It Has to Be Me

Steve Valentine—magician and actor—shares how magic reignites our child-like sense of wonder and play, helping us believe that anything is possible.   He recalls how, as a boy in the UK, he discovered his fascination with magic. In the school yard, a fellow student made a knot disappear. Steve enjoyed the trick, but was captivated by the effect the magic had on him and the other kids.  Making up his mind to be a magician and an actor, he started grabbing books and teaching himself. A mentor in a local magic group helped him kick his skills up to the next level. In his 20s, he was headlining at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles and performing in venues around the world.  Pigeonholed—especially in Hollywood circles—as a magician, he wasn’t getting traction as an actor. So Steve turned his back on magic, and put all his chips on acting. The gamble paid off. He landed his breakout role as Nigel Townsend on Crossing Jordan. This six-season gig led to roles on other series, and a career voicing characters in video games and animated movies.   A chance encounter with a magician from his original magic group, in a completely unlikely place, shocked him into the realization that he couldn’t give up magic. He had to pursue both his passions. Creating shows around his unique set of skills and talents turned out to be the winning combination.   Steve’s story of bold risks and an unflagging belief in himself will get you fired up to go after your next “It Has To Be Me.”  TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: Magic is not about fooling people; it's inviting them to believe in possibility.  Honesty and authenticity is your greatest strength in performance and in life.   Mentorship and community are vital for growth and resilience.  Teaching others enhances your creativity and sparks new ideas. Step out of your comfort zone and transcend what you think you’re capable of.  Adopt the “Why not me?” mindset and ask for what you want.  Be open to anything. Things never turn out the way you think. Often, it’s better.  Lean into what makes you different. Your uniqueness is your superpower.   ABOUT STEVE VALENTINE  Steve Valentine is a Scottish-American actor and award-winning close-up magician with a penchant for playing wild and quirky characters and entertaining live audiences with his humorous card tricks and quick wit.  On screen, he is best known for playing criminologist Nigel Townsend on Crossing Jordan, ‘80s rock legend Derek Jupiter in I'm In The Band, and Dracula in the Monster High movies.  He’s voiced characters in animated series, including Riley Rocket, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, and Tinkerbell. Gamers know him as the voices of Harry Flynn in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Alistair in the Dragon Age franchise.  On stage, Steve has headlined in Las Vegas and at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and venues worldwide, performing his brand of high-energy magic and comedy. Highlights include national tours with The Illusionists and his one-man shows Life and Other Deceptions and Mr Valentine Blows Your Mind.  To preserve the history and craft of magic and to teach novice magicians, Steve created Magic On The Go, an online video encyclopedia. In his podcast, Magicians Only, he shares his love of magic and storytelling.  CONNECT WITH STEVE Website: https://stevevalentine.squarespace.com/ Podcast: https://stevevalentine.squarespace.com/podcast Magic On The Go: https://magiconthego.vhx.tv/browse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevevalentine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSteveValentine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevalentine/ Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.   Connect With Tess: Website:  https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/  Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

What if you had 6 minutes in the Oval Office to photograph the president—while the communications team is shutting you down and the Secretary Of State and Joint Chiefs are waiting by the door to contain an international incident? Ben Baker, who’s photographed five US presidents, recounts the stories behind his iconic images of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump.  Ben’s story begins in the Australian outback where as a boy he often accompanied his father, a mediator working with Indigenous communities, on trips that honed his skills for observing, listening, and connecting.  Those formative experiences laid the groundwork for a career defined by resilience, adaptability, a flair for storytelling, and a talent for getting people to reveal themselves. Ben recalls key lessons about discipline and preparation, gained in working with legendary photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Harry Benson, and Mark Seliger. And how, early in his career, Rupert Murdoch taught him the importance of owning the room and taking charge when dealing with people in power.  Approaching photographs as historical documents, Ben talks us through the strategies he’s developed to find the connection point with each subject to capture the person and the moment. We discuss the art of slowing the environment down in high-pressure situations in order to get the job done. “Take the steps,” Ben says. “The ladder needs to have the steps on it for a reason, not to slow you down, but to give you a chance to absorb it all.”  TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: The skill of getting presidents, business leaders, and celebrities to engage.   Creativity thrives with discipline, preparation, observation, and resilience. Some tension and pushback opens your mind to other options and angles.  A lesson from Annie Leibovitz: Prepare and be at your best to be able to take the shot.  Dress to be ready for anything. It's your job to get to the next room. Seize every opportunity: Own the room, step up, and ask for what you want.  To keep people in the room and in the moment, find the in with them. In high-pressure situations: Slow down the environment.  ABOUT BEN BAKER As a photographer and director, Ben Baker has captured iconic images of the last five US presidents, leaders of over 50 other countries, and countless business luminaries and celebrities.   A childhood in South Australia and the Northern Territory ignited Ben’s interest in exploring and documenting the richness of our shared humanity through photography.  After getting his start in Australia, Ben moved to New York, where he assisted Annie Leibovitz. He went on to work with some of contemporary photography’s most respected figures, including Mary Ellen Mark, Harry Benson, and Mark Seliger.  Striking out on his own, he’s spent the last 25 years pursuing meaningful human engagement by telling stories with his camera.   Ben’s images have appeared on the covers of over 100 magazines, numerous books, and in editorials and campaigns for Time, Newsweek, Forbes, Fortune, Politico, Oprah, and Esquire.   His portraits are displayed in the permanent collection at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia and in the African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington, DC. Exhibitions include the National Geographic Museum in Washington, DC.  CONNECT WITH BEN Website: https://www.benbakerstudio.com/ The People’s Portrait Studio: https://thepeoplesportrait.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbakerphoto/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbakerphoto/ Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.   Connect With Tess: Website:  https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/  Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Looking for creative ways to eat more vegetables? Joe Yonan, food and dining editor at the Washington Post shares ideas from his new book, Mastering The Art of Plant-Based Cooking. Joe’s take is that veganism is not an identity, but rather, a cuisine that we can enjoy regardless of our dietary stripes. Let go of labels and restrictions, he says, and embrace the diversity and flavors of the foods. We track Joe’s journey from news journalist to travel writer to celebrated food editor and cookbook author. Remembering the fateful meeting with Judith Jones that inspired his 'Cooking for One' column and first book, Joe invites us to find the fun in cooking for ourselves. He then takes us inside the transition to vegetarianism that led to his second book, Eat Your Vegetables. Sharing his love affair with legumes, Joe recalls the mission for his third book, Cool Beans—make beans sexy! And, he delivers with surprising ideas for creating mind-blowing flavors and textures that make beans anything but boring.  We then get the gold from Joe’s latest cookbook on how to create plant-based dishes with the “wow” factor. He gives us the lowdown on what can make dairy-free ice creams deliver vibrant flavors, how we can get great results in a lot of vegan baking without egg substitutes, and the scoop on amazing homemade Pumfu. Joe also shares his take on crafting the perfect veggie burger and the secret to the world’s greatest vegan cacio e pepe.  Joe leaves us with the sage advice that we’re always in the process of mastering anything, and to relish the learning and exploring.   TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: Rather than an identity, veganism is a cuisine. Anyone can enjoy great vegan food. Plant-based cuisine is versatile, flexible, and adaptable. Vegan cooking is an opportunity to explore more variety and creative ideas. Vegan baking offers more freedom and flexibility than traditional baking.  You don’t always need an egg substitute to make great vegan baked goods.  Quality vegan ice creams have more vibrant flavors than dairy ice creams. Breaking the culinary rules leads to new cooking ideas and recipes. When going for more plant-based eating, start with foods you love.   ABOUT JOE Joe Yonan is the former food and dining editor of The Washington Post, and previously worked as a food and travel writer at The Boston Globe. His “Weeknight Vegetarian” and “Cooking for One” columns at the Post won honors from the Association of Food Journalists. Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking, Joe’s latest cookbook with Ten Speed Press, is a first-of-its-kind compendium of plant-based recipes and wisdom from chefs and cooks around the world. It won the James Beard award in 2025. His previous three books, also published by Ten Speed, are Serve Yourself, followed by Eat Your Vegetables. His third, Cool Beans, was named one of the best books of 2020 by Food Network, NPR, Forbes, and other media outlets. In addition to writing his cookbooks, Joe edited America The Great Cookbook—a diverse collection of photo-portraits and recipes from chefs and food heroes in the United States, published to benefit the charity No Kid Hungry. Joe lives in Washington, D.C., with his husband and son. CONNECT WITH JOE Website: https://www.joeyonan.com/ Mastering The Art Of Plant-Based Cooking: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Art-Plant-Based-Cooking-Techniques/dp/198486064X/ Cool Beans: https://www.amazon.com/Cool-Beans-Ultimate-Versatile-Plant-Based/dp/0399581480/ Eat Your Vegetables: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Your-Vegetables-Recipes-Single/dp/1607744422/ Serve Yourself:  https://www.amazon.com/Serve-Yourself-Nightly-Adventures-Cooking/dp/158008513X/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeyonan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyonan Threads: https://www.threads.net/@joeyonan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-yonan-23310a41/ Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.   Connect With Tess: Website:  https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/   Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

If life is about showing up, life after 50 is an opportunity to show up in different ways. Janis, Jen, and Julie used the 60-Day Reset to lose weight and get rid of their menopause symptoms, and were shocked by how it helped them show up for themselves, and feel healthier, happier, and 10 years more alive! Overwhelmed supporting staff during the pandemic, Janis had let her own wellbeing slip through the cracks. Anxiety, depression, weight gain, and relentless menopause symptoms left her feeling drained.  For Jen, life as a healthcare provider and mom of teenagers was hectic. Grappling with long covid, hormone changes, hot flashes, sleeplessness, gas and bloating, and multiple concussions, she was burnt out and skeptical that anything could make a difference.  Julie, a busy single mom, was struggling with fatigue, mood swings, digestive issues, and belly fat—frequently unbuttoning her pants on the drive home! Despite her best efforts, her body no longer responded to what she thought was a healthy diet.   We celebrate their discovery of the power of better gut health, and how quickly they felt better working with Meghan Donnelly—lead dietitian for Skinny60®—to determine and understand their unique nutrition needs.   They moved beyond the need to have a perfect relationship with food, and found balance and flexibility. Letting go of dieting, prioritizing self-care, and leaning into the joy of cooking and eating fresh food, Janis, Jen, and Julie learned to relish nourishing their bodies to thrive during menopause.  Their stories reinforce how deciding “It Has to Be Me,” opens up a life full of possibilities at any age.  TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: Suffering through menopause is not inevitable—it’s avoidable with nutrition specific to your needs. Working with a dietitian helps you identify your trigger foods. Improving gut health is critical for optimizing blood sugar and hormones.  Strategic food combining is a powerful tool for weight loss and digestive health.  Meeting your individual requirements for protein is a game-changer during menopause.  Eating balanced meals regularly is the key to feeling good and maintaining energy levels. A supportive community makes navigating the challenges of menopause easier.  Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s an act of love and service to yourself and others.  ABOUT OUR GUESTS Julie Shields-Rutyna In her career in higher education financing, Julie has helped students and their families make college and career dreams a reality. Her two children, both grown up, continue to teach and inspire her. Joining the Skinny60® community empowered Julie with the knowledge and tools to make better food and lifestyle choices to thrive in her 50’s. With a passion for being in nature, she is confident she will remain active and continue hiking, skiing, resistance training, and doing all the things she loves for years to come.     Jen Moffitt A nurse-midwife and mindfulness teacher, Jen is committed to ensuring that all people have access to health, and the opportunity to thrive. Jen struggled with menopause symptoms and digestive issues, Jen credits Skinny60® for making her journey with food easier, and for making her feel 10 years more alive. Jen enjoys poetry, walking the dog, and spending time with family, friends, and partner, Kerry, who uncomplainingly cleans up after her cooking and is a constant source of laughter, and her two teenage kids, who bring joy to her life. Janis McDonald Outside their work renovating houses, Janis and her husband enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, from river kayaking to walking their neighborhood to exploring wooded trails on their motorcycles. She’s an impassioned advocate for safer streets, and works to ensure that kids can walk, bike, and scoot to school without unnecessary danger. Janis is grateful to Skinny60® for helping her eat healthier and feel vibrant in her 50s. Celebrating her lessons and experiences, she views life with optimism and looks forward to aging gracefully.  Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.   Connect With Tess: Website:  https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/  Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

