Ep. 05: Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life - with Legendary Fitness Instructor, Mary Helen Yarbrough
A teacher of mine once told me, “To the extent you experience darkness, you will have the capacity to experience that same degree of light.”
Have you ever heard something like that?
Well, let me tell ya, Mary Helen Yarbrough is no stranger to darkness. She experienced profound losses in her teen and young adult years that sent her life into a spiral.
So, maybe that explains why she is one of the most authentically positive and inspirational people in my life (and in many others’ lives, as well).
In Episode 5 of Happiest Hour, we don’t hold back. Mary Helen tells her story of loss and pain, as well as sharing her life philosophy that makes her life tick, and so much more.
Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch on YouTube!
Ep. 05: Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life - with Legendary Fitness Instructor, Mary Helen Yarbrough
A teacher of mine once told me, “To the extent you experience darkness, you will have the capacity to experience that same degree of light.”
Have you ever heard something like that?
Well, let me tell ya, Mary Helen Yarbrough is no stranger to darkness. She experienced profound losses in her teen and young adult years that sent her life into a spiral.
So, maybe that explains why she is one of the most authentically positive and inspirational people in my life (and in many others’ lives, as well).
If you have followed me for a while, you know that I am not shy about sharing how much I love taking Jazzercise from Mary Helen. She was recently featured on our largest news station where our star news anchor, Tracy Kornet (who also attends our Jazzercise class) called her a, “legend.” I will second that!
We don’t hold back in this episode. Mary Helen tells her story of loss and pain, as well as sharing her life philosophy that makes her life tick.
In this conversation, we also cover:
Her story of loss that made her who she is today
Where she got her work ethic
How weekly Happy Hours led her to discover Jazzercise
How she built her legendary (yes, legendary!) Nashville fitness business over 40 years ago as a busy wife and mom
Debunking the 80’s stereotype of Jazzercise (no, we don’t wear leg warmers)
Why her classes feel fun, inclusive and safe
Her secret to success for maintaining relationships and a strong business
The choice she makes daily that makes her so impactful to others
Spoiler alert: we get into some heavy conversation, including mental health and mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that 24 hour support is available to you by simply dialing 988 from your phone.
Something else you’re going to want to know about Mary Helen: she is a fabulous cook! And her husband is retired from the liquor industry, so this woman knows how to mix a dang good cocktail.
Make sure you check out the 2 recipes Mary Helen brought to pair with this episode!
Get your recipes and show notes right here:
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Want to try a Jazzercise class with Mary Helen and me? If you are local to Nashville, then click here!
If you are not local to Nashville, but would like to try Jazzercise in your area (or On Demand), visit https://www.jazzercise.com/
You can also find Mary Helen on Instagram.
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The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!
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Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
French 75 Cocktail
Mary Helen’s Shrimp Dip
More Happiest Hour…
The Very Best Shepherd's Pie
My college besties, Kelly and Kelsey, and I used to make this dip all the time when we had an off-campus apartment. So, when Ashley from The Wildcards recommended something similar to pair with our podcast episode, I was super excited!
I’ll be honest, I eyeball everything in this recipe. Just sprinkle the herbs and spices to your taste. You can’t mess this up.
We didn’t add heat with jalapeno, but you certainly can if you like a little kick. Or use a can of Rotel instead of tomatoes.
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go!
Enter for a Chance to Win!
Try the Drink…
Home-made Spiced Chai
My guest in Ep. 04, Cindy Landham brought over this recipe for warm and cozy homemade spiced chai latte. This cup of magic will make you want to curl up under a blanket with a good book. Get the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 04 - Being Well is an Inside Job with Cindy Landham
Homemade Spiced Chai Latte
For Episode 4, my guest, Cindy Landham, brought over a recipe for homemade chai tea. The condensed milk in this recipe makes it so creamy and delicious! The aroma of cinnamon, cloves and other spices will make your house smell incredible while it simmers on the stove. Sipping this sweet mixture just make you feel cozy, calm and nourished.
So, curl up with a good book, cuddle under a blanket and try this recipe for yourself!
Try this One Pot Supper…
The Family Wash is a restaurant/music venue that has moved locations and taken on several iterations over the years here in Nashville. Their shepherd’s pie is famous in this city! I hacked the recipe at home and it tastes pretty dang similar. Here’s the recipe for a one pot dinner that will be a hit with your family and last you a few days in left overs. Enjoy!
The Very Best Shepherd’s Pie
Enter for a Chance to Win!
Catch the Episode!
Ep. 04 - Food is Not Your Problem, Dieting is Not Your Answer with Cindy Landham
Ep. 04: Food is not your problem, Dieting is not Your Answer - with Cindy Landham
Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?
Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.
Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham.
Ep. 04 Food is Not Your Problem, Dieting is Not Your Answer with Cindy Landham
Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?
Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.
Here's the good news: there is a path to freedom from obsessive thoughts surrounding food, exercise and body shaming.
Here's even more good news: this path doesn't involve dieting, shakes, pills, pre-packaged food, counting points and calories, or even joining a gym.
Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham.
It could change your life. I know, that's a bold statement, but she sure has changed mine.
In this episode, we cover:
• Why diet culture is failing us
• Traditional thinking vs. liberated thinking around our health and wellness
• When parents are the food police
• What loving your body really means
☕️ Whoa! All foods fit from Cindy’s perspective, so you better bet we paired this episode with two delicious recipes! Check out Cindy's homemade, made-from-scratch spiced chai latte. This tea will leave you feeling so comfy, warm and nourished.
And I'm sharing the shepherd's pie recipe that has become a tradition for my husband and me during the holidays.
Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓
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Get to know Cindy by visiting her at her website and on Facebook.
If you can’t wait for the results of the book drawing and want a copy of Cindy’s book now, you can snag a copy here!
Get Cindy’s Book!
Get a copy of Cindy’s book and get started on your liberating journey!
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
Homemade Spiced Chai
The Very Best Shepherd’s Pie
More Happiest Hour…
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Cowboy Caviar
My college besties, Kelly and Kelsey, and I used to make this dip all the time when we had an off-campus apartment. So, when Ashley from The Wildcards recommended something similar to pair with our podcast episode, I was super excited!
I’ll be honest, I eyeball everything in this recipe. Just sprinkle the herbs and spices to your taste. You can’t mess this up.
We didn’t add heat with jalapeno, but you certainly can if you like a little kick. Or use a can of Rotel instead of tomatoes.
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go!
Try the Drink…
Merry Margarita
My guest in Ep. 03, The Wildcards and I made this delicious craft cocktail together. This variation of a margarita is the perfect idea for the holidays and pairs well with the Cowboy Caviar dip! Grab the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 03 - Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards