Heart to Heart with Hads

40 Episodes
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By: Hadlea Shaw

Welcome to Heart to Heart with Hads, the podcast where we dive deep into living a healthy, badass lifestyle that challenges the norm. Join me, Hads, as I share stories that have shaped my journey toward becoming the best version of myself, defying expectations and embracing big goals—including my pursuit of bodybuilding. As a young person navigating a world filled with stereotypes and expectations, I'm here to inspire others to break free from the typical 20-year-old narrative and forge their own path. Throughout this podcast journey, I'll bring on guests who have played pivotal roles in my life, sharing th...

10 Uncomfortable Truths About Why You’re Not Seeing Results
Last Wednesday at 9:00 PM

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Who Are You Becoming Through Hard Days?
04/15/2026

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The Neuroscience Of Emotional Eating And How To Break The Loop
04/08/2026

We break down emotional eating as a brain and body pattern, not a willpower failure, and show how stress, environment, and biology quietly drive cravings.

 We share a simple way to interrupt the cycle in real time and build healthier “instead” habits that actually meet your needs. 


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Balance is EARNED
04/01/2026

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Simple Fat Loss to Lose 10 Pounds By June (exactly the steps I'm doing as well!)
03/27/2026

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Success Starts To Click When You Detach From Outcomes - With My Good Friend And Client: Marina Haddad
03/25/2026

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How To Actually Build A Body You Love - The Mindset Shifts NEEDED.
03/17/2026

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What Your Doctors Never Told You About PCOS, Losing Weight, Fertility
03/10/2026

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Season of Burnout & Anxiety Lead to Breakthroughs and Transformation
03/03/2026

Seasons of burnout often lead to redirection and coming back to your why. This episode I dive deep on current struggles and how I am navigating them.

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Is Your Dream Big Enough For God?
02/15/2026

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Stop Playing Small
02/06/2026

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Thyroid, Metabolism, Fat Loss
01/22/2026

We break down the thyroid in plain language, from TRH to TSH to T4 to T3 and show how stress, food, and gut health change your energy, mood, periods, and weight. 

• symptoms of slow and fast thyroid and what they signal
• thyroid pathway from brain signals to active T3
• reverse T3 as a stress brake on metabolism
• why TSH alone misleads and which labs to add
• differences between hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and Hashimoto’s
• how gut health drives T3 conversion and energy
• root causes including stress, undereating, toxins and life stages
• food-first support...


Why Sex Ed Got Hormones All Wrong (And What You Need to Know)
01/20/2026

exploring in depth: 

menstrual cyclelabs to get, when to test, optimal rangeshormonal symptomswhat sex hormones are importantwhat you should be doing to "balance them"supplemental and lifestyle support

AND MUCH MORE!
supplements mentioned in the episode: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hadleashaw/list/TMAQ3TYZ5EIF?ref_=aipsflist

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No One Is Coming to Save Your Body in 2026
01/15/2026

We map a simple path to a healthier 2026 by fixing the foundations: energy, sleep, digestion, and stress. Then we show how strength training, smart phases, and identity-based habits create a body that performs and a mind that’s calm.


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2026 Ins & Outs
12/31/2025

my 2026 ins and outs + a recap on the year and how to figure out what to shoot for in 2026! definite aims > goals

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The 9 Biggest Health Myths Debunked - With Real-World Fixes
12/18/2025

We pull apart nine health myths and trade quick fixes for simple steps that work. From reverse dieting and gut integrity to hormone support and recovery, we focus on what changes first inside the body so results can follow.

• when eat less move more helps and when it harms
• gut lining integrity over blanket gluten and dairy bans
• practical gut supports and nutrient-dense meals
• why birth control manages symptoms not root causes
• supplements that support PCOS and endometriosis
• real detox support and lowering toxic load
• quality fats for hormones versus inflammatory oils
• lab...


You Don’t Need To Feel Ready To Do The Work
12/16/2025

We challenge the myth that motivation drives results and show how small acts of discipline build trust, identity, and momentum. A packed day, a simple list, and a promise kept prove that showing up beats waiting to feel ready.

• the delay cycle and how to break it
• daily lists that force action
• content versus complacent clarity
• future self visualization that guides choices
• focus rituals that remove distractions
• service as fuel for personal goals
• aiming higher without apologizing
• choosing bold, realistic next steps
• building identity by keeping your word


Ap...


Designing A Life You Actually Keep Promises To
12/12/2025

We confront the drop in consistency, own the missteps, and rebuild a rhythm with practical shifts that lower friction and raise follow-through. From leadership retreat insights to side quests like scrapbooking, we show how identity, solitude, and tiny setups move big goals.

