The Balanced Life

By Robin Long

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Subscribers: 106
Reviews: 2


 Apr 6, 2022

Angie
 Feb 15, 2021
love this podcast! it is so encouraging and supportive. I think Robin has a really relaxing voice to listen to as well. I feel inspired, positive, and motivated after listening. thank you Robin!

Description

Robin Long, Pilates instructor and founder of The Balanced Life hosts a place for honest conversations on health, wellness, self-care, work/life balance, and everything in between. We’ll cover it all and provide inspiration, resources, and practical tips to help you create your own uniquely balanced life and become the healthiest version of yourself inside and out.

Episode Date
93: 5 Tips to Embrace a Progress Over Perfection Approach in All Areas of Life
38:08

Here at Lindywell, we strive for a progress over perfection approach because it is the best way to create lasting change. When starting a new wellness routine, it can be easy to take on the go big or go home mindset. However, studies have shown that small, incremental changes are the key to building long-term success. 

Listen to this episode to learn how to incorporate a progress over perfection approach and why it is so important to achieving lifetime wellness.

Resources & People Mentioned

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

Mar 22, 2023
92: The Missing Ingredient in Your Wellness Routine, Kiesha Yokers
01:04:56

Today, Kiesha, Head of Breathwork and Somatic Programs at Lindywell, and I are taking a deep dive into incorporating breathwork into our wellness routines to reset our nervous systems into the parasympathetic state so that we can truly relax and rest our bodies. 

By the end of this episode, you may be so connected with your breath that you’ll already feel the calm enveloping you. If you are ready to harness the power of your nervous system and access your inner calm you can’t miss this episode.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • The power of the nervous system [8:22]
  • Accessing the slowness in your life [13:24]
  • The definition of dissociation [19:38]
  • Getting back to calm from fight or flight [23:44]
  • Our next Pilates and breathwork challenge [31:00]
  • If breathwork is woo-woo? [39:50]
  • If breathwork is new [44:47]
  • Understanding why breathwork can be intimidating [48:28]
  • The primary benefits of breathwork [53:00]
  • How to get started implementing a breathwork routine [54:50]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Kiesha Yokers

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

 

Mar 08, 2023
91: The role of flexibility in our lives with Lindy Royer
01:19:54

Lindy Royer is my mentor and friend. She helped me begin my Pilates journey years ago. Lindy was the one who inspired me to become an instructor and then took a chance on me by hiring me for my first instructor role in her studio. 

As a seasoned Pilates instructor and physical therapist, Lindy brings a wealth of experience to this conversation. This is why she’s helping answer several questions from our members. 

In this episode, we discuss the role of flexibility in our lives, the best exercises for the lower back, and how to age well. You won’t want to miss out on hearing directly from Lindy’s expertise. Press play to listen.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Lindy Royer

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Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

Feb 22, 2023
90: Abs, Core, and Pelvic Floor: What You Need to Know to See Progress
31:22

There is so much misinformation about the abs, core, and the pelvic floor that people harbor many misconceptions about these areas. At the same time, the midsection is one of the most unloved parts of people’s bodies. People come to me all the time seeking ways to tone and slim down their midsection.

In today’s episode of The Balanced Life podcast, I’ll clear up common misconceptions about abs, core, and the pelvic floor, you’ll learn the muscle groups that make up your core, what to do to tone your midsection, and what you can do about pelvic floor issues like pain and incontinence. 

So many people have been waiting for an episode on this subject, so don’t hesitate to click play and share with a friend.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • How to increase strength in the midsection [3:32]
  • Understanding abdominal separation [7:22]
  • How to flatten your belly [14:35]
  • The pelvic floor [22:33]

Resources & People Mentioned

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Feb 08, 2023
89: How to help our kids cultivate a healthy relationship with food with Rachel Rothman [Part 2]
36:10

Navigating family mealtimes can be stressful. Everyone has their own ideas of what they want to eat. Kids can be selective, and families are often frazzled by the end of the day when dinner rolls around. 

Rachel Rothman helps families have less stress at mealtimes. She uses her extensive experience as a registered dietitian to work with families to alleviate food worries. Rachel and I had such an illuminating conversation that we had to split it into two parts. This is the second part of our insightful discussion. Join us to learn how to work through mealtime battles, how to handle teen food issues, how to approach vitamin deficiencies, and the answers to many more questions. 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • How to work through mealtime battles [1:22]
  • How to navigate eating well in the teenage years [8:06]
  • What to do when kids fully refuse to eat or throw a fit [12:45]
  • How to expand kids’ palates [15:50]
  • How to approach vitamin deficiencies in selective eaters [21:51]
  • Teen body issues [23:48]
  • Rachel’s favorite snack options [26:19]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rachel Rothman

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

 

Jan 25, 2023
88: How to help our kids cultivate a healthy relationship with food with Rachel Rothman
41:51

We all want to help our kids cultivate a healthy relationship with food, but this can be easier said than done. Many of us are still repairing our own negative relationship with food. Add in changing nutrition data, emotional elements, and comments and advice from family and friends and this topic can become a minefield. 

To help us navigate this difficult, complex topic I’ve invited Rachel Rothman to share her expertise. Rachel is a registered dietitian and childhood nutrition expert with a background in food science. 

Our conversation isn’t solely focused on what to feed your kids (although we do touch on that), it encompasses navigating the challenges and stresses regarding picky eaters, mealtimes, and sugary snacks and desserts.

Since it is such an expansive topic, we split the episode into two parts so that you can take time to reflect on what you learn. Make sure that you’re subscribed to the podcast so that you’ll know when the next episode publishes. 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • What led her to do what she is doing today [5:22]
  • What is a food scientist [8:38]
  • How to talk about food with kids to cultivate a healthy relationship [11:40]
  • How to deal with the sweets and treats [19:20]
  • Dinnertime questions [28:34]
  • Do you have to finish dinner if you want dessert? [36:00]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Rachel Rothman

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

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Jan 11, 2023
87: How to make goal setting work for you
23:13

As we wrap up another year around the sun, many of us become reflective of the year that has passed while also looking forward to what lies ahead. 

Setting goals may be something that you are intuitively drawn to, or maybe it’s something that has you running the other way. Regardless of how you feel about goal setting, I encourage you to have a listen to see if you glean any actionable tips. 

In this episode, you’ll learn how to achieve a thriving mindset, how to set goals for each part of your life, how to break goals down into actionable steps, and how to keep your goals realistic and achievable. If you walk away with even one tip on how to make goal setting work for you then this episode will be a success. 

Resources & People Mentioned

Follow Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

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Dec 28, 2022
86: Redefining happiness with Stephanie Harrison
47:12

So many of us are on the happiness treadmill. We believe we’ll be happy once we achieve our next goal since the traditional way of thinking about happiness is wrapped up in our accomplishments. This means we don’t make room for happiness while we’re on the journey of life or we get caught up in the day-to-day whirlwind of feelings and emotions.

Stephanie Harrison from The New Happy has made it her life’s work to study the science of happiness and has created a new science-backed philosophy of happiness. Today she’ll share the difference between the emotion of happiness and creating a truly happy life, how caregivers can achieve happiness for themselves, and how she redefined happiness. This episode hit me at the right moment and I’m sure it will do the same for you. Press play to begin to reconsider your thoughts on happiness. 

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Stephanie Harrison

Follow Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life
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Dec 14, 2022
85: 5 moments from The Balanced Life podcast that opened my mind
40:32

The Balanced Life podcast is a place for honest conversations on health, wellness, self-care, work/life balance, and everything in between. My goal is to provide inspiration, resources, and practical tips to help you create a balanced life and become the healthiest version of yourself both inside and out.

Today we have a special episode that spans 5 conversations that I have had on the podcast throughout the years that have opened my mind and led me to improve my health, understand my body and mind on a deeper level, or live with more intention and gratitude.

This power-packed episode has fantastic tips and insights that will help you become the healthiest version of yourself. 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • Recognizing where we feel emotions [1:22]
  • How our thinking habits impact our lives every day [4:10]
  • Understanding adrenal fatigue [9:51]
  • What happens when we experience pain [23:25]
  • Leaning into different seasons of parenting [35:36]

Resources & People Mentioned

  • Episode 79 - Using breathwork as a path to wellness with Kiesha Yokers
  • Episode 74 - Are your habits helping or hurting you? with Sandra Chuma
  • Episode 71 - The Hidden Hormone Epidemic: A conversation with Dr. Aviva Romm 
  • Episode 66 - The Healing and Restorative Power of Pilates with Lindy Royer
  • Episode 16 - Dorena Williamson: leaning into seasons of change, pursuing solitude, and always learning

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

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Nov 30, 2022
84: Creating community around the dinner table with Christine Bailey
46:12

You may have heard about the benefits of having a family meal time, but the reality of living in the modern world can make it a challenge to create that space.

Mealtimes are not only for nourishing our bodies, but they are also times to cultivate connections with family and friends. On this episode of The Balanced Life, Christine Bailey joins me to discuss tips to help you slow down periodically to create a special time to enjoy family and friends around the table

Christine Bailey is a writer, social entrepreneur, and regenerative farmer who cultivates a life of nourishment and community and inspires others to do the same. Listen to our conversation as we chat about her journey to farming life, building connections around meals, and the transformation that takes place when people consciously slow down to eat together.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • Christine's journey from the music industry to the farm table [1:22]
  • How Christine is involved with Lindywell [7:53]
  • Creating meaningful family meal times [13:00]
  • The communal experience of Kindred dinners [22:08]
  • How people transform when they slow down to eat together [24:39]
  • Fun rapid-fire questions [34:48]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Christine Bailey

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

Nov 16, 2022
83: How 30 days of gratitude can change your life
11:17

Many people choose the month of November to reflect on all that they are thankful for, but practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to one month per year. 

In this episode, you’ll hear how evidence shows that a regular gratitude practice has an impact on your brain, health, and well-being. And make sure to listen until the end to hear easy ways to develop a daily gratitude practice.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • What happened when I decided to focus on gratitude every day for 30 days [2:12]
  • What studies on gratitude reveal [3:25]
  • Joining me for 30 days of intentional gratitude [7:35]

Resources & People Mentioned

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

Nov 02, 2022
82: The connection between our moods and food with Micah Siva, R.D.
01:03:56

Have you ever felt hangry? Do you notice when your moods fluctuate throughout the day? Food might have something to do with it. There is often a connection between food and our moods and this episode of The Balanced Life podcast will help you improve that connection.

Registered dietician (RD), Micah Siva, joins me today to discuss how food can help you boost your mood. Micah is one of the primary dieticians who works to create the RD-approved recipes found in the Lindywell membership. Micah helps us nourish our bodies in realistic, practical, delicious ways. 

In this episode, we’ll discuss what led her to start her career in nutrition, how foods affect our moods, the best foods for brain health, and which foods can improve inflammation. Make sure to stick around until the end to hear which kitchen tools Micah thinks are the best to have for the at-home cook. 

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Micah Siva, R.D.

Follow Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Oct 19, 2022
81: The power of routines
17:59

Whether we acknowledge it or not, routines hold power over many aspects of our life. If you are not a fan of routines you may feel tempted to skip this episode, but I encourage you to listen. If you enjoy creating and optimizing your routines, then you’re probably already listening.

This episode is designed to help you take a closer look at your routines, both intentional and unintentional. By the end, you’ll understand why what you do each day matters. Your routines affect how you feel, your relationships, your health, and even how successful you are. Press play now to hear how routines can change your life. 

Resources & People Mentioned

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Subscribe to The Balanced Life

Oct 05, 2022
80: Practical tools to help you successfully navigate transitions with Elisabeth Callahan, LCSW
42:33

Life is a series of transitions. Some are more welcome than others, but whether they are expected or not, it is important to be able to make the most of life’s transitions and learn how to navigate them. 

You may be familiar with our guest today; Elisabeth Callahan was the community coordinator here at Lindywell who left our team to start her private therapy practice. 

Elisabeth is here to share practical tools to help us navigate the transitions we face, both welcome and unwelcome. Life is full of transitions, so listen to this interview to ensure that you are well prepared for the next transition that is thrown your way. 

Connect with Elisabeth Callahan, LCSW

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Sep 21, 2022
79: Using breathwork as a path to wellness with Kiesha Yokers
47:00

Using your breath can be a powerful wellness tool whose benefits have been backed by scientific research. This free, easily accessible tool can be used by anyone at any time to help regulate emotion and bring a sense of well-being to your life. Breath is at the core of Pilates and can be used for wellness both on the mat and off. 

Our guest today is breathwork coach, Kiesha Yokers. Kiesha is passionate about breathwork and education and is striving to bring the gift of breathwork as a path to wellness to as many people as she can. 

Check out this episode to hear all the ways you can benefit from using breathwork as a wellness tool. Make sure to listen until the end to hear a few breathing techniques that you (and your kids) can use right now to help you relax and enter rest and digest mode. 

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Kiesha Yokers

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell

Sep 07, 2022
78: How to use breath as a tool for growth and change
26:21

Do you understand the importance and power of your breath? In Pilates, we focus on breathing intentionally, but do you know how important proper breathing is in your everyday life? 

You may be surprised to discover that something as simple as breathing can be used as a tool to impact both your physical and mental health. 

In this episode of The Balanced Life, you’ll learn just how important the breath is and how proper breathing can change your body and life. If you are interested in a simple, free way to impact your health you won’t want to miss this episode.

Resources & People Mentioned

Follow Lindywell

Join Lindywell


Subscribe to The Balanced Life Podcast

Aug 24, 2022
77: How to Simplify Your Routines and Stress Less
21:04

If you’re like most people, having stress in your life is inevitable. If you’re dealing with stress right now, know that you’re not alone, and with everything that we have been through as a society these past couple years, how can we be surprised if we are experiencing stress? 

As a listener of The Balanced Life, you know that Robin has been working very intentionally over the past year to not only reduce stress in her own life, but also to figure out how to effectively manage it. In today’s episode, we are going to dive into a practical and helpful framework that Robin uses called “The 3 D’s” – which is Do, Delegate and Delete. With this framework, the goal is to simplify our routines in order to help reduce unnecessary stress in our lives, and by doing this, it can really reduce our overall load, day-to-day. 

We hope this episode will encourage you to take some time to pause and reflect, and to think about the things that you really want to do and be spending your time on, and the framework Robin shares will help you do just that. 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • Some stress is actually shown to be good for you, but being in a constant state of chronic stress is a recipe for disaster and will negatively impact your health

  • Robin reveals the “3 D’s” framework and how she, her team, and friends use it to simplify more and stress less

  • Some examples of what’s on Robin’s “Do” list and why she is prioritizing these things in this season of her life

  • How she thinks of delegation, and the first things that comes to mind when she’s looking to take things off of her plate

  • Asking for help is not only beneficial to you, but also to the people that you are asking for help 

  • You may be able to delete things from your life that may have once been important in a different season, because little things deleted now can equal big results and more time back in your day 

Links in this episode:

Try Lindywell free for 14 days!

Follow Lindywell on Instagram @wearelindywell 

Get Pilates workouts, tips, and resources delivered straight to your inbox! 

73: The power of routines + creating a healthy home with Clean Mama

50: Simple Ways to Declutter and Reduce Stress

Amy McCready’s Website

Instacart 

 

Aug 10, 2022
76: Behind the scenes of our exciting new chapter
20:49

An exciting new chapter is here, and Robin and Matt are excited to bring you along today to share all the details!

Today’s episode is a special behind-the-scenes look at our recent company rebrand to Lindywell. You’ll hear their thoughts on why this change was necessary, the excitement (and some nervousness) that came along with it, and Robin’s hope for members of the community moving forward.

You’ll also learn the personal and special meaning behind the name Lindywell, and how this change provided us an opportunity to look at everything we were doing in the business.

Tag us on our new Instagram, @wearelindywell, and let us know what you think of our new name, rebrand and what we discussed in this episode! We want to hear from you and cheer you on, and if you haven’t already, we’d be so grateful if you rated, reviewed and subscribed to our podcast to help us spread our message and continue to do the work we do here!

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • Why this rebrand is happening now

  • The reasons that the rebrand is more a “doubling down” of what we are versus a complete change

  • The story being the name Lindywell, and why it lands with Robin so much on a personal level

  • How this is so much more than just a name change, and the ways in which it will be an upgraded experience for members

  • Why evolution is necessary (and can be really good for us!)

Links in this episode:

Try Lindywell free for 14 days! 

Follow Lindywell on Instagram

Get Pilates workouts, tips, and resources delivered straight to your inbox!

Jul 19, 2022
75: The Life-Changing Benefits of Play with Kaita, Becca + Sheri
50:49

Today’s episode is fun, playful, and one that will boost your mood! Every month in our membership community we dive deep into one area of wellness that takes place off the mat, and every July we focus on play. However, in today’s busy world, how do we make time for play, and what does it even look like?

Joining Robin today to help answer these questions are Kaita, Becca and Sheri,  three of our incredible Pilates instructors who have put their passion into helping women move and embrace the playful side of life. The wisdom that they’ve gained by intentionally adding play into their daily lives, and how you can incorporate it too, can truly be life-changing.

If you haven’t yet listened to Episode 68 with Kaita, Becca and Sheri, you’ll want to tune into that one, and on our app you can find workouts from all three of these amazing instructors!

Tag us on Instagram, @thebalancelife, and let us know what you are doing for play this week. We want to hear from you and cheer you on, and if you haven’t already, we’d be so grateful if you rated, reviewed and subscribed to our podcast to help us spread our message and continue to do the work we do here!

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • A look at whether play comes naturally, and why it’s so often easily forgotten

  • Play really does look different for everyone, and Kaita, Becca, Sheri and Robin share in their own words would it looks like in each of their lives

  • There are so many benefits to play that we often don’t truly consider, including how it can positively impact the relationships we have with our partner

  • Play can be incorporated into your Pilates practice, and all three reveal easy ways that you can start doing this right now

  • There are key life lessons that can be learned by playing, and the magic really happens when you can understand and appreciate what play can teach you

  • Injuries can be a barrier to moving for adults, but there are practical ways to minimize and avoid them so that you can keep progressing

  • One thing that they will be committing to these week in order to integrate play into their lives, and a special challenge for listeners to do the same

Links in this episode:

Episode 68 with Kaita, Becca + Sherri

Sheri’s Spotify Playlist

Kaita’s Spotify Playlist

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

Jul 06, 2022
74: Are your habits helping or hurting you? with Sandra Chuma
01:05:11

The truth is that habits are more than just what we do. They’re also what we think, how we respond to certain situations, how we solve the problems that we face and how we care, or don’t care, for ourselves. In this episode, we talk all about the habits that we want to create or may want to get rid of, and all that is entailed in this process.

To help explain what habits really are, today Robin is joined by her friend and fellow entrepreneur and business owner Sandra Chuma, a habits coach who helps women know their worth, create lives that they love and really live life to the fullest, which is what we want for you here at The Balanced Life and what we do with our community, app, and the content we create for you.

There are so many great strategies, tips and mindset shifts in this conversation with Sandra, and it’s definitely an episode that you may have to listen to a few times (with pen and paper in hand to take notes!) to really grasp all the wisdom that she shares.
    
Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • Sandra had a big “A HA” moment that really taught her the importance of habits in our life and led to her getting certified as a habits coach.

  • Habits can come from repetition over a long period of time, and they can be also be formed and anchored instantly.
  • Motivation and willpower is great for getting you started on a new habit, but it’s not dependable to do this long-term. Consistently taking small steps is where we really make progress with our habits.

  • When you feel successful, you’re more likely to repeat the behavior. Creating your habits is as easy as the “ABC” formula that Sandra shares, but don’t forget to always celebrate along the way.

  • People give meaning to tracking their habits, but tracking itself is just feedback and shouldn’t be used to feel bad about what you did or didn’t do.

  • A major lesson Sandra got from a mentor is that it’s ok to be a work in progress and be a work of art at the same time. Robin LOVES this statement and it sums how we support you at The Balanced Life – embrace YOU!

  • Our brains love predictability and will often self-sabotage us, but Sandra has an exercise she uses to help raise your awareness and overcome this.

  • The “3 E’s” where our beliefs come from, and 4 questions you can ask right now to get past the beliefs that aren’t serving you. Robin also shares a limiting belief that held her back in the past, and how she learned that it just wasn’t true.

  • Meditation isn’t for everyone. Don’t feel bad if it isn’t working for you, and there are lots of other effective tools to help you become more aware of your thoughts and habits.

Links in this episode:

Sandra’s Website & Instagram

IAmWorthy.com

Sandra’s First Appearance on The Balanced Life Podcast

Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg

The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
by Mel Robbins

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

How We Change: (And Ten Reasons Why We Don't) by Ross D. Ellenhorn  

Sign Up for The Free Workshop

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

Jun 22, 2022
73: The power of routines + creating a healthy home with Clean Mama
57:56

If you’ve been following along on Instagram or Facebook, or are a member of The Balanced Life Sisterhood, you’ve heard Robin talking about what it means to create a healthy home environment. Often when we think of health and well-being, we think about the foods we’re eating or how much we’re exercising, but how often do we think about our environments and how they are supporting us?

Today’s episode is with Becky, aka “Clean Mama”, and she is the perfect person to be talking about this topic. Becky is a long-time member of The Balanced Life Sisterhood and she is an expert on what it takes to have a clean and healthy home. Becky has created systems and processes that take the stress and overwhelm out of housekeeping, and her work has changed the lives of so many people!

We hope you come away from this episode feeling encouraged and empowered to create a healthier home and to keep it with a bit more order, without feeling overwhelmed. Be sure to follow Clean Mama on Instagram, @cleanmama, and if this episode was helpful to you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. If you think someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their environment and health, please share it with them! 

Lastly, you can join our free workshop to learn tips to help you build consistency in your fitness routine and boost your ability to create and sustain a healthy lifestyle, even when you’re short on time and energy like so many of us are. You can sign up now at https://www.thebalancedlifeonline.com/creating-healthy-routines-webinar.  

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • Safety in the home with the products Becky uses has always been important, especially since a scary incident years ago with her oldest child and a product she came into contact with

  • If you feel you’re too busy to clean, you’ll never get a handle on it. Becky shares her 4-part routine, starting with simple daily tasks that will actually give you back your time.

  • Studies show that more clutter leads to more stress, but just cleaning off a table or removing items from one small area can make a huge reduction in the amount of stress that you’re feeling.

  • Showing versus just telling or teaching your kids what to do will work so much better, and remember to break it into small, manageable tasks when getting them involved!

  • There are certain things you can do if you and your roommate(s) have different cleaning habits, but it’s important to set the ground rules before moving in together.

  • Becky shares her thought process when developing her own DIY recipes for cleaning solutions that are quick and easy to make.

  • There is one area of the house that is worse than the others for toxins, which is why she recommends starting there.

  • Becky and Robin share a lot of the same philosophies on life, and she’s a big believer in grace over guilt when balancing life and maintaining a clean and healthy home.

Links in this episode:

Becky’s Website, Instagram & Facebook

Her Shop

All of Becky’s Books      

Sign up for the free Creating Healthy Routines Webinar

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

Jun 08, 2022
72: What every woman should know about hormones with Dr. Aviva Romm [Part 2]
39:55

Today we are diving into Part 2 of Robin’s conversation with Dr. Aviva Romm, and if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, you are going to want to do that right now)! It is full of so much good information related to hormones through all stages of life and the hidden hormone epidemic that exists among women.

In Part 2, Dr. Romm reveals the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy, simple ways to bring more balance to your hormones, a very practical and realistic way to improve brain fog, and tips for navigating your hormones on the journey to menopause. Dr. Romm also answers your questions on everything from sex drive, to birth control, to supplements to consider for healthy hormones, and so much more.

If this two-part conversation with Dr. Romm was helpful for you, we’d love it if you could share it with your friends, family, and anyone that would benefit by listening. The more women we can empower with this knowledge, the better!

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • Perimenopause isn’t being talked about enough, but there are botanicals and herbs that can help restore the adrenal stress response associated with it

  • She gives her thoughts on going the synthetic hormones versus natural route, and what you can do to feel more empowered about your options

  • There is hype surrounding the marketing of certain synthetic hormones, but don’t believe everything you see being promoted

  • Our mind is powerful, so be careful how you think of menopause! Certain studies prove that our thoughts around the subject will impact the symptoms we experience.

  • If you have brain fog, often hydration is the issue and drinking more water is where to start with alleviating it.

  • Sex drive is way more complicated that being just about our hormones, so try to unpack what is really going on in your life and impacting it.

  • The birth control pill depletes you, but there are things you can do and take to reduce how it affects you.

  • If you write down your questions before visiting the doctor, bring an advocate with you and wait to put your gown on at the office, you will be in a much better position to advocate for your health once there.

Links in this episode:

Dr. Romm’s Website & Instagram

Her Podcast & Episode on Adrenal Fatigue

Her Latest Book, Hormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-Being & Other Works

Dr. Romm’s Articles on The Pill & Personal Empowerment

Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

Article on UK Study, 'Listen to women': UK doctors issued with first guidance on endometriosis

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)

Join the Free 5-Day Pilates Strong Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

May 25, 2022
71: The Hidden Hormone Epidemic: A conversation with Dr. Aviva Romm [Part 1]
39:13
Are you ready to talk about hormone health? This is the episode that Robin has literally been counting down the days to, with her special guest Dr. Aviva Romm! Today they dive deep into all things hormone health that we experience in our everyday life, as well as through the various stages and seasons we move through. Robin also asks Dr. Romm the questions that you submitted by social media and email to have answered, and the information she shared was so fascinating to hear. As you know, Robin has been on a journey this past year with her own hormonal health, sharing with you as much as possible along the way. Bringing Dr. Romm on the podcast today is a tremendous opportunity to get an expert perspective on these important topics, and hopefully it empowers you on your journey to advocate for your health and to feel your very best. 

You’re not going to want to miss Part 2 of this special conversation next time on the podcast. We’ll see you then!

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • There is a hidden hormone epidemic that exists, with several levels to why it’s hidden and so often normalized in society.

  • Romm made a big realization after starting college years ago, and she considered herself a “trojan horse” when she went back to Yale decades later to get her MD.

  • Hormone health is a critical vital sign of our overall health in a variety of ways, every day and not just during certain times of the month.

  • We’re getting better as moms at admitting when something is off, but historically women have just kept going and tried to push through burnout.

  • We often forget about the non-physical symptoms of burnout, but there are subtle signs to watch for and to be aware of.

  • The right types of foods, including carbohydrates, healthy fats and quality proteins, are absolutely critical for supporting our nervous system.

  • Smart devices can be our worst enemy at bed time. Dr. Romm shares how to approach a sleep routine in the most optimal way.

Links in this episode:

Dr. Romm’s Website & Instagram

Her Podcast & Episode on Adrenal Fatigue

Her Latest Book, Hormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-Being & Other Works


Dr. Romm’s Articles on The Pill & Personal Empowerment

Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

 

Article on UK Study, 'Listen to women': UK doctors issued with first guidance on endometriosis

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)

 

 

Join the Free 5-Day Pilates Strong Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

May 11, 2022
70: Q&A: how I de-stress, the weekly task I don't enjoy, and tips to stay active
46:41

Today we’re diving into an “Ask Me Anything” episode, where Robins answers your most asked questions from Instagram.

The questions Robin answers today are the ones that she thinks will have the most impact, and hopefully help as many people as possible.

Some are informative and specific to Pilates and exercising, and some are more personal as Robin reveals how she balances being a mom of 4, a wife, while running a business. You’ll also get a look at the new and exciting things that are coming to The Balanced Life this year!

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • By loving her career and being a mom so much, it gives Robin the ability to balance things as she moves through different seasons in her professional and personal life

  • Robin doesn’t necessarily enjoy meal planning, but the real value in meal planning comes from reducing decision fatigue.

  • How Robin and Matt are teaching balanced living to their children.

  • Find time in your day to find at least one thing that you do daily to de-stress.

  • Robin gives specific questions you can ask yourself to determine when is the best time to work out for you.

  • Movement can be medicine, and look at your health as an investment! Robin shares how to jumpstart your fitness routine if you don’t feel like you have the time or energy, or you’re dealing with chronic pain.

  • Having a negative relationship with exercise actually led Robin to what she does today, and everything changed for her when she found Pilates.

  • You don’t have to be perfect when it comes to your exercise routine, and give yourself grace, especially if you’re also raising children. Make small changes, and those small steps will add up to big results.

Links in this episode:

Try Pilates for free with the 5-day Pilates Strong Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Episode 19: Q&A with my husband: marriage, health & family balance

Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff

Therasage 360 Portable Sauna (use code BalancedLife for a 10% discount)

Episode 34: Common Misconceptions about Pilates

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

Magnetic Meal Planner

Apr 27, 2022
69: Steps I've Taken Toward Hormone Balance
35:14

Hello, hormones! Nice to meet you! This month, we’re talking about hormonal health.

Hormones often get overlooked, yet they are at the heart of our lives and wellness. They are fundamental to how we feel each day and how our bodies function. And we need to normalize talking about hormones and learn about our hormonal health before we find ourselves out of balance. 

In this insightful episode, Robin brings the conversation about hormones into light. She talks about getting to the root cause of our physical problems and dives into the key things she focused on over the last year, while overcoming hormonal imbalance. She shares actionable steps you can take to care for yourself and support healthy hormones. Stay tuned to learn what you can do to support hormonal health and maintain hormone balance! 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

    • Robin talks about the physical symptoms she was experiencing and what finally led her to search for the root cause and make a change.
    • Robin’s healing process was gradual, but very effective. She shares a list of the key things she has focused on over the past year.
    • We all need opportunities to reset. Robin had to become aware of when she was becoming overstimulated and learn to relax her body and calm her mind.
    • Pilates has been helpful for Robin over the last year. It kept her moving without any added stress.
    • We need to embrace where we are now, listen to our bodies, and allow time to heal when necessary. 

Links in this episode:

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Episode 51 with Berrion Berry

Episode 52: A Surprising Diagnosis

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

Apr 13, 2022
68: Women Who Move Us to Move with Kaita, Becca & Sheri
53:30

Today, in honor of Women's History Month, we continue with our theme of women who move us to move!  Sometimes, taking a Pilates class from a new instructor can help us connect with our body differently and assist us in moving forward on our Pilates journey! Robin is excited to have fellow Pilates instructors, Becca, Kaita, and Sheri, joining her on the show today.

In this episode, Robin, Becca, Kaita, and Sheri dive into what brought them to Pilates and talk about the transformation they have seen in themselves and the people with whom they work. They also share inspiring stories about the women who have moved them to move in their lives and discuss ways to let more people know about Pilates and make it accessible to people from all walks of life. Stay tuned to draw wisdom and motivation from these incredible women.

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

  • Kaita, Becca, and Sheri talk about how they found Pilates and discuss their specialties.
  • For Kaita, Pilates exercises are a container for seeing how you are doing in your body day-to-day in a non-judgmental way.
  • Sheri loved seeing her client use Pilates to get stronger in her pregnant body than she was before.
  • Growing as a Pilates teacher helped Becca open her mind and become less judgmental.
  • Sheri, Becca, and Kaita share their thoughts on how to make Pilates more accessible and inclusive to different types of people.
  • Kaita, Becca, and Sheri talk about the women who moved them to move.

 

Links in this episode:

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Recommended reading:

Caged Lion by John Howard Steel

Favorite beauty products:

Thrive mascara

Biossance Squalane Moisturizer

Rosehip Oil 

 

Mar 23, 2022
67: 7 Lessons from Women in My Life
29:49

March is Women’s History Month and in honor of that, we will be spending this month focusing on and appreciating the women who move us to move. 

The women in Robin’s family had a very profound influence on her direction and purpose in life. They moved her to move, motivated her to live an active and purposeful life, and helped shape and create the woman she is today.

In today’s episode, Robin shares seven life-changing lessons she learned from the women in her family. She dives into the power of unconditional support. She talks about the power of living an active lifestyle and the value of keeping a sense of humor in tough times. She also discusses the women who paved the way for her generation and explains why we should never take our health for granted or let stigma and shame define us.

Robin hopes that acknowledging and celebrating those women and sharing some of the lessons they taught her helps motivate you to take action toward becoming the woman you would like to be. Stay tuned today as Robin highlights some of the transformative lessons she learned from the women in her family! 

