Best Julie Ledbetter Podcasts (2025)

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My 5 Go-To Bible Verses for Thanksgiving This Year 14:31

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2h ago14:31

14:31

Today's episode is a little different, and honestly, one that feels really special to share. As much as I love talking about movement, nutrition, and mindset, I also know that true peace and gratitude come from something deeper. And with Thanksgiving here, I wanted to share the five Bible verses that have grounded me most this year. These verses ha…

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Behind the Gottman Method with Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman 53:07

3d ago53:07

53:07

What does it take to turn decades of clinical experience into a movement that reshapes therapy around the world? Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman joins Michael Fulwiler to share her personal and professional journey behind co-founding The Gottman Institute and co-developing the Gottman Method. Julie recounts the pivotal decisions that led her from privat…

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What Every Woman Needs To Know This Holiday Season 16:53

23h ago16:53

16:53

The holidays bring joy, connection, celebration, and memories. They also tend to bring stress, unpredictability, and that old tug-of-war between wanting to enjoy the moment and wanting to stay "on track." If you've ever gone into this season with good intentions, only to end up anxious, overwhelmed, or in the all-or-nothing spiral, this episode is …

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4 Reminders That Changed How I See My Body 9:47

6d ago9:47

9:47

The holidays can bring so much joy, and they can also stir up body image thoughts that steal your peace. Photos, family comments, richer foods, and a disrupted routine can make you hyper-aware of how you look instead of helping you live the moments in front of you. In this episode, I am sharing four reminders that helped me shift from controlling m…

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Solving the Supervision Crisis in Mental Health with Rachel Ledbetter 51:45

10d ago51:45

51:45

Therapists entering the field face a hidden obstacle that can derail their entire career: finding affordable, accessible clinical supervision. Rachel Ledbetter, licensed marriage and family therapist and CEO of Motivo, joins Michael Fulwiler to share how her own struggle to get licensed in rural Georgia led her to build a company that’s now helping…

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Holiday Fitness Q&A: Staying Consistent Without the Guilt 23:26

4h ago23:26

23:26

The holidays are a beautiful season, but they can also be a season where your routine gets stretched. Travel, family gatherings, different foods, colder weather, unpredictable schedules. All of it can make consistency feel harder than usual. And if you've ever felt that tension between wanting to enjoy the moment and wanting to protect your progres…

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How to Maintain Progress When You're at 60% Effort 12:48

13h ago12:48

12:48

Today, I want to talk about something that so many of us struggle to accept — the idea that you can't always give 100%. Some days, weeks, or even months… all you have is 60%. And that's not failure — that's being human. We live in a culture that glorifies "all or nothing." It tells us that if we're not giving it our absolute best — crushing workout…

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Owning Your Therapist Identity Online and Offline with Liz Beecroft-Ridgway 56:55

17d ago56:55

56:55

What if your love for sneakers, storytelling, and sports could help shape a thriving private practice? Liz Beecroft-Ridgway, licensed clinical social worker and founder of MENTL.SESH, joins Michael Fulwiler to share how she built a brand that bridges therapy, creative partnerships, and athlete mental health. From designing a sneaker with Nike to le…

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7 Rules You Need This Thanksgiving + Holiday Season 26:42

14d ago26:42

26:42

The holidays can bring so much joy, but let's be honest, they can also bring stress. Between travel, family gatherings, endless food options, and your normal routine flying right out the window, it's easy to feel like you've lost your rhythm. But this season doesn't have to derail your progress or your peace. It just requires a little intention. So…

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What If Self-Discipline Has Been Misunderstood This Whole Time? 13:59

19d ago13:59

13:59

For years, we've been told that discipline means pushing harder, eating cleaner, and saying no to anything that doesn't fit the plan. But what if that version of discipline, the one rooted in restriction, guilt, and grind culture, is actually the reason you're burning out and losing motivation? In this episode, I'm breaking down what self-disciplin…

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What I Learned From Tracking Macros for Almost 15 Years (and How I Do It Differently Now) 20:59

16d ago20:59

20:59

Today's episode is one I've been so excited to record because this is a story that's been such a big part of my own journey — and one that I know so many of you will relate to. We're talking all about what tracking macros has actually taught me. I'm going to share what tracking gave me, what I wish I had known sooner, and then walk you through the …

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How to Get More Private Pay Clients with Danielle Swimm 56:41

1M ago56:41

56:41

Leaving community mental health to build a thriving private practice isn’t easy, especially as a young therapist navigating burnout, financial stress, and single motherhood. Danielle Swimm, licensed clinical social worker and founder of The Entrepreneurial Therapist, joins Michael Fulwiler to share her path from driving Uber and making home visits …

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7 reasons you've stopped seeing results after years of training 25:23