• owning inconsistency and recommitting to the pod
• leadership retreat takeaways on culture and breathwork
• crafting “I am” statements and aligned traits
• identity-driven actions for business and life
• solitude, meditation, and 100-day promises
• reducing setup friction to beat procrastination
• routines after travel and changing responsibilities
• side quests for creativity and phone boundaries...


The Reset EVERY Woman Needs
11/18/2025

We talk about feeling stuck in routine, why content overload dulls creativity, and how small guardrails like a phone “brick” create space to think. Faith, play, and seasonal limits show up as practical ways to reset motivation and protect focus.

• naming the rut and why monotony drains drive
• using a “brick” to block apps and stop reflex scrolling
• honoring low-creative days in the luteal phase
• coach’s four-part reset: journaling, free-will act, no scrolling, connect with God
• nature walks, step goals, and playful movement to spark novelty
• training in seasons and accepting limits without guilt


This ONE Thing Is Ruining Your Gut
11/04/2025

We trace how extreme dieting and chronic stress damaged my digestion, why symptoms persisted despite “perfect” habits, and how the GI-MAP identified H. pylori and overgrowth so I could finally heal. Practical steps, stress tools, and what testing revealed that guesswork missed.

• bodybuilding prep leading to low stomach acid and permeability
• chronic stress compounding reflux, diarrhea and bloating
• why “clean eating” failed without targeted treatment
• GI-MAP insights on H. pylori and bacterial overgrowth
• structured protocol and measurable symptom relief
• performance, sleep and inflammation improvements
• stress management habits that support digestion
• when to choose functiona...


Malnourished In a World That Overeats
10/28/2025

We challenge the myth that malnourished means skinny and show how both under-eating and processed overeating leave women depleted. Practical meal builds, smarter swaps, and simple routines help stabilize blood sugar, support hormones, and restore energy.

• redefining malnourishment as missing micronutrients
• contrast of processed breakfasts and balanced home meals
• blood sugar swings, cravings and inflammation
• seed oils, label reading and minimal ingredients
• under-eating, caffeine use and cortisol spikes
• thyroid adaptation, menstrual shifts and digestion issues
• meal-building template with protein, fiber and healthy fats
• shopping the perimeter and smart convenience
• training benefits...


How I Help Clients Restore Their Menstrual Cycle
10/23/2025

We map a practical, step-by-step method to restore a regular cycle by fixing digestion, upgrading daily meals, managing training stress, and using simple markers like stool quality, glucose, and temperature to guide changes. A client case with PCOS shows how small, targeted shifts in fiber, fats, and meal timing can bring periods back within 4–8 weeks.

• detailed health questionnaire across gut, liver, hormones, CNS
• digestion as the lever for hormone balance
• photo food logs and meal timing audits
• case study: PCOS intake, alcohol and caffeine cuts
• calorie increases and nutrient-dense meal plans
• Bristol Stool Chart ta...


Your hormones on “airplane mode”: why the strip club study made us spit out our coffee
10/10/2025

We explore how hormonal birth control reshapes the brain–body conversation, from ovulation suppression to stress response blunting, and weigh real-world benefits against physiological trade-offs. We share research on attraction and scent, map common side effects, and outline practical steps to protect mood, libido, and long-term health.

• social and economic gains linked to contraception
• how the pill suppresses FSH/LH and ovulation
• withdrawal bleed versus true menstruation
• estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone blunting
• libido, muscle gain, and energy changes
• cortisol response, learning, and stress tolerance
• side effects, risks, and nutrient depletion
• attraction, scent...


Ninety Days, No Excuses: How to Lose 15 Pounds Before January
09/30/2025

We draw a hard line between holiday hype and actual progress and lay out a simple, disciplined plan to lose 15 pounds before January without living in the gym. Track macros, lift with intent, move more, hydrate well, and protect ten minutes of daily stillness.

• quarter‑four reset and mindset for discipline
• why three holidays do not justify three months off
• how to set calories and macros with simple math
• strength training three to four days that progresses
• cardio support and NEAT through daily steps
• minimum 7,000 steps as a baseline target
• hydration goals, sodium nu...


Is Biohacking Worth It? Red Light, Sauna, Cold Plunge
09/25/2025

Biohacking tools like red light therapy, cold plunges, and infrared saunas should supplement - not replace - foundational health practices like proper sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management. Women need to prioritize asking for help and delegating tasks to prevent psychological stress while implementing wellness practices that truly make a difference.

