Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK - The Podcast

In this episode, Melyssa is joined by Simon Matthews, a seasoned expert in health and wellness coaching, to delve into the importance of social connection as a pivotal component of lifestyle medicine. Simon shares his unconventional journey from nearly becoming a radio broadcaster and airline pilot to establishing himself in the field of psychology and lifestyle medicine. The conversation highlights the multi-faceted nature of soci...

For Lifestyle Medicine Week 2025 Day 6, Melyssa welcomes Dr. Jessica Matthews for an in-depth conversation on stress management within the realm of lifestyle medicine. Dr. Matthews, with over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and wellness, shares her journey from being a group fitness instructor to becoming a professor and director at Point Loma Nazarene University. The discussion explores shifting perceptions of stress, p...

**Sensitive Topic Disclaimer: Substance Use and Suicide**

In this episode of the podcast highlighting the pillar of Avoiding Risky Substances for Lifestyle Medicine Week Day 5, Melyssa shares her personal journey with alcohol, discussing how it has impacted her life and relationships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing low-risk drinking guidelines, the benefits and drawbacks of alcohol, and how to practice mindfulness and ...

Welcome to Season 3 of the 'Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck' podcast! Host Melyssa, a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach, dives deep into sleep health with Kristina, a certified sleep coach and nurse practitioner. Join us for day four of Lifestyle Medicine Week 2025 as we explore the critical role of sleep in our overall well-being. Kristina shares her journey, practical tips for better sleep, and the profound heal...

In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK podcast, host Melyssa welcomes fitness expert Mike Stack. Mike, an exercise physiologist and president of the Physical Activity Alliance, discusses the importance of integrating movement into daily life to enhance overall health and well-being. He differentiates between physical activity and exercise, emphasizing that all forms of movement count towards health. Mike also ad...

In the latest episode of the podcast, Melyssa welcomes Amy Hanus from the Ardmore Institute of Health and creator of the Full Plate Living Program. They discuss the importance of adding whole, unprocessed fiber foods to your diet and how these small changes can lead to sustainable, long-term health benefits. Amy shares her personal journey and insights on overcoming diet culture, the significance of self-care, and how celebrating s...

In this episode, host Melissa welcomes Dr. Jonathan Bonnet to kick off Lifestyle Medicine Week, hosted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Bonnet, a board-certified family, sports, obesity, and lifestyle medicine physician, provides an in-depth overview of lifestyle medicine, its six pillars, and its impact on health and well-being. The discussion covers practical insights and strategies for implementing lifestyle ch...

In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck podcast, Melyssa welcomes guest Tara De Leon, a personal trainer who is challenging industry norms with her weight-neutral and plus-size approach, which we absolutely LOVE and is sooooo aligned with our own messaging! They discuss Tara's journey in the fitness industry, battling body image issues, and overcoming gym intimidation. Tara shares her strategies for making the gy...

Recommitting to Your Goals: Tackling Q1 Setbacks and Cultivating a Winning Mindset for the 2nd Quarter of 2025In the season three opener of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK, Melyssa, a double board certified lifestyle medicine coach and size inclusive fitness specialist, discusses the common struggles of maintaining New Year's resolutions and goals as the first quarter of the year comes to an end. She emphasizes the impo...

In this episode, Melyssa Allen-Oddi shares exciting updates, including getting married and turning 35. She reflects on the mental relief following her wedding and gives heartfelt shoutouts to the vendors who made the day special.

• Emma from First Coast Weddings & Events 
• SarahMarie & Megan from Faithful Florals 
• Alison & Jay from Life & Love Studio 
• DJ Kris from Footloose Entertainment 
• Heather Benzal at St. Augu...

HLDHTS Podcast Compilation - Bonus Episode In this special bonus episode, we compiled the insightful answers from various guest experts on what 'healthy living doesn't have to suck' means to them and how they incorporate it into their lives and work. From financial wellness to body positivity, each of our guests bring a unique perspective and practical advice on making healthy living enjoyable and sustainable!

Dow...

Reflections and Future Aspirations: Wrapping Up Season 2 Hosted by Melyssa Allen, a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach, this episode marks the conclusion of Season 2 of the 'Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Suck' podcast. Melyssa discusses her impromptu topic pivot, upcoming extended break to work on the audiobook of her book, and reflections on her journey through 2024, including transformational experiences from two bu...

In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK podcast, host Melyssa Allen is joined by Dr. Dominique DiLorenzo, a triple board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. They discuss the importance of incorporating mindset and behavior changes for lasting health, the benefits of a plant-based diet, and Dr. DiLorenzo's unique membership-based primary care practice, Zamzam ...

In this episode, Melyssa welcomes guest Ashantis Jones, a therapist, mental health coach, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. They discuss the importance of integrating mental health and physical fitness, dismantling societal and marketing-imposed fitness stigmas, and embracing personalized, enjoyable approaches to movement and wellness. Ashantis shares her journey in encouraging people to strengthen their bod...

In this episode Melyssa is joined by Kam Niskach, the creator of MetKon RX and owner of K-POW Nutrition. Kam dives into her own fitness journey from her work as a former master trainer for Beachbody Live's P90X to creating MetKon RX. Kam shares her journey and discusses the importance of mindset, behavior changes, and the role of supplements as "tools in the toolbox." Kam offers valuable insights on starting small, lifting weights,...

In this solo episode, Melyssa focuses on the significant impact of lifestyle medicine on mental health. Coinciding with Lifestyle Medicine Week 2024 and Mental Health Awareness Month, Melyssa shares her insights on how lifestyle behaviors can serve as therapeutic interventions. She elaborates on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—physical activity, plant-predominant eating patterns, effective stress management, healthy sleep, po...

In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK, Melyssa explores the complexities of navigating grief and promoting mental health with Dr. Annelise Cunningham, author of Grief is Fucking Hard: Love Notes from a Trauma and Loss Psychologist. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the episode discusses breaking the stigma around mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of support systems and self-care dur...

In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK Podcast, Melyssa is joined by one of her all-time favorite life and business coaches - Cara Alwill, creator of The Champagne Diet! They discuss the importance of embracing a healthy lifestyle without succumbing to societal pressures and restrictive norms. Cara shares her journey from a dissatisfying career and unhealthy relationship to finding joy and authenticity through l...

In this episode of Healthy Living Doesn't Have to SUCK, Melyssa welcomes her guest, Alayna Curry, a fitness instructor and mom to discuss the complexities of maintaining a healthy lifestyle among various life challenges. Alayna shares her journey from struggling with body image to embracing fitness as a celebration rather than punishment. They discuss tips for busy individuals, especially moms, to integrate fitness into their lives...