Episodi

  • Why Women Over 50 Need “Strength” not “Skinny”

    Why Women Over 50 Need “Strength” not “Skinny”
    May 6 2026
    Summary:You were not designed to shrink. You were designed to get stronger. In this episode, we sit down with elite athlete, coach, and founder of The Golden Age, Heather Dees, a 6x IFBB Olympian who has spent two decades helping women understand that real transformation starts from the inside out. We talk about why strength training is the single most important thing women can do as they age, why the scale is lying to you, and why you are never too old, too out of shape, or too far gone to start. If you have been putting off getting back into your body because life keeps getting in the way (or because the gym feels intimidating, or because you think cardio is enough), this conversation is your sign to stop waiting and start building.Learn More About Heather:Heather Dees is not just a coach; she is living proof of the "Rebuild" philosophy. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Heather has spent over two decades mastering the intersection of external beauty and internal power. Her career began in 2003 as a Master Aesthetician and Cosmetologist. For 17+ years, she specialized in helping women feel beautiful in their own skin. But she knew that true radiance couldn't be achieved with skincare alone—it had to be built from the inside out. At age 24, Heather stepped onto the competitive stage, earning her Pro Card at the 2010 NPC Nationals. Her rise in the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) was meteoric.• 6x IFBB Olympian (Top 4 finisher in 2012 & 2013)• 2x Arnold Classic Runner-Up (2013, 2014)• California Governors Cup Champion (2012, 2013)• Competed in over 40 Professional ShowsHer journey wasn't without setbacks. After a severe car accident threatened her career, Heather didn't just recover—she rebuilt. She returned to the highest level of competition, proving that the human body is capable of extraordinary resilience when given the right tools.Today, Heather combines her elite athletic background with her deep knowledge of aesthetics and women's health. She founded The Golden Age to bridge the gap that the fitness industry ignored: the connection between metabolic health, nervous system regulation, and self-worth.Key Takeaways:00:00 Welcome and introducing Heather Dees, 6x IFBB Olympian, master aesthetician, coach, and founder of The Golden Age03:37 How Heather went from running half marathons to stepping on a competitive bodybuilding stage, and what weight training taught her about mental and emotional discipline08:55 How Heather's clientele has shifted toward women in their 40s to 60s, why the mental barrier is the biggest obstacle, and why one hour a week is still worth showing up for16:11 Cristie opens up about her own fitness journey, shifting from chasing a stage goal to simply wanting to move without pain, and how hormones changed everything21:06 The biggest misconception about weight training for women, and why you are not accidentally going to wake up bulky23:07 What to do if you cannot afford a trainer, why Heather's app exists, and why strength training is literally cheaper than Botox29:55 Heather at 16 weeks postpartum, practicing what she preaches, and what she would tell her 16-year-old self: everything is temporary, and you are going to make it throughResources Mentioned in This Episode:Heather's InstagramHeather's WebsiteCustomized Workout and Nutrition Monthly Plan#1 Surgeon's Advice to Look & Feel Younger (Dr. Vonda Wright at The Mel Robbins Podcast)Refinery Gym - Sandy, UtahAre video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here.Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the Podcast:If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app.Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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    31 min
  • Not All Friendships are Meant to Last

    Not All Friendships are Meant to Last
    Apr 22 2026
    Summary:Not all friendships end with a fight. Some just slowly… change.In this episode, we’re talking about friendships that quietly fade – the ones where nothingdramatic happened, but something is no longer the same, and the friendships that end witha dramatic ending.Sometimes it's not about something they did; sometimes you’ve changed. Sometimes afriendship is for a season.If you have wondered whether you’re the problem or struggled to let go of a friendship thatno longer fits who you are, this conversation is for you. Because not every friendship ismeant to last forever, and that doesn’t make you a bad person.Key Takeaways:00:00 Welcome back and diving into one of the most relatable topics, friendship breakups, seasonal friendships, and the ones that quietly dissolve01:43 How divorce can quietly wipe out an entire friend group, and why nobody warns you that when a marriage ends, friendships often do too07:53 Cristie opens up about losing her entire core friend group after Taylor's passing, why it happened, and why she now sees it as perfectly aligned14:23 Cristie shares the story of a friend who blocked her without explanation, and the humbling truth she learned 15 years later at Taylor's funeral20:06 What healthy friendships look like in your 50s, protecting your energy, knowing your friendship pyramid, and letting go of the need to eliminate vs. simply reprioritize23:00 How to handle a friendship that no longer fits, whether you're the one pulling away or the one being left behindResources Mentioned in This Episode:Pieces of a Woman Podcast WebsitePieces of a Woman Podcast YouTube Pieces of a Woman Podcast InstagramPieces of a Woman Podcast FacebookThe 6 Month Trip That Changed Who We AreHow Girlfriends Save YouAre video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here.About the Host:DeAnna Robbins | Elevated Edge CoachingCristie North, Executive leader, Founder, and SpeakerThe Taylor Hagen Memorial FoundationThanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the Podcast:If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app.Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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    24 min
  • The 6 Month Trip That Changed Who We Are