29d ago25:23

25:23

If you've been lifting consistently for years but your progress has stalled, your strength feels the same, your body looks the same, and your motivation is fading, this episode is for you. You're doing everything "right": tracking your macros, showing up for your lifts, sleeping, recovering… yet somehow, your body isn't responding the way it used t…

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The One Mistake Women Make with Dumbbells 15:38

29d ago15:38

15:38

If you've been showing up consistently but not seeing the strength or definition you want, this episode might just reveal why. The most common mistake I see women make with dumbbells? Going too light, for too long. We've been told that heavier weights make women "bulky," that lighter ones are for "toning," or that cardio is the safer path to fitnes…

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Pre-Holiday Pep Talk: How to Stay Consistent and Confident Through the Holidays 21:32

22d ago21:32

21:32

The holidays are around the corner, and let's be honest, this season can feel like a minefield when it comes to food, fitness, and consistency. One minute you're excited for family and traditions, the next you're stressing that all your progress is about to be undone by travel, late nights, and holiday cookies. But here's the truth: you don't need …

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Should I Eat After 7pm? The Truth You Need to Hear 12:33

1M ago12:33

12:33

You've probably heard the "rule" that you shouldn't eat after 7pm if you want to see results. Maybe you've even felt guilty grabbing a late snack, like the clock itself was going to derail your progress. But here's the truth: your body doesn't own a watch. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm breaking down the real science behind nighttime eat…

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What Therapists Need to Know About AI and Privacy with Candice Thompson 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

Many therapists are feeling pressured to adopt the latest tech tools, but what if embracing every new innovation isn’t always in the best interest of your practice? Candice Thompson, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Silicon Valley, joins host Michael Fulwiler to share why she calls herself “tech cautious” and how that stance has he…

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5 exercises that don't actually build the body you want 20:30

29d ago20:30

20:30

You're showing up for workouts, putting in the effort, but you're not seeing the changes you want in your body. Sound familiar? The truth is, it might not be you, it might be the exercises you're spending time on. Some of the most common "go-to" moves look productive, but they don't actually build the strength, muscle, or definition you're after. I…

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Why You Need a Monthly Check-In With Yourself 14:55

1M ago14:55

14:55

Most women only pause to reflect when things start to fall apart — when motivation dips, workouts stall, or nutrition feels off track. But waiting until you're burned out to reassess is like waiting for the ceiling to cave in before fixing a leak. In this episode, I'm sharing a simple but powerful tool that can completely shift your fitness, mindse…

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GLP-1s: Tool or Crutch? Let's Get Honest 22:11

2M ago22:11

22:11

You've probably seen it all over social media GLP's, and maybe even wondered if a GLP-1 medication could be the answer you've been looking for. But here's the thing: while these meds can be powerful tools, they're not magic, and they're definitely not meant to replace the habits that actually create lasting change. In this episode, we're unpacking …

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Turning Personal Trauma into a Career in Private Practice with Dr. Bryan Harnesberger 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

Starting a private practice is hard enough. Doing it while honoring your values, managing student debt, and keeping therapy human? That’s something else. Dr. Bryan Harnsberger, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Wellesley Counseling & Wellness, joins Michael Fulwiler to share how he’s built a thriving practice rooted in authenticity, attunem…

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What You Aren't Changing, You Are Choosing 12:25

2M ago12:25

12:25

Today, I want to talk about something that goes beyond motivation or surface-level advice. Because let's be real—building the body you want isn't just about reps, sets, or calories. It's about the choices you make every single day. The small decisions that either move you closer to your goals or keep you stuck where you are. If you've been feeling …

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From Social Worker to Practice Owner with Brent Metcalf 49:54

2M ago49:54

49:54

Starting and scaling a private practice can feel overwhelming, especially in a rural region with limited resources. Brent Metcalf, a trauma therapist and group practice owner at Tri-Star Counseling, joins Michael Fulwiler to share how he built a thriving therapy business in Appalachia while staying true to his mission of expanding access to care. B…

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8 sneaky things stopping you from building a stronger core 23:27

2M ago23:27

23:27

Hey, hey beautiful human… Welcome back to another episode of Embrace Your Real. Today we are diving into something that almost every woman asks me about at some point: How do I actually build a strong core? You've probably done the ab workouts on YouTube, you've probably cranked out crunches or planks at the end of your workouts, and maybe you've e…

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Why Comparison is Stealing Your Body Confidence 10:59

2M ago10:59

10:59

Hey beautiful human! You were feeling good… until one scroll on social media made you question everything about your body. Sound familiar? Whether it's Instagram, TikTok, or even someone at the gym, comparison has a sneaky way of creeping in, stealing your joy, and convincing you you're not doing enough. But here's the truth: comparison doesn't jus…

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How to Charge Premium Rates Without Guilt with Amanda Buduris 55:44

