​Heidi’s Lane with Heidi Powell

In this special holiday episode of Heidi's Lane, we are joined by two very special people in my life: Lauri, my mother and Matix, my oldest son! Today we dive into the intimate world of family traditions and the poignant dance with grief during the holidays.My mom and I reminisce about cherished memories, like our lively Polish Christmas Eves and my dad's signature German chocolate cake. We laugh, share stories, and even shed a few tears, acknowledging the bittersweet absence of loved ones. I also explore how traditions evolve, especially in the tapestry of a blended family, and the importance of finding joy in simplicity. This episode is a raw, authentic journey through the joys and sorrows of holiday memories and traditions, inviting you to reflect on your own.Here are the key moments from the episode:5:00 Family traditions and why they are important11:30 Appreciating childhood memories20:30 The importance of creating new traditions26:30 Adapting traditions to life's changes38:00 Our Polish Christmas Eve dinner tradition53:50 Choosing memories over materialism56:30 Dealing with grief during the holidaysConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/  Email: podcast@heidipowell.net  Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

This week, we’re continuing the conversation about eating disorders, but this time, with a professional who has spent nearly two decades treating eating disorders.After my solo episode (ep. 75) sharing my 15-year battle with anorexia, bulimia, food addiction, and body dysmorphia, you sent in hundreds of questions…and I saved all of them for this conversation.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Morgan Francis, licensed therapist and eating disorder specialist, for a powerful, honest, informative, and definitely-lifesaving conversation that every woman (and every parent) needs to hear.Together, we break down:✨ Disordered eating vs. eating disorders—the difference matters✨ How young it starts (as early as five years old) and why✨ The most commonly missed warning signs✨ How to know if you may be struggling✨ What to do if someone you love has an eating disorder✨ How to help yourself if you’re stuck in the cycle✨ Why “looking healthy” can hide years of pain✨ The role of shame, trauma, comparison, and control✨ What real healing actually looks like, and how you can learn to love your bodyThis episode is equal parts education, compassion, and empowerment. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand your own relationship with food and your body…this conversation is a gentle, grounding place to start.If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you’re not alone, there IS help, and healing is absolutely possible. 🫶🏼Here are three free, reputable places to get help:💛 NEDA: Free screening tools and a 24/7 crisis text line (text NEDA to 741741).💛 ANAD: Free virtual support groups and one-on-one peer mentoring at anad.org. 💛 Project HEAL: Helps people access treatment when cost or insurance is a barrier at theprojectheal.org. You’re not alone, and real support is available. 🫶🏼Want deeper support from Dr. Morgan?💛 Here’s a link to Dr. Morgan’s Guide to Intuitive Eating and her Trainings for Therapists & Coaches -> CLICK HERE If this episode speaks to you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. And if you haven’t listened to Part 1 my story—it’s Episode 75.Watch this full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell .Here are the key moments from the episode:02:11 Why I Brought a Therapist On08:30 Dr. Morgan’s Story & Trauma15:45 Body Image Isn’t Vanity21:50 Eating Disorder vs. Dysmorphia29:10 Can You Trust Yourself Around Food?36:15 Disordered Eating vs Diagnosis42:18 Binge Eating & Fitness Culture49:30 Ozempic: Relief or Distraction?56:40 Body Trust, Respect & Appreciation01:00:05 Are You Ready to Heal?01:06:14 The Power of Self-Forgiveness01:13:02 Eating Disorders in Men01:18:55 What Dr. Morgan Wants You to KnowConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/  Email: podcast@heidipowell.net  Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/  Connect with Dr. Morgan Francis:Website: http://www.scottsdalepremiercounseling.com/  Instagram: @drmorganfrancisAbout Dr. Morgan Francis:
 Dr. Morgan Francis is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. She is the owner of Scottsdale Premier Counseling in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her mission is to break through the mental health shame game. With over 20 years of experience specializing in the treatment of Body Image and Eating Disorders, Dr. Francis can empower you to make peace with your body and food. You can watch her on Wellness Wednesdays as the Mental Health Expert for 12 News Arizona.  She is also a frequent guest on Fox News and serves as public speaker and consultant on mental health helping churches, schools, and community organizations. You can work with Dr. Francis by accessing her online courses or attending her webinars. Dr. Francis lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her three children and husband.

This one feels extra close to home. As Thanksgiving rolls in, Ryan and I cozy up to talk about dating after divorce, the quiet that follows shared holidays, and what it’s really like to rebuild love in your 40s. From last year’s lonely Thanksgiving to navigating real-life quirks, triggers, blended-family chaos, and leaving the honeymoon phase behind, we go there. Honestly, it’s some of our most real conversations yet.✨ We talked about:Dating after divorce when you’ve “lived a lot”Navigating the quiet, the loneliness & the healingWhat shifting out of the honeymoon phase really feels likeHow we communicate through triggers, tension & growthThe messy, beautiful truth about modern relationshipsIf this resonates, please like, comment, subscribe, and share. It helps our little community grow. ❤️Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:00 Why Dating After Divorce Feels So Different3:12 The Thanksgiving That Broke Me Open6:01 Why We Stay in Unhealthy Relationships9:18 The Side of Me Most People Never See12:27 Why I Crave Deep, Real Connection15:06 Feeling “Different” My Whole Life18:10 When Someone Finally Sees the Real You21:05 The DM I Never Replied To24:08 Why This Relationship Feels Different27:01 Leaving the Honeymoon Phase30:22 The Miscommunication That Taught Us a Lot33:42 How We Process Emotions So Differently36:29 Why Real Life Feels Like a Milestone39:41 The Hardest Part of Dating After Divorce42:53 What Healthy Conflict Really Looks Like46:06 Choosing Your Hard in Relationships49:40 Why Communication Matters More Than Chemistry53:11 What Surprised Us About Social Media56:44 The Emotional Crash After Big Life Events1:00:29 When Stress Shows Up in Your Relationship1:03:52 How Honest Talks Build Real Safety1:07:10 Understanding Your Triggers in Love1:10:31 Fighting with Each Other, Not Against Each Other1:13:02 When Speaking Up Helps and When It Doesn’t1:16:15 What Healthy Love Looks Like NowConnect with Heidi:Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

This one has been a long time coming. For 15 years, I lived inside the prison of an eating disorder that is anorexia, bulimia, food addiction, and body dysmorphia. It was loud, lonely, and exhausting. I hid it behind smiles, success, and “healthy” habits…until I couldn’t anymore.In this deeply personal episode, I open up about what recovery has really looked like, the pain, the progress, and the quiet miracles that changed everything. I share how I healed my relationship with food, with my body, and most importantly, with myself.✨I let you in on:The real cost of living with food obsessionHow shame kept me silent for yearsThe turning point that led to healingWhat “freedom” actually feels like todayIf you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you’re not alone, there IS help, and healing is absolutely possible. 🫶🏼 Here are three free, reputable places to get help:💛NEDA: Free screening tools and a 24/7 crisis text line (text NEDA to 741741). 💛ANAD: Free virtual support groups and one-on-one peer mentoring at https://anad.org/. 💛Project HEAL: Helps people access treatment when cost or insurance is a barrier at https://www.theprojectheal.org/. You’re not alone, and real support is available. 🫶🏼 If this episode speaks to you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. And for even more support, listen to Ep. 77 with eating disorder therapist, Dr. Morgan Francis.Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:00:00 The Untold Battle I’ve Hidden for 15 Years03:42 Living in the Grip of an Eating Disorder07:15 The Physical Damage No One Talks About13:35 What Body Dysmorphia Really Feels Like17:02 Why Recovery Isn’t a Straight Line24:49 Hiding My Disorder in Plain Sight29:22 When Love Meets Self-Doubt33:17 The Moment I Realized Shame Breeds Secrecy36:41 Trading One Destructive Pattern for Another41:02 Hurting Myself to Feel in Control49:54 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond the Mirror54:03 How Childhood Shapes Body Image58:29 The Pressure to Be Perfect in a Public Life1:02:45 Breaking Free from the Need to Be “Enough”1:07:16 What True Healing Actually Looks Like1:11:33 Learning to See My Body Through Love1:16:04 The Role of Therapy, Faith, and Self-Work1:20:12 Why Vulnerability Is the Gateway to Healing1:24:36 Lessons I’ve Learned from Past Relationships1:34:03 The Hard Truth About Long-Term Recovery1:39:41 What I Want Every Woman Struggling to Know1:44:25 How to Help Someone Who’s Struggling1:49:37 Finding Meaning in My StoryConnect with Heidi:Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowellTrain with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

