disciplined when motivation fades? Tell us in the comments.#JonathanPiersma #MMA #BestLifeByYou #AthleteMindset

  2. Oct 23

    #68 | From Home Cook to NBA Celebrity Chef | Crystal Hammonds’ Inspiring Journey, with Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast

    How do you go from cooking at home to becoming a private chef for an NBA All-Star without attending culinary school? On this episode of the Best Life By You podcast, Julia sits down with celebrity chef Crystal Hammonds to explore how a career change, a passion for cooking, and an unexpected opportunity transformed her life. Crystal shares what goes into feeding a professional athlete, from early breakfasts to late-night meals and constantly changing schedules. She also discusses flavorful plant-forward cooking, her favorite meals to prepare, food swaps, and the kitchen tools she relies on. Beyond the kitchen, Crystal opens up about building her business, supporting aspiring chefs, and why humility, patience, and meaningful relationships matter more than a large social media following. Whether you’re exploring a new career or looking for inspiration in the kitchen, this conversation offers a reminder that your passion can open unexpected doors. Subscribe for more conversations about nutrition, mindset, personal growth, and living your best life. What passion would you love to turn into your career? Share in the comments! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Meet Crystal Hammonds 01:20 Crystal’s journey: From health science to cooking 04:13 The unexpected opportunity that launched her chef career 06:29 Creating plant-forward meals for an NBA athlete 10:25 A day in the life of a celebrity chef 15:08 Grocery shopping, fresh ingredients, and reducing waste 16:01 The toughest parts of being a private chef 20:44 Crystal’s goals: Building a business and mentoring chefs 24:13 Favorite meals to cook 28:45 Preparing tofu with flavor and texture 31:05 Meal prep, timing, and staying organized 32:25 Food swaps for baking and cooking 35:32 Cooking with less oil 37:10 Kitchen tools and cooking tips 40:36 What keeps Crystal motivated 42:22 Client favorites and crispy rice paper bites 44:15 Advice for aspiring chefs 47:15 Education, mentorship, and persistence 49:18 Networking and succeeding beyond social media 52:11 What living her best life means to Crystal 56:17 Connect with Crystal and closing thoughts Connect with Crystal: Website: https://a-styledtaste.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astyledtaste/ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astylistlane CONNECT WITH JULIA: My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY  My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/  My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://blby.app/ Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa  #BestLifeByYou #CrystalHammonds #CelebrityChef #privatechefs #jalenbrunson #nutritionistnba #nba

  3. Oct 16

    #67 | How Anthony Masiello Lost 160 Pounds on a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet, with Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast

    Denied life insurance at 33, Anthony Masiello knew something had to change. In  this episode of Best Life by You, he shares how he lost 160 pounds in 20 months  after embracing a whole food plant-based diet and how his transformation  changed his family’s future.  Anthony joins Julia to discuss the mindset behind lasting change, why he started  adding nourishing foods instead of focusing only on restriction, and how he went  from struggling with his health to running races with his family.  We also explore his career shift from pharmaceutical research to lifestyle  telemedicine, the importance of individualized medical care, and his vision for a  longer “play span”—more years enjoying the things you love.  What’s your biggest WHY for getting healthier? Share it in the comments.  Subscribe to Best Life by You for more conversations about nutrition, mindset,  movement, and living well.  CONNECT WITH ANTHONY MASIELLO  Website: https://love.life/  Lifestyle Telemedicine: https://lifestyletelemedicine.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amasiello/  CONNECT WITH JULIA: My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY  My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/  My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://blby.app/ Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa  CHAPTERS  00:00 Why change is hard—and worth it  01:58 Meet Anthony Masiello  02:53 What a skin carotenoid scan measures  04:00 From healthcare research to personal transformation  06:06 Childhood weight struggles and the mindset for change 08:27 Finding his why—and why eating less wasn’t enough  10:40 Discovering Eat to Live  13:00 Adding more fruits and vegetables  16:43 Losing the first 30 pounds  17:12 Adding healthy foods instead of focusing on restriction  22:58 Starting to run and reaching 160 pounds lost  25:13 Becoming the active father he wanted to be  27:58 How his transformation influenced his family  32:34 Rethinking medication and lifestyle change  34:52 Creating lifestyle telemedicine  37:13 Personalized care and patient empowerment 40:56 Finding your personal reason to get healthy  42:40 Common concerns in lifestyle medicine  44:55 What to add when cutting foods isn’t enough  46:13 Different goals need different approaches  47:57 Beyond lifespan: Extending your “play span”  49:13 Closing reflections and where to connect  Anthony shares his personal experience; individual results vary. Medication  changes should be made with your prescribing clinician.  #AnthonyMasiello #PlantBasedDiet #WeightLossJourney #LifestyleMedicine  #WholeFoodPlantBased

