Rooted in Resilience
Rooted in Resilience

Rooted in Resilience

Ashley and Sarah Armstrong

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Episodes

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Rooted in Resilience is all about building your strongest, healthiest, most resilient self - without any of the extremes, short cuts, or diet-culture BS! Podcast hosts & sisters, Ashley & Sarah Armstrong of the @strong.sistas, demystify health, sharing practical tips and experiences for overcoming hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, autoimmunity & other metabolic disorders, largely inspired by the work of Dr. Ray Peat. Plus, they dive into all things optimizing exercise, so you can train with intention, build muscle & lose fat in a sustainable, smart way. www.armstrongsisters.com

Recent Episodes

Why Getting Sick Might Actually Be GOOD for You (and What It Says About Your Metabolism)
APR 9, 2026
Why Getting Sick Might Actually Be GOOD for You (and What It Says About Your Metabolism)
In this episode of Rooted in Resilience, Ashley sits down with Dr. Alex Orton to challenge one of the most common beliefs in modern health: that getting sick is always a bad thing.What if occasional illness is actually a sign of a resilient, functioning body?Together, they explore how acute illness fits into the bigger picture of metabolic health, why suppressing symptoms may do more harm than good, and how your body’s ability to mount a response (like a fever) is directly tied to your energy production and vitality.They also break down:Why not getting sick for years might not be a flexThe connection between metabolism, body temperature, and immune functionHow modern life suppresses the body’s natural healing processesThe role of rest, nourishment, and detox pathways during illnessWhy true healing isn’t linear and requires patienceThis episode will shift how you view sickness, symptoms, and what it actually means to be “healthy.”TIMESTAMPS00:43 – Why getting sick might actually be beneficial02:20 – How often should you get sick? Is “never” a red flag?05:00 – Acute vs chronic illness (and how suppression leads to deeper issues)07:30 – Why energy & metabolism determine your ability to heal12:20 – The long-term consequences of symptom suppression18:20 – Fever explained: why higher body temperature is therapeutic25:30 – Metabolism, body temperature & declining health in modern society31:30 – “Healing isn’t linear”: understanding symptoms returning over time46:50 – What to actually do when you’re sick (rest, food, detox, support)1:07:30 – The real bottleneck in health: mastering the basics1:30:00 – Why healing takes time (and why quick fixes don’t work)_____________________________________________________________Link to previous podcast with Dr. Alex Orton, where we discuss the downfalls of modern functional medicine and the four pillars of true health.'When Holistic Becomes Conventional: Rethinking Naturopathic Medicine with Dr. Alex Orton'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9TU9oL3ENU&t=2738s_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signupSupport Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA, corn- and soy free eggs, chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________✨Learn more and work with Dr. Alex Orton: https://havenholistichealth.com^ Schedule your free consultDr. Alex Orton on socials: https://www.instagram.com/havenholistichealth/https://www.instagram.com/alexorton.nd/ ✨
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98 MIN
It’s Never Too Late: Cheryl’s 52-Pound Transformation at age 70
APR 2, 2026
It’s Never Too Late: Cheryl’s 52-Pound Transformation at age 70
Cheryl tried everything: keto, vegan, carnivore, general calorie restriction, and like so many women, she kept losing and regaining the same weight over and over again.At nearly 70 years old and starting at 198 pounds, she decided to try something different.In this episode, Cheryl shares how she lost 52 pounds, improved her metabolism, and (most importantly) learned how to maintain her results for life.We talk about:- Why most fat loss approaches fail long-term- The missing piece almost no one teaches: maintenance- How her mindset, confidence, and identity completely shifted- What she actually eats day-to-day (including carbs 👀)- Why it’s never too late to take control of your healthThis is more than a weight loss story: it’s a story about taking ownership of your health, rebuilding your metabolism, and showing up fully for your life.If you’ve ever felt stuck, like nothing works, or like it’s “too late”… this episode is for you.Time Stamps0:00 – Intro1:38 - Meet Cheryl: background, life story & how she found Transform 7:36 - The Importance of Community10:31 - Mindset Shifts and Lifestyle Changes13:26 - Navigating Food Choices and Nutrition16:28 - The Role of Family in Transform19:40 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence22:41 - The Impact of Aging on Health and Wellness25:47 - Self Love and Personal Growth28:22 - Cheryls Encouraging Message41:00 - Full Day of Eating for Cheryl53:00 - Navigating Career Choices and Family Life59:00 - What Cheryl is Empowered to Work on In Life After Transform1:01:54 - Importance of A System and Support1:02 - Why We Don’t Use Meal PlansJoin Transform! https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! Join Nourish Food Club👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 350+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6th, learn more and join here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform
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66 MIN
Why Fat Loss Fails: The Biggest Mistakes Keeping You Stuck
MAR 25, 2026
Why Fat Loss Fails: The Biggest Mistakes Keeping You Stuck