What was meant to be a five-day trip to visit my daughter for her birthday in Thailand…turned into two very unforgettable weeks in foreign hospitals when Marley had yet another unexpected medical emergency. In this episode, Ryan and I share our experiences with Marley – from having the time of our lives on a tropical island with Marley, to the dreadful night it all went downhill and the hospitals became our hotel.Without giving it all away, I’ll say this… God has a way of delivering incredible little gifts of light in hard and heavy circumstances. This trip was no exception. A thing that felt so scary to experience on the other side of the world turned into quite the experience full of bonding mother-daughter moments, inside jokes and laughter, and mind-blowing top-notch medical care from Bangkok.Bonus? If you ever want to REALLY get to know the person you are dating, have a family emergency 30 hours away that extends your trip while being stuck in a hospital room with them. Safe to say, Ryan passed with flying colors.In this episode, I share:Our entire medical experience in Thailand: hospitals visited, cost of care, insurance usedThe story behind it all – including how Marley is healingAll about our Thailand travels – Bangkok to Koh SamuiThe beautiful gifts of grace that we found along the waySome pretty sweet relationship lessons I’m learning from Ryan’s kindnessWhy learning to let someone else lead changed everythingThe hidden strength that emerges when you’re running on emptyIf this episode moved you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share. It truly helps our little community grow. ❤️ Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:00 The Story Behind This Episode5:25 The Call Every Parent Dreads7:25 Fear in a Foreign Hospital10:58 What Saved Us in Thailand14:46 First Impressions of Bangkok18:02 The Side of the City No One Sees21:43 Jet Lag, Street Markets & Getting Scammed26:10 When I Finally Let Go of Leading30:04 Learning to Be Led33:56 Love That Survives Life’s Tests37:48 When Parenthood Pushes Your Limits41:29 Finding Faith in Fear45:18 The Gift Hidden in Breakdown49:04 When a 5-Day Trip Turns Into 2 Weeks of Survival53:10 Gratitude in the Messiest Moments57:42 The Lesson I Didn’t Expect1:02:25 The Spiritual Side of Surrender1:07:01 Parenting Grown Children1:11:42 The Beauty of Being Fully Present1:16:18 Coming Home Changed Forever1:23:22 Why Hard Seasons Reveal Who We Are1:27:58 How Love Looks Different After This1:32:43 From Fear to Faith: The Lesson I’ll Never Forget1:37:16 What I Hope You Take From This StoryConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowell
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

My daughter Marley’s first big adventure abroad—a four-month humanitarian trip in Thailand—turned into one of the scariest moments of my momming life. Every parent’s worst fear happened when she was rushed to a hospital in a small Thai town called Phitsanulok with unbearable abdominal pain. So far from home. So far from mom.In this episode, I open up about what happened, my own kidney stone journey, and the lessons I’ve learned as a mom watching my child suffer from afar.What you’ll hear in this episode:The terrifying night I got the call from ThailandHow my past health struggles prepared me for this momentWhy pain can be life’s greatest teacherThe hardest part of parenting no one tells youTips for you and your kids as they travel abroad.If this resonates, please like, comment, subscribe, and share. It means the world to me and helps others find these conversations. Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:00 Why I Had to Record This Episode3:03  The Emergency Call That Changed Everything7:59  What Kidney Stones Really Feel Like16:06 When Marley’s Diagnosis Was Confirmed17:04 Surgery or Wait? The Impossible Decision20:15 Discovering Thailand’s Health Care System23:14 The Helpless Reality of Parenting From Afar27:04 The Moment Marley Realised She Was an Adult31:10 Becoming Your Own Safety Net36:39 Why Struggle Is the Greatest Teacher39:39 A New Perspective on My Own Mom43:14 Trusting Our Kids’ Inner Strength46:08 The Song That Captures It AllConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowell
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

