Women, Men & Relationships

Empowering Minds Network
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Women, Men & Relationships is a show focused on love, dating, relationships, passion, sex, sexuality, divorce, marriage, self confidence, passion, communication, couple's therapy, understanding men and women and self care.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 505: Lowering Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease

    The Great Cholesterol Myth: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling Youwith Dr. Jonny Bowden In this eye-opening conversation, JJ reconnects with renowned nutrition expert and bestselling author Dr. Jonny Bowden to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern medicine: cholesterol. Dr. Bowden, co-author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, explains why the conventional cholesterol narrative is outdated, why total cholesterol tells us almost nothing about heart disease risk, and why inflammation and insulin resistance may be far more important predictors of long-term health. Together, JJ and Dr. Bowden discuss the evolution of cholesterol science, the overprescription of statins, and why people must become advocates for their own health instead of blindly outsourcing decisions to conventional medicine. In This Episode:Why total cholesterol is an outdated marker for heart disease riskThe difference between LDL cholesterol and LDL particlesWhy “good” and “bad” cholesterol is an oversimplified conceptWhat ApoB and LDL particle testing actually reveal about cardiovascular riskThe role of inflammation in chronic disease and heart diseaseHow insulin resistance predicts disease years before symptoms appearWhy stress, processed foods, poor sleep, and sedentary living fuel metabolic dysfunctionThe connection between blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular healthWhy many conventional cholesterol tests are “1963 medicine”What lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation naturallyWhy questioning medical dogma matters for your long-term health Key Takeaways:Dr. Bowden explains that cholesterol itself is not the enemy. Instead, the real issue is the condition of the particles carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream and the inflammation damaging artery walls. He uses powerful analogies — including boats crashing in a marina and golf balls burning through a tennis net — to explain how small, dense LDL particles create more cardiovascular risk than large LDL particles. JJ and Dr. Bowden also explore how insulin resistance quietly drives many chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease — often decades before diagnosis. This episode is a reminder that true health requires curiosity, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. Resources Mentioned:The Great Cholesterol Myth by Dr. Jonny Bowden & Dr. Stephen SinatraApoB testingLDL particle testingFunction HealthPubMed.gov Connect with Dr. Jonny BowdenWebsite: DrJonnyBowden.comBook: The Great Cholesterol Myth Connect with JJJJ Flizanes Official WebsiteFeelings & Needs List

    1h 5m

  2. MAY 5

    Ep. 504: The Real Reason You Can't Change Your Behavior

    If you’ve ever thought, “I know better… so why do I keep doing this?”—this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, I break down the real reason we stay stuck in emotional, behavioral, and even physical patterns—and why traditional approaches to healing often don’t create lasting change. We’re not just talking about mindset. We’re going deeper—to the subconscious beliefs formed before age 7 that still shape your reactions, your habits, and your identity today. This is the foundation of my Core Wound Map™, and once you see it… you can’t unsee it. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What a core wound really is (and why you didn’t choose it)How your brain created beliefs to keep you safe—but now keeps you stuckThe hidden pattern loop: Trigger → Feeling → ReactionWhy awareness alone doesn’t change behaviorThe difference between coping vs. actual healingWhy most therapy and personal development miss the rootHow your patterns show up in:RelationshipsFood & body imageSelf-sabotageEmotional triggers Key TakeawayHealing is when you are different in the same situation. Not when you avoid it. Not when you leave it. When the trigger is the same… but your response is different. That’s real change. The 3-Step Tool to Use ImmediatelyWhen you’re triggered, ask yourself: What am I feeling?What need is not being met?How can I meet that need—without requiring anyone else to change? 👉 This is how you interrupt the pattern in real time. Free ResourceDownload the Feelings & Needs List to start practicing this today: 👉 jjflizanes.com/feelingslist Print it. Keep it with you. Use it. Next StepIf this resonates, it means you’re ready to go deeper. This is exactly the work we do inside: The Roadmap to Emotional HealingRewiring Your Core Wound PatternsThe Empowering Minds Network Because this isn’t about more information… It’s about becoming someone different in the same situation.