Why do so many people spin their wheels with fat loss, despite trying so hard? In this episode of the Rooted in Resilience podcast, Ashley, Sarah, Kathleen, and Tyler break down the most common reasons people fail in a fat loss phase: from program hopping and chasing the “secret sauce” to all-or-nothing thinking, supplement distractions, and misreading the scale.After helping hundreds of people improve metabolism, lose fat, and keep it off, we’re sharing the patterns we see over and over again, and the mindset shifts that actually move the needle forward.If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or like you’re doing everything right but not seeing progress, this episode is for you.We cover:- program hopping and protocol hopping- chasing the “secret sauce”- all-or-nothing thinking after one off-plan meal- trying new supplements and foods during a fat loss phase- weighing yourself too infrequently and misreading progressTime stamps:02:00 - Program hopping & lack of consistency07:30 - Why small habits matter more than hacks14:30 - The real reason people feel stuck29:20 - All-or-nothing mindset (one bad meal spiral)39:15 - Supplements, new foods & fat loss confusion48:45 - Focusing on the wrong goals at the wrong time58:45 - How to actually track progress (and what works)_____________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 300+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6th, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform
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69 MIN
The Missing Piece in Most Diets: Micronutrients
MAR 18, 2026
The Missing Piece in Most Diets: Micronutrients
Most people focus on just calories and macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) but ignore the micronutrients that actually allow the body to function. Both macros and micros matter.In this episode, we break down why vitamins and minerals are essential for metabolism, energy production, and overall health.Without adequate micronutrients, the body cannot efficiently convert food into energy, regulate hormones, or support detoxification pathways. Many modern diets provide enough calories but fall short in the essential nutrients needed for optimal health.In this episode we discuss:• Why micronutrients are necessary for metabolic function• How vitamin and mineral deficiencies develop• The limitations of focusing only on calories and macros• Why whole foods provide nutrients in ways supplements cannot replicate• Common micronutrient deficiencies today• How to track your micronutrients using tools like Cronometer• Why “detox” is really about supporting your body with nutrientsThrough the Transform program, we consistently see that individuals who hit their micronutrient targets through whole foods achieve better fat loss results, experience less hunger, and report higher energy levels.Transform helps you dial in both macro and micronutrient targets to support body recomposition, fat loss, and improved metabolic function so you can feel and perform at your best.TIMESTAMPS 0:01:19 Introduction – Why Micronutrients Matter0:02:47 How Vitamins & Minerals Power Metabolism0:06:20 Why You Can’t Survive on Macros Alone0:09:00 The History of RDAs and How They Were Created0:13:40 Why Whole Foods Beat Supplements for Nutrients0:20:00 Calories In vs Calories Out (And Why Nutrients Still Matter)0:26:15 The Most Common Micronutrient Deficiencies Today0:36:15 How to Track Your Micronutrients Using Cronometer0:40:10 Symptoms of Micronutrient Deficiencies1:28:55 Why Micronutrients Matter During Fat Loss1:36:15 The Truth About “Detoxing” Your Liver_____________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 300+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6th, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform
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106 MIN
I Lost 10 Pounds in 5 Weeks: Here’s Exactly What I Did (with Kathleen Stewart)
MAR 11, 2026
I Lost 10 Pounds in 5 Weeks: Here’s Exactly What I Did (with Kathleen Stewart)
In this episode of Rooted in Resilience, Ash is joined again by Kathleen Stewart to break down my recent 5-week fat loss phase, where I lost about 10 pounds while maintaining muscle mass and lifts in the gym.We walk through exactly what I did, why it worked, and how we approach fat loss differently inside Transform, so you can use these principles on your own or join us inside the program.We cover why we don’t believe in jumping straight into a calorie deficit, the importance of building maintenance calories first, and why short, strategic fat loss phases tend to work better than staying stuck in long-term restriction.We also dive into the fear around muscle loss during a cut, why strength training, steps, cardio, and adequate protein matter, and how micronutrients play a major role in energy production, satiety, and overall success during a fat loss phase.In this episode, we cover: • why I split my fat loss goals into phases • how I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks • why maintenance calories matter before cutting • the difference between lean mass loss and muscle loss • how to protect muscle during a calorie deficit • why tracking steps is so important • how Transform structures fat loss phases • why micronutrients matter for metabolism and satiety • the importance of getting in, getting it done, and getting back to maintenanceIf you’ve been stuck in yo-yo dieting, under-eating during the week, and overdoing it on the weekends, this episode will help you understand a more sustainable and effective way to approach fat loss.TIME STAMPS01:03 — Intro: How I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks (fat loss overview)02:23 — Rapid fat loss vs slow dieting: will you lose muscle?08:03 — Strength training during a fat loss phase11:33 — Why I split my fat loss goals into two phases19:03 — Why you should build maintenance calories before dieting28:33 — Why tracking food intake helps fat loss31:33 — Volume eating: how to stay full in a calorie deficit37:03 — How we structure fat loss phases in Transform51:33 — Why micronutrients matter for metabolism and fat loss1:08:00 — Fat loss is simple, but consistency is the hard part______________________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 300+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform
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91 MIN