❤️ Do you ever really “get over” someone you loved? Ryan is back for round two of unofficial co-host auditions, and this time, the conversation gets deeply personal.In this episode, we talk about Dave, my best friend, partner, and someone who shaped so much of my life, and what it’s been like to grieve for him while moving forward. Ryan opens up about what it’s like to love someone who has loved and lost, and why true emotional safety matters more than anything.We also laugh about our early days of getting to know each other, weird CrossFit coincidences, and yes — I may have told an overshare-worthy pee story at the end.✨We explore in this episode:The reality of grief years later and why it still shows upHow feeling emotionally safe changed everything for meWhy keeping someone’s memory alive can be an act of loveThe surprising way new love can help you process old painFunny moments, inside jokes, and real-life behind-the-scenes🫶🏻 If this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:03:05 Our Surprising Start: From Nicknames to Hairlines05:56 Birthday Vibes & Why I Skipped a Heavy Episode08:06 Exosome Therapy for Hair Loss11:51 Botox Mishap & The Forehead Story14:53 The Question Ryan Was Nervous to Ask Me18:02 Protein Shake Wars Begin21:06 The Delivery Box Letdown27:14 Protein Preferences & Relationship Compromises30:25 CrossFit Memories & The Unexpected First Meeting33:42 Ryan Asked Me, “Do I Miss Dave?”37:45 How Grief Shifts From Missing to Gratitude41:05 Why Keeping Someone’s Memory Alive Can Be Healing46:12 The Partner Who Awakens Your Inner Child49:20 Taking Off the Mask – Secrets, Shame & Judgment52:47 The Healing Power of Radical Honesty56:05 Unfinished Business? What I Really Feel About Dave01:00:25 Grief, Death, and Why Collective Pain Hits So Hard01:06:20 Youth Trauma, Reality TV & The Awakening After 201501:08:10 When Laughter Turns to “Should We Call 911?”Connect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowell
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/ About Ryan Isaac:
If you caught Episode 70, you already met my favourite off-camera co-host and yes, Ryan’s back for round two of co-host tryouts! By day, Ryan is a financial advisor and co-founder helping professionals make sense of money and big life decisions. He also spent a decade behind the mic, hosting one of the top finance podcasts in his space. But today, he’s here for something even more valuable: to hold space, ask big questions, and help me unpack love, loss, and life’s messiest moments. Trust me. You’ll leave this one feeling seen.

Curious about peptides? This episode is your ultimate crash course on anti-aging, weight loss, recovery, and hormone optimization, straight from the expert himself, Chris Morris, PA-C, co-owner of Nulevel Wellness & Medspa.We cover everything you need to know:What peptides are and why they’re the future of medicineHow peptides can increase muscle, speed recovery, and boost metabolismThe “Glow Protocol” for youthful skin, collagen production & fine-line reductionSnap-8 vs Botox: a needle-free way to soften expression linesThe Wolverine Protocol for rapid injury recovery & pain reliefPeptides that improve libido, brain fog, focus, and moodSleep support: why CJC-1295/Ipamorelin & DCP can transform your restHow to make peptides and hormone therapy affordable & accessible🔗 Resources in this episode:Copper Peptide Serum we love: https://amzn.to/3JWUde4 📅 FREE CONSULTATION + $100 OFFTo schedule your FREE telehealth consultation, CLICK HERE or visit: https://nulevelwellnessmedspa.com/telehealth-consult-ideal/ GET $100 OFF hormone replacement therapy or weight loss services when you mention this podcast.🎧 Listen, take notes, and share this episode with a friend who’s ready to feel amazing again!Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:00 Why Peptides Are the Most Powerful Wellness Tool 5:08 How Peptides Boost Weight Loss, Muscle Growth & Recovery8:30 Biggest Mistake People Make Starting Peptides12:45 Safe Dosing With Peptides16:50 Peptides for Women & Hormone Support20:40 Growth Hormone Peptides Explained29:40 Collagen, Fine Lines & Youthful Skin From Within33:15 Can Peptides Replace Fillers & Injections?37:45 What I Use for My Own Skin Routine42:00 Why Recovery Gets Harder Over 4044:20 Rapid Healing for Injuries & Soreness52:50 Using Peptides for Everyday Recovery56:20 Are Peptides Safe for Teens? 1:05:45 Peptides That Boost Libido1:08:00 Peptides for Brain Fog & Memory Fix 1:10:30 Deep Sleep Peptides vs. Melatonin1:13:40 How Peptides Can Replace Xanax1:18:30 The Peptide for Metabolism & Fat Loss1:21:10 How to Choose a Clinic & Get Safe, Effective Treatment1:25:00 Why You Should Start Your Peptide Journey NowConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowell
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/ Connect with Dr. Chris Morris:Website: https://nulevelwellnessmedspa.com/ Instagram: @health_and_hormonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nulevel_wellness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nulevelwellnessmedspa/ About Dr. Chris Morris:
Dr. Chris Morris, PA-C, has spent 20+ years helping patients reclaim their health through proactive, science-based care. A summa cum laude graduate of Northern Arizona University and certified PA from the University of Iowa, Chris co-founded East Valley Urology Center before launching Nulevel Wellness & Medspa. Today, he specializes in hormone optimization, peptide therapy, weight loss, and longevity medicine,  helping clients boost energy, recover faster, and feel their absolute best. In this episode, Chris shares exactly how women can use peptides and hormone support to look younger, feel stronger, and take control of their health.