• Healthy lifestyle foundations must come before biohacking tools 
• Red light therapy benefits include reduced inflammation, improved skin appearance, and enhanced cellular function
• Infrared saunas support detoxification, dilate blood vessels, and help relax tense muscles
• Cold plunging boosts metabolism, activates brown fat, and enhances mood thro...


5 Things to Help Your PMS
09/16/2025

Your menstrual cycle's luteal phase presents unique challenges as progesterone rises and estrogen dips, affecting everything from mood to energy levels and sleep quality.

• Hormonal shifts during luteal phase cause increased progesterone and decreased estrogen
• Common symptoms include mood swings, fatigue, increased appetite, breast tenderness, and insomnia
• Insulin sensitivity decreases during luteal phase, making blood sugar management more challenging
• High achievers may need to modify workout intensity during this phase
• Strategic cycle syncing means working with your hormones rather than fighting against them
• Magnesium bisglycinate (200mg) and zinc picolinate supplements can help manage sympt...


Navigating Your 20s: When Life Feels Like Going Through the Motions
09/09/2025

Life's unexpected challenges don't have to derail your progress. Even when facing stressful situations like my dog's health crisis, we can still prioritize our well-being by adjusting our schedules rather than abandoning our routines entirely.

• When stressful situations arise, don't abandon your health routines completely
• The mindset you adopt during challenging times determines your ability to stay consistent
• Many women in their 20s struggle with feeling lost after college and entering the workforce
• External achievements like fitness goals, career success, or relationships won't fulfill you without internal purpose
• Finding what "lights you up inside" re...


What happens when the health coach needs healing?
08/26/2025

Have you ever felt like you're failing because you can't maintain the same level of intensity year-round? The truth is, life moves in seasons, and learning to adapt your approach accordingly might be the key to sustainable progress.

Today's heart-to-heart dives into a vulnerable moment—receiving positive autoimmune markers while simultaneously parting ways with a long-term fitness coach. This convergence sparked an important realization: different aspects of our lives experience different seasons simultaneously. While my client relationships flourish, my personal health journey faces challenges. And that's perfectly normal.

I explore the misconception that having our ow...


How to Tell If Your Workout Is Hurting Your Hormones
08/19/2025

Our workouts can either help our hormones thrive or drive them into dysfunction, with key signals revealing whether your training is supporting or sabotaging your health.

• Signs your hormones are suffering include poor sleep, low libido, missing periods, and chronic soreness
• Tracking devices like Whoop, Oura Ring or Garmin can help monitor recovery through heart rate, HRV and sleep quality 
• Cycle syncing involves adjusting workout intensity based on menstrual phases - heavier loads during follicular phase, more restorative during luteal
• Training fasted can negatively impact stress hormones and recovery
• Excessive cardio, training to failure, an...


Why Healing Your Gut Should Be Your Top Health Priority
08/12/2025

Hadley explains how gut health is the foundation for overall wellness and shares essential strategies to improve digestive function and prevent serious health issues. 

• Digestion begins in the mouth with proper chewing and saliva production
• Eating in a stress-free environment and taking 20-30 minutes per meal is crucial
• Liver function must be supported for proper digestion and detoxification
• Common gut issues include bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, and bacterial overgrowth
• The 5R Protocol: Remove irritants, Replace enzymes, Re-inoculate bacteria, Repair gut lining, Rebalance system
• Gut health directly impacts hormones, metabolism, immune function, and weight manage...


Your Body Needs Safety, Not Another Diet
08/05/2025

Healing isn't sexy or glamorous, but it's absolutely essential for genuine transformation of both mind and body.

• True healing requires facing traumas head-on through practices like meditation
• Constant stimulation (texting, scrolling, music) prevents us from processing thoughts
• Most women need to "chill out" and let their bodies feel safe before attempting weight loss
• Sitting with your thoughts daily is non-negotiable for mental health
• Your brain connects to every organ - when it's stressed, your whole body suffers
• Don't negotiate with yourself - keep the promises you make to yourself
• The body and life you w...


Your Weight Problem Is More Than Just Aesthetics
07/29/2025

The key to sustainable health is consistency in healthy habits, not restriction. I share my personal journey of transforming my health through daily meditation, setting boundaries, consistent sleep schedules, and proper recovery routines.

• Waking up at the same time (6:30 AM) daily has dramatically improved my recovery and heart rate variability
• Morning walks elevate my heart rate to 120-130 BPM, starting my day with gentle movement
• The book "Outlive" examines the five biggest killers in the US with preventable aspects
• Cancer and cardiovascular disease have strong connections to metabolic dysfunction and blood sugar issues
• Being over...


Do The Thing You're Avoiding: Lessons from an 8-Week Hiatus
07/22/2025

After an eight-week hiatus, I'm back and sharing why consistency matters more than perfection. This episode explores the mental obstacles we create when tasks feel overwhelming and how just showing up imperfectly beats not showing up at all.