    The 6 Month Trip That Changed Who We Are
    Apr 8 2026
    Summary:In this episode of Pieces of a Woman, DeAnna and Cristie sit down with their dear friend and powerhouse real estate agent, Alicia Holdaway, who did something most people only dream about: she left work, packed two suitcases, and traveled the world with her husband for nearly six months. But this conversation goes far deeper than travel tips. Alicia shares the raw story of how burnout, a son's mental health crisis, and years of achievement-based identity led her to plan this sabbatical, what it actually cost her financially and emotionally, how her marriage was tested, and who she became on the other side. From Norway's Lofoten Islands to a coffee shop in Finland where she cried for hours after devastating family news, this is an honest, inspiring, and deeply human story about choosing your life before it chooses for you.Learn More About Alicia Holdaway:You’ve heard the story before, right!? The grueling challenges of the Himalayan Mountains, consisting of years of preparation, physical beating and mental exhaustion one takes on to have the incredible honor of joining the small group of Humans to have ever made it to the peak of Mt. Everest. And although there may only be time for just a moment of absolute elation atop Mount Everest to celebrate, the truly life-changing sense of accomplishment one gains by making this climb can change the course of one’s entire life and legacy. None of which could ever be accomplished without the experienced guidance of a Sherpa. Sherpa’s are the quintessential necessity through this journey as they know the terrain, what pitfalls to watch out for and which routes to take. To those going through the life-event of buying and/or selling a home, it may just feel like a climb up the Himalayan’s at times. While your body may not take the same beating, it certainly is no small feat and can absolutely change the trajectory of your legacy. There are often months of preparation that goes in to preparing your home for sale and financially preparing to purchase a home. This is where Alicia Holdaway, your very own “Sherpa Guide' comes in. Alicia is passionate about changing the real estate experience for her clients. Buying and selling your home is not merely a transaction of checklists to be completed, it is a life event and one that deserves to be handled with care. Just as you wouldn’t dream of climbing Mt. Everest without a Sherpa helping you prepare for and guiding you through your journey, she hopes you never take this real estate climb without her guidance and care.Key Takeaways:Introduction to Alicia Holdaway, real estate agent, empty nester, and the woman who actually took the sabbatical most people only dream aboutHow the idea was born, not from wanderlust but from burnout, a son's mental health crisis, and years of chasing external accolades while crumbling insideThe years of preparation behind the dream, building a referral-based business with systems that could run without her, saving her husband's salary, and doing couples therapy before they ever leftWhat the trip actually looked like: two suitcases, seven outfits, three pairs of shoes, and six countries, including Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and CopenhagenWhen life interrupted, coming home early after a family member's terminal diagnosis, the relationship moments that surfaced without the distractions of daily life, and what it revealed about codependency and identityWho Alicia is now: a regulated nervous system, a life-first philosophy, a 33-hour work week, and her advice for anyone dreaming of doing something this boldResources Mentioned in This Episode:Alicia Holdaway, Real Estate AgentAlicia Holdaway LinkedInAre video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here. Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the Podcast:If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app.Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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    44 min
  • 5 Things We’re Over in 2026

    5 Things We’re Over in 2026
    Mar 25 2026
    Summary:In this episode of Pieces of a Woman, Cristie and DeAnna get honest about the things they are officially over in 2026. From doomscrolling, political overload, and nonstop phone distraction to the overuse of words like "trauma" and "trigger," this conversation explores what it means to protect your peace, think critically, and be more intentional with your energy. They also talk about aging, beauty choices, the frustration of giving up heels, and why staying open and curious matters more than ever. This is a real, thoughtful conversation about boundaries, perspective, and what they’re choosing to leave behind this year.Key Takeaways:00:00 Welcome back, and the question of what Cristie and DeAnna are officially over in 202601:20 Doom scrolling, political overload, and how social media can quietly shape emotions and beliefs03:10 Why it feels harder than ever to trust what we see online, and the need to fact-check media, AI, and social content06:40 Aging, Botox, and beauty choices, plus the reality of changing how they feel in their own bodies08:20 Why giving up heels feels surprisingly personal, and what it means to let go of things that once felt like part of your identity10:00 Phones at the table, constant distraction, and how technology keeps getting in the way of real connection12:00 A thoughtful conversation about the overuse of words like trauma and trigger, and why that matters14:10 What they want more of in 2026, including curiosity, openness, better boundaries, and protecting their peaceResources Mentioned in This Episode:The Pause We Didn’t Plan and the Growth We NeededBreaking Points with Krystal and SaagarMel Robbins PodcastAre video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here. Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the Podcast:If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app.Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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    17 min
  • The Pause We Didn’t Plan and the Growth We Needed