 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

 

  • The practical ways in which Robin’s mom showed her what it means to be supported, even when it made her uncomfortable or was something she would not have done herself. 
  • How the unconditional support Robin received from her mom helped her kickstart her Pilates career.
  • The way that Robin’s mom taught her that she could work and follow her dreams and still be an excellent mom.
  • The powerful lesson Robin remembers learning from her late Aunt Judy.
  • How her Aunt Judy modeled what it looked like to live an active lifestyle through all seasons of life.
  • The lessons Robin learned from her remarkable grandma, Linda.
  • How keeping a sense of humor can help you through the most challenging times.
  • How Robin learned never to take her health for granted.
  • Why you should never let stigma and shame define you.
  • The power in bringing issues of mental health or addiction to light.
  • Robin talks about the brave and strong women who paved the way for future generations.

 

Links in this episode:

 

Join Move Together: 5 days of Pilates + Motivation

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Episode 40: How I overcame paralyzing anxiety

Episode 62: Mental health check-in

Sign up for The Balanced Life Newsletter

 

 

Mar 09, 2022
66: The Healing and Restorative Power of Pilates with Lindy Royer
01:05:43
Pilates offers an array of unique opportunities to grow in your physical, mental, and spiritual journey. Unlike other workouts, it’s a form of mindful movement. In today's episode, Lindy Royer, Physical Therapist, Pilates Instructor, and Robin’s mentor and friend, shares her journey of coming to know and practice Pilates.  Robin and Lindy discuss the power of the brain, rewiring our brains through mindfulness, creating a positive space in Pilates, and the mechanics of pain. Join Robin and Lindy for a unique insight into Lindy’s work and her experience as a mindful teacher and physical therapist.  Show Highlights: 
  • Lindy shares her backstory
  • Lindy discusses how she changed her life after her divorce and years of alcohol abuse 
  • Pilates was reintroduced to Lindy during her rehabilitation and she’s never looked back
  • Robin and Lindy discuss the internal journey of Pilates
  • Lindy shares the benefits of incorporating Pilates into your daily routine 
  • We have the power to rewire our brains 
  • What is pain and what causes it 
  • The importance of learning It’s important to learn to listen to your body. 
  • How Pilates has impacted Lindy’s life off the mat 

 

Links: 

Try Pilates with The Balanced Life Sisterhood Click here to start your 7-day FREE trial!

The Balanced Life 

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Lindy's Email

Lindy’s Website

 

Feb 23, 2022
65: Self-Love Guided Meditation
09:36

Welcome to this bonus episode of The Balanced Life podcast. Today’s episode is a guided meditation with Robin Long herself. Robin walks you through mindful practices to relax and appreciate your body. This meditation is quick, simple, and elevating. Join Robin in this conscious practice of self-love, breath work, mindfulness, and relaxation.   

Show Highlights: 

  • Robin shares how meditation can help you improve your health, strengthen your self-esteem and love your body 
  • Take deep breaths and pay attention to how you feel throughout your body 
  • Pay attention to the rhythm of your thoughts 
  • Take a moment to tell your body “thank you” for everything it does for you 
  • Repeat positive affirmations 

 

Links: 

Join The Balanced Life Sisterhood  today for more wellness, encouragement + Pilates. Click here for a FREE 7-day trial!

 

 



Feb 16, 2022
64: What Does it Mean to Love Your Body?
17:02

No matter what your body looks like, what you’re going through, or what you’ve been conditioned to feel, we can learn to love our bodies in every stage of life. 

 

Learning to love yourself doesn’t have to mean that you like how you look ALL the time or you’re the most confident person in the room, but it DOES mean constantly making choices that benefit your health and wellness. The first step learning to put yourself first. Join Robin in this insightful episode to learn how she’s learned to love her body and how you can too. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • Telling people to “just love their bodies” can often make the process even harder
  • Loving your body is less about your physical appearance and more about showing love to your body 
  • It’s important to reflect on our self-dialogue because we often have negative self-talk towards ourselves that we would never reflect on someone else 
  • What is your gut reaction when you think about your body? 
  • We should assess our habits and behaviors that reflect whether we love and care for our bodies or are sabotaging ourselves 
  • When you get into a flow of making decisions that are best for you, you get into a rhythm instead of constantly feeling like you’re working against yourself 

 

Links: 

Try The Balanced Life Sisterhood FREE for 7 Days!

The Balanced Life

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Feb 09, 2022
63: Simplifying Nutrition + Our Mindset around Food with Tamar Samuels of Culina Health
51:19

Welcome back to The Balanced Life podcast! To kick off this new season, we’re focusing on nourishment and our relationship with food. This can be a complex subject for many of us, which is why we’re looking at how to take a well-rounded and less complicated approach to food and nutrition. In this episode, we’re joined by Tamar Samuels from Culina Health, who shares ways to enrich our overall wellness with practical and realistic advice. 

 

Tamar is a dietician, nutritionist, and co-founder of Culina Health who takes a holistic approach to help individuals heal their relationship with food. She discusses what causes inflammation, how to improve your sleep, easy additions to your diet, and so much more. Join Robin in this insightful and enriching conversation with Tamar. 

 

Show Highlights:

 

  • What is inflammation and how does it affect our bodies?
  • Foods that cause inflammation + foods that help reduce inflammation
  • The difference between Omega-3 and Omega-6
  • How what you eat can impact your sleep and ways to improve it
  • Adding to your diet instead of restricting
  • The difference between a dieting mentality and making healthy changes
  • The importance of making nutrition accessible

Links:

Get started with a 7-day free trial to The Sisterhood + get a free 4-week meal plan!

Recipe Central

Follow The Balanced Life on Instagram

Learn more about Culina Health

Follow Culina Health on Instagram

Follow Tamar on Instagram

Jan 26, 2022
62: Mental Health Check-In...Let's Chat
22:35

Mental health is often left out of the conversation when it comes to health and fitness. However, with as many people as it impacts and the struggles that many people face due to its severity, it’s important that we destigmatize it and normalize the experience. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, Robin is very passionate about supporting both physical and mental health at The Balanced Life.

In this conversation, Robin shares statistics about mental health, the importance of it, and ways we can work to improve our own mental health. She discusses the strategies she uses to regulate her anxiety and tangible tips you can use to support yourself or others who are experiencing it. 

Show Highlights:

  • Mental and emotional health are intertwined and we have to care for both.
  • Statistics about mental health and why it’s important to normalize it.
  • Robin shares her experience with anxiety and how therapy has been transformative for her experience.
  • How Pilates can help regulate both physical and mental health.
  • How the media we consume has an impact on our mental and emotional health.
  • Trying our best to give ourselves grace over guilt when it comes to sleep can improve the mental stress of daily life.
  • Counseling and therapists are great resources to get on a better path towards overall health.

Links:

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Episode 40

Robin's favorite decaf coffee

Telehealth Counseling Services: BetterHelp

Telehealth Counseling Services: Talkspace

Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff

 

Oct 13, 2021
61: What If You Started Today? [A Quick Pep Talk]
09:42

Many women fall into the trap of “when I have this” or “when this happens”, I’ll start. We all seem to think we need a fancy notebook, the newest workout gear, or a perfectly clear schedule to get started moving towards our goals when all it takes is one small step right where you are.

What if you started working towards your goals with what you have, where you are, right now? In this episode, Robin shares a word of encouragement and tangible tips on how you can start working towards your goals without waiting for the perfect moment. 

Show Highlights:

  • Robin shares ways we get caught up in the wrong things when trying to start a new habit.
  • Focus on how to build habits into our daily routines instead of waiting for the perfect moment.
  • Get started where you are with what you have right now.
  • Take small steps to build new habits.
  • Build awareness of the thoughts that are holding us back.

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

 

 

Sep 22, 2021
60: Give Yourself Permission to Do Less
11:01

In today's world of social media, it’s easy to get caught up, feeling like we’re not doing enough - even with ten thousand other things on our plate. We get overwhelmed with having to get a new outfit for every event, needing to start a new workout plan, attempting new diets, and the cycle doesn’t stop. We’re faced with this subconscious pressure to “catch up” every day, but what if we gave ourselves permission to do less? 

This habit of always doing more keeps you from putting forth effort towards the things that will positively impact your life and prevents you from truly doing anything well. Join Robin in this encouraging episode and for tips to start doing less with more intention. 

Show Highlights:

  • Ways the internet has subconsciously pressured us to try to do more
  • How to give ourselves permission to do less without backtracking
  • How trying to do too much prevents us from doing our best
  • Giving yourself permission to do less with more intention
  • How do you know where to focus
  • Making small changes to make a positive impact 

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Sign up for the NEW, Free 5-day Pilates Challenge: Refresh + Reset!

 

 

Sep 08, 2021
59: Making Decluttering Easy + Taking Control of Your Space with Allie Casazza
48:17

When we’re feeling overwhelmed and overworked, it can be difficult to know where to begin to regain a sense of calm and order in our lives. . An important place to start is at home and with our surroundings. . Decluttering our surroundings is a great step towards decluttering our lives of unwanted stress, work, and exhaustion. 

Today’s guest, Allie Casazza, is the author of Declutter like a Mother. Allie specializes in helping women organize their lives through simplicity and structure. Join Robin in this insightful and actionable episode for more about how you can create more calm and less clutter in your own life. 

Show Highlights:

  • Allie shares the current stage of life she’s in
  • Why you need to take ownership of your current circumstances to align with your goals
  • How motherhood brought Allie to a place of learning and teaching to be proactive instead of reactive
  • How clutter can subconsciously exhaust our mind and bodies
  • What is minimalism versus what it looks like online
  • Questions we can ask ourselves to align our environment with our goals
  • How to create a home environment that works for everyone that lives there
  • What a typical day looks like for Allie
  • Things Allie is currently saying no to in order to say yes to other things
  • Self-care habits Allie practices to stay rejuvenated 

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Allie Casazza’s Instagram 

Allie's viral post on The Balanced Life!

Allie's first episode on The Balanced Life

MUD/WTR

Declutter like a Mother by Allie Casazza

Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts--Becoming the Person You Want to Be by Mark Reiter and Marshall Goldsmith

Sep 01, 2021
58: The Power of the Ripple Effect with Matt Long
28:23

Prioritizing your health and wellbeing is essential. It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and everyone else around you. As busy women, it is easy to fall into the habit of taking care of others before considering our own needs. To change that, you have to be intentional about doing things differently. Start by taking small steps towards your healthiest self, which will, in turn, benefit everyone else in your life.

In this episode, Robin talks about the ripple effect that happens when women prioritize taking care of themselves and improving their health and wellbeing. Her husband, Matt, joins her to explain how the ripple effect plays out in their family and everyday life. Tune in today to learn about the ripple effect and find out why self-care needs to become a priority in your life.

Show highlights:

  • Robin talks about where our motivation usually comes from to take care of ourselves.
  • Taking care of ourselves goes beyond the size and shape of our bodies.
  • Robin talks about The Balanced Life online community, its approach to health and wellness, and the incredible transformations women in The Balanced Life Sisterhood experience.
  • How the ripple effect happens, and the significant and positive impact it has when it plays out.
  • Robin discusses the myriad of benefits that happen when prioritizing caring for yourself.
  • Robin’s husband, Matt, shares how the ripple effect has played out in their relationship and family.
  • Modeling a healthy lifestyle is a powerful way to equip your children to navigate life and challenging situations.
  • Robin challenges you to prioritize your health and well-being.

Links:

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Matt’s Q&A Podcast Episode

 

 

Aug 25, 2021
57: Are Your Habits Providing Relief or Restoration?
10:01

Do you ever find yourself bored, tired, overwhelmed, or worn out? If so, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, Robin shares what it looks like to find restoration in moments of needing a break. Robin reveals habits she’s found in her own life that aren’t serving her, and how she’s making a shift to find restoration vs. relief. Join Robin in this quick episode to learn more about restoration vs. relief and how you can implement more habits into your life that fill you up. 

Show Highlights:

  • Robin shares habits she’s recognized in her own life that don’t restore her
  • The difference between finding relief vs. restoration in overwhelming moments
  • What are restorative habits
  • What it looks like if something provides “relief”
  • What are habits of relief
  • Why you should pay attention to what you turn to in moments of being overwhelmed
  • Why you should make a list of restorative habits 

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Link to Episode 52!

Aug 11, 2021
56: Ask Me Anything
42:38

Each season brings a new set of habits, thoughts, and practices. In today’s episode, Robin responds to the questions you sent in over Instagram! From dealing with adrenal fatigue to creating pockets of silence to managing self-care with 4 kids, Robin shares it all. She also unfolds how her current season of life has impacted her current habits and practices and ways she’s honoring the season she’s in. Join Robin in this look into her life and for tips on how you can stay motivated and inspired. 

Show Highlights:

  • What Robin has found to be the most important thing to do to address her adrenal fatigue
  • Ways Robin has prioritized rest during her current season of life
  • Navigating supplements and why it’s important for your diet
  • Redefining expectations for yourself in different seasons of life
  • How to stay motivated when you get tired
  • How to manage life with 4 kids
  • Different ways to look at self-care when you’re a caregiver
  • Robin shares what inspired her to take the leap and start The Balanced Life 

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Episode 52: A Surprising Diagnosis: my current health + healing journey

Jul 28, 2021
55: 5 Ways to Add More Fun into Your Summer
32:28

It’s easy to get caught up in our to-do lists. When we’re constantly striving to be productive, we often forget about the importance of having fun and the impact it can have on our mental and physical health. Having fun and laughing is proven to reduce stress, ease physical pain, boost your immune system, increase endorphins, and so much more. It’s obvious that prioritizing play should be on the top of our to-do lists, so why don’t we? 

In today's episode, members of The Balanced Life team join Robin and share ways that they’ve learned to integrate fun into their daily lives. Tune into this episode for playful advice and tips to bring more fun into your summer.

Show Highlights:

  • Robin discusses the proven benefits of laughter and having fun
  • Jackie shares ways she’s prioritizing fun over constant productivity
  • Ways Susan is trying to have more fun with her kids this summer
  • Jen talks about how her family has always emphasized and prioritized fun
  • How to navigate finding activities that everyone in your family enjoys
  • Jordin shares how she pushed herself to stop sitting on the sidelines
  • The team discusses their favorite games to play during the summer
  • Ways Robin and her husband have committed to having more fun together this year
  • The team shares little things in their lives that bring them joy and laughter in their day
  • Robin and the team share games and tips to have fun this summer 

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Kan Jam 

Ticket to Ride

Bluetooth Speaker

Taboo

Apples to Apples

Spike Ball

TBL playlist

Jul 14, 2021
54: Defining Success Beyond Before and After Photos
22:10

The health and wellness industry has perpetuated a narrow and scale-driven perspective of fitness for years. The way we’ve been taught to measure our happiness and success is by the size of our jeans or a number on a scale. This shouldn’t define our success and there is so much more to our health and wellness than a number. 

In this episode, Robin shares her fitness journey and how it inspired her to create a new approach to fitness. She discusses what drives her to create a more accepting and gracious atmosphere to help women embrace their bodies as they are. Join Robin in this episode to hear more about The Balanced Life’s mission to help women feel healthier, happier, and more confident. 

Show Highlights:

  • How Robin began teaching and entered the health and wellness space
  • Why Robin wanted to change the focus from physical to mental results
  • Looking past physical appearance goals in the fitness space
  • Why Robin wanted to create a new approach to how we view fitness
  • How to live from a place of freedom
  • The impact of before and after photos and why The Balanced Life doesn’t use them
  • Setting a positive example for others around us and changing the wellness culture

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Sign up for the FREE 5-Day Pilates Strong challenge!

Episode 45: Seeing Progress Beyond the Scale

Jun 30, 2021
53: The Important Connection Between Breath and Posture - 3 Quick Tips!
12:52

The way you stand, sit, or even walk can be impacting your health in ways you didn’t even know. Our posture affects the way we breathe and, in turn, our health. Addressing your breath and posture is one of the best ways to optimize your long-term health. 

In this episode, Robin shares how our breath can affect our blood pressure, circulation, energy, focus, and much more. She also shares how we can use it as a tool to reset our nervous system and manage stress. Join Robin to learn more simple strategies you can do to improve your health and wellbeing by focusing on breath. 

Show Highlights:

  • Indicators that you may not be breathing properly
  • The importance of breath
  • Why breath is integrated into the Pilates practice and how we can use it as a tool
  • How Robin has used breathwork to reset and combat anxiety
  • The effects of shallow breathing
  • How does your breath affect your pelvic floor
  • Ways posture can improve our health and our breath

 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

A guided meditation for motivation + self-care

The Balanced Life Sisterhood Workout Library

Sign up for the FREE 5-Day Pilates Strong challenge!

Interesting study on this topic

 

Jun 16, 2021
52: A Surprising Diagnosis: My Current Health and Healing Journey
55:32

This year has presented many of us with unique struggles. Whether you’ve realized it or not, 2020 put many stressors and obstacles in daily life that may not have been there before. 

In this week's episode, Robin is sharing some of the struggles she’s been facing over this past year and how she’s now overcoming them. Robin dives into a deep look at her own health, the challenges and diagnosis she has faced, and ways she’s moving forward. Join Robin in this personal and explorative episode to hear more about her health journey. 

Show Highlights:

  • How pregnancy + the postpartum season impacted Robin’s health
  • The consistent symptoms Robin was experiencing
  • Why Robin chose to invest in a holistic practitioner
  • What is the Epstein Barr Virus and why Robin got tested for it
  • How Robin is dealing with mold toxicity and adrenal burnout
  • Ways stress impacts the body
  • The difference between acute stress and chronic stress
  • What is HPA Access
  • Ways The Balanced Life + Pilates has kept Robin afloat through her diagnosis
  • How the stress of 2020 weighed on Robin
  • What we all need to do to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves
  • The struggles of maintaining balance and health with a busy schedule
  • Ways Robin is working to detoxify her body
  • Getting our bodies back to a place of balance naturally
  • Small steps you can take to make progress on your health goals 

Links: 

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Download your FREE guide here! Core Components of Health + Healing

Jun 02, 2021
51: Exercise, Energy, and Your Cycle with Berrion Berry
50:16

While periods are a natural part of our cycle, pain is not. For some women, this news may be shocking. Despite what you may think, periods shouldn’t be painful. Today’s guest, Berrion Berry, is a menstrual health educator who helps women have simple and uncomplicated periods. She helps women find ways to optimize their flow and understand their cycle in a deeper and new way. 

In this conversation, Berrion and Robin discuss cycle syncing, the different phases of the cycle, and how to honor our cycle with our fitness routine. Berrion shares an abundance of knowledge to help educate you on your cycle, stress management, and how you, too, can be in better flow. 

Show Highlights: 

  • How Berrion became a menstrual health educator 
  • What inspired Berrion to help other women fix their periods 
  • Things we should all know about our cycle that most women don’t
  • The four phases of the menstrual cycle 
  • Berrion’s daily journal prompts to stay in touch with herself 
  • Giving ourselves permission to pause + to not be perfect 
  • Honoring your body in your workouts 
  • Ways to manage pain that aren’t birth control 
  • The biggest “aha” moments to improve your lifestyle 
  • The importance of regulating stress 
  • How Berrion aligns her daily life with flow
  • How Berrion decides what to say yes or no to, and operates using the B.I.G. method 

Links: 

Pilates Strong: a FREE, 5-day Pilates challenge 

Robin Long • The Balanced Life on Instagram

Berrion's website

Berrion’s course - Optimize your Flo

Berrion’s Instagram

Flow with Berrion Berry Podcast 

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

Links from Rapid Fire: 

Sunday Riley

Summer Fridays Vitamin C serum

May 19, 2021
50: Simple Ways to Declutter and Reduce Stress
29:20

Being in a cluttered space can make us feel overwhelmed and bogged down. As new seasons approach, it’s time to freshen up our wardrobes, our routines, and our homes. In today's conversation, Robin Long shares how decluttering your space could bring you the stress relief you’ve been searching for. 

Robin takes a balanced approach to health and fitness that is applicable to every aspect of your life. She provides practical and tangible steps you can do at home to reduce stress and benefit your physical and emotional health. 

Show Highlights:

  • What is The Balanced Life Sisterhood
  • Why The Balanced Life does Off-The-Mat Missions
  • What decluttering has to do with your health
  • Robin shares studies that explore how clutter negatively impacts mental health
  • Small tips to get started cleaning out the clutter
  • Ways to decipher whether to make a home for an item or get rid of it
  • Using the “Neat Method”
  • The difference between decluttering and organizing
  • How to keep decluttering moving in your house
  • Tips to keep toys uncluttered and organized
  • How Robin keeps toys and the home “fresh”
  • The nightly “Sanity Sweep”
  • How to “maintain” the order as you declutter
  • The importance of optimizing spaces that bring you life 

Links:

The Balanced Life

Pilates Strong: a FREE 5-Day Pilates Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Allie Casazza's Courses

Blogs referenced:

Pantry Organization with Neat Method

3 Simple Strategies To Reduce Stress and Find Peace

Articles referenced:

The Unbearable Heaviness of Clutter

For better or worse? Coregulation of couples' cortisol levels and mood states

What does clutter do to your brain and body?

Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex

To enter the giveaway, email: hello@thebalancedlifeonline.com

May 05, 2021
49: Creating a Simple, but Powerful Morning Routine
13:25

As seasons of life shift, so do our morning routines. Maybe you have one, maybe you don’t, maybe you want a more set routine, or maybe you do better going with the flow. Regardless of what season you’re currently in, having habits we integrate into our mornings can help us set ourselves up better for our days. 

In today’s episode, Robin shares her current morning routine and the reasons why she prioritizes them in the morning. Whether you’re looking to make a new routine, want to switch yours up a bit, or you’re just getting started, this episode is packed with tangible and rejuvenating ideas. 

Show Highlights:

  • How to adapt and create a morning routine that fits for you
  • Embracing seasons and readjusting your routine
  • Being proactive throughout your day instead of reactive
  • Why Robin likes to “get ahead” of the day
  • Starting off the morning with positive and grateful thoughts
  • The benefits of using a dry brush
  • Why Robin takes a cold shower in the mornings
  • Listening to a podcast to start your day
  • Doing a 15-minute workout in the mornings
  • What Robin does for her spirituality
  • Why Robin avoids her phone in the morning

Links: 

Join the FREE 5-day Pilates Challenge! Pilates Strong

The Balanced Life

Instagram

Dry Brush

Apr 21, 2021
48: Being Intentional About Self-Compassion with Lilit Lewis
48:20

Today, we’re talking about self-talk and self-compassion - this is something we talk a lot about at The Balanced Life and is so important to our overall health.

Many of us will start a health + fitness journey and focus on all the physical components, but sometimes we fail to address what is going on inside our head, thoughts, and mind. We also fail to look at how that impacts the way we feel and act, our relationships, and our self-worth. All of this is connected. It can be a  huge mistake to embark on a health and wellness journey without addressing the mental side of things. That includes mental health, emotional health, and how we talk to ourselves.

How we’re talking to ourselves, and the thoughts we’re thinking, affect the way we feel and affect our ability to be successful and make positive changes in our lives as a whole

Join Robin and her guest, Lilit Lewis, as they address the topic of self-talk and self-compassion. Lilit is a licensed marriage and family therapist and is a proponent of self-compassion. She has a wealth of information to share. This episode is one that everyone needs to hear.

Show highlights:

  • What self-compassion looks like.
  • How self-compassion speaks to our self-talk.
  • Some tips for becoming more aware of your thoughts and recognizing negative self-talk.
  • Ways to break out of the habit of negative self-talk.
  • The pay-off you get from making the shift to practice more self-compassion.
  • Why you need to step in and practice self-compassion with purpose and intent.
  • What self-compassion looks like when there have been negative consequences to your choices.
  • The best place to start with self-compassion.
  • Some tips for when you’re struggling to have compassion for yourself and find yourself having negative self-talk.
  • The impact on the other relationships in our lives when we change to have a more positive relationship with ourselves.

Links in this episode:

Join the FREE 5-day Pilates Challenge! Pilates Strong

The Balanced Life

Instagram 

Foot Spas

Book mentioned: Mindful Compassion by Paul Gilbert

Lilit’s website: Lilit Lewis Therapy 

Lilit on Instagram 

Laura Mercier Concealer

Apr 07, 2021
Bonus: Guided Meditation for Motivation + Self-Care
07:45

Sometimes we need a reminder of how truly strong, capable, and beautiful we really are. In today’s episode, Robin walks through a guided meditation to help bring you to a place of relaxation, calmness, and to motivate you to feel inspired to prioritize your self-care. This episode is perfect to start off your day with positivity, or to wind down before bed. Join Robin in this peaceful and empowering meditation. 

Show Highlights:

  • Finding a comfortable place to start meditation
  • Breathing and awareness exercises
  • Noticing your mental state
  • Imagining the healthiest and most fulfilled version of yourself
  • Affirmations to enhance your motivation for self-care
  • Taking affirmations to approach your day with positivity and self-love 

Links: 

Affirmations - The Balanced Life Online

Mar 31, 2021
47: The Biggest Mistake When Starting a Workout Routine
14:36

No matter how much we plan, prepare, or try to control, there will always be obstacles. Oftentimes, we take these circumstances as a result of us “not being good enough” or not “trying” hard enough. When life happens, many of us give up. However, obstacles don’t have to define your success. They are simply a part of the process. 

In this episode, Robin Long shares why we should embrace obstacles as part of the journey. She discusses what it means to “stay stagnant”, the biggest mistakes people make when starting a new workout routine and how to redefine our idea of success. Join Robin in this encouraging and uplifting episode! 

Show Highlights:

  • The most common mistakes women make when starting a workout plan
  • How expecting challenges can help us find success
  • Reframing our “all or nothing” mindset
  • Why we should expect to fall off track
  • Life always happens but we can prepare ourselves and not get discouraged
  • The secret to finding “success” in your results
  • Embracing and reframing your idea of success and failure
  • Choosing to look forward instead of looking back

Links: 

The Balanced Life

Instagram 

5 Free Days of Pilates

Mar 24, 2021
46: The Value of Investing in Yourself
10:17

We all need community to support, encourage, and uplift us to be the healthiest versions of ourselves. In today's episode, Robin shares the positive impact The Balanced Life Sisterhood community has created, as well as features from 5 Sisterhood members. 

These members share what drew them into The Balanced Life Sisterhood, how Pilates has helped them become the best version of themselves, and the reasons they keep coming back and rolling out their mats every day. Join Robin and The Sisterhood in this encouraging and insightful episode. 

Show Highlights:

  • How The Balanced Life Sisterhood has created a positive community for women
  • Robin shares why she invited Sisterhood members to share their journey
  • Cynthia shares what inspired her to join the Sisterhood and what keeps her motivated
  • Erin discusses how the Sisterhood has improved her mindset, physical strength, and self-care
  • Jil reveals the positive changes she’s seen in her life from joining the Sisterhood
  • Lara shares how Pilates has healed her body and helped her manage life changes
  • Melissa discusses how shifts in her life led her to Pilates and how it improved her relationship with her body
  • Joining the Sisterhood is an investment we make in ourselves

Links: 

Join The Sisterhood 

Mar 10, 2021
45: Seeing Progress Beyond the Scale
25:01

Working out just to lose weight can leave you feeling discouraged, unmotivated, and burnt out. However, taking a wider approach from the perspective of your health and fitness journey can change that. 

Today, Robin shares the vast array of benefits that comes with practicing Pilates and these benefits go far beyond the scale.

If you want to be proud of your health and fitness journey, and to find a routine that leaves you feeling strong, energized, and less stressed, join Robin Long in this episode to hear of the benefits Pilates has for you. 

Show Highlights:

  • Robin shares what the real purpose behind The Balanced Life is
  • Why before and after photos can be deceiving
  • It’s more important to focus on how you feel than a number on the scale
  • Taking a wider look at your progress
  • Pilates can increase and improve your strength
  • Robin shares results from members in The Sisterhood
  • Pilates can help restore alignment and posture
  • How Pilates can be used to strengthen your core
  • The benefits of better balance, coordination, and control
  • The negative impacts of stress and how you can manage it effectively
  • Using Pilates as a tool to boost your mood and energy
  • Taking a deeper look at health and fitness 

Links: 

Join the NEW Feel Good Pilates Challenge!

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Feb 24, 2021
44: This Approach to Wellness Might Surprise You
16:01

If nothing changes, nothing changes. When you look at the bigger picture, all life changes are built up of small steps and actions. It can be easy to get overwhelmed when you try to take on too much at full-force, but that’s why taking a less-is-more approach is powerful.

In today’s episode, Robin discusses what it means to take a less-is-more approach and how to make those small steps. She explains the importance of consistency and following through with habits so they compound over time. Join Robin in this inspiring episode to learn more.

Show Highlights:

  • Robin shares how she uses her vision board to ground herself
  • How to take a less-is-more approach in your fitness
  • The impact 15 minutes a day can have on your fitness
  • The power of consistency
  • The compound effect of daily habits
  • Robin shares success stories from women in the sisterhood
  • How to make healthy habits and set yourself up for success
  • 4 small steps you can do today for future you  

Links: 

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

Follow Robin on Instagram

Keep up with Robin + all things TBL at www.thebalancedlifeonline.com

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Feb 10, 2021
43: Tricks I Use When I'm Lacking Motivation
27:47

We tend to put pressure on ourselves to be the best, most motivated versions of ourselves at all times. It’s important to acknowledge that motivation ebbs and flows, and we’ll always have ups and downs.

In today’s episode, Robin shares her top tips to get motivated and prepare yourself for the roadblock of sluggishness. She shares how you can create an environment to rely on when your motivations are low and ways to prompt yourself into getting movement.

Join Robin and a few special guests on this journey of wellness and tune into this episode to learn how you can overcome the waves of feeling unmotivated.

Show Highlights:

  • What makes it difficult to find motivation to workout
  • The biggest mistakes people make when overcommitting
  • Why 10 minutes is enough to help you break the streak
  • How acknowledging the inevitability of not being motivated will help you
  • Utilizing community to help you avoid prolonged slumps of motivation
  • Tools that can help you stay motivated
  • How the people you follow can influence your inspiration and motivation
  • Ways you can make it as easy as possible to exercise
  • The importance of recognizing that motivation comes in waves
  • Why it's really important to be flexible and listen to your body
  • How imagining how good your body will feel after a workout can motivate you
  • Imagine what the healthiest version of yourself would do
  • Members of the Balanced Life Team share their tricks for staying motivated 

Links: 

FREE Workouts: 5-day Pilates Strong Challenge

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

Follow Robin on Instagram

How to break the streak of not working out

Jan 27, 2021
42: The Biggest Mistakes that Lead to Burnout
20:24

A new year brings us new opportunities to align our health and goals. While we’re taking a new approach to goals in 2021, it doesn’t mean we can’t see big changes. 

In this episode, Robin reveals the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals that lead to burnout. She also analyzes red flags that may be why you aren’t seeing results or reaping the benefits from your health journey that you should be. If you're tired of feeling burnt out and starting and stopping new fitness programs, this episode may help you find a solution! 

Show Highlights: 

  • Setting intentional rhythms and routines for 2021
  • The mistake that leads to burnout and metabolic issues 
  • Why only believing in high-intensity cardio is a mistake 
  • Robin analyzes red flags in a workout routine 
  • The ripple effect that happens when you don’t listen to your body 
  • Why it’s important to choose a sustainable program 
  • Why you should avoid overcommitting yourself 
  • The benefits of Pilates

Links: 

Episode 41

Balanced Life Sisterhood

Pilates Strong: 5-Day Pilates Challenge

Jan 13, 2021
41: Creating Intentional Rhythms & Routines for the New Year
25:41

Trying to reach big and flashy goals can be intimidating, especially as we head into a new year that still has a lot of uncertainties. In this upcoming year, we have an opportunity to let go of that need for control and allow ourselves to find peace in the areas of life we can control. 

In today’s episode, Robin shares how to integrate new rhythms and routines into your daily life to make them a habit. She also discusses how you can set little goals in your day-to-day life without putting pressure on yourself. 

Join Robin in this episode to learn more about her new guide to create a life that works for you by integrating components of a healthy, balanced life. 

You can also print out the free guide in the show notes to help you walk through setting these intentions in 2021. 

