Nutrition & Life

Welcome to a joyful and deeply honest episode of the Nutrition and Life podcast! Today, Lisa welcomes Broadway legend and wellness entrepreneur Brenda Braxton, a Tony-nominated performer and founder of Pause by B. Braxton, a movement and lifestyle brand empowering women to find joy and community through menopause and beyond.
Brenda opens up about her incredible journey from performing arts school in New York to starring in classics like Guys and Dolls, Dreamgirls, and Chicago. She candidly discusses how turning 50 sparked her to address the stigma and silence around menopause, leading to the creation of Pause: a joyful, supportive resource, subscription box, travel essentials, and even an upcoming cooking show, On Pause: Kitchen Conversations.
Listen in as Brenda shares practical travel tips for navigating menopause, the power of community and laughter, how she cultivates joy every day, and her vision of “Pause Lounges” in airports worldwide. This episode is a must-hear for anyone seeking inspiration, self-acceptance, and practical wisdom for vibrant living, no matter your stage of life!
Timestamp Overview:
[00:00] - Introduction & Brenda’s Early Career
[00:37] - Broadway Success & Tony Nomination
[01:26] - Turning 50: Facing Menopause & Life’s Transitions
[03:10] - The Birth of Pause by B. Braxton [04:04] - From Subscription Box to Hotel Amenities & Travel Shoes
[05:31] - On Pause: Kitchen Conversations—Bringing Couples into the Dialogue
[08:13] - Surprising Lessons from Partner Conversations on Menopause
[10:26] - Show Launch Info & Upcoming Episodes
[11:03] - Brenda’s Top Practical Menopause Travel Tips
[12:23] - Choosing Travel Comfort & Style
[15:51] - Dreaming Big: Pause Lounges in Airports
[17:40] - The Individual Journey: Embracing Change, Finding Joy
[20:23] - Brenda’s Practices for Cultivating Joy
[22:19] - Body Acceptance & Embracing Your Present Self
[24:16] - Favorite Kitchen Show Recipes: Nourishing Through Food
[26:03] - Brenda’s Final Encouragement: Build Community, Find Your Joy
Connect with Brenda Braxton:
Instagram: @pausebybbraxton_
Website: https://pausebybbraxton.com
Connect, Share & Subscribe: Love this conversation? Subscribe to the Nutrition and Life Podcast for more honest, uplifting wellness talks! Follow us and Brenda on Instagram for inspiration, updates, and support. Share your favorite takeaway from this episode and tag us @nutritioncoachingandlife or at https://nutritioncoachingandlife.com

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Nutrition and Life podcast! Today, host Lisa Franz is joined by esteemed oncology nutritionist Erin Pellegrin, a key figure at Unite for Her and a major contributor to the book "Heal, Empower, Restore." Erin opens up about her unique path from motorsports PR to cancer nutrition, her passion for making a difference in the lives of cancer patients, and how a philosophy of abundance, not restriction, guides her work supporting individuals through every stage of their cancer journey.
Together, Lisa Franz and Erin Pellegrin dive into practical cancer nutrition strategies for prevention, treatment, and survivorship, bust myths around “forbidden foods,” and share how simple, plant-forward changes in your kitchen can empower healing, joy, and long-term wellbeing. If you or a loved one is facing cancer, or if you simply want to uplevel your nutrition habits with science-backed, compassionate advice, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in for actionable advice, inspiration, and a sneak peek at the easy, delicious recipes included in "Heal, Empower, Restore."
Timestamp Overview:
00:00 - Introduction & Erin’s Inspiring Journey to Cancer Nutrition
00:48 - Shifting from PR to Dietetics: Making an Impact
02:06 - Personal Experience with Cancer Drives Career Direction
03:07 - Clinical & Community Oncology Nutrition: The Unite for Her Story
04:33 - Cancer Nutrition 101: Individualized, Evidence-Based Care
05:51 - The 3 Phases: Prevention, Treatment, Survivorship
09:00 - Choosing Abundance: Ditching Restriction, Focusing on More
10:02 - The Power of Plant-Forward Eating (and Flexible Approaches)
11:26 - Managing Side Effects & Gentle Food Prep in Treatment
12:21 - Daily Adjustments: “One Day at a Time” Nutrition
14:47 - Bringing the Abundance Mindset to Every Meal
16:24 - Practical Veggie Tips & Cooking Classes at Unite for Her
18:26 - Supporting Low Appetite & Oral Sensitivities
20:01 - Creative Prep: Soups, Smoothies & Simple Meals
22:33 - Easy Recipes, Cookbook Teasers & Culinary Support
24:34 - What to Bring: Helpful Meals for Loved Ones with Cancer
28:26 - Herbs & Spices: Small Additions, Big Antioxidant Benefits
30:01 - Cultural Cooking, Varied Flavors & Overcoming Fear
34:44 - Making New Habits Stick & Embracing Variety
35:02 - Upcoming: Cooking Classes, Community, and a New Project
36:14 - How to Join Unite for Her’s Virtual Cooking Classes
37:31 - Erin’s Athletic Journey & The Importance of Movement
39:13 - Wrapping Up: Resources, Thanks, and Next Steps
Connect & Learn More:
Unite for Her Cooking Classes & Resources:
Website: https://uniteforher.org/
Instagram: @unite4her Youtube: @UniteforHERnonprofit
Read "Heal, Empower, Restore": Get your copy and dive deeper into science-based, approachable cancer nutrition.
Connect, Share & Subscribe: Love this episode? Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social for updates, more expert guests, and Lisa’s latest news. Share your top takeaway on Instagram @nutritioncoachingandlife or visit https://nutritioncoachingandlife.com/ to join the community!