  4. Oct 9

    #66 | The REAL Reason People Go Vegan with CEO & Realtor Lance Wilson & Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast

    What’s your reason for going vegan? For Lance Wilson, it started with the environment, became a commitment to animals, and changed how he approaches food, community, and business. In this episode of Best Life By You, Julia sits down with Lance Wilson, co-founder of Vegan Realty and host of the Health & Real Estate Podcast. Lance shares how Cowspiracy sparked his vegan journey, why compassion keeps him committed, and how he transitioned from vegan junk food toward more whole plant foods. They also explore veganism and masculinity, navigating criticism, finding your “why,” and building a business around your values. Lance explains how Vegan Realty gives back by donating $1,000 to animal rescues or nonprofits whenever the team helps a client buy or sell a home. Whether you’re vegan, curious about plant-based living, or looking to connect your work with your purpose, this conversation offers a personal look at living in alignment. 💬 What inspired you to go vegan, or what makes you curious about it? Share your “why” in the comments. Subscribe to Best Life By You for more conversations about nutrition, mindset, relationships, and creating a life that reflects your values. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Your “Why” Matters 02:01 Meet Lance Wilson 03:22 How Cowspiracy Sparked His Vegan Journey 07:01 Veganism, Masculinity & Athletic Performance 08:51 Finding Your Why & Making Progress 12:56 Bringing The Game Changers to the Community 14:07 Inspiring Others & Handling Criticism 18:44 Why Veganism Triggers Strong Reactions 22:34 Going Vegan Gradually, Protein & Fiber 25:24 From Junk Food Vegan to Whole Plant Foods 29:58 Food Habits, Cravings & Finding Balance 39:09 Lance’s 30-Day Raw Vegan Experience 43:06 Daily Eating Routines & Personal Preferences 46:50 What Is Vegan Realty? 49:32 Building Community & Giving Back 52:23 Turning Passion into a Business 54:18 The Health & Real Estate Podcast 56:43 Bringing Your Values into Your Work 1:00:25 Christspiracy, Faith & Animal Ethics 1:03:02 Living in Alignment with Your Values 1:05:33 Documentary Recommendations 1:06:20 Final Thoughts & Where to Connect 🔗Connect with Lance & Vegan Realty Vegan Realty: https://www.linktr.ee/veganrealty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganrealty/ Lance Wilson IG: https://www.instagram.com/lanceiamhealthy/ Health & Real Estate Podcast: https://youtube.com/@HealthAndRealEstatePodcast CONNECT WITH JULIA: My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY  My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/  My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://blby.app/ Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa #Veganism #PlantBased #LanceWilson #VeganForTheAnimals #VeganRealty

  5. Oct 2

    #65 | Comparison Stops You From Living: Pilates, Confidence & Self-Worth | Rose Verde & Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast

    What happens when you stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own growth? Pilates instructor Rose Verde joins Julia on Best Life by You for an honest conversation about body confidence, self-worth, boundaries, and living authentically. Rose shares how her experience with scoliosis led her to Pilates and why consistency and mindful movement are central to her practice. We explore Pilates, yoga, and strength training, the intimidation of trying something new, and the pressure of social media comparison. Beyond fitness, we talk about knowing your value, building a meaningful career, protecting your time, and having the courage to speak up for yourself. Rose’s reminder ties it all together: focus on your own garden. If you’re learning to trust yourself, set boundaries, or embrace being a beginner, this conversation is for you. CHAPTERS 00:00 Focus on Your Own Garden — Episode Preview 01:33 Meet Rose Verde 02:37 How Scoliosis Led Rose to Pilates 05:56 Consistency, Confidence & the Mind-Body Connection 08:50 Pilates, Yoga & Strength Training 12:22 Why Starting Pilates Can Feel Intimidating 16:38 Social Media Pressure & Comparison 20:21 Focus on Your Own Garden 22:24 Using Social Media as a Resource 25:27 Knowing Your Value & Building a Sustainable Career 29:19 Inside Rose’s Pilates Practice 32:21 Building a Business & Believing in Yourself 36:23 Defining Success on Your Own Terms 40:14 Money Mindset, Hard Work & Opportunity 43:35 Self-Respect & Setting Boundaries 47:27 Love, Confidence & Lessons from Relationships 51:50 When People Show You Who They Are 52:55 Investing in Yourself & Knowing Your Standards 57:54 Trusting Your Gut 59:15 Growth Through Challenge & Humility 01:01:22 Living Authentically & Embracing Your Inner Child 01:04:24 Connect with Rose & Closing Thoughts CONNECT WITH ROSE VERDE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootsandcore_pilates/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rootsandcorepilates CONNECT WITH JULIA FURLIPA My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY  My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/  My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://blby.app/ Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa What’s one way you’re choosing to focus on your own garden? Share it in the comments. Subscribe to Best Life by You for more conversations about mindset, movement, relationships, and personal growth. #RoseVerde #Pilates #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #BestLifeByYou

  6. Sep 25

    #64 | Manifesting a Win: Bodybuilding, Injury & Finding Balance, with Rebecca Canavan and Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast: The Athlete Corner

    What happens after you win a bodybuilding competition but no longer feel like yourself? On Best Life by You: Athlete Corner, Julia Furlipa reconnects with former college athlete and nationally qualified bikini bodybuilder Rebecca Canavan. Rebecca shares how she went from track and field to the bodybuilding stage, the pressure she felt during competition prep, and the back injury that changed her path. She also talks about physical therapy, rebuilding her relationship with food and exercise, and what health looks like for her today. Chapters 00:00 Rebecca on losing her love for the gym 01:38 Welcome to Athlete Corner 03:30 Growing up with sports and running track 07:11 Life after college athletics 09:25 Why Rebecca tried bodybuilding 12:14 Nine months of competition prep 16:08 Food obsession and the unseen mental toll 24:20 Winning and qualifying for nationals 34:24 Manifesting a win 40:50 The squat injury that changed everything 43:11 Physical therapy and recovery 47:01 Leaving competitive bodybuilding behind 55:17 Lessons Rebecca carries forward 1:02:07 Her health routine today 1:13:01 What living her best life means CONNECT WITH JULIA: My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY  My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/  My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://blby.app/ Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa #BestLifeByYou #AthleteCorner #BodybuildingJourney #FitnessRecovery #RebeccaCanavan

  7. Sep 18

    #63 | Stop Quitting on Yourself: Build a Strong Body and Mind | Tiana Gonzalez & Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast

    What if you do not need more discipline, a perfect workout plan, or four flawless gym sessions every week? What if you simply need to stop quitting on yourself? On this episode of the Best Life by You Podcast, Julia sits down with Tiana Gonzalez, personal trainer, women’s strength coach, founder of Unbreakable Mind and Body, and host of the Unbreakable Mind and Body Podcast. Tiana shares how bodybuilding damaged her metabolism, reproductive health, thyroid, kidneys, and liver, and how that experience reshaped her approach to women’s fitness. She explains why strength training is about far more than changing your appearance. It can help you build confidence, resilience, self-trust, and the courage to do difficult things. Julia and Tiana also discuss consistency, coaching, comparison, career changes, motherhood, relationships, outgrowing friendships, and why women should never feel pressured to settle. Connect with Tiana Gonzalez: Website: https://unbreakablemindandbody.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianamoves/ Podcast: https://unbreakablemindandbody.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIA: My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY  My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/  My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://bestlifebyyoutracker.replit.app/  Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa CHAPTERS00:00 Stop quitting on yourself 01:23 Meet Tiana Gonzalez 02:51 From ballet to strength training 05:59 The hidden cost of bodybuilding 13:44 When fitness becomes unhealthy 16:22 The reality behind fitness images 25:05 Growth, jealousy, and outgrowing people 31:28 Why Tiana focuses on women 36:08 How strength training changes your life 42:51 Can women really balance everything? 46:18 Why successful people still need coaches 49:18 Consistency matters more than perfection 51:22 Credentials versus real credibility 57:22 Tiana’s mission 01:00:14 Building self-trust by doing hard things 01:04:32 Strong body, strong values, strong mind 01:07:23 Choosing yourself and refusing to settle 01:09:31 Become Unbreakable 01:12:26 It is never too late to change your life Subscribe for conversations about fitness, nutrition, mindset, relationships, and creating your best life. #WomensFitness #StrengthTrainingForWomen #FitnessMindset #SelfConfidence

