The Burn Stress Lose Weight Podcast

Dr. Priyanka Venugopal
undefined
Mar 18, 2025 • 24min

154: The Oxytocin Effect

In this episode I'm taking you through the highs and lows of stress, the impact of cortisol on our bodies, and the powerful, often-overlooked role of oxytocin in weight loss and overall well-being. Drawing from my own experience as a busy physician and mom, I'm unpacking the ways high-achieving women fall into the fight-or-flight cycle—pushing through exhaustion, relying on caffeine, and ignoring the body's true needs. But what if there was another way? We'll explore how oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone," is much more than a feel-good chemical—it's a physiological game changer that can help regulate stress, improve metabolism, and create sustainable weight loss. I'll break down the science behind it, debunk common misconceptions about self-compassion, and offer practical, step-by-step ways to implement the oxytocin effect into daily life. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of overworking, stress-eating, or self-criticism, this conversation is for you. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/154 Learn more about the group: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/group Get the Hormones Training: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/hormones
undefined
Mar 11, 2025 • 49min

Testosterone is a Woman's Hormone with Dr. Rena Malik

If you've ever felt like you're running on caffeine and cortisol, struggling with fatigue, low energy, or stubborn weight gain—you're not alone. And no, it's not just in your head. After 35, hormonal changes play a significant role in how you feel inside and out. That's exactly why we're having this important conversation today. I'm bringing on Dr. Rena Malik, a board-certified urologist and expert in female hormone health, to bust some myths and drop some serious truth bombs about testosterone. Spoiler: It's not just a hormone for men. We're digging into what it actually does for women, when lab testing makes sense (and when it doesn't), and how to approach hormone optimization without chasing numbers down a rabbit hole. Dr. Rena Malik, a trailblazing urologist who's revolutionizing the way we talk about taboo topics. With over 400 million views on her YouTube channel and 2 million subscribers, Dr. Malik has become a leading voice in dispelling medical misinformation and educating the public on intimate health issues. Named one of the top 10 health influencers by Men's Health Magazine, she's also a renowned expert in sexual medicine, hormone management and urologic health. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/153 Dr. Rena Malik's Links: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/RenaMalikMD Podcast: https://podcast.renamalikmd.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD Twitter: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRenaMalik Tikok: https://tiktok.com/@renamalikmd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik Learn more about the group: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/group Get the Hormones Training: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/hormones
undefined
Mar 4, 2025 • 37min

152: How to Drop the Scale Drama

For years, the scale had a powerful hold over me. Some days, I weighed myself obsessively, letting one "bad" number ruin my mood. Other times, I avoided the scale altogether, afraid to confirm what I already suspected. If you've ever felt triggered by the scale—or any kind of data—you're not alone. But here's the truth: it's not the number itself that causes dread. It's the meaning we attach to it. I'm walking you through how to break free from the doom-and-gloom cloud that follows so many high-achievers when it comes to weight loss. You'll learn how to use data to work for you—not against you—so you can make informed, powerful decisions about your health. Whether or not you ever step on a scale again is completely up to you, but if you do, this episode will show you how to approach it from a place of curiosity, not criticism. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/152 Learn more: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/ Get on the email list: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/magic
undefined
Feb 25, 2025 • 23min

151: How to Reduce Execution Drag and Friction

Ever felt like you're muscling through workouts, nutrition plans, or weight loss strategies—only to find yourself exhausted and frustrated? In this episode, I share a real-time story from my Saturday gym session that completely shifted how I approach endurance (and why it's not just about pushing harder). If you're tired of feeling like weight loss is a battle, this episode is for you. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/151 Learn more: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/ Get on the email list: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/magic
undefined
Feb 18, 2025 • 17min

150: Discipline vs Deprivation

Have you ever found yourself waiting for the perfect moment of motivation to take action on your goals—whether it's weight loss, wellness, or personal growth? In this episode, I'm sharing an analogy between a struggling mother in a rainy parking lot and the way we try (and fail) to reason with the more primitive, impulse-driven part of our brains. What if you didn't need full motivation or permission from your inner "toddler" to follow through on your commitments? If you're ready to stop the inner tug-of-war and take consistent action toward your goals, this episode is for you! Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/150 Learn more: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/ Get on the email list: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/magic
undefined
Feb 11, 2025 • 24min