    The Pause We Didn’t Plan and the Growth We Needed
    Mar 11 2026
    Summary:After more than six months away, DeAnna and Cristie are back behind the mic. In this return episode, they share what life looked like during the break, from caregiving, grief, and family changes to career growth, creativity, and writing a book. They talk honestly about what it means to navigate loss, step into a new season in midlife, and intentionally rebuild a life that feels aligned. They also share what’s ahead for Pieces of a Woman, including more video, more guests, and more conversations around leadership, reinvention, and real life.Our next episode will be out in two weeks, and moving forward, Pieces of a Woman will be a biweekly podcast.Key Takeaways:00:00 Welcome back after more than six months away, and the decision to bring the podcast back with video and more consistency02:27 DeAnna shares why she stepped down from her brokerage role, how caregiving shaped the last two years, and what it was like to walk her mom through the final chapter of life07:05 DeAnna opens up about the emotional toll of aging parents, her daughter’s traumatic separation, and why 2026 feels like a fresh start and a new design season 09:23 A conversation about being in your 50s, living intentionally, staying open to life, and not saying no too quickly in this “go-go years” season 11:47 Cristie shares how an intense leadership role, family life, travel, and even Lego became part of her coping, growth, and creative outlet over the last two years 14:09 Cristie reveals she is writing a book about her childhood, leadership journey, motherhood, and loss, and explains why it feels like legacy work16:29 DeAnna and Cristie talk about reconnecting, returning with a new studio setup, and what listeners can expect next, including leadership topics and local guestsResources Mentioned in This Episode:Garbage Bag Girl: Finding Hope and Healing After Trauma with Celeste Edmunds Garbage Bag Girl by Celeste Edmunds and Richard Paul EvansCaring for Aging Parents and Navigating the UnknownYouth of Our Senior YearsThe Past That Shapes You – Cristie NorthDeAnna Robbins | Elevated Edge CoachingAre video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here. Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the Podcast:If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app.Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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    20 min
  • Garbage Bag Girl: Finding Hope and Healing After Trauma with Celeste Edmunds

    Garbage Bag Girl: Finding Hope and Healing After Trauma with Celeste Edmunds
    Jun 11 2025
    Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussions about childhood trauma, foster care, abuse, and emotional healing. Some content may be distressing or triggering to listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to pause or skip sections if needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, resources and support are available.Summary:In this powerful episode of Pieces of a Woman, DeAnna sits down with Celeste Edmunds, author of Garbage Bag Girl, Executive Director of The Christmas Box International, and a survivor turned advocate. Celeste opens up about her journey through childhood trauma, foster care, and the deeply personal process of writing her memoir. She shares what it really means to carry—and eventually let go of—the emotional "garbage bags" we hold onto from our pasts. Together, they explore resilience, healing, forgiveness, and the choice to live a life of purpose. Celeste also shares the inspiration behind her upcoming children’s book, The Boy Who Was Raised in a Sunflower Patch, and why every story, no matter how painful, has the power to connect and heal. If you've ever questioned whether you can turn pain into strength, this conversation will leave you filled with hope.Learn More About Celeste Edmunds:My childhood was an ongoing cycle of police calls, fighting, and physical, sexual, and mental abuse. At age 7, I was taken by the state and placed into a child welfare system, where moving every few months to a new environment became normal. So did living out of a garbage bag. By age sixteen, I had lived in more than 30 cities. My childhood was a difficult and often unbearable experience where evil manipulation almost broke my spirit. But there were also caring people along the way who stepped in to do what they could to protect and nurture me, and as an adult, I look back at those moments and realize that they saved my life. My goal is to help as many children in the child welfare system have the opportunities for success that I was not provided.Key Takeaways:[00:01] DeAnna introduces Celeste Edmunds and Garbage Bag Girl.[03:00] How Celeste balanced honesty and healing while writing her memoir.[10:00] The turning point: Choosing survival over revenge.[16:00] Why writing the book was harder than living the experience—and why it was necessary.[23:00] Celeste’s advice on the healing power of writing your own story.[27:00] How grace and forgiveness shaped Celeste’s journey.[43:00] Celeste’s reflections on foster care today: Complicated, but not broken.[59:00] The emotional process of recording the audiobook herself.[1:04:00] Sneak peek at her upcoming children’s book, The Boy Who Was Raised in a Sunflower Patch.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Celeste Edmunds WebsiteGarbage Bag Girl by Celeste EdmundsCeleste Edmunds InstagramThe Christmas Box InternationalGarbage Bag Girl PodcastFinding Noel by Richard Paul EvansAre video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here. Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the Podcast:If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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    1 ora e 7 min
  • Caring for Aging Parents and Navigating the Unknown