2M ago55:44

55:44

Leaving a traditional therapy model can feel risky, but for Dr. Amanda Buduris, it was the shift that transformed her business. Amanda, a licensed psychologist and Brainspotting & EMDR therapist, joins host Michael Fulwiler to share how she went from a burned-out college counseling center employee to a thriving private practice owner charging $350 …

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Understanding Your Metabolism 101 25:04

2M ago25:04

25:04

Ever caught yourself saying, "I just have a slow metabolism," or "My metabolism broke after I turned 30"? You're not alone, but the truth is, your metabolism isn't some mysterious force working against you. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what your metabolism is, what it does in your body, and how your daily habits either fuel it or slow…

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Why There Are No "Bad" Foods in a Healthy Lifestyle 11:17

2M ago11:17

11:17

Hey beautiful human! Ever eaten pizza and immediately thought, "Ugh, I was so bad today"? Or labeled a slice of cake, a handful of chips, or even a piece of bread as "bad"? You're not alone, but it's time to let that thinking go. Because food is not good or bad. It's just food. And the guilt, shame, and all-or-nothing mindset? That's what's keeping…

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Turning Email Subscribers into Clients with Avivit Fisher 45:00

2M ago45:00

45:00

Email marketing might not be the first thing therapists think of when growing a private practice, but it’s a powerful way to build trust and drive referrals. Avivit Fisher, founder of REdD Strategy, joins Michael Fulwiler to discuss how therapists can utilize email to attract and retain clients, establish authority, and future-proof their practices…

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(FAQ) I Eat Healthy and Workout: Why Isn't My Weight Dropping? 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

You're eating healthy, you're getting your workouts in… so why isn't the scale moving? If you've ever asked yourself that question (maybe more than once), this episode is here to bring clarity, not shame. Because the truth is: your body isn't broken. But there are some sneaky reasons progress might be stalling — and most of them have nothing to do …

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Why Pilates Alone Isn't Enough 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

Hey beautiful human! You've probably asked yourself at some point: Should I be doing Pilates… or should I lift weights? And if you've ever felt stuck trying to choose between the two, this episode is for you. Let me be clear, Pilates can absolutely support your goals. It's amazing for posture, mobility, and core strength. But if you're trying to bu…

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How to Pivot Your Therapy Business When Life Changes with Whitney Goodman 47:08

3M ago47:08

47:08

Building a therapy business takes persistence, creativity, and a willingness to pivot when needed. Whitney Goodman, licensed psychotherapist and founder of Calling Home, joins Michael Fulwiler to share her journey from starting private practice while working full-time to becoming a successful content creator and membership community leader. Whitney…

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6 Actually Helpful Ways to Get Back on Track This Fall (Without Burning Out by Week Two) 23:27

3M ago23:27

23:27

Hey beautiful human! Fall is here, and with it comes that fresh-start energy. The kids are back in school, the routines are settling in, and you're probably thinking, "This is it. I'm ready to get back on track." But if you've ever started September strong, only to feel burnt out and off-track by week two, you're not alone. The problem isn't your m…

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Can One Bad Meal Make You Gain 5 Pounds? 12:04

3M ago12:04

12:04

Hey beautiful human! Let's talk about that gut-punch moment we've all had… You step on the scale after a big meal, a holiday weekend, or a night out—and boom. It's up 3, 4, maybe even 5 pounds. Cue the panic: "Did I just ruin all my progress?" Here's the truth: one meal can't make you gain five pounds of fat—it's not scientifically possible. But wh…

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Why You Don't Have to Love Every Inch of Your Body to Treat it Well 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Today we're diving into a topic I've been wanting to talk about for a while, because it's one of those sneaky things that can actually do more harm than good on your journey to self-love and body confidence. And that is toxic positivity. The truth is you don't have to love every inch of your body to treat it with respect. You don't have to be perfe…

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Triumph Through Pain as a Social Worker with Bas Moreno 54:09

3M ago54:09

54:09

A phone hovering above a mattress, a foster care caseload on hold, and a pandemic looming set the unlikely scene for this week’s social work conversation. Basiliso “Bas” Moreno, Host of the Social Work Rants Podcast, joins Michael Fulwiler to recount a journey spanning Bronx streets, foster care units, and pandemic caregiving. Bas recalls starting …

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Why Your Life on the Outside Won't Change Until This Does 13:03

3M ago13:03

13:03

Hello beautiful human! Let's talk about the thing that keeps so many women stuck… "If I could just lose the weight…" "If life would just slow down…" "If people would just treat me differently…" The truth is, nothing on the outside changes until something inside you does. And in today's episode, I'm breaking down exactly what that "something" is—and…

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How to Build a Sustainable, Mission-Driven Therapy Business with Kelley Stevens 51:03