    56 min

  3. APR 28

    Ep. 503: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss

    JJ sits down with nutritionist and behavior specialist Carrie Lupoli to break down why traditional dieting fails—and what actually creates lasting health and transformation. From generational conditioning and disordered eating to blood sugar regulation and belief systems, this episode reveals why most people stay stuck… and how to finally shift your relationship with food, body, and self. 💡 What You’ll LearnWhy the diet industry keeps you stuck in cyclesThe difference between calories vs. blood sugar regulationWhy weight loss is a symptom—not the goalHow your beliefs and identity drive your behaviorsWhy “I know what to do, I just don’t do it” keeps happeningHow to shift into the healthiest version of yourself 🧠 Key TakeawaysDiets Don’t Address the Root Restriction and willpower ignore the real issue—your metabolism, mindset, and patterns. “They put us in a cage and then blame us for not flying.”Blood Sugar Drives Everything Energy, cravings, weight gain, inflammation, and even chronic disease are tied to metabolic health. “Weight gain and health issues are symptoms of dysregulated blood sugar.”You Can’t Outperform Your Beliefs You can have the perfect plan—but without rewiring your mindset, it won’t stick. “We can’t outperform disempowered beliefs.”Identity > Goals Stop chasing a number on the scale. Start asking: What does the healthiest version of me do, say, think, and believe?You Are Always Modeling Your beliefs show up in your actions—and impact your family and environment. “You teach what you believe.”From Corset to Crown Let go of restriction, shame, and shrinking yourself… and step into self-worth, health, and empowerment. 🔥 Final TakeawayYou don’t need another diet. You need to shift your identity, regulate your body, and align your beliefs. That’s where real, lasting change happens. 🔗 Resources & LinksConnect with JJ Flizanes: Website: https://jjflizanes.comFree resources & programs: https://jjflizanes.com/mmPodcast Network: https://empoweringmindsnetwork.com Connect with Carrie Lupoli: Book (Pre-Order): From Corset to Crown 👉 https://carrielupoli.com/corset-to-crownWebsite: https://carrielupoli.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/carrielupoli 🎯 Who This Episode Is ForWomen tired of dieting and starting overThose who feel stuck despite “doing everything right”Anyone ready to move from restriction → empowermentListeners wanting a deeper, sustainable approach to health

    47 min

  4. APR 21

    Ep. 502: Missing Pieces of Body Change After 40

    In this solo episode, JJ pulls together the biggest insights from her recent 3-Day Body Breakthrough Challenge and shares why body change after 40 requires a different conversation than the one most women have been taught. If you’ve been eating less, doing more cardio, trying harder—and still not seeing results—this episode explains why. JJ unpacks the 7 Factors of Weight Loss Resistance, including blood sugar regulation, inefficient exercise, hormone imbalance, poor sleep, nervous system stress, inflammation, and missing nutritional substrates. She explains why body change isn’t about more willpower or restriction, but about understanding the systems affecting metabolism, fat loss, muscle, and energy. In This Episode:Why the old “eat less, exercise more” model stops working after 40The 7 hidden factors of weight loss resistanceWhy blood sugar regulation may be more important than caloriesHow inefficient exercise could be wasting your timeWhy resistance training is non-negotiable for metabolism, hormones, bone, and brain healthThe overlooked link between nervous system stress and body compositionHow inflammation and gut health can block fat lossWhy sleep is a body change strategy—not a luxuryThe truth about muscle loss, body composition, and why the scale can lieWhy discipline is not deprivation—and what food freedom actually looks likeHow accountability and support create momentum that changes habits Key Takeaways:Body change is a systems issue. If you only focus on food or exercise without addressing hormones, stress, sleep, inflammation, and metabolism, you may stay stuck. Your nervous system affects your results. Fight-or-flight physiology can interfere with digestion, recovery, fat burning, and healing. Muscle matters more than you think. After 40, preserving and building active tissue is one of the biggest levers for changing body composition and aging well. Stop focusing only on weight. The scale doesn’t tell you whether you’ve lost muscle or gained fat. Body composition tells a different story. Replacement beats restriction. JJ shares why sustainable results come from working with your body, not fighting against it. A Powerful Reframe from This Episode:“If you loved the way you looked, would you care what the number was?” Mentioned in This Episode:3-Day Body Breakthrough ChallengeDate Your Body8-Week Body Reset (Beta)Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)The 7 Factors of Weight Loss ResistanceJJ’s 5-Day Food Focus Resources:Apply for the 8-Week Body Reset: jjflizanes.com/8week Free Feelings & Needs List: jjflizanes.com/feelingslist If This Episode Resonated…Share it with a woman who keeps saying, “Nothing works anymore.” And if you’re ready to stop guessing and start addressing the missing pieces, this episode is your invitation to begin.

