The MINT Prjct

Ever had a moment when your professional and personal lives collided in ways you didn't expect? That's what happened to today's guest, Ray Forrester, a licensed clinical social worker, former professional rugby player, and spouse to Cara, Director of Education at The MINT Prjct. His journey from New Zealand to America and his experiences in the fitness industry offers a unique perspective on how he intertwines his clinical therapy expertise with sports conditioning to assist clients. This uncensored chat brings to light the influential role of mindset in fitness and overall well-being.He journeys into the realms of parenting, discipline and communication,  including his own personal struggles and victories. He also shares some heart-wrenching experiences - from coping with the trauma of a difficult birth, the emotional turmoil of having a baby in the NICU, to juggling work, family life, and maintaining a gym. It's a raw, emotional rollercoaster ride that many parents would find relatable. We also delve deep into the sensitive issue of teen addiction, drawing upon Ray's vast experience in residential youth treatment and addiction recovery.As our conversation winds down, we shift focus towards the critical aspect of self-care, expression, and connecting with heritage as levers for mental well-being. Ray shares how he balances family, work, and fitness, and the importance of finding fulfilling outlets like baking and wood carving! You don't want to miss this episode!Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Today we talk with Betsy's husband, Andre Jones who is the co-founder of our very own at-home strength and conditioning program, MomStrong. He opens up about owning a gym while experiencing the highs and lows that came with the news of becoming a parent. He talks about his own experience with their son's birth, the wave of emotions holding his son for the first time, the struggle with sleep training, and how these experiences have reshaped his life. Andre also sheds light on the crucial role of a supportive husband to his wife, as a new mom.One huge topic we get into is the  shift in fitness priorities that comes with parenthood. Balancing a competitive mindset with an approach centered on health and wellness became essential as parents. In this episode we'll hear how Andre and Betsy adapted their workouts to accommodate their new lifestyle as parents. Their fitness goals   and now are focused on being  fit and healthy enough to be an active part of their son's life. This shaped how Andre programs for MomStrong, allowing moms everywhere to reach those same goals! If you're a dad needing someone to relate to, a mom looking for insight to the man's perception, or a mom curious about the person behind the program, tune in to this one!Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Who says fitness and health care can't go hand in hand? That's the question we're exploring with our guest, Mary Banks, the Chief Strategy Officer at Active Life. Mary brings an insightful perspective on how Active Life is bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare, empowering individuals to live positively, and without compromise. She shares powerful stories about her clients, including a 64-year-old woman who experienced hanging from a bar without pain for the first time, testament to the transformative nature of Active Life's mission.As we navigate the conversation, Mary unveils her personal journey through pregnancy and postpartum while maintaining an active fitness routine and coaching others. She highlights the significance of continuing education in addressing health issues such as chronic diseases and knee replacements, and the necessity for a specialized focus on women's health, particularly for pregnant and postpartum mothers. The chat takes a turn as we discuss balancing work, fitness, and postpartum recovery. Mary emphasizes the importance of proper breathing during pregnancy for a healthier recovery. She generously shares her experiences, highlighting the need for grace and adjusted expectations during the journey of motherhood. Mary shares her experience of coaching moms to bridge the gap between healthcare and fitness and stresses the importance of a good coach to guide and make fitness more accessible for moms and coaches. Get ready for a high-energy talk with Mary Banks, full of actionable insights and inspiration!Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Meet Christy Cannon, a certified nurse and midwife who not only delivers babies but also dreams of bridging the gap between home births and hospital births. As a mama to five children herself, Christy has an intimate understanding of the highs and lows of parenthood and birth!  In today's episode we'll learn about her journey from being an aspiring nurse influenced by her large family, to realizing her true calling during a home birth, and then charting her own course in the world of midwifery. Christy also shares her experiences of prenatal care, supporting parents through language barriers, and even the emotionally taxing experience of helping a woman surrender her baby safely.  Hear about the differences between a doctor and a midwife, and the emphasis on trusting the body and the process in midwifery. Whether you’re considering a career in midwifery, expecting a baby, or simply fascinated by the world of childbirth, this episode is super insightful!Working Against Gravity Get $50 off Nutrition Coaching with code MINTGut Personal Use code MINT10 to save 10% on your first orderpliability Pregnancy Mobility Program Get 7 days freeInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Today we chat with Tiffani, an international board certified lactation consultant and the owner of The Breast Choice Lactation. Hear about the struggles and triumphs of her personal journey with breastfeeding, which led to her dedication in helping others navigate their own unique paths.Navigating through breastfeeding can be a challenging journey, filled with questions and uncertainties. When is discomfort normal and when does it warrant seeking professional help? How can partners lend their support? Tiffany gives us a wealth of practical advice and tips to answer these crucial questions. But what's more, she tackles the often-overlooked element - the intersection of mental health and breastfeeding. Ensuring a mother's mental well-being is as vital as the physical aspect of breastfeeding. She guides us on different support methods that can be employed, including reducing the number of milk removals, seeking out therapists, and the sometimes necessary choice of discontinuing breastfeeding. Choosing how to feed your baby isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Tiffany touches on the multitude of formulas available in the market, shedding light on how to find the right one for your little one. Tiffany also differentiates between biological norms and societal expectations, stressing the importance of finding a supportive community for your breastfeeding journey. We wrap up with a note of caution on the use of Fenugreek as a supplement for breastfeeding mothers. This episode is full of wisdom, insights and practical help for breastfeeding moms and their partners. Join us and empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions that best suit your unique situation.Where to find Tiffani:https://www.thebreastchoicels.com/@breastchoicelactationInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Working Against Gravity Get $50 off Nutrition Coaching with code MINTGut Personal Use code MINT10 to save 10% on your first orderpliability Pregnancy Mobility Program Get 7 days freeDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Today Betsy, Jess & Cara get insanely real the back-to-school hustle, morning and bedtime routines, and homeschooling adventures.  