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

Why are some countries so much healthier than others? In this episode, Jen and Annie dig into what the world's healthiest countries have in common—and why the U.S. and Canada are falling behind. From food systems to walkability, paid leave to healthcare access, this episode connects the dots between policy, environment, and population health.

You'll learn why health isn't just about personal responsibility—and how creating supportive systems makes a huge difference in the daily habits that shape our lives. Jen breaks down data from the World Health Organization and the Global Burden of Disease Project to explain what's driving outcomes around the world. If you've ever felt like it's harder than it should be to be healthy in North America, this episode will show you why—and that you're not imagining it.

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.

• 6 shared traits of the world's healthiest countries
• Why food marketing, environment design, and labor policies matter more than willpower
• How chronic stress and inequality shape health outcomes
• What Canada and the U.S. are doing well—and where they're falling short

The 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines are out, and if your social feed exploded with hot takes, you're not alone. But how different are they really—and what do they actually mean for women trying to eat better, feel better, and make sustainable changes?

In this episode, Annie and Jen break down what changed, what didn't, and what's raising eyebrows. From protein recommendations and full-fat dairy to ultra-processed foods and a surprising shift in tone, they unpack the nuance behind the headlines—and why it matters. Whether you're already working on your nutrition or just curious about what the hype is about, this episode will help you filter out the noise and focus on what actually works in real life.

If you've ever felt confused by conflicting food advice, this episode is 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.

• The real purpose of the dietary guidelines—and what they actually influence
• Major changes to protein, full-fat dairy, and alcohol recommendations
• Why food morality and the "food as medicine" trend are problematic
• What this means for everyday women trying to eat better

What happens when you stop trying to "figure it out on your own" — and finally get support?

In this episode, Liz joins Annie and Jen to share her two-year journey inside Balance365, including losing over 40 pounds, building strength through heavy lifting, and learning how to navigate hunger, fullness, and disappointment without dieting. Liz opens up about what actually moved the needle for her: internal cues, mindset shifts, coaching accountability, and learning how to sit with discomfort instead of chasing quick fixes.

This conversation is especially powerful for women who believe they already "know what to do" — but struggle to implement it consistently. Liz's story shows what's possible when skills, support, and patience come together.

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 information alone isn't enough — and how coaching accelerates progress
• Learning the difference between fullness and satisfaction (and why it matters)
• How Liz handled weight fluctuations without spiraling
• What it looks like to transition from fat loss into maintenance with confidence

What do you do when making healthier nutrition choices feels... restrictive?

It's a moment many women know well: You're working toward a nutrition goal, feeling motivated and clear and then suddenly you're in front of the break room brownies, your partner's chips, or holiday desserts, and saying no feels wrong. Restrictive. Triggering, even.

In this final episode of 2025, Jen explores a powerful but often misunderstood thought: "This feels restrictive." She shares how this thought can quietly sabotage your goals, what's really going on when it shows up, and what to do about it.

You'll learn how to distinguish discomfort from restriction, meet your "inner rebel," and walk through challenging food choices without panicking, rebelling, or quitting. Jen also shares a relatable real-life nacho moment—and how she made a decision that honored her goals and her values.

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 "this feels restrictive" might be a sign of change—not a red flag
• The difference between restriction and discomfort (and why it matters)
• How to identify "hell yes" eating experiences vs. subpar ones
• What your inner rebel is trying to protect—and how to calm her

Balance365 turned 10 this year! And this isn't just another "year in review." It's a look back at an entire decade of building Balance365, from our very first $7 launch to growing a coaching company that's helped thousands of women break free from nutrition restrictions, weight obsession, all-or-nothing thinking, and perfectionism. In this episode, Annie and Jen share the real story of how Balance365 started, what almost made them quit, and the turning points that shaped their business (and personal lives) along the way.

You'll hear about business flops, co-founder breakups, chaotic growth spurts, massive mindset shifts, and why they've come to see "quiet impact" as the real definition of success. If you've ever wondered how it all began, or what's kept us going through 10 years of change, this episode is 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.

• The surprising (and chaotic) origin story of Balance365—and why it started with air miles
• Why 2019 nearly ended the business, and what changed everything
• The tension between chasing "scale" vs building something sustainable
• How personal growth, health crises, and life transitions shaped the business