    29 min

  5. APR 14

    Ep. 501: Small Changes That Can Transform Your Happiness

    In this powerful conversation, JJ Flizanes sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Nafisa Sekandari to explore the deeper truth behind anxiety, burnout, and what it really takes to create lasting happiness. This episode goes beyond surface-level solutions and dives into the root causes of emotional and physical imbalance, especially for high-achieving women navigating stress, hormonal shifts, and overwhelm. From Trauma to AwarenessDr. Nafisa shares her personal journey of immigrating to the United States from Afghanistan as a child, navigating trauma, and developing debilitating shyness and anxiety. Through intentional self-work—facing fears, studying psychology, and exploring holistic healing—she transformed her challenges into a framework that now helps others do the same. The Hidden Anxiety Behind High AchievementMany high-performing women don’t realize they are being driven by anxiety. Instead of presenting as dysfunction, anxiety often shows up as: OverachievementPerfectionismBurnout and chronic stressEmotional reactivity or overwhelm Dr. Nafisa emphasizes that true healing requires addressing the root cause, not just managing symptoms. The Happiness Project: Intentional Change, Month by MonthAfter experiencing a particularly “effortful” year, Dr. Nafisa launched the Happiness Project—a year-long experiment focused on creating more joy through small, consistent changes. Each month targets a different life area, including: Environment and energyRelationships and connectionParenting and personal growth The goal is not to ignore reality—but to focus on what you can control and become more intentional about how you live. You Can’t Heal What You Don’t FeelOne of the most important themes of this episode is emotional awareness. In a culture that avoids discomfort, many people: Suppress negative emotionsRush to “fix” feelingsLabel themselves as “dysregulated” instead of understanding the message Dr. Nafisa reframes this: Emotions are not the problem—they are signals.Healing begins when you allow emotions to surface, process them, and release their charge through awareness, expression, and integration. The Mind-Body Connection Is EverythingBoth JJ and Dr. Nafisa highlight how emotions directly impact physical health. Examples include: Anger → liver, tension, hormonal disruptionGrief → lungs, breathing issuesChronic stress → sleep disruption, anxiety, inflammation Ignoring emotional health can manifest physically, reinforcing the need for a holistic approach to healing. The Foundations of Real ChangeDr. Nafisa’s approach integrates five key areas: MindsetEmotional healthBehavior patternsPhysical health (nutrition, sleep, movement)Spiritual connection She emphasizes that lifestyle is the entry point for most people. Simple but powerful shifts include: Prioritizing quality sleepReducing caffeine and stabilizing blood sugarSupporting the body with nutrition and movementCreating consistent daily routines Happiness Isn’t Ignoring Reality—It’s Choosing Your FocusThis episode challenges the idea that focusing on happiness is naïve or dismissive. Instead, JJ and Dr. Nafisa reinforce: You cannot control the world—but you can control your responseYour emotional state influences your experience and outcomesBeing solution-focused creates more positive impact than staying problem-focused Key TakeawaysAnxiety often hides behind achievement and productivityEmotional suppression leads to deeper imbalanceSmall, consistent changes create long-term transformationYour body reflects your emotional stateTrue empowerment comes from awareness, alignment, and intentional living Resources & Next StepsDr. Nafisa offers: Mental Health Break PodcastThe Happiness Project communityA free program: Beginner’s Guide to Anxiety Management (use code “JJ”) Final ThoughtYou don’t need to control everything around you to feel better. You need to reconnect with yourself, process what’s real, and choose alignment—moment by moment. Connect with Dr. Nafisa Sekandari: Website: www.drsekandari.comHappiness Project: www.drsekandari.com/happiness-projectPodcast: Mental Health Break Podcast