What’s the deal with gluten and why have all things gluten-free blown up? Meghan Donnelly, lead dietitian for the Skinny60® health programs and director of health communications at the Celiac Disease Foundation does a deep-dive into what gluten is and how it impacts our health.  We get into why gluten is difficult to digest, and how a gluten-free diet has become a recommended strategy for many digestive and autoimmune conditions.  Meghan lays out the surprising statistics that make clear how many people can improve their quality of life by avoiding gluten or reducing it in their diets. Celiac disease affects 1% of people; about 10% present with non-celiac gluten sensitivity; 10 to 15% suffer from IBS; over 12% develop thyroid disease. And, gluten is a known trigger food for menopause symptoms.  She adds that many of the conditions in which gluten plays a known or suspected role have multiple and varied symptoms, so they can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, sometimes for decades. In addition, gluten is not always the culprit. Many digestive issues are traced to FODMAPs—fermentable carbohydrates found in many foods. Meghan notes that gluten-free isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and emphasizes the bio-individual nature of health and nutrition. Understanding the cause of your discomfort and getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for formulating an effective treatment. Choosing to reduce gluten or to go gluten-free is a proactive strategy for wellbeing and vitality. As gluten is not an essential nutrient and there is no enzyme to digest it, a gluten-free diet can be a healthy way of eating if we take in balanced nutrition.  TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Many foods contain gluten beyond bread, pasta, and grains. Gluten is a complex protein our bodies have no enzyme to digest.  There are over 200 symptoms of celiac disease, and many go beyond the gut. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity has no biomarker. Diagnosis is symptom-based. Going gluten-free is an effective strategy for managing autoimmune and thyroid conditions. Going gluten-free is a top intervention practitioners recommend for IBS. Gluten is a common trigger food for menopause symptoms.  A gluten-free diet can be healthy with balanced nutrition.   ABOUT MEGHAN DONNELLY MS, RDN, CDN    Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CDN, is a registered dietitian specializing in gastrointestinal nutrition, and is Director Of Health Communications at the Celiac Disease Foundation.   Her experience spans clinical practice, nutrition counseling, medical nonprofits, and the food industry.  In her private practice at Nutmeg Nutrition, Meghan helps her clients establish a balanced and joyful relationship with food, particularly when managing digestive disorders (IBS and SIBO), food intolerances, gluten-related conditions (celiac disease), and disordered eating.   She also provides nutrition counseling for heart health, kidney disease, weight management, and food intolerances. Monash University certified, she guides clients on Low-FODMAP diets.   As lead dietitian for Skinny60®, Meghan provides nutrition education and support for participants in the 60-Day Reset.   CONNECT WITH MEGHAN MS, RDN, CDN  Website: https://www.nutmegnutrition.org/  Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.   Connect With Tess: Website:  https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/  Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Do you find it difficult to trust your intuition in decision making? Intuitive wisdom coach Heather Maguire shares practical tools for how we can tune into the messages from our internal guidance system. Relating her personal story, Heather shares how listening to our intuition and connecting with our resilience helps us leverage our experiences and act in alignment with what we want.  The sudden, early loss of her father prompted Heather to step away from her traditional career. Once she became a mother, and struggled to connect with other parents in her small town, she joined an intuitive development group. It was there that she discovered her calling as a coach, and began guiding others.   Tapping into your intuition, she says, means simply connecting with your curiosity. It’s a mindful practice that you get better at the more you do it. She walks us through recognizing the difference between how fear and intuition feel in our bodies, to help us recognize the difference in our thoughts.  