• Breaking promises to ourselves creates a confidence-draining cycle
• Setting clear boundaries like no phone or work after 7pm for better sleep
• Doing the 1-2 things you're avoiding can transform your mindset
• Working with specialists on nervous system regulation and recovery
• Investing in yourself should ultimately be about helping others
• Started a 100-day meditation challenge (currently on...


Your "Healthy" Choices Aren't Actually Healthy
05/19/2025

Our bodies need real, nutrient-dense foods rather than artificial sweeteners and protein-focused snacks that damage gut health and hormone balance. Protein products with artificial ingredients can cause bloating, inflammation, and dysregulated hunger while actually stalling fat loss goals.

• Artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium) damage gut lining and kill beneficial bacteria
• 60% of women with gut issues consume 3+ sugar-free items daily
• Artificial sweeteners trick the brain, causing insulin release and blood sugar drops
• 85% of protein bars contain less than 15 grams of complete protein
• Protein bars and artificial sweeteners create a false sense of "eating healthy" w...


Why You're Still Skinny Fat (And Exactly How to Fix It)
05/06/2025

Ever caught yourself thinking, "I'm not overweight, but why do I still look soft and flabby?" You might be experiencing what fitness experts call "skinny fat" – a frustrating state where you appear thin in clothes but lack muscle tone and definition underneath.

This raw, honest episode tackles the skinny fat phenomenon head-on, breaking down why so many people (especially women) find themselves trapped in this body composition limbo despite regular workouts and seemingly clean eating. The truth might be uncomfortable, but it's exactly what you need to hear if you're tired of feeling soft, undefined, and lacking th...


Break Free of the All or Nothing Mindset
05/02/2025

Perfectionism is destroying your progress, and it's time we address the elephant in the room. That nagging voice demanding flawless execution isn't serving you—it's sabotaging everything you're working toward.

In this powerful exploration of the all-or-nothing mindset, we unpack five transformative strategies to break free from the mental prison that keeps you cycling between extreme discipline and complete abandonment. You'll discover why "something is better than nothing" becomes your new mantra when building sustainable habits, and how zooming out to see the bigger picture prevents minor setbacks from derailing your entire journey. 

The most suc...


The Hidden Health Problem No One Talks About Until It's Too Late
04/29/2025

What if the headaches, joint pain, fatigue, and weight issues you've been struggling with aren't actually separate problems, but symptoms of the same hidden culprit? Inflammation silently damages your body long before you notice anything's wrong, and by then, it's often developed into chronic disease.

This eye-opening episode dives into the science behind inflammation and why it's at the root of nearly every modern health crisis. You'll discover how everyday exposures to environmental toxins, processed foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, and even chronic stress trigger inflammatory cascades throughout your body. More importantly, you'll learn exactly how...


Why You're Addicted to Starting Over (and how to fix it!)
04/25/2025

Why we're addicted to starting over and how this cycle prevents us from achieving our goals. Our tendency to restart every Monday or at the beginning of months creates a false sense of progress while actually keeping us stuck in the same patterns.

• Identifying with struggle gives us an excuse to avoid the pressure of success
• The clean slate feeling is addictive but creates fake momentum rather than real progress
• Discipline takes longer than a month to build and requires consistency through boredom
• Lacking clarity about what we truly want makes it easier to quit whe...


Mindset Rewiring Pt 2 | 3 Reasons You're Not Seeing Results
04/18/2025

Our unique abilities and strengths should be celebrated, not hidden away. We need to stop negotiating with ourselves, ask for help, and give ourselves time to realize our full potential.

• Stop negotiating with yourself by establishing non-negotiables in your life
• Make time for things that are priorities instead of making excuses
• Write down your non-negotiables and create triggers to remember them
• One decision can change the entire trajectory of your life
• Ask for help from those who have expertise - it shows maturity, not weakness
• Having coaches and mentors accelerates your progress and growth


The 5 Mental Shifts That Transformed My Life and Can Transform Yours | Mindset Rewiring #1
04/11/2025

We're kicking off a new 12-week series on mindset and identity rewires with five limiting beliefs I had to abandon to step fully into my power and purpose.

• Believing I was too young and inexperienced to achieve my dreams turned out to be completely false
• Age is just a number—whether feeling too young or too old, daily habits and consistency determine success
• Perfectionism cripples progress—success lives in the failures and willingness to try despite uncertainty
• Comparing your journey to others' is pointless when our circumstances, experiences, and backgrounds differ completely
• Life happens when y...