149: How to Love Your Weight Loss Strategy and Drop Misery

Feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion, procrastination, and frustration when it comes to your goals—whether it's weight loss, wellness, or professional growth? In this episode, I'm sharing a powerful mindset shift that helped me transform one of the most overwhelming times in my own life into a journey of empowerment and success. Through a personal story about preparing for my oral board exams, I'm revealing the game-changing question that helped me move from burnout to breakthrough. If you're tired of feeling like you "have to" do things and want to rediscover the joy in achieving your goals, this episode is for you. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/149 Learn more: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/ Get on the email list: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/magic
undefined
Feb 4, 2025 • 23min

148: Leptin Resistance and The Rebound Effect

Have you ever lost a few pounds, felt great, and then found yourself slowly slipping back into old habits? It's not just you—it's your brain's survival instincts at play. In this episode, we dive deep into The Rebound Effect, the sneaky cycle that keeps smart, successful women stuck in weight loss limbo. You'll learn why your body resists change, the hormonal pathways that make weight loss feel harder, and the exact steps to break the cycle for good. If you've ever wondered why losing weight feels easy until it doesn't—this episode is for you. Buckle up, because we're not just talking about mindset shifts. We're getting into the science, the strategy, and the skills that will make lasting weight loss a reality. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/148 Learn more: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/ Get on the email list: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/magic
undefined
Jan 28, 2025 • 27min

147: The Success Mindset

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still not seeing the results you want? You plan meticulously, execute your strategies, and give it your all, but somehow it feels like your progress is stuck in neutral. In this episode, I'm unpacking the missing ingredient to sustainable weight loss and success: the success mindset. This isn't about toxic positivity or wishful thinking—it's about building a mindset that fuels consistent action, helps you navigate obstacles, and ensures your rocket ship takes off. This episode is packed with tools to not only burn fat and feel better but also improve how you show up in every aspect of your life. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/147 Learn more: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/ Get on the email list: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/magic
undefined
Jan 21, 2025 • 18min

146: How to Feel Confident

We all love the feeling of confidence—standing tall, knowing without a doubt that we've got what it takes to hit our goals. But what happens when confidence feels out of reach? In this episode, I'm diving into our relationship with confidence and exploring why waiting to feel 100% sure before taking action might be the biggest obstacle standing between you and your epic goals. Discover how to break free from the "confidence trap" and learn to take powerful steps toward success—one moment at a time. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/146 Learn more: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/ Get on the email list: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/magic
undefined
Jan 14, 2025 • 52min

145: How to Plan as a Perfectionist with Sara Bybee Fisk

Are you the type of person who loves to map out every detail, dream big, and create the perfect plan—only to feel derailed when life throws you a curveball? In this special episode, I'm sharing an inspiring and practical conversation with Sara Bybee Fisk. Together, we'll uncover why overachievers and perfectionists often fall into planning traps and how to break the cycle for lasting success. Whether you're planning for weight loss, career growth, or personal wellness, this episode will help you approach your goals with curiosity, realism, and self-compassion. Sara Bybee Fisk is a Master Certified Coach and Instructor who teaches women how to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from their lives. She is an anxious optimist and born again feminist who listens to more books than she actually sits down to read. She loves a good hike, good dark chocolate and good conversations. Her big dreams include learning to sail and to sing and dance like JLo and helping thousands of women create the big, juicy lives they want to be living. She is a wife and mom of 5 and she enjoys those roles most of the time. Resources: Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/145 Sara's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/ Website: http://www.sarafisk.coach/ Podcast: https://theexgoodgirlpodcast.buzzsprout.com/share Facebook Group: https://sarafisk.temporary-domains.com/sppcommunity TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoach?lang=en Learn more about the group: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/group Get the Hormones Training: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/hormones

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app