Heather reminds us that change doesn’t require that we have all of the answers, and invites us to embrace collective creation and make room for the magic and miracles.   Heather sees miracles not as rare events bestowed on us, but simply as “shifts from fear to love.” Embracing this definition empowers us to create miracles and spot them, changing how we feel and how people respond to us.  TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: Intuition is a deep knowing that transcends logic. Fear often masquerades as intuition, leading to confusion. Listen to your body to identify how fear and intuition feel different.  Differentiating intuition from fear and trusting it takes practice.  Slow down and breathe to allow your intuition to communicate with your brain. You don’t need all the answers—just take one step forward.  Make space for the magic that comes with collective creation.  Miracles are simply shifts from fear to love, and can be created every day.   ABOUT HEATHER MAGUIRE As an intuitive wisdom coach, Heather Maguire guides women to connect with their intuition to step into their power.  Heather’s work is grounded in the belief that change isn’t about “fixing what is broken,” but rather, letting go of the garbage that holds us back, and creating the clarity and confidence to move forward. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and her Miracles Club, Heather creates spaces where women can experience deeper connection to self and release limiting beliefs, to trust their inner knowing and align their energy with their desires.  CONNECT WITH HEATHER Website: https://unconventionalintuitive.com/ Work with Heather: https://unconventionalintuitive.com/work-with-me/  The Miracles Club: https://unconventionalintuitive.myflodesk.com/miraclesclub  In a Pickle Checklist: https://unconventionalintuitive.myflodesk.com/pickle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalIntuitive  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventional_intuitive/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-maguire-intuitive/ Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.   Connect With Tess: Website:  https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/  Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Sara Bird Nelson shares her unique blend of Reiki and Feng Shui, and how we can balance our energy and create physical spaces that align with what we want to bring into our lives.  She recalls how an unexplained numbness in her face, hand, and foot were her wake-up call to listen to her body, manage stress better, and quit the job that was the source of her stress. Reiki contributed to her healing. That inspired Sara to become a master and teacher of the practice. In her recovery, she realized the intensity of the impact physical surroundings have on wellbeing. Developing that knowledge, she became a Feng Shui practitioner.  Bringing together the principles of reiki and Feng Shui, Sara helps clients balance the energy in their bodies and align the energy of their physical surroundings with their goals.  We discuss how to use basic Feng Shui principles to create living spaces that provide sanctuary. Sara gives practical tips for mindfully choosing decor, strategically placing beds and mirrors, and integrating plants into your environment.  What’s great about Sara’s approach is that you don’t need to go and buy stuff. You can use the abundance you already have to curate environments that invite in how you want to feel.   TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: Have the courage to follow the breadcrumbs of your intuition.  Embracing body intelligence opens doors to healing. Reiki can provide physical relief and a deeper connection to self. Feng Shui can be a powerful manifestation and energy tool. Our physical spaces should reflect what we want in life.  Creating a sanctuary in our homes can enhance wellbeing. Recognize the abundance that already exists to welcome more. Putting plants in your surroundings promotes growth and nurturing. ABOUT SARA BIRD NELSON: Founded in years of experience in the healing arts, Sara's approach is rooted in the belief that when we align our internal realities with our physical surroundings we gain clarity and can experience personal transformation.  As a reiki master and teacher, Sara engages in energy work that helps clients release blockages and cultivate a deeper connection to self. As a feng shui practitioner, Sara combines ancient Chinese philosophies and modern design concepts to help people create harmonious living spaces that align with their desires to support growth and wellbeing.  Through group workshops and one-on-one consultations, Sara guides individuals to find balance within themselves and with their external environments to achieve happiness.  CONNECTING WITH SARA Website: https://www.sarabirdnelson.com/ Feng Shui Consultations: https://www.sarabirdnelson.com/feng-shui.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarabirdnelsonhealingarts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarabirdnelsonhealingarts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKKfEweeAaAlPihu7E7wFw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabirdnelson/ Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.  