Welcome to a deep-dive, perspective-shifting episode of the Nutrition and life podcast! This week, host Lisa Franz welcomes intuitive coach and nervous system expert Therese Tucker, a coach whose integrative approach to nervous system regulation, self-trust, and spiritual growth is empowering clients to unlock a powerful sense of calm, clarity, and inner wisdom.
Lisa Franz and Therese Tucker explore how understanding and supporting your nervous system changes the way you handle stress, relationships, and even your own self-talk. You’ll discover practical tools to find immediate calm (that you probably already use subconsciously!), plus grounded spiritual perspectives to help you access greater metacognition, empathy, and lasting self-trust, without hours of meditation or quitting your job for a silent retreat.
This illuminating conversation will leave you with actionable tips and a refreshed sense of what it means to feel both safe and present in your own body. Ready to feel more centered, aware, and empowered? Let’s get started!
Timestamp Overview:
[00:00] - Welcome & Therese Tucker’s Background
[00:40] - Nervous System Coaching & Self-Trust
[02:03] - Impact of Pandemic & Not Feeling Safe in the Body
[02:43] - Stress, Sensory Overload, and Modern Life
[04:26] - Dopamine Overload and the Modern “Stack”
[06:41] - Metacognition and the Gift of Presence
[08:41] - Reframing Reality and Expanding Empathy
[12:23] - Practical Nervous System Tools: Vocal Toning
[16:44] - Why Screaming (and Groaning!) Are Built-In Regulators
[18:19] - Discreet Tools: Ear Tug Reset & Vagus Nerve Hack
[20:22] - Noticing Breath and Overcoming Avoidance
[22:35] - Brainspotting: The Power of Eye Positioning
[26:27] - Using Brainspotting for Sleep & Stress Relief
[28:12] - Reading the Body’s Messages Through Pain and Symptoms
[30:44] - Our Unique Capacity for Stress & Granting Yourself Grace
[31:34] - Evolution, Identity, and Embracing Change
[33:26] - The Power of Slowing Down for True Choice
[36:34] - Main Changes After Nervous System Regulation & Meta-Awareness
[40:59] - Where to Find Therese Tucker Online
Connect with Therese Tucker:
Instagram: @blythestarlight https://www.instagram.com/blythestarlight/
Website: blythestarlight.com
Connect, Share & Subscribe: Want more transformative conversations and real-life health tools? Subscribe for weekly episodes, inspiration, and community! Follow us and tag your key takeaways on Instagram @nutritioncoachingandlife, or connect via our website at nutritioncoachingandlife.com.
Feel the shift. Tune in, calm down, and thrive!

Welcome to an intimate, empowering episode of the Nutrition and Life podcast! Today, Lisa Franz dives into a rich conversation with Casey Hobbs—occupational therapist, sexual counselor, and founder of Boundless Pelvic Wellness. Together they break down the barriers around sexual health, pleasure, and pelvic wellness with relatable honesty and actionable insights for women at every stage of life.
Casey opens up about her journey from occupational therapy to guiding women through sexual self-care, shares the truth about low libido, and demystifies pelvic floor challenges for new moms and menopausal women alike. You’ll hear practical approaches for reigniting desire, handling painful sex, navigating hormonal changes, and creating connective rituals—plus why open communication is the real key to lasting intimacy. Whether you're postnatal, perimenopausal, feeling out of sync in your relationship, or just curious how sex can fit naturally and joyfully into your life—this episode is for you!
Tune in for supportive advice, candid stories, and a celebration of what it means to embrace your body and nurture your relationship—at any age.
Timestamp Overview:
[00:00] - Introduction & Why Sexual Health Matters
[00:39] - Casey’s Journey: From Occupational Therapy to Sex Counseling
[02:39] - Common Client Concerns: Low Libido, Sex After Baby, and Relationship Routines
[03:37] - The Role of Pelvic Health & Adapting After Birth
[04:41] - Unpacking Low Libido: What’s Really Going On
[06:22] - The “Battery” Analogy and Energy Conservation for Desire
[07:11] - Reconnecting: Habits, Cuddling, and Making Space for Intimacy
[08:05] - Managing Stress, Scheduling Sex, & the Reality of Busy Lives
[10:19] - Hormonal Health, Nutrition, and Impact on Libido
[12:26] - Addressing Painful Sex: What’s Normal, What’s Not
[14:17] - Tools, Touch, and Adaptation: Practical Help for Pain
[16:25] - Breaking Taboos: Books, Education, and Exploring Your Body
[18:38] - Navigating Menopause & Midlife Changes
[21:11] - Hormone Replacement Therapy & Sexual Wellness
[23:00] - Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Sex: Adjustments & Tips
[24:29] - Conversation Starters: Communication Hacks for Couples
[26:51] - “Accelerators” and “Brakes": What Turns You On (or Off)?
[27:27] - The Invisible Labor of Women and Intimacy Dynamics
[29:19] - Keeping Connection & Desire Alive As Life Changes
[31:02] - How to Give Feedback About Sex (The Compliment Sandwich!)
[32:57] - Date Nights, Flirting, and Reviving the “Dating Energy”
[34:15] - Self-Care, At-Home Rituals, and Feeling Good in Your Body
[35:05] - Why Healthy Living Boosts Sexual Wellness for All
[37:22] - The Power of Movement, Strength Training, and Pelvic Health
[37:54] - Where to Find Casey Online & Final Words
Connect with Casey Hobbs:
Instagram: @caseyhobbsboundlessot
Website: https://boundlesspelvicwellness.com
Connect, Share & Subscribe: Loved this episode? Subscribe to the podcast and stay up to date with more expert guests, fresh insights, and Lisa’s personal take on making nutrition and wellbeing part of a vibrant life. Share your biggest “aha” moment from today and tag us on Instagram @nutritioncoachingandlife or reach out via https://nutritioncoachingandlife.com for more resources and support.

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Nutrition and Life podcast! Host Lisa Franz sits down with Tina Vidal-Duart, pioneering healthcare executive and founder of Valera (soon to be Evita Wellness) to talk all things women’s health, functional medicine, and the power of putting yourself first.
Tina shares her journey from turning around struggling rural hospitals to addressing the overlooked needs of women in perimenopause and menopause, and reveals how personalized care changed her own health. This episode is packed with practical steps, relatable advice, and the gentle reminder that showing up for yourself is the most important investment you can make.
Tune in for wisdom, inspiration, and real-world strategies from two women passionate about helping you thrive!
Timestamp Overview:
[00:00] - Introduction & Tina’s Background
[01:10] - Gaps in Women’s Health & Start of Tina’s Wellness Mission
[02:00] - Common Symptoms and Seeking Answers
[03:00] - What Is Functional Precision Medicine?
[04:30] - Blood Work, Testing, & The Problem with “Normal” Lab Ranges
[06:30] - HRT, Peptides, and A Personalized Approach
[08:00] - Food Sensitivities, Inflammation, and Simple At-Home Tests
[10:20] - Sleep, Progesterone, and Real-Life Results
[12:20] - Exercise & Healthy Aging for Women
[13:00] - Women Powering Through, Guilt & The Need for Self-Care
[16:30] - Men’s Health, Gut Issues & Root Cause Solutions
[19:20] - Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
[22:00] - The Power of Taking Time for Yourself
[25:20] - Tina’s Wake-Up Call & Why Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable
[27:10] - The Power of Showing Up for Family & Community
[30:17] - Connect with Tina, Valera & Evita Wellness
Connect with Tina Vidal-Duart:
Instagram: @tinavidalduart
Website: tinavidalduart.com
Stay tuned for the launch of Evita Wellness—serving Florida, Georgia, Texas, and beyond!
Connect, Share & Subscribe: Love this episode? Make sure to subscribe and follow Lisa on Instagram @nutritioncoachingandlife or visit nutritioncoachingandlife.com for more. Share your favorite takeaway and tag us on social!