Back from a Break: Building the Future of Fitness Training
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Release Date: 10/17/2024
Hair Loss in Women: Root Causes of Alopecia, Postpartum Shedding & Thinning Hair with Johanna Dahlman
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast, Erica sits down with Johanna Dahlman, also known as the Alopecia Angel, to talk about hair loss, alopecia, and the root-cause factors that may be contributing to thinning, shedding, and poor hair health. Johanna shares her personal journey with alopecia areata, how that diagnosis led her into a deeper healing path, and what she now sees in women struggling with hair loss — from postpartum changes and thyroid issues to nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, autoimmune patterns, and lifestyle factors. This conversation is a powerful reminder...
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#332: Thyroid Symptoms But Normal Labs? Here’s What to Look At Next with Dr. Elena Genik
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Dr. Elena Genik to talk all about thyroid health, including the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s vs. Graves’ disease, why TSH alone is not enough, and the root-cause factors that may be driving thyroid dysfunction. They discuss the role of gut health, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalance, chronic stress, inflammation, food triggers, and functional lab testing, along with supportive tools like gentle movement, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. If you’ve ever been told your...
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Fascia & Pain: Why Less Intensity = Better Results
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this solo episode, Erica breaks down how fascia influences pain—and why gentle, consistent work often creates better (and longer-lasting) relief than intense release methods. You’ll learn why “less is more,” how smaller ranges of motion can help your body feel safer, and why diaphragmatic breathing + deep core alignment are foundational for reducing tension, improving posture, and getting out of pain patterns. Explore Erica’s programs + trainings: • Core Rehab Program (pain relief + deep core & pelvic floor connection): • Prenatal Program (Knocked-Up Fitness): •...
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#330 Why Midlife Weight Loss Stops Working (Even When Labs Are “Normal”) with Shay Pascale
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Midlife weight loss can feel impossible — especially when you’re doing “everything right” and your labs look normal. In this episode, Erica sits down with Shay Pascale to break down what actually drives sustainable body composition in midlife: muscle-centric nutrition, progressive strength training, reverse dieting for under-eaters, gut testing when nothing works, and a balanced conversation about GLP-1s. If you’re tired of dieting and ready for real metabolic clarity, this one is for you. Shay’s website: thebodybulletin.com Free masterclass: thebodybulletin.com/masterclass...
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#329 Strength Training & Pelvic Floor: Why Breath Matters More Than Bracing
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
If you or your clients leak, feel pelvic pressure, or struggle with back pain during strength training — this conversation is for you. In this Core Connections podcast interview, Erica Ziel sits down with Pilates instructor and powerlifter Lauren Carder to break down why so many movement professionals are unknowingly teaching breath and bracing strategies that drive pressure into the pelvic floor instead of supporting it. This episode dives into: 04:13 Why Pilates Feels “Too Easy” at First — and Why It’s Not 05:11 The Missing Mind-Body Connection in Modern Strength Training 06:22 A...
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#328: Peptides Explained: Healing, Weight Loss & Hormone Support with Dr. Kela Smith
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Peptides are everywhere — but are they actually safe, effective, and necessary? In this episode of Core Connections, I’m joined by Dr. Kela Smith, functional medicine practitioner and founder of the Hormone Puzzle Society, to break down the truth about peptides. 00:00 Introduction to Holistic Health and Peptides 04:09 Understanding Peptides: The Basics 06:56 The Benefits of BPC 157 and Other Peptides 10:05 Injectable vs. Oral Peptides: What You Need to Know 12:43 Cycling Peptides: How and Why 15:46 Peptides for Postpartum Recovery 18:38 Peptides and Weight Loss: A Cautious Approach 21:36...
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#327: Burnout: How Cortisol, Minerals, and Digestion Affect Weight & Energy with Monika Eva
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
If you’re eating well, exercising consistently, and still struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight, and burnout — this episode is for you. In this episode of Core Connections, Erica Ziel sits down with Monika Eva, Hormone Nutritionist, to unpack the hidden reasons women feel stuck despite doing everything “right.” We dive into cortisol dysregulation (especially low cortisol), mineral depletion, gut health, digestion, and why traditional testing often misses what’s really going on in the body. This conversation is empowering, educational, and deeply validating for women who have been...