Raising teens with financial wisdom (and boundaries) is no small task. Especially when we’re trying to help our kids avoid the same disastrous mistakes we made! In this episode, I sit down with Ryan…friend, financial advisor, and father, to talk about some of the struggles (especially financial) that come with raising adult kids. We dive into:My kids college 529 savings account: What they are, how you get them, and how I helped my kids save for theirs.My two “keys” (ie rules) they must fulfill to access these accounts as adults.When and where I’ve let my kids struggle so that they can grow (and avoid the pitfalls I experienced).Why Marley is in Thailand on her humanitarian trip and how this connects to her financial and college future.What is a Roth IRA and how can we all start saving better for our kids’ futures.Some of the hilarious and probably ridiculous (but hopefully effective) ways I’m teaching my kids to value money and real-life experiences.We talk about all things from finances to stuffing suitcases with mac & cheese and shampoo. It’s part financial strategy, part parenting therapy… and all heart. Whether you’re a single mom, a tired dad, or just trying to raise grounded kids, this one’s for you.Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:00 Why Marley Is Headed to Thailand2:46 More About Marley’s Humanitarian Trip10:51 How Much the Average Kid Costs to Raise18:31 Who the Heck is Ryan?22:01 The Best Financial Lesson My Dad Taught Me33:01 How I Blew All of My College Money38:41 What is a 529 College Savings Account45:01 Roth IRAs and How to Build Your Kids’ to 5 Million Dollars!50:31 The TWO KEYS to My Kids’ College Money56:11 Why I’m Letting My Kids Struggle1:10:46 How to Introduce Financial Literacy at Home1:28:11 Preparing Your Kids for Life Without You1:34:01 What to Do When Your College Kid Calls in Crisis1:45:21 Final Thoughts on Growth, Grace & Letting GoConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/  Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowell
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App:  https://www.showupfit.app/ About Ryan:Ryan Isaac is a financial advisor and co-founder of Dentist Advisors. For the past 17 years, he’s been helping dentists make sense of money and big life decisions. He also hosts the Dentist Money™ Show, the most widely listened-to financial podcast for dentists over the last decade, where he talks about everything from investing and taxes to the real-life challenges of running a business.

In this deeply personal episode, I talk about launching my second bird into the world… my 18-year-old daughter, Marley. It was an emotional goodbye for the both of us that triggered all sorts of thoughts and feelings as a mom. Pride. Grief. Gratitude. And regret…for all the things I wish I’d done over the years before she left.In this episode, I open up about the challenges I’m encountering as I learn to raise adult children as a single mom (yes, I said it), the silent ache of letting go, and the surprising ways I’m healing in the process. Hint…one of the ways may or may not be a HUGE surprise party for this daughter of mine who *said* she never wanted to be celebrated (but deep down that’s all she craved).From co-parenting and sacrifice, to throwing that goodbye surprise party of a lifetime, I’m slowly learning to let my kids become who they are, and I’m sharing it all. This isn’t just a life update. It’s a love letter to motherhood, growth, and choosing to celebrate even through the heartbreak.PS. UPDATE ON MATIX’S CHURCH MISSION INCLUDED!!Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:07 A Life Update2:00 Raising Adults Means Learning to Let Go6:03 The Reality of Single Parenting10:01 The Heavy Pressure of Being “Mom and Dad”15:28 Marley’s Emotional Goodbye and the Thailand Trip21:47 Why She’s “Projecting” and That’s Okay24:14 The Empty House and What’s Next25:24 How Matix Is Doing One Year Into His Two-Year Mission31:05 The Farewell Party That Changed Everything37:18 Regret, Guilt, and the Middle Child46:02 What Marley Really Wanted All Along50:17 Teaching Her Daughter to Speak Her TruthConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/  Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowell
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App:  https://www.showupfit.app/