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The Sizzle Lean Show

Author: Karen Dougherty

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Open discussion about anything Health and Wellness
44 Episodes
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In this episode, we dive into the world of health and wellness during the holiday season. From trending fitness gifts like trackers and weight vests to the attitudes we carry about food, exercise, and celebration, we explore how to stay active without falling into guilt or extremes. This conversation is all about balance, moving your body because it feels good, enjoying holiday traditions without punishment, and remembering that wellness is meant to enhance life, not restrict it. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your wish list or simply need a reminder to give yourself grace this season, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace joy, movement, and moderation.
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also stir up deep emotions.Grief, anxiety, and depression often surface this time of year, and old patterns with food or alcohol may creep back in during moments of stress or loneliness.In this honest and compassionate episode, Karen and Steve open up about the emotional weight many people carry during the holiday season. Together, they explore how movement and nutrition can offer relief, resilience, and healing. From seasonal depression to holiday grief, from anxiety to recovery, this conversation offers empathy, insight, and practical tools. Whether you’re navigating loss, feeling disconnected, or simply trying to stay grounded, this episode is a gentle reminder:You’re not alone. And your body can be part of your healing.
What do adults over 50 really want to know about fitness, movement, and recovery? In this episode, Karen teams up with Steve to answer 20 of the most Googled and AI-asked fitness questions, from mobility myths to strength training fears. Some questions surprised us; some made us laugh.  This episode includes practical insights and heartfelt encouragement. Because here at the Sizzle Lean Show....there’s truly NO such thing as a stupid question! 
In this conversation with Steve, we explore why mobility work is often the missing link in sustainable health. While intense training has its place, it’s not the only path to wellness, and for many, it’s not the safest starting point. We unpack how mobility exercises can be enough to stay strong, pain-free, and resilient, especially for those navigating midlife and beyond. Movement is necessary. Injury is optional.
This week, I’m sharing something deeply personal and powerful, my recent trip to Colorado, where I had the honor of participating in a traditional Native American sweat lodge. With all the buzz around saunas, cold plunges, and red-light therapy, I wanted to explore what it means to return to something ancient, sacred, and rooted in community and healing. This isn’t about trends, it’s about transformation. Join me as I reflect on the experience, the people, and the unexpected spiritual reset that came with it.
I had the best time sitting down with Emily for her second visit with us to podcast land. This time the three of us laughed, swapped stories, and caught up on all things Emily, including her big move from Virginia to California. We talked about the chaos of cross-country relocation, the struggle to find decent protein, healthy food, and the emotional rollercoaster of starting fresh in a new place. We also dive into how fitness isn’t just about movement, it’s a way to make friends, build community, and get out of your own head when life feels heavy.  Emily’s journey is full of grit, grace, and some good humor.  From coast-to-coast transitions to gym-floor friendships, this episode is a reminder that fitness isn’t just physical, it can be a source of connection.
In this re-recorded episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and nutrition powerhouse Sheridan to explore the fascinating world of the blood type diet, what it is, where it came from, and how it might help us eat in harmony with our biology. We dive into the history of blood types, the curious case of RH-negative (which I happen to be), and the ways food can support our unique makeup. And because no conversation with Sheri is ever one-dimensional, we also touch on farming, food sovereignty, and the kind of wisdom that comes from getting your hands dirty. Bonus: Steve stuck around and added his signature flavor with theories on aliens and ancestral origins. It’s a wild, grounded, and deeply nourishing ride.
I sit down with one of my very first CrossFit coaches Alyssa Sheeran, a powerhouse of compassion, grit, and wisdom. She’s not only a phenomenal fitness coach but also a middle school guidance counselor who brings movement, mindset, and emotional resilience into the lives of the teens she supports. We talk about our shared love of CrossFit, the lessons it taught us, and how Alyssa uses those same principles—discipline, strength, and community—to help young people navigate some of their darkest moments. A moment in our conversation stopped me in my tracks: Alyssa shared how some girls come to her wanting to hurt themselves, and how she gently reminds them that movement (like 50 pushups), as a way to channel that pain into power. As someone in Recovery, I understood this deeply. "The hurt theory". The need to feel something. And the healing that can come when we choose movement over destruction. This episode is raw, real, and full of heart. Alyssa reminds us that coaching isn’t just about reps and sets, it’s about showing up for people when they need it most. I’m honored to share this space with her.
She’s trained champions, tamed wolves, and shaped my journey to 1st place—meet the one and only Kasha Winston. I had the honor of sitting down with my own bodybuilding coach, Kasha Winston—a fierce, brilliant trainer whose impact on my life and career is immeasurable. She’s not only a decorated athlete and coach with countless wins under her belt, but also an equestrian, animal trainer (yes, even wolves in Ely, Minnesota!) Her spirit defies limits. Her accolades are endless, and so is she. This conversation dives deep into grit, grace, and the kind of wisdom you only earn by living boldly. Help me celebrate this extraordinary woman. Share it with anyone who needs a reminder that strength comes in many forms, and that legends don’t always wear capes!! (She probably has one!!) lol!
“The internet loves to talk fitness trends—but being in the industry, I see what’s actually gaining traction. Pilates Reformer Boutique Studios and Weighted Vests are definitely leading the charge, blending strength with intention. Mental health is finally front and center, and Steve and I get up close and personal with our own stories, while tech is catching up as well on this subject.  AI-driven fitness plans, wellness apps, and nature-based movement are making it easier than ever to train both body and mind. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-on shift. And I’m here for it.”
In this high-energy episode. I sit down with fitness influencer and Celebrity Trainer Nicole Greco Peepas, who’s built a vibrant online community of over 16,000 followers (me included) ...And the Bro Brand (Building Relationships Organically)!  Nicole brings the laughs, the real talk, and the movement magic as we dive into: • Her tips on how to get women moving (even on the busiest days) • How she blends humor, motivation, and authenticity in her fitness content • The power of showing up consistently, even when life gets messy • Her Italian heritage and Jersey roots—and why that pride runs deep • Her journey building a brand that’s equal parts strong and relatable Nicole’s approach is all about making fitness fun, accessible, and empowering. Whether you’re just starting out or need a fresh dose of inspiration, this episode will light a fire under your sneakers. Follow Nicole on Instagram @nicolegrecopeepas for daily fitness tips, motivation, and a whole lot of laughs and sass!!
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague Leeor Kelly of Leeor Kelly Fit (@leeorkellyfit)—an advocate for mindful movement and nourishing mindsets. We dive into OUR journey through Pilates Reformer School, the lessons she’s learned, and the real talk around food, body image, and the inner dialogue so many of us wrestle with. Leeor brings vulnerability, wisdom, and a refreshing honesty to the conversation, especially when it comes to shifting away from shame-based narratives around eating. If you’ve ever struggled with negative self-talk or felt stuck in the “shoulds” of wellness, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and a reminder that healing starts with compassion—for our bodies and our minds.
In this laid-back episode, it’s just me and Steve reflecting on the journey so far—no big revelations, just a relaxed conversation about the guests we’ve had, the episodes that stood out, and what it’s been like behind the scenes. It’s a chance to pause, appreciate the process, and share a few thoughts on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. If you’ve been following along, this one’s a quiet nod to the road we’ve traveled.
In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Alexis, a courageous mother of two, we unpack her journey through postpartum depression, with two very different pregnancy experiences. Alexis opens up about the emotional challenges she faced after both a natural birth and a C-section, sharing how fitness became a lifeline for her mental and physical recovery. From overcoming isolation to rebuilding self-worth through movement, Alexis sheds light on the realities many women face but few talk about. If you or someone you love is navigating motherhood, this conversation offers hope, strength, and actionable insight.
Hey friends, just a quick heads-up! We had a tech hiccup during this recording and unfortunately, the first 20 minutes didn’t make it through. Classic podcast gremlins   Luckily, we hit our stride right after and there’s plenty of gold in this conversation. Thank you for being so patient and supportive—we always aim to deliver the best, and even when tech fails us, the heart of the story still shines and Ill get to have Sheri AGAIN.”  In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with nutrition expert Sheridan G. to explore the ins and outs of the blood type diet. From the science behind personalized eating to the myths that swirl around it, we unpack how your blood type might influence your energy, digestion, and weight loss goals. We also touch on the vibrational theory of food—the idea that what we eat carries energetic frequencies that can impact not only the foods nutritional value, but our mood, vitality, and even spiritual clarity. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already a believer, this convo offers food for thought—and maybe a new reason to rethink your breakfast.
I open up about my honest, PG journey through addiction and recovery, sharing how I found the courage to face my truth and begin rebuilding trust in myself and with others. It hasn’t been easy, and I don’t sugarcoat the challenges, but I also share the hope I’ve found along the way and the small steps that led to big transformations in my life. This episode is for anyone who feels alone in their struggles, for anyone who wonders if change is possible, and for those who need a reminder that healing doesn’t happen overnight but is worth every bit of effort. My story is told with compassion and gentle honesty, and I hope it inspires you to keep going, to believe in your worth, and to know that recovery and a life you love are possible, one day at a time.
In this episode, I sit down with Marcha—an elite CrossFit competitor who's battled her way to the Games and carved out a bold presence as a gym owner in the Netherlands. It’s my first international interview, and it couldn’t have been more exciting for me! We dive into the grit behind competitive training, the challenges and triumphs of building a fitness business, and the unwavering commitment it takes to live with strength and purpose. Marcha opens up about her journey, offers powerful advice for athletes and entrepreneurs alike, and even shares a few insights on Hyrox along the way. If you’re looking for a dose of motivation wrapped in global perspective, this episode is it. Tune in—you’ll walk away feeling fired up, informed, and ready to take on your own goals. @grannyfromtheblock 
Get ready for a full-circle moment that hits home for me. I’m sitting down with Lori Patterson—Army vet, creator of the wildly successful Bootcamp Challenge, former global WIFA ambassador, and all-around powerhouse. She was my public speaking instructor years ago, and now we’re sharing the mic! We’ll talk about building bold businesses, coaching with heart, and the lessons that help women show up stronger—in fitness and life. I have so much love and admiration for Lori, and I can’t wait for you to hear why. Website is bootcamp-challenge.com  
We’re diving back in with the one and only Stephanie Rofkhar because one episode just wasn’t enough! This time, we’re unpacking all things peptides: what they are, how they work, and why they might just be your secret weapon for muscle building, fat loss… and yes, maybe even replacing Botox! Plus, we kick things off by celebrating her BIG NPC Bodybuilding Win. This one’s full of gems, science, and lots of information Stephanie. Bring a pen and paper!
Tammi Saunders takes us inside the CrossFit Games, sharing firsthand what it’s really like—the atmosphere, the athletes, and the energy that fuels the competition. She answers some of my favorite fun fact questions: Where do you stay? What are the other athletes like? How do they eat and train for peak performance? Beyond the incredible insight, this conversation holds a special place for me personally. I have such a deep admiration for Tammi—her strength, dedication, and authenticity shine through in everything she does. Her work with The Barbell Saves Project is top notch.  I truly hope this is just the beginning of many more conversations as our careers continue to evolve and inspire others! 
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