    Caring for Aging Parents and Navigating the Unknown
    Mar 19 2025

    Summary:

    Caring for aging parents is one of life's most challenging transitions, and we often don’t know where to start. In this episode, DeAnna and Cristie welcome Leigh Anne Garcia, an adult geriatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience, to provide expert insights into navigating healthcare, end-of-life decisions, and the emotional challenges of caregiving. From understanding the inevitable decline of aging to discussing legal documents, home care options, and hospice misconceptions, this episode is packed with must-know information for anyone with aging parents. Leigh Anne also shares practical tips on how to advocate for your loved ones in the complex healthcare system. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for aging parents, this conversation will provide clarity, support, and a roadmap to help you through this stage of life.

    Learn More About Leigh Anne Garcia:

    Leigh Anne Garcia is an adult geriatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. She began her career as a CNA in a nursing home, later becoming an RN and spending 17 years working with older adults in home health. She then earned her doctorate in adult geriatric primary care and has spent the past 12 years caring for older adults across various settings.

    Key Takeaways:

    • [00:28] Introduction to Leigh Anne Garcia and her background in geriatric care
    • [01:33] The unique challenges of aging parents and how families can prepare
    • [03:15] The reality of aging: Why seniors don’t always “bounce back” after an illness
    • [06:24] The importance of legal documents Advanced Directives and Power of Attorney
    • [09:24] The difficult DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) conversation when doctors and family disagree
    • [12:06] Navigating the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance
    • [15:05] How to be an effective advocate for your aging parent in the healthcare system
    • [17:56] The role of hospice care and why it’s underutilized
    • [20:37] Understanding when it’s time to transition from home care to assisted living
    • [24:27] The best way to find reliable in-home caregivers
    • [30:45] The emotional toll of caregiving: How to balance compassion and practicality
    • [32:37] Preparing your own family for the future: Having “the talk” before it’s too late
    • [36:23] Why having an advocate is crucial in hospital settings

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Care.com: Find Senior Care
    • Visiting Angels: Senior Home Care
    • Listen: Youth of Our Senior Years
    • Listen: Breaking the Silence: Women, Aging, and the Truth About Sex
    • Are video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
    • We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.
    • Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat
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    41 min
  • Breaking the Silence: Women, Aging, and the Truth About Sex

    Breaking the Silence: Women, Aging, and the Truth About Sex
    Feb 19 2025

    Summary:

    After a holiday break, Cristie and DeAnna are back with a conversation that many shy away from—sex, intimacy, and how it changes as we age. From the impact of hormones and body confidence to the cultural shame we were raised with, they discussed the real, raw, and sometimes funny realities of midlife sexuality. Why do some women stop enjoying sex? How can we break free from outdated narratives and truly embrace pleasure at any stage of life? And could ‘’Naked Sundays’’ be the key to a deeper connection? This episode is about curiosity, confidence, and choosing joy in every part of life—including the bedroom.

    Key Takeaways:

    • [00:00] Back from the holidays: travel, routine, and the fresh start of 2025
    • [05:30] Introducing today’s topic: Women, sex, and intimacy after 40
    • [06:40] The common theme among women—losing desire and disinterest in sex
    • [08:10] Hormones, menopause, and how they impact sex drive
    • [09:45] How shame and cultural conditioning affect women’s view on sex
    • [11:20] The role of confidence: How body image changes intimacy
    • [13:00] What men actually think vs. what women assume about their bodies
    • [17:20] Communication in relationships: Being open about desires and needs
    • [19:00] The power of intimacy beyond just physical connection
    • [21:30] Advice for women: How to reignite desire and embrace pleasure


    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Listen: Be Your Own (S)expert with Dr. Juliana
    • Are video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
    • We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.
    • Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here.


    Thanks for Listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!


    Subscribe to the Podcast:

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.


    Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    25 min