In this episode, Annie and Jen tackle a topic that's often misunderstood: how much influence do you actually have over your weight? Spoiler: it's probably not as much (or as little) as you may think.

From their own teenage experiences chasing celebrity diets to unpacking the science of genetics, metabolism, and environment, they break down the difference between what you can control and what you can't. This conversation is packed with compassionate truth bombs, smart science, and—most importantly—realistic, empowering guidance for women who are tired of feeling like their bodies are a personal failure.

Whether you're someone who's been told "you just need more willpower" or you've been frustrated by slow (or no) results despite doing "everything right," this episode will help you zoom out, find your footing, and keep moving forward.

If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more.

• Why your weight is an outcome, not a behavior
• What twin and adoption studies reveal about the role of genetics
• What you can influence: habits, eating skills, and realistic routines
• Where GLP-1 medications fit into the conversation

"Should I be getting 10,000 steps a day?" It's a question we hear all the time and in today's episode, we're giving it the deep dive it deserves. Annie and Jen are cutting through the noise on this trendy number, sharing what the science actually says, and why this goal might be helpful for some and totally unhelpful for others.

You'll hear personal stories, science-backed insight, and most importantly, practical strategies to help you move more without guilt, perfectionism, or unrealistic standards.

If you've ever set a step goal and then felt like a failure for not hitting it, this one's for you.

If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more.

• Where the 10,000-step rule actually comes from (spoiler: it's not science)
• What research says about steps and health outcomes
• The best way to set a realistic, sustainable step goal
• How to reduce sedentary time without obsessing over numbers

Why are some countries healthier than others? Last week, we talked about how population health has more to do with chronic stress and less to do with diet or exercise. This week, we're taking that conversation further.

In this raw and honest episode, Annie and Jen unpack the ripple effects of political violence, broken systems, and societal instability—and how that stress shows up in our bodies, our behaviors, and our communities. From collective grief to lost trust, polarization to sleepless nights, the chronic stress so many of us feel is not imagined. It's real—and it's being produced at scale.

But you're not powerless. We talk about what individuals can do to protect their mental and physical health now and what it looks like to play the long game for lasting change. You don't have to do it all, but you can do something.

If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more.

• How chronic stress at a population level affects personal health
• Why dismissing your stress because "others have it worse" isn't helping
• Ways to preserve your well-being when systems feel unsafe
• Playing the long game: sustainable strategies for lasting change