Show Highlights: 

  • How to take what we’ve learned this past year and have a fresh start 
  • Setting intentional rhythms and routines for the new year 
  • How setting small goals will support you in building new habits 
  • The importance of reflecting on habits that did and didn’t work
  • How to regulate the different categories of health 
  • Ways to prioritize your health on a daily basis 
  • The importance of establishing your why 
  • Robin shares the rhythms and routines she’s integrating into her life 
  • Why visualization is important 
  • What makes your calendar key to building your new life 
  • Why you should always choose grace over guilt
  • Robin provides an overview of the Intentional Rhythms + Routines Guide
  • Why you need to get out your calendar and input your new rhythms for the new year

Links: 

Balanced Life Sisterhood

FREE 5-Day Pilates Strong Challenge

Intentional Rhythms + Routines Guide

Dec 31, 2020
40: How I Overcame Paralyzing Anxiety
33:23

Many of us struggle with the fear of the unknown. The anticipation of what would happen can often be daunting, and for those with anxiety, debilitating. Anxiety can often lead you into a spiral that you don’t know how to escape and while you may feel alone in this experience, you’re not. 

Today, Robin talks about her experience with anxiety and how she overcame it. She shares logical and easily applicable tactics to help you take control of your anxiety. If you want to learn how you can distance yourself from paralyzing thoughts, join Robin in today’s conversation.

Show Highlights:

  • Robin shares what her experience with anxiety has looked like      
  • Adjustments Robin made to overcome anxiety      
  • How cutting out caffeine helped Robin calm thoughts    
  • How alcohol can impact anxious thoughts       
  • Making intentional diet shifts      
  • Why you should start prioritizing sleep    
  • Being proactive in day-to-day practices    
  • How Pilates heightens awareness and creates calmness    
  • The power of prayer      
  • The benefits of counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Tactics to communicate anxiety    

Robin's favorite verses on anxiety are Philippians 4:6-7, and she hopes that it provides you with a calming peace, as well.

Links:

Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

5-day Pilates Strong challenge

Creating Healthy Routines Workshop

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

Nov 18, 2020
39: Kate Torgersen: Helping Busy Mothers, New Career Paths + Finding Your Healthiest Self
41:29

Being a working mom comes with an array of unique challenges. Breastfeeding on its own can be demanding, but mixing it with working-parent life can be a recipe for stress. 

Today’s guest, Kate Torgersen, knows exactly what this struggle is like, and that’s why she created Milk Stork. Milk Stork was birthed from Kate’s own working-parent struggles and she now uses it to help other working moms who are committed to breastfeeding. In this episode she shares what it’s like for her to be a working mom, the challenges she’s faced this year, and tangible tips to make stress more manageable.

Show Highlights:

  • Robin shares how she discovered Milk Stork
  • How Milk Stork was born
  • What Kate’s current season of life looks like
  • Kate shares what a typical day in her life currently looks like
  • How to protect your time and set boundaries
  • How Kate transitioned from being an archeologist to an entrepreneur
  • The way challenges shift throughout parenthood
  • What chores Kate doesn’t do and how she balances them
  • Getting help navigating children’s education
  • What inspired Kate to intermittent fast and how it benefits her lifestyle
  • Navigating your health and getting back in shape after having a baby
  • What 2020 taught Kate about stress
  • Finding healthy new rituals
  • Rapid-fire session
  • Why meditation is important to find what you need    

Links:

Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

FREE 5-day Pilates Strong Challenge

Intro to Intermittent Fasting

The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung and Brian Nishii

Dyson Cordless Vacuum

Contact Kate:

Milk Stork

Instagram - Milk Stork

Instagram - milkstorkmama

Facebook - Milk Stork

LinkedIn - Milk Stork

Nov 11, 2020
38: Redefining Wellness on Your Own Terms with Robyn Downs
56:37

With each day comes a new array of things to do, choices to make, and blessings to count. Today’s guest, Robyn Downs shares how she’s become “brilliant at the basics” and applied her systems to organize and prioritize her life.

Robin Long and Robyn Downs discuss the benefits of “exercise snacking”, the inspiration for Robyn’s new book, and overcoming the pressure of the fitness and wellness industry. Join Robin in this episode full of tangible and tasty tips that you can apply to your daily practices.

Show Highlights:

  • Robyn shares a snapshot of her life and what her current season looks like
  • What a day in the life looks like for Robyn
  • What is exercise snacking and its benefits
  • How Robyn had to shift her mental approach to wellness
  • Robyn shares how she practices the 80/20 rule in her life
  • How to make anchors of priorities and knowing when to stay no
  • How to limit unnecessary decisions
  • Robyn shares how she creates her daily menu
  • How Robyn and her husband manage childcare
  • Why you shouldn’t try to take everything on alone
  • How the wellness industry has put pressure on body image
  • Rapid-fire question session with Robyn    

Links:

Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

The Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Link

Contact Robyn:

Robyn’s Website

Instagram: @realfoodwholelife

Feel Good Effect Podcast

The Feel Good Effect: Reclaim Your Wellness by Finding Small Shifts that Create Big Change by Robyn Conley Downs

Resources:

Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel from BEAUTYCOUNTER

PLUMPING SERUM from Primally Pure

Unlocking Us with Brené Brown Podcast

Good Life Project Podcast

Good Ancestor Podcast

Oct 28, 2020
37: Lessons Learned During a Pandemic
29:38

As the world has slowed down over quarantine, we’ve all learned plenty of lessons. Whether those have to do with appreciation, relationships, time management, or health, it’s likely you’ve discovered things about your day-to-day life that you didn’t know before. In this episode, Robin shares a few of the top lessons she’s learned during quarantine. She shares ways she’s learned to manage her daily consumption of information, the importance of prioritizing your immune health, and how she’s gained a new appreciation for the little things. Join Robin in this episode to learn more about the lessons she’s learned and how they can help you.

Show Highlights:

  • How the pandemic has highlighted the gift of digital connection    
  • How the online sisterhood has allowed for support and connection for women    
  • What makes the little things the big things    
  • How Robin prioritizes the little things in day-to-day life    
  • Why who we listen to and what we consume on a daily basis matters    
  • How to be mindful about what information you fill yourself with
  • The importance of good health and strong immune systems 
  • How you can take control of strengthening your body and boosting your wellness    
  • Why now is the time to take your health into your own hands    
  • The value and importance of rhythm and routines    
  • Why exercise is now more important than ever
  • A brief update on Robin’s gardening experience    

Links:

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life on Instagram

Creating Healthy Routines Workshop

Oct 21, 2020
36: Does Pilates Work? Real Women, Real Stories
27:46

In this special episode, Robin features stories from Sisterhood members as they share what brought them to the Sisterhood and the abundance of goodness it has brought to their lives.

Silvia, Emily, Jamie, Julie, Dana, Bryony, and Lauren all have unique stories and perspectives on what the Sisterhood has done for them. All innately relatable, they discuss the dietary restraints, workout pushbacks, and mental strains they were experiencing before the Sisterhood, but how joining in the discipline of Pilates has empowered them not only on the mat, but off the mat too.

Join Robin in this special episode to hear more about what the Sisterhood has offered so many inspiring women and what it can do for you.

Show Highlights:

  • Silvia shares how the sisterhood has been the greatest form of self-care for her
  • The shift to a "grace over guilt" mentality has changed Silvia’s life and she discusses what that’s meant for her
  • Emily talks about how The Balanced Life has centered her day-to-day life
  • Jamie talks about her story of high-impact training, the pain it caused her and how Pilates has changed that for her
  • Julie shares how Pilates has helped her be more present off the mat
  • Dana discusses how her “all or nothing” mentality was holding her back and how the Sisterhood community helped her build strength physically and mentally
  • Bryony shares how Pilates has transformed her life through creating body awareness and improving her relationship with herself
  • Lauren dealt with years of chronic pain but learned how to heal that pain through consistency with Pilates
  • Past struggles intimidated Lauren when the Sisterhood was launched but she shares how Robin’s philosophies helped her overcome her fear and why it’s the best decision she’s ever made

Links:

Sign Up for Pilates Strong: A 5-day Pilates Challenge

 
Follow The Balanced Life on Instagram
Sep 16, 2020
35: The Power of Pilates and How You Can Use It to Change Your Life
17:07

Unlike many other forms of exercise, Pilates can be relaxing, quick, and bring fast results. Pilates is a unique type of exercise that is not only powerful, but can reshape your body, how you think, and your relationship with exercise. In this episode, Robin shares how Pilates has helped change her life and how you can use it to change yours. She discusses the various ways Pilates has shifted her day-to-day life off the mat and helped her to manage stress. Join Robin in this episode to learn how you can see incredible results in a way that you can’t with anything else and how you can use Pilates to restore and maintain physical and mental health. 

Show Highlights: 

  • The ripple effect Pilates has off the mat into day-to-day life  
  • When Robin first discovered Pilates 
  • How quickly Robin saw results and how Pilates changed her life  
  • Pilates helps reshape and build muscles quickly 
  • What Pilates does to improves energy and boost mood
  • A brief history of Pilates 
  • Pilates helps to counteract the stress of daily life 
  • Why Robin’s passionate about bringing Pilates to everyone 
  • How Pilates can change your relationship with exercise 

Links: 

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life - Instagram

Book: 

Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates & His Legacy by John Howard Steel

Aug 26, 2020
34: Common Misconceptions about Pilates
14:39

When it comes to working out, we all have preconceived notions that may not be entirely true. In today’s episode, Robin breaks down the most common misconceptions people have about Pilates and reveals the truth behind these notions. She discusses the difference between yoga and Pilates, why Pilates has no physical or gender restraints, and why your Pilates workout should never be “easy”. Whether Pilates is something you already actively practice, or you simply want to learn more, this episode is packed full of juicy information for everyone. 

Show Highlights: 

  • Flexibility is not necessary to do Pilates 
  • Pilates shouldn’t be easy 
  • Pilates requires a whole new level of work and control that should feel gentle, but not easy 
  • You do not need fancy equipment to do Pilates 
  • Pilates and Yoga are not the same things 
  • Pilates is not gender-specific, it’s good for everyone 

Links: 

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

The Balanced Life Reformer Program

Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

Aug 12, 2020
33: 2020 Goals? It’s Time to Reset and Start Fresh
17:33

While 2020 has brought an array of unanticipated events, we still have the power to harness our visions and direct where we are at the end of the year. In today’s episode, Robin shares her 2020 vision guide and walks us through how to reset and reevaluate our end-of-the-year goals. Taking time to reflect on our values and have compassion for ourselves as we journey through this season is going to be crucial for all of us. Despite facing unconventional times, the power to create the life you want is still yours. Join Robin Long in this episode to learn more about how you can reset your goals and shift your habits to achieve the results you want. 

Show Highlights: 

  • 2020 has thrown us more loops than we anticipated but good things have been revealing themselves as we lean into the new “normal”
  • Current life circumstances have put us in a position of uncertainty, but we can come out of this thriving, well, and achieving our goals 
  • Creating values and intentions can help you live out the Mid-year vision we set for ourselves 
  • Now is a time for compassion for ourselves and we may need time to reset our intentions
  • Take time to reflect on habits that did and didn’t work well over the past 6 months and set clear goals on how you want to shift those habits for the rest of the year
  • Robin reviews her 2020 vision guide and shares actionable steps on how you can make your vision a reality 
  • It’s important to identify why taking care of your health matters to you 

Links: 

Download Your 2020 Mid-Year Vision Guide Here

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

The Balanced Life - Instagram

Jul 09, 2020
32: Biggest Mistakes I’ve Made That Held Me Back from Being the Healthiest Version of Myself
24:33

When it comes to our health, we all have beliefs that may be holding us back from being the healthiest versions of ourselves. Sometimes we have to learn from those mistakes to grow, but sometimes we get an outside perspective so that we don’t have to make the same mistakes. 

Today, Robin Long shares the biggest mistakes she’s made in her fitness journey that held her back from being the healthiest version of herself. In this episode, she discusses many beliefs she had that proved to not only be untrue, but detrimental to her growth. She also shares the importance of nourishing your body and how to positively connect with your body to improve your physical and mental health. 

Show Highlights: 

  • One of the biggest mistakes you can make is thinking that eating less means being healthy 
  • Restraining yourself from eating can lead to an unhealthy mindset 
  • Working out more is not always the healthiest option 
  • Counting calories is not a basic measure of what’s healthy and believing this can be detrimental to your health 
  • Focusing on nutritional value and how food makes you feel is more important than the calorie count
  • Expecting quick results and quitting when they don’t work immediately is a mistake 
  • Seeing results and change takes time and consistency 
  • Overlooking the importance of mental and emotional health is a common mistake when looking at health 
  • If your workout goals are making you miserable and putting extreme pressure on you, it’s important to take a step back and re-evaluate your approach 
  • Looking at your body only as something to improve can lead to disconnect and a negative relationship with your body 

Links: 

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

Jun 17, 2020
31: Tina Lifford: Self-Talk, Well-Being, and How Our Thoughts Affect Our Lives
48:38

When we think fitness, we tend to jump to workouts and diets, but mental health is a major and important aspect of fitness. Having a healthy relationship with our thoughts and patterns is the most fundamental step to creating a happier and sustainable lifestyle. 

Today's guest, Tina Lifford, is not only a critically acclaimed Hollywood actress from Parenthood and Queen Sugar but is also the CEO of the Inner-Fitness Project. The Inner-Fitness Project gives people the strategies and tools they need in order to properly self-reflect and create awareness within themselves. 

Join Robin in this fascinating episode to learn more about how to interrupt old thought patterns and exercise your internal choices. 

Show Highlights: 

  • Who is Tina Lifford and what it looks like to find your identity 
  • What a typical day looks like for Tina Lifford 
  • Maintaining habits when traveling 
  • Incorporating movement into daily life that fits your personal preferences
  • Deepening awareness of your thoughts and how you can challenge your thinking 
  • How to control your thinking and actions through the journey of engaging with ideas 
  • How to dismantle old beliefs and establish a new way of thinking 
  • The importance of recognizing how thoughts manifest and how to let go of thoughts that are not serving you 
  • Creating awareness for past experiences in order to manage sabotaging cycles 
  • Creating strategies to interrupt old patterns and engage with them in a way that will create healthier patterns 
  • What is an inner-fitness workout and how to practically make change 

Links: 

The Balanced Life Instagram

The Balanced Life Online

 Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

Contact Tina: 

Tina’s Website

Tina’s Instagram

Tina’s Book: The Little Book of Big Lies 

We have created a promotional code for The Balanced Life community. If they enter "BalancedLife" at checkout they will get $10 off any of our workout classes for 2020. https://www.tinalifford.com/shop

Jun 10, 2020
30: A Recipe for Burnout - and How You Can Avoid It
27:53

While many of us are currently staying home and being forced to slow down, it isn’t going to last forever. Learning how to avoid the “go-go-go” in our daily lives is vital to avoid burnout. We’re conditioned to think that more is better, but sometimes it comes at the expense of our health.

Today, Robin Long shares how we can prevent reaching this place of burnout and jeopardizing our health and goals. There is an array of simple and achievable habits we can practice in our day-to-day lives in order to build strength and reduce stress without burning ourselves out. Join Robin in this conversation to learn more about how you can optimize your wellness, increase productivity, and avoid burnout. 

Show Highlights: 

  • Self-quarantine has provided an opportunity for life to shift and change our rhythm 
  • What does it mean to have a “go-go-go lifestyle” and how can we slow down 
  • Having a go-go-go lifestyle can have mental and physical consequences 
  • Learning to listen to our bodies can help avoid burnout 
  • There are many ways we can learn to tune into our bodies and honor our needs 
  • There are various different aspects to health and fitness outside of diet and exercise that impact our well-being. Paying attention to those factors (sleep, environment, stress levels, etc.) can help prevent burnout. 
  • More is not always better. Sometimes what we’re conditioned to believe is “better” isn’t always what’s best for our bodies 
  • Pilates is a great low-impact alternative to high-intensity workouts 

Links: 

The Balanced Life Sisterhood

Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

May 20, 2020
29: Laura Tremaine: Beyond the Highlight Reel + The Power of Pilates
58:30

It's the deeper conversations that bring much of the richness to life. Unfortunately, many of us aren't getting to the deeper layers within ourselves because we're too busy trying to keep up, do all the right things, and get everything done. So we end up becoming more superficial, more anxious, and less content, with very little balance in our lives.

Today, we're taking a peek behind the scenes in the life of Laura Tremaine. Laura brings a great deal of depth to the online space, with her honest conversations about the real things in life that truly matter. In today's episode, she talks about her life, about juggling motherhood and working, and she discusses her experience with and her passion for Pilates. Be sure to tune in, to hear our frank and sincere conversation with Laura. 

Laura is a writer, podcaster, wife, and mom living in Los Angeles. She's always been a seeker, searching for a connection with others, and also with herself. Over the years, she has been growing and transforming. She has gone from blogging (back in the mommy-blog days when her kids were still tiny) to share on social media, to launching her podcast, called 10 Things To Tell You. At the moment, Laura is busy writing a book. Join us today, to hear her story.

Show highlights:

  • Laura discusses where she is currently at.
  • Laura is in a season of writing a book, based on the things she's doing.
  • Keeping up is an impossible goal.
  • We need to pause, re-evaluate, and go deeper.
  • Laura started her blog ten years ago with the hope of writing a book one day.
  • A typical week in Laura's life.
  • Laura does all the self-help things because they work! 
  • Laura explains why life changed for the better once both her kids were in school. 
  • It's hard to be present when you're feeling depleted.
  • Laura shares her top priorities.
  • Life is all about giving and taking.
  • Giving your kids a healthy view of you, as a working parent.
  • Laura talks about her relationship with her body.
  • Pilates is all about the mind/body connection.
  • Laura experienced an enormous shift in her spirit from doing Pilates.

Links and resources:

Robin on Instagram - @the balanced life

Laura on Instagram - @laura.tremaine

Laura's Website

10 Things To Tell You

The Miracle Morning

L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara

Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

May 06, 2020
Bonus: TBL Team: This is How We Work from Home
40:58

Are you also working from home now? If so, how have you been coping with the change? There are so many people working unexpectedly from home at the moment, so today, we decided to create a fun, bonus episode for you, to talk about what it’s like to work from home in the longer-term. Because staying at home can be awesome, but it’s not without its challenges. Listen in today, to hear what Becky, Elizabeth, Jaclyn, Martha, Jordin, and Susan have to share.

At The Balanced Life, we work as a remote team, and we have some of the members of the team here today, at the recording of this episode. We have all been working remotely for at least a year, and we’re all used to connecting with our co-workers digitally. So we thought it would be a fun idea to bring us all together today, to talk about what we have learned from working at home for the last few years. Stay tuned to hear about our lessons learned from working at home.

Show highlights:

  • Feeling healthy, balanced, and productive is very important when working from home.
  • Priorities are vital.
  • Setting up a routine, structures, and communications from home.
  • Planning for productivity.
  • Defining your workspace.
  • Creating healthy work boundaries.
  • Keeping to a routine of healthy eating.
  • Some practical tools to help teams working from home.

Links and resources:

Asana

Slack

Zoom

Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

 

May 01, 2020
28: Balancing Work, Kids, and Self-Care
39:43

Are you coping with working at home and taking care of your kids? And are you finding the time to practice some self-care as well? We all find ourselves in different situations right now. Although there are a lot of similarities with what we’re experiencing, there are a lot of differences too. Some of us have four kids at home, while others don’t have any children. And many of us are working from home now, while others might not be working at all. Today’s episode is both personal and practical. Robin shares the shifts that she and her family have made to thrive in this unique and unprecedented season. 

Robin gives us a peek behind the scenes and talks about what her day-to-day life is looking like right now. She shares some practical tips for managing your kids while working at home, and she also discusses self-care and friendships. Be sure to listen in today, to find out how Robin is managing to juggle her work, her kids, her marriage, her friends, and also finding the time for some self-care while being at home twenty-four hours a day.

Show Highlights:

  • Robin hopes to inspire you today, and help you figure out how to juggle all the different aspects of your life.
  • Robin explains what The Balanced Life Sisterhood is all about.
  • Robin has been working remotely for more than five years now, and currently, her entire team is remote so they have developed some very effective systems for working from home.
  • There’s no nanny for now.
  • Time-blocking has now become more important than ever.
  • Sneaking in some work-hours, in the mornings.
  • Working in the evenings is not good for your health and well-being, however, you might have to make some exceptions right now.
  • Screen-time rules for Robin’s kids have lightened up for now.
  • You need to be very clear about your priorities.
  • Communication is key with remote work.
  • Getting dressed in the mornings helps Robin to feel productive.
  • Home-schooling is a different experience for everyone. 
  • As parents, you need to have some structure in your day.
  • Let things fall as they will, and then adjust them as you go along.
  • It’s not easy to make time for yourself now, but it is possible. Robin has created a free online class about this, called Creating Healthy Routines. How To Care For Yourself When You’re Short On Time and Energy. 
  • What self-care really is all about.
  • Focusing on gratitude throughout the day can change your life.
  • How Robin’s 15-minute workouts are carrying her through the day.
  • Robin has not watched the news at all in the last four weeks. This does not mean that she’s uninformed, however.
  • Remember to drink water, check-in with your body, and relax throughout the day.
  • Little things are big things right now.
  • Friendships have gone digital for now.

Links and Resources:

Pilates Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

Sign up for the free webinar: Creating Healthy Routines

Join The Balanced Life Sisterhood

Apr 22, 2020
27: Creating Your Optimal Health Routine with April Perry
52:12

We often overcomplicate exercise and eating healthy, but finding a balanced routine that benefits and compliments your individual needs doesn’t have to be difficult. In this conversation, April Perry interviews Robin Long on how to create an optimal health routine and integrating habits that honor your season of life. 

Robin discusses how to build strength in all areas of life by using small wins to motivate and build confidence, as well as many other tips you can implement into your own daily routine. Join Robin and April in this enlightening and motivating conversation!

Show Highlights: 

  • Creating an optimal health routine that’s reflective of personal needs 
  • How to re-center when life throws you off balance and the many factors of finding a healthy routine  
  • Being conscious of your tell-tale signs of being off balance 
  • Integrating small steps to add more movement into your day 
  • How to establish maintainable habits and challenge yourself without getting discouraged 
  • Why Pilates so effective and beneficial for the body 
  • How to get started doing 15 minutes of Pilates a day 
  • Results and benefits you’ll see from incorporating physical activity in your life 
  • Learning to have a healthy relationship with food and nourishing your body 

Links: 

The Balanced Life’s Instagram

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

Strength + Stress Relief Challenge

Apr 08, 2020
26: Hitha Palepu: Resetting Expectations & Cultivating Your Village
52:07

When juggling life, parenthood, and a career, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by daily tasks, media, and self-expectations. 

In today’s interview with Hitha Palepu, a mother, blogger, entrepreneur, and author, she shares how she finds balance in her daily tasks through establishing productive morning habits, resetting self-expectations, and consuming media without letting it control her emotions. 

She also discusses what it means to be an active angel investor and how you can get involved. Join Robin Long in this inspiring conversation to unpack more of Hitha’s approach to living a fulfilling life. 

Show Highlights: 

  • Snapshot of who Hitha is and what her current season of life looks like 
  • A day in the life of Hitha and her tips to have a productive morning 
  • How to have a more graceful and gentle approach with your self-compassion 
  • Learning where to draw the line on daily priorities 
  • Tips to stay present in the moment 
  • Saying no to things that don’t align with priorities 
  • Pursuing becoming an angel investor and how to get started 
  • How Hitha’s approach to blogging brought her traction and amplified her voice
  • How to maintain hope and positivity when consuming media 
  • Taking time for self-care and reflection in moments of overwhelm 
  • A rapid-fire session of Hitha’s favorite go-to’s and resources 

Links: 

The Balanced Life - Instagram

The Balanced Life - Website

5-Day Pilates Jumpstart

Contact Hitha: 

Hitha's Instagram

Hitha's Website

Resources: 

Pipeline Angels

Axios

Wander Beauty - Do Not Disturb Overnight Repair Concentrate

iFundWomen

Jessica Yellin Instagram

Mar 25, 2020
25: Do the Things You Need to Do
13:30

Being your healthiest, happiest, and strongest self doesn’t have to be complicated. When approaching our goals, we often look at what we want as “too big” before we even break it down into little steps. Truth is, we don’t have to make huge life shifts in order to feel the way we want to. 

In today’s episode, Robin Long discusses how you can do the things you need to do in order to feel the way you want to in a simple and applicable way. Join Robin in this episode to learn how you can break down your goals to feel the way you want every day!

Show Highlights:

  • The Balanced Life Sisterhood approach and the benefits of getting involved
  • How to change a negative mindset to achieve the feelings you want
  • Finding the motivation to take time to feel the way you want
  • How to take steps to identify with the feelings you’re striving for

Links:

Learn more about The Balanced Life Sisterhood:

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/balanced-life-sisterhood

Mar 16, 2020
24: Simple Hacks to Make It Easy to Stick to Your Workouts
23:21

Whether it’s a busy, stressful, light, or slow season of life for you, we all have things we’re juggling. Often times, our relationship with food and fitness are the first things to take a hit when trying to balance everything we have on our plates.

In this episode, Robin Long shares her top tips to help you stay consistent and relieve the pressure of perfectionism. Robin talks about being realistic with your goals in a way that will set you up for success. Join Robin in this motivating episode to learn more about how you can build consistency and accountability into your day-to-day life. 

Show Highlights: 

  • We all deal with stress and it directly impacts our relationship with food and exercise 
  • Getting rid of obstacles and excuses that keep us from prioritizing workouts 
  • Creating small goals and being realistic about your current season 
  • Setting yourself up for small wins to build confidence and consistency 
  • Different ways to build accountability and support into your daily life 

 

Links: 

Follow us on Instagram

The Balanced Life Website

Free Pilates Strength and Stress Relief Challenge: 

Join now!

Feb 26, 2020
23: Kat Harris: Managing Anxiety, Being Vulnerable, and Pursuing Friendships
01:02:24

What’s meant to be will always find you, with a lot of hard work, effort, and showing up. When it comes to finding your career, friends, or romance, sometimes you have to take initiative and put yourself out there. 

 

Kat Harris, full-time photographer and founder of the Refined Woman, is the poster-child for this philosophy. In this conversation with Robin Long, she shares how showing up in uncertainty has not only helped her find her purpose and career but built a community of friends and changed her dating life. If you want more insight on how you can show up in your own life to create a life that reflects your goals and passions, tune into this juicy interview. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • What Kat Harris does and what her current season of life looks like 
  • How Kat tapped into her creativity and became a photographer 
  • Jumping full force into trying new things to find your purpose 
  • A day in the life of Kat Harris 
  • Reaching a point of burnout and what it looks like to restructure your life to support your goals without the unnecessary stress
  • The importance of having a supportive community and setting healthy boundaries
  • Identifying fear and using truth statements to combat it     
  • What activates anxiety and strategies to overcome it 
  • Being vulnerable to build friendships and community
  • Changing limiting beliefs and negative narratives about dating 
  • Taking the steps to get what you want out of a romantic relationship 
  • A rapid-fire session of Kat’s go-to’s and favorite products 

 

Links: 

 

https://www.instagram.com/thebalancedlife/?hl=en

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Resources: 

Laluset Hyaluronic Acid Cream

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

 

Contact Kat: 

 

The Refined Woman on Instagram

 

https://www.therefinedwoman.com

 

The Refined Collective Podcast

 

6 Tips to Activate Your Dating Life

Feb 12, 2020
22: You Can’t Change Your Habits Until You Change THIS!
29:01

Whether setting goals is your best friend or worst enemy, we all have ambitions and aspirations for the type of person we want to be. The only thing that has to change in order for us to reach those goals, is ourselves.

Our identity has a major influence on the choices and actions we make in day-to-day life, so what if we just started perceiving ourselves as if we were already the person we want to be?

Sounds a lot easier said than done, but in this episode, Robin Long unveils practical and tangible steps to shift your self-perception and step into the life you’ve always wanted. 

Show Highlights: 

  • How your identity influences your habits 
  • Overcoming your self-perception to reach fitness goals 
  • Steps to get rid of habits that aren’t self-serving 
  • The benefits of incorporating affirmations into your daily practice 
  • Making small changes that reflect the life you truly want 
  • How to shift your self-narrative 

Links: 

The Balanced Life on Instagram

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

2020 Vision Guide: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/episode20/

Balanced Life Sisterhood Sign-up: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/sisterhood-signin/

5 Day Jumpstart: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

Resources: 

Jim Fortin Podcast: https://www.jimfortin.com/podcast/

Atomic Habits by James  Clear

Jan 29, 2020
21: Shunta Grant: What Does Your Best Look Like Today
50:08

We often feel limited to follow one dream, one lifestyle, or one career path, but Shunta Grant is a vibrant example of why that doesn’t have to be the case. As Shunta likes to say, she wears many shoes, and she wears them well! 

Shunta is a mother, business owner, host of the Business and Joy podcast, and still manages to fit life between it all. In this episode, she shares how she’s structured her day-to-day life in a way that rejuvenates and fulfills her purpose as opposed to burning her out. She also shares the importance of self-awareness and how to establish a schedule that supports your priorities. 

Join Robin Long in this insightful and warming conversation. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • Who is Shunta and the many shoes she wears 
  • A typical week in the life of Shunta 
  • How to prioritize work and create your own schedule 
  • Setting boundaries in a corporate setting 
  • How to be intentional with daily tasks (like grocery shopping)  
  • Prioritizing relationships, purpose, and profits 
  • Things Shunta has had to let go of in order to honor her priorities 
  • Saying no to things that don’t support your vision 
  • Building confidence in a way that isn’t reliant on others validation 
  • Getting freedom from guilt by building self-awareness 
  • How to start and end your day in a rejuvenating and peaceful way 
  • Rapid Fire Question Session 
  • Creating a clear vision for your life 

 

Links: 

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Contact Shunta: 

https://www.becauseofzoe.com

https://www.instagram.com/shuntagrant/?hl=en

https://shuntagrant.com

 

Resources: 

Daily Plan Notepads

Sephora Truth Serum

Jan 15, 2020
20: 2020 Vision Guide: How to Create Your Healthiest & Most Fulfilling Year Yet
18:00

Looking towards a new year has us all evaluating where we were last year, where we are now, where we want to be, but most importantly, how we’re going to get there. 

Today, Robin Long shares her vision for the 2020 season of The Balanced Life, her evaluation process for moving forward, and how you can use her guide to create a clear vision for yourself in 2020. Robin talks about how to use self-reflection as a tool for growth and the importance of taking time to set yourself up for success. 

Tune into this exciting and reflective episode to follow Robin into this upcoming year with a clear, and healthy vision. 

Show Highlights: 

  • Robin’s vision for this seasons podcast 
  • Getting rid of the notion that women do it all 
  • What Robin discovered and is shifting throughout the progression of her podcast
  • How to create a clear vision for 2020 
  • What the vision guide is not 
  • The importance of self-reflection 
  • Taking time to dream up the healthiest version of you 
  • Establishing habits you want to build and break in 2020
  • Focusing on your why 
  • How to show up for yourself and others 

 

Links: 

https://www.instagram.com/thebalancedlife/?hl=en

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

5 Day Jumpstart: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

Free 2020 Vision Guide:
Jan 02, 2020
19: Q&A with my Husband: Marriage, Health & Family Balance
54:40

This week’s interview is with highly anticipated and requested guest, Matt Long. Matt Long is husband and other half to Robin’s balanced life. In this episode, Matt and Robin share how they balance health, marriage, and kids during this season of life. 

They discuss roles they’ve had to take on, along with how they make gradual changes in order to support their family’s needs. Join this dynamic duo in this authentic conversation about how to lean into current seasons, along with how to make conscious choices to support and encourage your partner through the good, bad and the ugly. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • What Robin’s life looked like before Matt and how he’s impacted her self-perception 
  • Where Matt was in life when he met Robin and how running became a bonding experience  
  • Navigating lifestyle differences and taking initiative to live a healthier lifestyle 
  • Integrating nourishing recipes that are still flavorful into your diet 
  • Managing individual dietary and allergy restrictions as a family 
  • How to work through lifestyle shifts with your partner harmoniously 
  • Matt’s relationship with Pilates and the role exercise plays in his life 
  • How Matt and Robin integrate exercise into their busy schedule 
  • What to do when your partner isn’t being supportive in health changes 
  • Things Matt doesn’t do in this current season of life 
  • What Robin and Matt say no to as a family 
  • Managing postpartum season and the importance of having support 
  • Avoiding self-pity in order to be as supportive and encouraging as possible 
  • Making a mindset shift to show up with more energy for your family 

 

Links: 

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Enrollment for the Sisterhood: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/balanced-life-sisterhood/

Oct 09, 2019
18: Natalie Taylor: Focusing on your Core Values While Creating Margin and Slowing Down
01:03:32

Finances play a huge role in our day-to-day life and where we choose to focus our money is important. Today’s guest, Natalie Taylor, is a financial planner who emphasizes how to spend money and live life in a way that aligns with your core values. Natalie shares how she transitioned from life in corporate to work from home, the struggles that can often accompany those transitions, and the fulfillment she’s found in her journey. She also talks about how to build margins into your day in order to be efficient and effective but in a way that gives you space to slow down. Join Robin Long in this interview to learn more about Natalie’s story and how you can create a life that aligns with your values. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • Who is Natalie and what does she do 
  • Natalie’s corporate career and how she transitioned to where she is now 
  • Creating a life that aligns with your core values 
  • Working through transitional seasons and the role of finances 
  • What Natalie’s daily life in corporate looked like versus now 
  • The importance of margins and having space to rest 
  • Tips to maintain margins and build rhythm into your day 
  • What “adult swim” is and how Natalie implements it into her parenting 
  • The difficulties of transitioning from full-time child care to being the predominant caregiver 
  • Natalie’s health journey and the role exercise plays in her life 
  • How Natalie uses her gifts to help people think and feel differently about money 
  • Things Natalie doesn’t do in this season 
  • A rapid-fire session of Natalie’s favorites and go-to products 
  • How to find your own unique sense of balance 

 

Links: 

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Enrollment for the Sisterhood: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/balanced-life-sisterhood/

 

Contact Natalie: 

 

Instagram: @Natalieanntaylormoney

 

https://www.natalieanntaylor.com

 

Products and Resources Mentioned: 

 

https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

 

https://www.clinique.com/product/1599/6077/makeup/foundations/superpowder-double-face-makeup?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4fsBRBnEiwANTahcLArUQfaqm1fokYVsNA6P-kALDJPp_KyVynNCRJLc27eMD0FwjtOrxoCtN0QAvD_BwE

Sep 25, 2019
17: Jesse Coulter: Loving Your Job, Not Shopping for 6 Months, and Cap'n Crunch for Dinner
01:03:37

Jesse Coulter is an Austin local, mom, wife, lifestyle blogger, and works in Marketing for IBM. Jesse shares how she juggles all the different aspects of her life, along with tips and strategies you can implement in your own busy schedule. Jesse also shares the struggles with marriage, finances, and burnout that often accompany chaotic seasons. This raw, honest, and vulnerable interview with Jesse and your host, Robin Long, has a little bit of something for everyone.

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • Ways to set yourself up for success during busy weeks 
  • What Jesse’s career looks like and how it’s evolved over the years 
  • A day in the life of Jesse 
  • How Jesse finds time to write for her blog 
  • The biggest challenges with work/life balance 
  • Managing mornings and evenings as a parent 
  • Prioritizing marriage during busy seasons and defining responsibilities with your spouse 
  • The struggle with staying home or going back to work after having kids 
  • Prioritizing family and leaning into building a career
  • Ways to manage spending and savings 
  • Areas of life Jesse has had to let go of 
  • How self-care and exercise play a part in Jesse’s life 
  • Dealing with burnout 
  • Jesse’s strengths and how she thrives in a fast-paced environment 
  • Rapid-fire session of Jesse’s favorite products and resources 
  • The importance of remembering who you are and connecting with yourself 

 

Links: 

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Mind, Body, Pilates Challenge: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/mind-body-pilates-challenge/

 

Contact Jesse: 

 

Instagram: @Jessecoulter

 

http://www.jessecoulter.net

 

Resources and Products Mentioned: 

 

https://www.mint.com

 

Dermalogica Replenish Oil

 

Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum

 

Posts from Jesse's blog on budgeting + no shopping challenge

 

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University

Sep 18, 2019
16: Dorena Williamson: Leaning Into Seasons of Change, Pursuing Solitude, and Always Learning
44:09

It’s important for us to find unique, and interesting ways to bring awareness of relevant topics to our children. Today’s guest, Dorena Williamson, has published a collection of colorful, and beautifully diverse children’s books to empower and educate today’s youth. 

 

Not only is Dorena a passionate author, but she is a stylist, mother, and the wife of a Pastor in Nashville. Dorena juggles many hats, as well as her own health and spirituality. 

 

In this episode, Dorena shares more of her journey of accepting seasons and how to embrace being in the moment. Join Robin Long in this encouraging and powerful episode to bring more joy to your day. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • Robin’s updated morning routine 
  • Who is Dorena Williamson and the many hats she wears 
  • What a typical day in the life of Dorena looks like 
  • An overview of Dorena’s books and her unique approach to writing 
  • How to commit to priorities and the beauty of actively engaging with others 
  • Areas of life Dorena doesn’t prioritize and accepting your current season 
  • Leaning into seasons and embracing the major life shifts 
  • Navigating the desire to go back to the past and being in the moment 
  • Dorena’s strengths and how she manages to juggle so many hats 
  • Practical self-care tips and Dorena’s exercise regimen 
  • The power of solitude 
  • A rapid-fire session of Dorena’s favorite products and resources 
  • Embracing your natural beauty and letting your inner beauty shine 

 

Links: 

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Mind, Body, Pilates Challenge: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/mind-body-pilates-challenge/

 

Contact Dorena: 

 

https://www.dorenawilliamson.com

 

Instagram: @Dorenawilliamson 

Twitter: @Dorenawill

Faacebook: Dorena Williamson 

 

Products and Resources Mentioned: 

Bella Curls Coconut Whipped Leave In Conditioner

Sep 11, 2019
15: Laura Whitaker: Building a Career, Raising a Family and Doing Small Things with Great Love
59:59

This week’s extra special and inspiring guest is Laura Whitaker. Laura Whitaker has been the executive director of Extra Special People since the age of 19 and has since taken on new roles as a mother and wife. 

In this wisdom packed episode, Laura shares how her career has evolved and the many tidbits of knowledge she’s acquired throughout her journey. You won’t want to miss this conversation with your host, Robin Long, about developing emotional intelligence, living for small moments of love, along with tricks to make mornings with kids easier. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • What Laura’s career and current season of life looks like
  • How Laura got involved with ESP and how it’s evolved 
  • Having a mentorship mentality and surrounding yourself with uplifting people  
  • Different seasons Laura has experienced throughout her career and redefining what her job means over the years 
  • Mental practices to master putting on different hats 
  • Being understanding of the capacities of others
  • How Laura balances friendships 
  • How Laura utilizes her gifts of encouragement and marketing to motivate others 
  • Things Laura doesn’t do in her daily life and the guilt of missing important moments 
  • Laura’s current self-care regimen and what she does to prioritize her health 
  • Dealing with burnout and shifting your mindset to positively impact others  
  • The benefits of establishing a morning routine and meal prepping for the week 
  • A rapid-fire session of Laura’s favorite products and resources 
  • How to create a life that is unique and whole to you 

 

Links: 

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Mind, Body, Pilates Challenge: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/mind-body-pilates-challenge/

 

Contact Laura: 

 

https://www.hopesweethome.com

 

https://extraspecialpeople.com

 

https://javajoy.org

 

Resources and Products mentioned: 

 

https://www.marcopolo.me

 

Amazon Echo Dot

 

Lululemon On the Fly Pants

 

Sep 04, 2019
14: Ask Me Anything: Marriage, Motherhood, and Pilates
50:54

Today is an exciting and special solo episode with the host herself, Robin Long! Robin is a Pilates instructor, CEO of the Balanced life, and is passionate about helping women live their most authentic and fulfilling life. 

In this solo episode, Robin covers every aspect of life from her morning routine to taking care of her children. She shares her journey of learning to connect with her body in a positive and healthy way, how counseling has boosted her confidence and her marriage, and how she sets boundaries on social media. To hear Robin’s life, health, and marriage advice tune into this episode of The Balanced Life. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • How Robin got involved in Pilates and her career prior to being an instructor 
  • How Pilates can help get over anxiety and how it changed Robin’s life 
  • Robin’s family and how she met her husband 
  • Making time for your spouse and maintaining a healthy relationship 
  • How counseling has benefitted Robin’s marriage and created a support system for her 
  • What Robin’s morning and night-time routine currently look like. 
  • Handling private and public life on social media by setting boundaries 
  • The last thing that made Robin cry and the outcome of the situation 
  • Robin’s experience with nursing and how long she intends on doing it 
  • Robin’s top parenting hacks 
  • Learning to manage daily stress and how Robin’s faith has carried her through difficult situations 
  • Quick and easy go-to meals 
  • Scheduling workouts and integrating activity during pocket time 
  • What it’s like behind the scenes of filming on the beach 
  • Rapid-fire session of Robin’s favorite beauty and life go-to’s 

 

Links: 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

Join the Free 10 Day Mind/Body Pilates Challenge:

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/challenge

Products and Resources Mentioned: 

Beauty Counter Moisturizer

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Lash

Aug 28, 2019
13: Tiffany Lee Bymaster: Setting Intentions, Protecting Passions and Asking for What You Want
01:18:40

Lights, Camera, Action! This interview has it all, from the glitz to the glam, to the nitty-gritty details you want to know! Today’s guest, Tiffany Lee Bymaster, is a professional makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, business coach, and online mentor. 

Tiffany has experience behind the camera and in front of it and uses her extensive knowledge to help other individuals grow their own business. 

In this interview, Tiffany gets vulnerable about her career and health journey and the impact exercise has had on her life. She talks about dealing with burnout, how passion can sometimes be toxic, and not waiting for opportunities to come to you. Join Robin Long in this exciting, abundant episode for tangible advice you can apply to your own life and career. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • Dealing with body image and breaking free from negative thought cycles 
  • Tiffany’s career journey and how she got her online market started
  • What Tiffany’s freelancing career as a makeup artist looked like 
  • Working through adrenal fatigue and creating a new reality for yourself 
  • Burning yourself out and pushing your body too hard when you need a break 
  • Healing from burnout and taking a new approach 
  • What Tiffany’s daily schedule looks like and establishing a productive morning routine  
  • Being unapologetic about living the life you want to 
  • Emphasizing relationships and finding a way to incorporate fun into a busy schedule 
  • Time blocking and mapping out your top 10 priorities for the week 
  • Strategies to conquer tasks effectively and the value of time blocking 
  • Asking for what you need and what you want 
  • Things Tiffany outsources and why she stopped cooking 
  • Defying the pressure of perfection 
  • The roles exercise and health play in Tiffany’s life 
  • Rapid Fire Session of Tiffany’s favorite go-to’s 

 

Links: 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

5 Day Jumpstart:  

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/ 

Contact Tiffany: 

http://coachglitter.com

 

Links: 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

Contact Tiffany: 

http://coachglitter.com

Products and Resources Mentioned: 

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Peloton Bike

Derma Flash

Lara Bars

Freshly

The Sisterhood 

Aug 21, 2019
12: Shruthi Parker: Finding Your True Passions, Navigating Friendships and Starting Each Day with Purpose
50:23

We can all be our own worst critics, but sometimes we need someone else to give us a dose of Shruth. Shruthi Parker is a lifestyle blogger based in Austin, Texas who has an array of juicy life advice. 

Shruthi shares how she discovered her passion for blogging and made it her full-time job, the importance of having a solid sense of self, and the beauty of acknowledging your current season of life. She shares how her different life experiences have shaped her and how she’s preparing for her next big life transition as a new mother. This episode has a little bit of wisdom for everyone, so you won’t want to miss out. Join Robin Long in this week’s interview on The Balanced Life. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • What Shruthi’s career looks like and how she got into blogging 
  • What goes into being an Uber driver and the life skills it builds 
  • Treating your side hustle work as a full-time job from the beginning 
  • Fighting for approval from family members and friends with a nontraditional job 
  • Shruthi’s daily schedule and what she does weekly 
  • How Shruthi determined when to bring on interns and the value they bring to her career  
  • Shruthi’s current top priorities and how she balances her creativity 
  • Finding time to nurture relationships during busy work seasons 
  • How Shruthi is preparing and planning for being a new mother 
  • Developing a solid sense of self and using that voice to establish a brand
  • Overcoming the pressure from outside sources and setting boundaries on social media 
  • Aspects of life that have taken a back seat during this season of life 
  • Dealing with the consist intensity of trying to balance it all 
  • Refocusing each day and practicing self-care daily 
  • Rapid fire session of Shruthi’s favorite products and resources 
  • How to discover the path you should pursue 

 

 

Links: 

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Contact Shruthi: 

 

https://thehonestshruth.com

Instagram: @Thehonestshruth 

 

Resources and Products Mentioned: 

 

https://www.milkmakeup.com/blur-matte-setting-powder.html

 

https://jamieivey.com/category/podcast-2

 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-411-ari-brown-md/1114831396#/

Aug 14, 2019
11: Natalie Borton: Evening Routines, Opting Out of Diet Culture and Prioritizing Mental Health
57:46

Today’s episode of The Balanced life tackles the struggles of finding childcare, establishing a nighttime routine, how to follow your hunger and the anti-diet movement, along with so many more juicy topics. 

Natalie Borton is a minimalist, California inspired jewelry designer, along with being a wife, mother, and blogger. Natalie shares how she balances all of the different aspects of life and how she has created a sense of self-awareness to guide her through all of the chaos. Join Robin Long in this abundant episode for more insightful tips and a dose of wisdom. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • What Natalie does and how she uses Instagram to build women's confidence 
  • What a typical day in the life looks like as a mom and jewelry designer 
  • How launching a business impacted Natalie’s life 
  • The struggle of finding proper childcare and going through transitional seasons 
  • Surprising aspects of Natalie’s life 
  • How to make choices that support your priorities and needs 
  • Enjoying the process of self-care and establishing a night-time routine 
  • Secrets to getting better sleep 
  • How to realistically invest in your marriage and “date” your spouse 
  • Letting go of things that aren’t priorities and focusing on current seasons 
  • Aspects of life that Natalie excels in and how she focuses her energy 
  • Keeping yourself in check with an achievement-based drive 
  • Following your hunger and practicing intuitive eating 
  • Overcoming diet culture and the freedom it brings  
  • Finding ways to connect with others outside of self-deprecation 
  • Rapid-fire session of Natalie’s favorite go-to’s
  • Tips to live your own uniquely, happy, balanced life 

 

Links: 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

5 Day Jumpstart: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Contact Natalie: 

https://natalieborton.com

 

Instagram: @natalieborton 

 

Resources and Products Mentioned: 

 

& Now To Sleep Pillow Spray

 

Slipsilk™ Pure Silk Pillowcase

 

My Blanquil

 

Flick Boy Brow Duo

 

Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

 

Sephora Retinoid Serum

 

Jenna Kutcher's Podcast

 

Allie Casazza's Podcast

Aug 07, 2019
10: Ashlee Gadd: FOMO, Decision Fatigue, and Trying Again Tomorrow
01:01:28

Ashlee may not make her bed, volunteer at every school event, or keep her kid's hair Met-Gala ready, but she does manage email like a boss, use her gifts to encourage women, and mother 3 amazing children. 