3M ago51:03

51:03

Building a thriving private practice as a therapist comes with unique challenges, from finding clients to managing finances and maintaining work-life balance. Kelley Stevens, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of The Private Practice Pro, joins Michael Fulwiler to share her journey from group practice to running a successful priva…

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How Many Reps Should You Actually Be Doing for Your Ideal Results?! 20:48

3M ago20:48

20:48

Hey hey, beautiful human! You've seen workouts that say "3 sets of 10–12 reps"... but what does that actually mean? Should you stop at 10? Push to 12? Is one better than the other? Let's clear this up once and for all. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how rep ranges work, what each one does for your body, and how to know if you're actuall…

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5 Things to Remember When Your Body Confidence is Feeling Low 12:27

3M ago12:27

12:27

Okay, let's be honest… Some days, your body just feels... off. The jeans don't fit right. A photo catches you off guard. And suddenly, you're in a full-on spiral, questioning your progress, your worth, and whether anything you're doing is working. If you've been there (or you're there right now), this episode is for you. I'm walking you through fiv…

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Why You Can't Intuitively Eat 20:38

3M ago20:38

20:38

Hey beautiful human. There's this idea out there that once you're done tracking or dieting, intuitive eating should just click. That you'll suddenly know what to eat, when to eat, and how much. But if things feel kind of chaotic instead? There's a reason for that. In this episode, we're getting into the real reason intuitive eating feels hard, espe…

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How to Pay Off Debt as a Therapist with Jacent Wamala 59:06

3M ago59:06

59:06

Getting out of debt can feel impossible, especially when you're building a therapy practice, managing student loans, and trying to make your work sustainable for the long haul. Jacent Wamala, a licensed marriage and family therapist, financial wellness coach, and founder of Wamala Wellness, joins Michael Fulwiler to share how she paid off nearly $1…

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Why Your Brain Is Wired for Comparison & How to Unplug It 13:08

3M ago13:08

13:08

Hey beautiful human 💛 Let's talk about something that messes with all of us: comparison. You're feeling good, you're proud of your progress… and then one scroll later, you see someone else's abs, perfect kitchen, or gym PR, and suddenly, you're second-guessing everything. Sound familiar? In today's episode, I'm breaking down why your brain does thi…

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From Wounded Combat Vet to EMDR Therapist with Christopher Brown 51:26

4M ago51:26

51:26

Building a private practice is great. But building one rooted in lived experience is on a whole other level. Christopher Brown, a Marine Corps veteran and EMDR-certified therapist, joins Michael Fulwiler to share his path from combat to clinical work. After surviving a suicide bombing and facing years of PTSD, Christopher found healing through EMDR…

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What Most Women Get Wrong About Progressive Overload 18:43

4M ago18:43

18:43

Hey beautiful human, welcome back! Have you ever looked at your workout and thought… "Wait… if I'm not lifting more weight this week, am I even making progress?" You're not alone. In fact, today's episode was sparked by a super thoughtful question inside the private Movement With Julie Facebook group. And it's such an important one. So let's clear …

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Should You Eat Before Your Workouts? Let's Talk About It 11:07

4M ago11:07

11:07

Hey sis! Let's settle this once and for all: Do you need to eat before a workout? You've probably heard all kinds of answers, some people swear by fasted training, others won't touch a dumbbell without a snack first. So what's the truth? I'm giving you real-world tips you can use starting today, plus snack ideas that are quick, effective, and easy …

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Has Therapy Become Too Capitalistic? with Paul Fugelsang 45:16

4M ago45:16

45:16

Running a therapy practice while staying true to your values isn’t always easy, especially in a system that often prioritizes profit over people. Paul Fugelsang, founder and executive director of Open Path Psychotherapy Collective, joins Michael Fulwiler to talk about building a mission-driven organization that connects clients to affordable therap…

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5 Ways to Maximize Your Self-Care Without More Time 19:49

4M ago19:49

19:49

In this episode of Embrace Your Real, we're diving into something that might sound simple at first, but it has completely shifted the way I approach self-care. Something I call "Wellness Pairing"—the idea of combining simple, life-giving habits so they naturally fit into your day. Because let's be honest. Between work, family, workouts, and everyth…

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Are Weighted Vests Worth the Hype? 12:01

4M ago12:01

12:01

Today we're diving into a hot topic I've been getting lots of questions about lately—weighted vests. Are they worth the hype? Are they essential to see progress? And should you run out and buy one if you're working out at home? I'm going to walk you through: What they're good for How to use them When they're actually helpful Just keep in mind that …

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5 Reasons Why Your Fitness Journey Needs a Dose of Gentle Energy 19:22

4M ago19:22

19:22

Hey beautiful human, today we're talking about something I think a lot of women are feeling right now, even if they haven't quite put it into words yet: mindful movement. I want to explore what it can actually look like when we apply it to fitness. And why softness doesn't mean weakness—and how honoring your body doesn't mean giving up on your goal…