Our homeschooling mama, Cara, shares her decision-making process and if you've been considering homeschooling or simply curious, you don't want to miss this. We also talk about the importance of preschool in fostering creativity and providing a break for mamas – it's a win-win!Lastly, we tackle a topic that's often shoved under the rug – self-care for moms. Let's face it, we often grapple with guilt when we take time out for ourselves.  Today the girls share strategies on how to navigate this tricky space, from family dinners to extracurricular activities for kids, and even resources like The MINT Prjct. If you need tips getting back in the groove, check this episode out!Working Against Gravity Get $50 off Nutrition Coaching with code MINTGut Personal Use code MINT10 to save 10% on your first orderpliability Pregnancy Mobility Program Get 7 days freeInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Today we talk to Mariah Moore, a sports documentarian who has directed and co-directed CrossFit’s best selling Games documentaries, dominating the charts. She shares her unique journey: from her start at a local CrossFit affiliate in 2012 to co-directing documentaries, all while navigating pregnancy and motherhood with 3 babies.  We chat about the complexities of breastfeeding while editing on a tight schedule and her experience bringing her newborn along to the CrossFit Games.Mariah talks about filming her friend Tia while they were both pregnant and the influence of her mother on her creative journey. She also shares her viewpoints on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during pregnancy and postpartum, and the critical role trainers play in supporting women during these transformational stages of life.Lastly, brace yourself for an honest discussion on the challenges of balancing physical and mental health post-pregnancy. Mariah opens up about her tough recovery journey after the birth of her twins and the help she received from her husband and chiropractor to regain her strength.  A story of resilience and determination this mama is an inspiration to hear from!Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Meet Brittany Werner, who walked this journey and transformed both her personal life and professional career with Working Against Gravity (WAG). Now the director of coaching at WAG and a mom of three, Brittany joins us to share her unique insights that span the realms of nutrition, parenting, self-care, and more, all enriched by her experiences living in four different countries.Brittany unravels the crucial role of nutrition in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum stages, highlighting the value of a nutrition coach during these pivotal times. We also dive into her strategies for setting nutrition targets for moms and measuring progress beyond the scale. So, whether you're a mom-to-be or a veteran mom, this episode is a treasure trove of empowering insights and practical advice. Join us for this enriching conversation that promises to change your perspective on nutrition, parenting, and self-care.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Working Against Gravity Get $50 off Nutrition Coaching with code MINTDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Ever wondered about the role of a doula in the childbirth process? Today we bring you a heart-to-heart with Trisha Baird, a remarkable doula and childbirth educator who's transforming the birth experience in Southern Utah. Trisha illuminates the critical and compassionate role a doula plays - think of it as your ultimate birth companion who brings an unbiased, nurturing, and knowledgeable presence to ensure your wishes are heard and respected. Trisha doesn't just stop at childbirth; she stresses the importance of preparation. She instills confidence in mothers-to-be by encouraging them to trust their body's innate ability to birth . From comprehensive resources to holistic pre- and postnatal care, Trisha is all about ensuring you're equipped for this incredible journey. She also emphasizes the importance of a positive birth experience, underlining how the right environment along with understanding the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of pregnancy can be game-changing. Finally, we ask the hard questions about research sources and "what happens when there's an emergency and you need NICU?" If you're interested or even skeptical about doula care or home births, this is a MUST listen.Make sure and follow Trisha!https://www.empoweredbirthwithtrisha.com/@trishabairdSponsors & Partners:GutPersonalwww.gutpersonal.com/MINT10Use code MINT10 to save 10% on your first orderWorking Against Gravity www.workingagainstgravity.comGet $50 off Nutrition Coaching with code MINTSupport the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit

Today you get a special look into our MINT Trainer's program! As a trainer, gym owner, and mom, Michelle de Jong shares her  fitness journey that began with her own challenges after pregnancy. Hear how that lead her to become a specialist in pregnancy and postpartum fitness by taking The MINT Prjct Trainers' Course.Step into Michelle's shoes as she narrates her experience during and after her pregnancy, including her battle with postpartum anxiety and her work with a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Hear about her experience with the MINT Trainers Course and how it propelled her career and widened her network of professionals. Our discussion also uncovers the many benefits of MINT's interactive training program and the phased approach we teach.As we draw the curtain on our enlightening conversation with Michelle, we delve into a topic that's close to many of our hearts - balancing work and motherhood. She generously shares her strategies for managing time, the support she receives from her family, and a riveting glimpse into her husband's CrossFit Games journey, representing Limitless Performance in the 35-39 group. Lastly, tune in for Michelle's gold-standard advice for pregnant and postpartum women seeking a coach and tips for gyms looking to integrate postpartum fitness into their programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes that motherhood shouldn't be a roadblock to fitness but a stepping-stone towards it.Learn more about Michelle de Jong below!https://lpfit.ca/moms/@ml_dejong@limitlessperformanceSupport the showTo learn more about The MINT Prjct and check out our programs and courses, head to TheMINTPrjct.com and follow us on Instagram, as well as your hosts, @bets.inthewild, @_coach.cara_ and @jesscarr.fit