Ashlee Gadd is the founder of Coffee and Crumbs, a mothering community with an array of resources to support and encourage mothers to steward their creativity. In this interview, Ashlee shares how she makes practical tips to simplify daily life, the challenges she faces with setting boundaries as a stay-at-home working mom, and the importance of giving yourself grace. Join Robin Long in this episode, for insightful tips and a dose of inspiration. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • Who Ashlee is and what her current season of life looks like 
  • What Ashlee’s daily commitments look like balancing work and motherhood 
  • The origin story of Coffee and Crumbs 
  • Writing in an intentional way that cultivates life
  • Identifying Ashlee’s top values and how she finds time to prioritize them 
  • Letting go of extracurricular activities and anything that doesn’t support your current season of life 
  • Creating a system to handle emails as effectively as possible 
  • Tasks Ashlee doesn’t prioritize in this season of life 
  • Helping people within a capacity that leaves space for your priorities  
  • Eating a balanced diet and practicing intuitive eating 
  • How and when Ashlee finds time to grocery shop and meal prep
  • What exercise looks like in Ashlee’s life 
  • The biggest challenges that accompany juggling work and family time 
  • Finding inspiration and committing to ideas when they come 
  • A rapid-fire session of Ashlee’s favorite products 
  • Letting go of expectations and giving yourself grace each day 

 

Links: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

Contact Ashlee: 

 

https://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net

 

Instagram: @Ashleegadd, @coffeeandcrumbs 

 

 

Products and Resources mentioned: 

 

https://www.hellofresh.com

 

https://www.glossier.com/products/boy-brow

 

https://www.10thingstotellyou.com/podcast

 

TV Shows: 10 Little Lies, The Handmaid’s Tale 

 

Refurbished Vitamix

Jul 31, 2019
09: Jessica Honegger: Respecting Seasons, Releasing Shame and Choosing Connection Over Comparison
49:42

It’s easy to create unrealistic expectations when it seems like everyone around you has it figured out but you. Today, Jessica Honegger shares her own personal journey with comparison as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. Jessica not only stays actively involved with her 3 children but balances her businesses, Noonday Collection, and the Going Scared Podcast, and recently released a book, The Imperfect Courage. 

In this episode, Jessica discusses how she’s learned to surrender her perfectionism and embrace her current season of life. She provides an empowering anecdote of an encounter with another mom, how she’s managed to adjust to major life transitions, and how to let go of control. Join Robin Long in this intimate and encouraging interview. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • Jessica discusses her current career and the different projects she’s working on 
  • How Jessica started her own company while balancing being a mother and wife 
  • Learning to appreciate the present moment and enjoying the season you’re in 
  • The progress of Jessica’s office space and cultivating an office culture 
  • How to adjust to different business systems during different life transitions 
  • Letting go of perfectionism and releasing control in order to validate yourself 
  • Dictating what to prioritize and what to release 
  • Choosing celebration and connectivity instead of comparison  
  • What a self-care regimen looks like for Jessica 
  • Approaching exercise as a positive process as opposed to a punishment 
  • The journey of acceptance and the process of transformation 
  • Advice to live a fulfilled and balanced life 

 

Links: 

 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

 

Instagram: @thebalancedlife 

 

Contact Jessica: 

Instagram: @Jessicahonegger 

Jessica's Going Scared Podcast

References: 

https://thrivecausemetics.com/products/liquid-lash-extensions-mascara

Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honegger

Mindful Silence by Phileena Heuertz

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

Jul 24, 2019
08: Lara Casey: Maintaining Friendships, Boundaries on Social Media and Cultivating What Matters
59:14

Today’s interview is filled to the brim with insightful and enlightening conversation. Lara Casey is a wife, mom of 3, and entrepreneur, with a countercultural take on life and business. She is the CEO of Cultivate What Matters, a business that helps individuals uncover what matters to them and make an action plan to attain their goals. Lara uses the tactics she implements in her work into her daily life and has created strategies that help her juggle homeschooling, work, and motherhood. Join Robin Long in this interview to learn more about how Lara keeps her cup full and still manages to pour back into others through all life’s chaos. 

 

Show Highlights: 

 

  • What brought Lara to her career now and how she applies her work to everyday life 
  • Identifying priorities and being selective with focusing energy 
  • Navigating saying no and letting go of things that don’t align with your priorities 
  • Putting programs in place to balance childcare, work, and homeschool 
  • Dealing with feelings of judgment 
  • Tips to help stay present and setting boundaries  
  • Using social media as a platform to minister and pour into others 
  • Creating daily rituals for self-care 
  • Finding ways to have quality time in a countercultural way 
  • Lara’s approach to eating and how she meal preps 
  • Overcoming feelings of guilt and using it as a motivator 
  • Maintaining a sense of community and friendships in busy seasons 
  • Finding contentment in the current season of life you’re in 
  • Rapid fire session 
  • The importance of always thinking of the big picture 

 

Links: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

 

Contact Lara: 

https://cultivatewhatmatters.com

https://laracasey.com

 

Lara’s book: 

Make It Happen by Lara Casey

 

Organizations Mentioned: 

https://www.zachariahsacres.org

https://www.compassion.com

 

Products Mentioned: 

https://acure.com

Youversion Bible app

Acure Skincare

One Love organics daily face wash

Health Warrior Bars

Get PowerSheets here!

Jul 17, 2019
07: Renee Hahnel: Organizational Hacks, Protecting Creative Energy and Doing the Best We Can
01:05:21

This conversation with Renee Hahnel is packed full of encouragement and powerful reminders to help us make each day the best we can. Renee is an Australian travel photographer, blogger, and newly published author with an unconventional perspective on how to live a wholesome and fulfilling life. 

She shares how her own personal experiences have motivated her to become more compassionate towards herself and others, the positive impact of a morning routine, and the how to maintain a healthy work balance with your spouse. Join Robin Long in this magical interview to hear more about how Renee juggle’s it all with a life on the road. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • What led Renee to where she is now and how she finds balance through growth seasons 
  • Getting involved in travel photography and how Renee made it a career 
  • Finding a healthy balance between our own priorities and giving back to others 
  • Giving yourself permission to let go of things that aren’t priorities in the season you’re in 
  • How Renee juggles running a business while traveling full time 
  • Tools and systems to put in place to be more efficient 
  • Maintaining a healthy work relationship with your spouse 
  • Separating work life from romantic life 
  • Overcoming the pressure of inadequacy and comparison 
  • Teaching people how to use social media in a healthy way 
  • The role diet plays in Renee’s life 
  • How exercise is incorporated into Renee’s work and daily life 
  • Encouraging yourself and accepting you’re doing your best 
  • Life changing self-care practices 
  • A rapid-fire session of Renee’s favorites 

 

Links: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/jumpstart/

Resources mentioned: 

https://agendio.com

https://www.miraclemorning.com/books/

Fanola No Yellow Hair Mask

https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this

Contact Renee: 

https://www.reneeroaming.com

Instagram: @reneeroaming

Jul 10, 2019
06: Monique Melton: Healthy Relationships, Defining Your Worth and Creative Ways to Lighten Your Load
48:23

In order to have a whole, happy, and fulfilling life that aligns with our goals we have to establish solid relationships not only with others, but with ourselves. Today’s guest, Monique Melton, is a relationship and racial diversity coach with a passion for creating unity. Monique encourages others to do intentional heart work that will break down boundaries in their spiritual, personal, and relational growth. 

In this episode, Monique shares how she has personally let go of the pressure of perfection in her own life and how she’s changed her mindset to commit to her family and personal needs, not societal obligations. She also talks about how she has redefined motherhood for herself and established a better relationship with the gym, all while being an entrepreneur. 

Show Highlights: 

  • What Monique’s faith and career look like currently 
  • A typical day in the life for Monique and her family 
  • Paralleling Monique’s current career to her childhood vision 
  • How Monique prioritizes important aspects of her life 
  • Things Monique has had to let go of obligations that don’t support her priorities 
  • Letting go of pressure and the mindset of perfection
  • Disassociating your self-worth from your ability to do it all 
  • Recognizing your family’s needs and meeting them to the best of your ability 
  • Reflecting on experiences that have evoked fear and anxiety 
  • Allowing yourself to feel your emotions and taking action in a way that makes you proud 
  • Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable 
  • Finding ways to incorporate health and fitness into your lifestyle 
  • Ways to incorporate leisure into a busy schedule 
  • Rapid fire session of Monique’s favorite products and daily go-to’s 

Links: 

Join the 5 Day Jumpstart

Contact Monique: 

Instagram: @Moetivate 

https://www.moniquemelton.com

Jul 03, 2019
05: Danielle Walker: Autoimmune Disease, Challenges of Childcare and the Healing Power of Food
53:45

Going against the grain can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes to food. Today’s guest, Danielle Walker, is a gluten-free chef, 3 time New York Times bestselling cookbook author, and blogger.

Danielle started her grain free journey in 2007 when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and was forced to make a major lifestyle and diet shifts. She has found a way to live functionally and comfortably with her disease, all while juggling being a mom, and sharing her healing tips with the world. 

In this interview, Danielle shares how she makes it all work by investing in reliable childcare, prioritizing her self-care, and utilizing her planner. Join Robin Long in this interview to learn more about how Danielle lives her balanced life. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • How Danielle’s diagnosis shifted her diet and daily life 
  • Using yoga and physical activity to treat autoimmune disease 
  • Experimenting with food to improve autoimmune disease 
  • Establishing priorities and utilizing a planner 
  • The benefits and challenges of working from home 
  • Shifting to a more sustainable child care arrangement 
  • Letting go of guilt and insecurities 
  • Tips for grocery shopping and meal planning 
  • What exercise looks like in Danielle’s life and how she fits it in her schedule 
  • Focal points for self-care and being in tune with personal needs 
  • Turning down the noise of people around you 

 

Links: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

 

Contact Danielle: 

https://againstallgrain.com

Instagram: @daniellewalker

Danielle's Book - Eat What You Love

Jun 26, 2019
04: Sandra Chuma: Morning Routines, Asking for Help, and Letting Go of Rigid Food Labels
55:14

In a world where we can pick up our phones and look at what everyone else is doing right, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others, especially as a woman of color!

Today’s guest, Sandra Chuma, has built a platform that highlights and celebrates the successes of women of color in a way that no other media platform does. In today’s interview, she shares her journey with creating NDINI, navigating insecurity and inadequacy, and overcoming the challenges of having an emotional connection to food. Sandra shares what it really looks like to sacrifice and prioritize yourself throughout the chaos of every day life. Join Sandra and your host, Robin Long, in this raw and intimate conversation. 

Listen all the way to the end of the show for Sandra’s Rapid Fire Session!

Show Highlights: 

  • What motivated Sandra to start NDINI and how she launched her platform 
  • Stripping yourself of labels to find your purpose 
  • Making a pivotal shift in life and the importance of support from your family 
  • Identifying your top priorities and aligning them with self-care 
  • Establishing a morning routine 
  • Letting go of things that don’t contribute to what you need 
  • Learning to asking for help and letting go of perfectionism 
  • Creating a “do not do” list in order to accomplish your priorities 
  • Investing in services that relieve your mental load 
  • Navigating the pressure of trying to meet societal and cultural expectations 
  • Integrating exercise and balancing healthy eating habits 
  • Practices to be more mindful of eating a balanced diet 

 

Links: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

Contact Sandra: 

http://www.sandrachuma.com

https://ndini.com

Social Media: @Ndinimedia 

Instagram: @Sandra_Chuma 

Jun 19, 2019
03: Allie Casazza: Listening to Your Body, Healing with Food and Defining "Enough"
01:04:02

We all feel the pressure to be “more” in different areas of life. As a parent, friend, spouse, business owner, you feel pulls in so many different directions that it’s normal to feel like you’re not “enough” in certain areas. 

Today’s guest, Allie Casazza, is a Mom, entrepreneur, and podcast host with a plethora of practical tips to help you juggle the chaos. She shares her own tactics to prioritize health, learn to use intuition to lean into different seasons, and overcome the pressure of not being enough. Join Robin Long in this interview for how you can evaluate your own life and strategically plan for success. 

Show Highlights: 

  • A flashback of what Allie’s life looked like 10 years ago compared to the season she’s in now 
  • Pursuing a life of abundance and simplicity through the chaos 
  • The framework of Allie’s process to declutter 
  • Establishing your intent and creating a vision 
  • Focusing on your health and learning how to eat for your body 
  • Creating space in your life and simplifying the chaos 
  • Being selective about the commitments you make 
  • What exercise looks like in Allie’s life and regulating adrenal fatigue 
  • Dividing parenthood, business, and romance with your partner 
  • Allie’s self-care practices 
  • Setting boundaries around technology and regulating your availability 
  • Making “enough lists” and giving yourself grace in different areas of life 

 

Links: 

Join the 5 Day Jumpstart

Contact Allie: 

Allie's Podcast

Allie's Website

Allie on Facebook

Allie on Pinterest

Jun 12, 2019
02: Jasmine Star: Boundaries, Managing Expectations and Finding Freedom Through Structure
01:05:01

We’ve all reached the end of a day without feeling like we’ve reached all of our goals. Sometimes it simply feels like we don’t have enough time to do everything we need to - that’s why Jasmine utilizes the art of time stamping. 

Jasmine Star is a blogger, business strategist and the founder of Social Curator. Jasmine’s life is filled to the brim with tasks and activities, but she’s found a system that has increased her productivity and supports the lifestyle she wants. To learn more about how Jasmine maintains her schedule and mindfully indulges join Robin Long in this episode of The Balanced Life. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • Having a partnership with your spouse and balancing each other out 
  • What Jasmine does now and how she created her business 
  • How JD transitioned into working with Jasmine and the challenges shifting from a couple to business partners 
  • Setting roles in place to solidify mutual expectations 
  • The pressure that women feel to uphold cultural ideals 
  • Protecting what is shared online and setting boundaries 
  • Establishing priorities and letting go of things that don’t align 
  • How friendships are impacted and integrated into Jasmine’s schedule 
  • The importance of planning and turning plans into actionable steps 
  • The structure of Jasmine’s schedule 
  • How to time stamp days and be as productive as possible 
  • Creating realistic expectations and eliminating guilt 
  • Mapping out daily goals 
  • Jasmine’s health journey and fitness routine 
  • The biggest changes Jasmine saw in her life after she started her fitness journey 
  • The challenges of making lifestyle shifts with a partner 
  • Rapid-fire session of Jasmine’s favorites 
  • Having grace over guilt with realistic expectations 

 

Links: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

 

Contact Jasmine: 

https://socialcurator.com

Instagram: @Jasminestar 

Jun 05, 2019
01: Carly Brannon: Pursuing Passions, Prioritizing Family and the Power of Starting Over
56:45

Carly Jean is an entrepreneur, an artist, a visionary, but most importantly, she’s a wife and a mom to 4 wonderful children. Today, Carly shares her tactics to delegate life as a business owner and a parent by creating a cohesive vision for your life. 

Carly and Robin dive into how to be intentional with your time, aligning your goals, and cultivating a lifestyle that checks off all of your priorities. Tune into this episode of The Balanced Life with your host, Robin Long, to help you set realistic expectations for you and your family. 

 

Show Highlights: 

  • How Carly Jean Los Angeles got started 
  • How LA influenced Carly’s drive and creativity 
  • Identifying your top priorities in different seasons of life 
  • Balancing a full-time job and still being present for your family 
  • Allowing yourself to let go of things to make more time for priorities 
  • Communicating expectations to diminish feelings of guilt
  • Recuperating from seasons of burnout 
  • Delegating your strengths and finding others who compliment what you need 
  • Finding creative ways to share time and use your resources 
  • Maintaining self-care and nutrition 
  • Things you say no to in order to commit to your goals 
  • Combating the pressure of feeling the need to be “more” 
  • Establishing a good relationship with social media and looking past comparison 
  • Incorporating exercise into daily life and finding what works best for your lifestyle 
  • A rapid-fire session of Carly’s favorites 
  • Telling your calendar what you want your time to look like 

 

Links: 

https://www.arcona.com

Pilates: 

https://thebalancedlifeonline.com

 

Contact Carly: 

Carly Jean Home Website

Follow Carly on Instagram:

Business - @Carlyjeanlosangeles

Personal - @Carlyjeanbrannon 

Creative space - @Carlyjeanhome 

Jun 05, 2019
Welcome to The Balanced Life Podcast!
05:35

If you find yourself craving more authenticity and real conversations in your life, then you've come to the right place. I'm Robin and I'm a Pilates instructor. I live in Santa Barbara, CA and I'm a Mom of 4. 

My life is as crazy as it sounds, but that's pretty much why I am here. I decided to start this podcast as a way to have a more honest approach to what our lives look like. We'll look at the good, the bad, the failures and the successes; and all along the way we will celebrate you.

There's no pressure to be perfect here. Just be real. Be Authentic. Be you.

I hope you will join me on this journey.

May 31, 2019