  8. Sep 11

    #62 | Plant-Based Food Isn't Boring: A Vegan Chef Exposes the Biggest Myths | Elyce Jacobson & Julia Furlipa | Best Life By You Podcast

    Think plant-based food means bland salads, mushy tofu, expensive groceries, or protein deficiencies? Vegan chef and entrepreneur Elyce Jacobson joins Julia Furlipa on the Best Life BY You Podcast to challenge those myths. Elyce shares how culinary school changed her relationship with meat, why she became vegan, and how she creates colorful, flavorful meals that surprise even non-vegans. They discuss protein, fiber, vitamin B12, soy, gut health, meal preparation, eating out, traveling while vegan, and making healthier choices without restrictive diets. Connect with Elyce Jacobson Website: https://www.bewholesome.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bewholesome123/ CONNECT WITH JULIA: My Book “The 7+ Lifestyle: A Recipe Book for Life!”: https://amzn.to/4rM6HpY  My Podcast “Best Life By You”: https://www.youtube.com/@bestlifebyyoupodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_bestlifebyyou/  My All-in-One Best Life By You App: https://bestlifebyyoutracker.replit.app/  Work with Julia: ⁠https://www.bestlifebyyou.com/⁠  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juliafurlipa Subscribe for more conversations about nutrition, mindset, fitness, relationships, and creating your best life. CHAPTERS 00:00 Plant-based food should be exciting 01:16 Meet vegan chef Elyce Jacobson 03:22 Why culinary school changed everything 07:10 Can pregnancy be healthy without animal products? 08:53 Is plant-based eating restrictive? 11:54 The truth about vitamin B 1213:17 Why fiber may matter more than protein 14:44 Raising children around plant-based food 17:11 Is eating plant-based expensive? 19:46 Micronutrients, gut health, and mental wellness 24:01 From restaurant owner to meal-prep chef 28:19 Elyce's real mission 31:51 Mock meats and common misconceptions 33:05 Why people struggle to prioritize health 37:20 Carnivore diets and restrictive nutrition advice 43:22 Why your body needs more plants 45:37 Soy, dairy, and menopause myths 51:21 Handling criticism and social situations 57:25 Eating vegan at restaurants and while traveling 1:00:27 Elyce's portable food strategy 1:03:38 The Paris trip that ended in starvation 1:08:33 Creating watermelon tuna and carrot lox 1:11:34 What living your best life means 1:14:55 Final thoughts and where to find Elyce #PlantBased #VeganChef #HealthyEating #GutHealth #VeganNutrition #BestLifeBYYou #ElyceJacobson #JuliaFurlipa

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About

Welcome to Best Life By You, a podcast hosted by Julia that explores nutrition, mindset, fitness, relationships, and holistic wellness to help listeners create healthier, more fulfilling lives. Blending education, humor, and meaningful conversations, the show focuses on the choices within our control that support personal growth and well-being. Our interviews include professional athletes, sports agents, bestselling authors, speakers, physicians, Olympic coaches, CEOs, and other leaders and experts from a variety of fields. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Information

  • Creator
    Julia Furlipa
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Julia Furlipa
  • Show Website
    Best Life By You Podcast