Connect With Tess: Website: https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast: https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/ Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Need to reduce overwhelm? Shira Gill, professional organizer and author of LifeStyled takes us inside her proven toolkit to help you edit and elevate your home, career, relationships, finances, or health.  Shira recalls her parents’ combative divorce, and how schlepping her stuff between two homes showed her that more stuff means more anxiety. As an 8-year-old, she taught herself to organize her spaces as a way to have some control of her chaotic world.  As an adult, she realized that possessions and clutter are triggers for everybody, and minimalism is the key—to prioritizing what you want, and creating the space to make it happen.  Forget the stark white walls and beige furniture. Shira redefines minimalism. It’s being intentional about where we place our time, energy, and resources. Rather than focusing on the lack of something, her approach is about having the right amount without the excess. And, since doing everything is impossible, it’s up to us to decide what matters most at any given time.  Shira lays out the core principles of her system. Then, walks us through practical ways we can organize our homes, maximize our time, set boundaries in relationships—and say “no” in order to say “yes” to what we value most.  Shira’s less-is-better approach and “15-Minute Wins” will launch you out of overwhelm and into action for your next “It has to be me!”  TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: Minimalism can be defined as intentionally doing less to prioritize what’s important.  A cluttered mind and home trigger emotional responses and stress.  Organizing your home and mind helps you clarify what’s important and make room for it.  Empty your brain like an overstuffed closet, and let go of the beliefs that don’t serve you.  Creating habit loops with a cue, a routine, and a reward helps to implement behaviour changes.  15-Minute Wins get you out of overwhelm and into action to chip away at your goals.  Implementing sustainable systems simplifies your routine and increases productivity.  Turn envy into inspiration and use it as a roadmap for what you want to bring into your life.    ABOUT SHIRA GILL: Based in San Francisco, Shira Gill is a home-organizing expert, speaker, coach, and bestselling author of the books Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled. Her minimalist approach is guided by the intimate relationship between people’s homes and their lives, and how they inform and inspire each other.  Shira has helped thousands reduce physical and mental clutter and prioritize what matters. Her signature 3-step toolkit and organization method are effective tools for anyone to use, regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle. Shira’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Dwell, Architectural Digest, InStyle, Real Simple, Harper’s Bazaar, Goop, and HGTV, and many others.  A featured expert on Good Morning America and an ambassador for Williams Sonoma, Shira has spoken for audiences at Google, Well+Good, and TedX. CONNECT WITH SHIRA Website: https://shiragill.com/ 1:1 Consult with Shira https://shiragill.com/consults/ Minimalista  https://www.amazon.com/Minimalista-Step-Step-Better-Wardrobe/dp/1984859277/ Organized Living https://www.amazon.com/Organized-Living-Solutions-Inspiration-Organization/dp/1984861182/ LifeStyled  https://www.amazon.com/LifeStyled-Your-Guide-Organized-Intentional/dp/1984863509/ Get Organized Masterclass:  https://shiragill.com/get-organized-master-class/ Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.  Connect With Tess: Website: https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast: https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/ Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Jane, Lynne, and Karen share how they are maintaining vibrant health and full active lives in their 70’s. Laughing at the “old lady” stereotype, these bold ladies are embracing new things, and seizing every opportunity to learn, experience joy, and maximize their time.  We dive into each of their stories, and the proactive steps they’ve taken during the 60-Day Reset to overcome health challenges, tap into their strength and resilience, and age on their own terms.    A self-professed foodie with a keen interest in nutrition, Lynne used the Skinny60® recipes to thrive with Hashimoto’s and avoided developing another autoimmune condition. She found joy in healthy eating, lost over 22 pounds, and feels so youthful and energetic she’s now traveling Australia in her new camper van!   Determined not to let mild cerebral palsy slow her down, Jane learned how to increase her protein and achieve the balanced nutrition required to fuel her hiking, biking, and Pilates. Passionate about science and education, Jane used the SK60® nutrition and cooking tutorials to put her “I’ll do it someday” interests into active practice.   