    40 min

  6. APR 7

    Ep. 500: When Yoga Works and When It Doesn't

    In today’s episode, JJ breaks down a topic that confuses so many people—why yoga can feel amazing but still not deliver the body results you’re looking for. After 25+ years in the fitness and health industry, JJ shares the truth about exercise, body composition, and the biggest mistake people make when choosing how to move their bodies. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing all the right things… so why isn’t anything changing?”—this episode is for you. 🔑 What You’ll LearnWhy yoga can feel like a “magic fix” (and when it actually works)The real reason some people lose weight doing yoga—and others don’tThe difference between nervous system regulation vs. body transformationWhy most exercise routines fail to change body compositionHow your body adapts—and why that leads to plateausThe importance of choosing the right exercise for your specific goalWhy time spent exercising doesn’t always equal results 🧘‍♀️ Types of Yoga CoveredJJ breaks down the most common styles of yoga and what they’re actually good for, including: HathaVinyasaAshtangaPower YogaBikram / Hot YogaYinRestorativeKundaliniIyengarChair Yoga Each serves a purpose—but not all of them are designed for fat loss, muscle building, or metabolic change. ⚡ Key TakeawaysFeeling better ≠ changing your bodyYour body responds to stimulus, not preferenceMost people plateau because they don’t change the strategyYoga is powerful for stress relief, recovery, and nervous system balanceBut it is not a primary tool for body composition change 👉 “It’s not that your body isn’t working—it’s that you’re not giving it the right instructions.” 🔥 Ready to Break Through?If you’re tired of doing “all the right things” and not getting results… Join JJ for the 3-Day Body Breakthrough Challenge 📅 April 15–17 (replays available) You’ll uncover the 7 factors of weight loss resistance and finally understand: Why your body isn’t changingWhat to focus on insteadHow to move the needle—efficiently 👉 Join here: http://jjflizanes.com/3day 💬 Final ThoughtYoga has value. Movement has value. But results come from alignment between your goals and your strategy.

    27 min

  7. MAR 31

    Ep. 499: Truth about Cholesterol, Statins and Hormones

    What if everything you’ve been told about cholesterol, statins, and hormones isn’t the full picture? In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Elizabeth Plourde, who brings decades of research and firsthand experience inside the medical system. We explore how “normal” ranges have changed over time, why so many people are prescribed medications without deeper investigation, and what your body actually needs to function optimally. This episode is about empowerment—understanding your body, asking better questions, and not blindly outsourcing your health decisions. What We Cover🔹 The Cholesterol Conversation No One Is HavingWhy “healthy ranges” for cholesterol have shifted over timeThe role of cholesterol in hormone production and brain functionWhy lowering cholesterol may not always equal better health 🔹 Statins: What You Should KnowCommon side effects (including muscle pain and fatigue)Why many people are prescribed statins without full contextThe importance of understanding risks vs. benefits for YOU 🔹 Hormones: The Missing LinkWhy hormone decline impacts nearly every system in the bodyThe difference between synthetic vs. bioidentical hormonesHow hormone imbalance can affect mood, energy, bones, and more 🔹 The Bigger Problem with Modern MedicineWhy most people don’t question their doctors—and the risk of thatHow fear-based recommendations influence decision-makingThe importance of becoming your own health advocate Key TakeawaysYour body is not broken—it’s responding to imbalances“Normal” lab ranges don’t always mean optimal healthCholesterol is essential for hormone production and brain functionMedications are not always the root-cause solutionYou have more power than you think when you ask questions and explore options JJ’s PerspectiveThis episode is personal. After navigating my own health challenges and being pressured into solutions that didn’t feel aligned, I realized how important it is to trust yourself, get educated, and advocate for your body. Most people don’t realize how much pressure exists inside the medical system until they’re in it. You don’t have to accept the first answer you’re given. Resources MentionedLearn more about Dr. Plourde’s work on EMF and health: https://www.emffreedom.com/The Great Cholesterol Myth by Jonny Bowden & Stephen Sinatra EMF Freedom: Solutions for the 21st Century Pollution by Elizabeth PlourdeHysterectomy, Ovary Removal, and Hormone Replacement by Elizabeth Plourde CoQ10 for heart health and energy support Vision Alive Max (eye health support mentioned in episode) Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, it’s time to go deeper. Join me for the 14-Day Manifestation Challenge where we apply this same level of awareness and empowerment to your thoughts, emotions, and outcomes. 👉 http://jjflizanes.com/14day Final ThoughtHealing isn’t about blindly following instructions. It’s about becoming aware enough to choose what’s right for you.

    1h 8m

  8. MAR 24

    Ep. 498: Outgrowing the Life and Business That Made You Successful

    What happens when you’ve achieved everything you thought you wanted… and it still doesn’t feel right? In this powerful conversation, JJ Flizanes joins Allison Lane to unpack the hidden experience so many high-achieving women face—but rarely talk about: outgrowing the very life they worked so hard to build. From anxiety and burnout to the quiet feeling of “this can’t be it,” this episode dives into why success can start to feel empty—and what’s actually underneath it. Together, JJ and Allison explore the deeper emotional, psychological, and subconscious patterns that keep brilliant women stuck, invisible, or second-guessing their next move—even when they know they’re meant for more. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, restless, or unsure of your next chapter… this conversation will help you understand why—and what becomes possible when you finally listen to that inner call. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy high-achieving women often feel unfulfilled after reaching successThe difference between burnout vs. outgrowing your current lifeHow subconscious beliefs and core wounds drive overachievementWhy “mindset work” alone isn’t enough—and what actually creates changeThe hidden role of addiction to achievement, control, and validationSigns you’re repressing your true purpose (and how it shows up physically and emotionally)Why visibility feels so hard—and how fear of judgment keeps you playing smallThe truth about needing more certifications, degrees, or “permission”What happens when you finally align with your purpose, passion, and dharmaHow to move from confusion and stagnation into clarity, energy, and momentum 🚨 Key TakeawaysSuccess built on external validation or compensation will eventually feel emptyAnxiety, burnout, and even physical symptoms can be signs of misalignmentYou don’t need more credentials—you need clarity and alignmentYou are not for everyone—and hiding keeps the right people from finding youGrowth requires stepping through discomfort, not avoiding itWhen you align with your truth, life becomes lighter, more energized, and more supported 💡 JJ’s Core Insight“If you are hiding from the 10% who won’t like you, you’re also hiding from the people who need you most.”🌱 What Becomes PossibleWhen you stop ignoring that inner knowing and start listening: You feel lighter and more energizedYour nervous system begins to calmOpportunities and alignment start showing upYou gain clarity on your purpose and next stepsYou move from performing… to truly living your truth 🎯 InvitationIf this episode resonated with you, you are not alone—and you are not stuck. JJ and Allison are hosting a live masterclass to go deeper into this conversation: 👉 Why Brilliant Women Stay Invisible (and How to Step Into Your Next Level)📅 April 10 🔗 Register: jjflizanes.com/brilliantwomen 🎟️ Use the free VIP code JJFREE 💬 About the GuestAllison Lane helps accomplished women expand their visibility, authority, and impact—guiding them from industry experts to recognized thought leaders through books, media, and strategic positioning. 💫 About JJ FlizanesJJ Flizanes is an Empowerment Strategist, author, and podcast host who helps people heal emotional patterns, uncover core wounds, and align with their purpose to create lasting transformation. 🔊 Final ThoughtIf you’ve been quietly wondering, “Is this all there is?” That question isn’t a problem. It’s the beginning of your next evolution.

    48 min
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4.1
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

Women, Men & Relationships is a show focused on love, dating, relationships, passion, sex, sexuality, divorce, marriage, self confidence, passion, communication, couple's therapy, understanding men and women and self care.

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