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#326 Pelvic Floor Health: 5 Myths That Could Be Holding You Back
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
04:30 - Understand what your pelvic floor actually is 08:42 Myth Busting: Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Issues 10:28 The Kegel Controversy 15:02 The Importance of Breath in Pelvic Health 21:58 Hip Tightness and Its Connection to the Pelvic Floor 25:25 Learning a New Language: Pelvic Floor Awareness ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why incontinence is common but not normal • What the pelvic floor actually is (and how big it really is) • Why Kegels often don’t work—and can make things worse • How breath and the pelvic floor work together • The connection between hips, back...
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#325: Hidden Connection Between Your Spine & Nervous System Regulation with Dr. Veronica Schiltz
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Learn how nervous system regulation impacts energy, pain, posture, stress, pregnancy, and healing. Erica Ziel interviews Dr. Veronica Schiltz on gentle, nervous system–focused chiropractic care and long-term wellness. 00:00 – Welcome & why nervous system regulation matters more than ever 03:30 – What nervous system–focused chiropractic care really means 07:45 – How chronic stress, pregnancy, and life experiences shape the nervous system 12:40 – Why gentle care is often more effective than force 17:20 – Understanding nervous system scans & what they reveal 22:30 –...
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#324: Cracking the Code to Infertility: A Functional Medicine Approach with Dr. Stephanie Gray
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Infertility is on the rise, and it's becoming a crisis that affects more couples than ever before. In this eye-opening episode of the Core Connections podcast, I sat down with Dr. Stephanie Gray to discuss her 10-year infertility journey and the hidden factors that conventional medicine often misses. Dr. Gray, who runs a hormone replacement therapy clinic, shares her deeply personal story and professional insights in her new book, Your Fertility Blueprint. Grab a copy of her NEW book Your Fertility Blueprint: Check out Dr. Stephanie Gray's Podcast Your Longevity Blueprint: Erica's Prenatal...
info_outlineReady to learn what I’ve been up to, how it impacts you, and what it means for the future of fitness as I share personal insights from my podcast break? GOOD.
As exciting, raw, and eye-opening as these conversations can be, I record them so you can learn from the lessons I had to teach myself—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of building instructor training programs as I reflect on the often-overlooked realities of pelvic floor health and share how I’m redefining holistic fitness education.
If you’re interested in learning more about your body—whether you’re a student, pursuing personal training, or building a full-time career—this episode is packed with insights, honest reflections, and actionable takeaways to help you deepen your connection with your body and reach your goals. I hope it serves you well.
Click play to hear all of this and…
(00:00:47) Why I took a podcast break and how it sparked new perspectives.
(00:02:58) Developing MY online and in-person instructor training courses.
(00:07:12) Women interested in pursuing part-time or full-time fitness careers and the need for training beyond outdated fitness practices.
(00:11:18) A simple tip you can incorporate into your movement practice to connect your brain to your body.
(00:12:03) The structure of the deep core and the interconnectedness of it all.
(00:12:57) The symptoms an overly tight pelvis can cause.
(00:14:37) The importance of breathwork in unlocking optimal core and pelvic floor function.
(00:16:12) The approach to movement that will get you deeper connections and greater results.
(00:17:27) The value of in-person work to develop body awareness overtime.
(00:19:06) Tactile cues, like using a soft ball, to retrain movement patterns and change biomechanics.
(00:23:56) Teen athlete injuries, such as non-contact ACL tears, are preventable with better stability training.
(00:25:10) The importance of slowing down to strengthen the deep core and calm the nervous system for better movement.
(00:27:52) The difference between belly breathing and diaphragmatic breathing.
(00:33:15) The next comprehensive instructor training program I'm creating.
For full show notes, visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/317
Other resources mentioned in this episode:
- Core Rehab Program: https://corerehabprogram.com
- Soft Exercise Ball: https://erica-ziel.myshopify.com/products/9inch-soft-exercise-ball
- Instructor Training Courses: https://www.coreathletica.com/instructor-courses
Grab your Free Pelvic Floor Guide for my tips on breathwork, core connection, and strengthening the pelvic floor: https://www.ericaziel.com/pelvicfloor