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But first, Pivot.
But first, Pivot.
Author: Danielle Rancourt, RD
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© 2026 Pivot Nutrition Coaching
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I’m Dani Rancourt, registered dietitian, certified sports dietitian, and founder of Pivot Nutrition Coaching. In But First, Pivot, we cut through diet culture and break down what actually works for sustainable fat loss, better nutrition, and a healthier relationship with food. You’ll hear real client success stories, practical nutrition strategies, and honest conversations about mindset, metabolism, and long-term weight maintenance. If you’re tired of starting over every Monday and want a realistic approach to nutrition that actually fits your life — this podcast is for you.
103 Episodes
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Two pregnancy losses. A rare genetic condition. Open-heart surgery. IVF. And a journey to motherhood filled with heartbreak, difficult decisions, and hope.
In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Dani sits down with Arielle, a mom who has chosen to openly share her deeply personal story of loss, grief, and the journey to growing her family.
Through unimaginable heartbreak and challenges, Arielle and her husband faced decisions no parents ever expect to make. Today, she's a proud mom to her little boy and is expecting another baby boy in December!
In this emotional episode, we discuss:
Arielle's pregnancy losses and the difficult decisions she and her husband faced
Discovering a rare genetic condition and what it meant for future pregnancies
Undergoing open-heart surgery while hoping to become a mom
Choosing IVF and navigating genetic testing
Pregnancy after loss and the emotions of finally holding her baby
The beautiful tattoo honoring her two angel babies
How sharing her story has shaped her experience with grief and healing
Finding hope while continuing to honor the babies she lost
One of the most beautiful parts of Arielle's story is that becoming a mom and growing her family doesn't erase the love she has for her first two babies. Grief and joy can exist together. And there's no right or wrong way to grieve.
Whether you've experienced pregnancy loss, are navigating IVF, or are still hoping to grow your family, we hope Arielle's story reminds you that you're not alone. ❤️
Host:
Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Founder & CEO, Pivot Nutrition Coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/
Website: https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/
Previous Episode:
Missed our conversation about the science behind miscarriage, fertility, and pregnancy loss with a fertility dietitian? Check out the previous episode!
In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Dani welcomes back Registered Dietitian and fertility expert Anna Bohnengel, founder of Fertility Nutritionist, for an honest and educational conversation about miscarriage, infertility, and finding hope after loss.
Anna combines her professional expertise with her personal experience navigating infertility and pregnancy loss before welcoming her two boys.
In this episode, we discuss:
How common miscarriages really are and why they might happen
Chromosomal abnormalities and the common causes of pregnancy loss
The role of sperm health in fertility & healthy pregnancies
How nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements can support fertility
What you can actually control when it comes to reducing miscarriage risk
When to seek fertility testing or additional support
Coping with pregnancy loss, navigating pregnancy after miscarriage, and finding hope
If there's one thing we hope you take away from this conversation, it's that you can do everything right and still experience a miscarriage. You are not alone, and you deserve support.
Host:
Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Founder & CEO, Pivot Nutrition Coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/
Website: https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/
Guest:
Anna Bohnengel | Registered Dietitian & Fertility Nutritionist
Website: https://fertilitynutritionist.com/
Listen to Episode 12 (2022), Essentials for a Healthy Pregnancy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-12-5-essentials-for-a-healthy-pregnancy/id1642391661?i=1000586756728
“I don't even recognize him anymore.”
That's what Sam said looking at a photo of himself from just one year ago.
When Sam came to Pivot, he was 33 years old, just under 300 pounds, on three blood pressure medications, prediabetic, and had been trying to lose weight for more than 10 years. His biggest fear? “Failure to the point that quitting is easier.”
As a pilot, Sam travels frequently for work, eats on the road, loves going out to eat, enjoys beer, and considers himself and his wife foodies. He didn't need another restrictive diet. He needed to learn how to lose weight without giving up the life he actually enjoyed.
One year later, Sam is more than 60 pounds down and this time, he doesn't feel like he's just “visiting” a lower weight.
In this episode, Dani sits down with Sam and Pivot dietitian, Coach Samantha, to talk about what finally made this time different. They discuss navigating restaurants and work travel, breaking the all-or-nothing mentality, learning portion sizes, enjoying fun foods without guilt, and building the skills to maintain his results long-term.
Sam sums up his biggest lesson perfectly: “Everything has its place in the diet, but that place doesn't have to be every day.”
For all the men, dads, and grandpas who have spent years trying to figure it out on their own...it's okay to ask for help!
Host:
Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Founder, CEO & Lead Dietitian, Pivot Nutrition Coaching
Connect with Dani:
https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/
https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/
Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD - Pivot Dietitian Coach
Connect with Sam:
https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_samferg/
100 episodes AND four years of But First, Pivot!
For this milestone episode, Dani is joined by fellow Pivot dietitian Sam to answer YOUR questions, and nothing was off limits.
How do we really feel about weight loss medications?
WTF is happening during perimenopause?
Is cortisol actually making you gain belly fat?
Should you take creatine?
Are Perfect Bars actually a good source of protein?
What do dietitians buy at the grocery store?
Should you eat after 7PM?
We also answer questions about pregnancy, supplements, sweet cravings, protein powders, energy drinks, strength training, weight loss after 60, AND the celebrity we would want to have on the podcast!
Thank you for listening, submitting your questions, and being here for 100 episodes.
Here’s to the next 100!
Host:
Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Founder, CEO & Lead Dietitian, Pivot Nutrition Coaching
Connect with Dani:
https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/
https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/
Co-Host:
Samantha Ferguson, MS, RD
Connect with Sam:
https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_samferg/
Ever wonder what the secret to success is?
In this episode, Dani sits down with Team USA hockey legend Monique Lamoureux-Morando, a six-time world champion, three-time Olympian, Olympic gold medalist, mom of four, and successful realtor, to talk about the mindset that helped her reach the highest level in sports and how she continues to apply it to her life today.
In this episode, we discuss:
The transition from professional athlete to retirement and finding a new purpose
Working out before 5AM
How long it really takes to see the payoff from your efforts
How Monique has carried her athlete mindset into motherhood and real estate
Raising four kids while prioritizing fitness, health, and a career
Monique's advice for parents raising kids in sports
If you've ever felt frustrated because you're putting in the work but aren't seeing results fast enough, this episode is your reminder that anything worthwhile takes time. The secret is to keep showing up, especially when you don't feel like it.
Host:
Danielle Rancourt, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Founder, CEO & Lead Dietitian, Pivot Nutrition Coaching
Connect with Dani:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_the_rd/
Website: https://pivotnutritioncoaching.com/
Guest:
Monique Lamoureux-Morando
Connect with Monique:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquelam7/
Website: https://onereal.com/monique-lamoureux