When Karen got diagnosed with breast cancer she refused to let fear take hold. Instead, she proactively supported her oncology treatments with the food and lifestyle strategies provided in the 60-Day Reset. She made a full recovery, and is now saying “Yes and” to every opportunity.   Lynne, Jane, Karen and I celebrate the wisdom each of them has gained with age. They credit a proactive mindset, attention to self-care, and connection with others for their enduring zest for life.  Their stories remind us to keep embracing new experiences so there’s no age limit on “It Has To Be Me!”   TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: To enjoy vibrant health in your 70’s, prioritize self-care.  Cultivating a mindset of possibility and purpose helps you age gracefully.  Good nutrition is critical for staying strong and healthy over 70.  Embrace change and new opportunities to live boldly in your senior years.  Those changes and opportunities can actually work.  Staying active and connected to others promotes joy and longevity. Connection with community keeps your mind open to learning and growth, at any age.  Rather than dreading getting older, celebrate your growing wisdom, and share it.  Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.  Connect With Tess: Website: https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast: https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/   Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Crystal Jenkins, therapist and director of teacher training at The Hoffman Institute, explores the ways that limiting beliefs and behaviors rooted in childhood hold us back as adults.  We dive into the Hoffman Process—an 8-day transformational experience that enables participants to recognize and break negative patterns to make empowered choices and go after what they want.  Crystal shares her personal experience with the Process, and how she was skeptical despite her partner’s encouragement to go through it. A seasoned counselor trained in psychology, she wondered how much this had to teach her. But, just two days in she was looking at everything she thought she knew about herself through a different lens.  Identifying her childhood wounds, and those of her parents, she moved beyond reacting from historical memories to responding in relationships as a resilient adult. Freed by this new awareness, she broke through her own perceived ceiling of what was possible, went after what she wanted, and achieved her boldest goals.  We discuss the importance of embracing imperfection, the power of personal responsibility, and the value of checking the stories that drive our choices. “Accept your mistakes,” Crystal says, “learn from them, make amends, and love yourself up!”  Let her mantra—“I don’t want to miss a thing”—inspire you to claim your next “It Has To Be Me!”  TESS’S TAKEAWAYS When you live in the past or project into the future, you miss life.  Limiting beliefs and behaviors ingrained during childhood can be overcome. Recognizing your childhood wounds and those of your parents improves relationships. Using your voice and expressing opinions is how you let people get to know you. Understanding your emotional triggers enables you to respond rather than react.  Relationships are a 50-50 dance of responsibility. Take 100 percent of your 50 percent.  Take responsibility, make amends, forgive yourself, learn, and move on.   Seize opportunities to do things that are in line with what you want.   MEET CRYSTAL JENKINS Building on experience as a teacher, school counselor, and therapist, Crystal Jenkins became a teacher at The Hoffman Institute. Since 2017, she’s been the Institute’s Director Of Teacher Training.   Crystal specializes in guiding individuals through transformative personal development journeys.  Known for her compassionate and intuitive approach, she helps participants gain more self awareness, and confront and heal patterns rooted in their pasts, in order to replace negative behavioral cycles with healthier and more empowering perspectives.  Beyond her work at Hoffman, Crystal enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends. An avid sports fan, she rarely misses a day of checking the scores of her favorite teams.   CONNECT WITH THE HOFFMAN INSTITUTE  The Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/ The Hoffman Process book: https://www.amazon.com/Hoffman-Process-World-Famous-Technique-Transform/dp/0553382764/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hoffmaninstitute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoffmanprocess/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hoffmaninstitute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoffman-institute-foundation-ba90863b/ Meet Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.     Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.   Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.  Connect With Tess: Website: https://tessmasters.com/  Podcast: https://ithastobeme.com/   Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/ Thanks for listening!  If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  Subscribe to the podcast.   Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.    Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.