The Embodied CEO

S1 Ep 10: You’ve Already Earned Your Stripes

You’ve probably heard it before: “You have to spend five years in clinical before you branch out.” We’ve heard it a thousand times, and honestly, we think it’s BS! The idea that Registered Dietitians have to “do their time” between school and their desired career is an outdated, confidence-killing cliche, and we want to see it dismantled.
In this episode, we talk about the expectation for RDs to “earn their stripes” before pursuing their desired careers. We explain how that expectation hurts the nutrition and wellness industry as a whole, and how it holds RDs back from reaching their full potential. We also share our own experiences and how we built our confidence at the beginning of our careers.
What’s in this episode:
Our experience with the expectation that RDs have to “earn their stripes” in clinical [1:13]
How this pressure placed on RDs impacts the nutrition and wellness world as a whole [3:39]
Why we believe the “RD” behind your name is more than enough to qualify you for work outside of a hospital [6:38]
How to develop your confidence in your skills no matter your specialty [11:27]
The value of mentors and community throughout your career [17:04]
Making shifts in your career, and why it doesn’t mean you have to start over [20:15]
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thekirstenscreen/ or by visiting her website at kirstenscreen.com. Follow her on Instagram to learn about private business coaching and business program information.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at westnutrition.co. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives for RDs launching their own business and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 9: Why Are So Many RDs Leaving the Profession?

Ask any Registered Dietitian, and chances are they know a handful of peers who’ve left the profession. Maybe it was the low pay, the long hours, or even the lack of respect we receive in the medical world. Whatever the reason, there are tons of disheartened RDs leaving the profession every year, and that breaks our hearts.
In this episode, we talk about the many reasons RDs leave the profession and our own experiences watching peers change careers. We explain the role education plays in building and tearing down future RDs. We also share our advice for anyone feeling discouraged or tempted to leave the profession. (Spoiler alert: We’ve been there, too.)
What’s in this episode:
Our own peers who’ve left the profession in the past few years [1:01]
What we expected the RD field to be like versus what it actually is [2:57]
How traditional RD education teaches us to stay small, and how to break out of that mold [6:08]
How low salaries force many people out of this profession and limit the care the remaining few can provide [9:32]
Why it’s important potential RDs learn what’s possible for their careers before they start their education [15:30]
Our advice for anyone feeling disheartened by the profession [17:15]
What’s going on in our businesses and how you can get involved [21:51]
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
 
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thekirstenscreen/ or by visiting her website at kirstenscreen.com. Follow her on Instagram to learn about private business coaching and business program information.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at westnutrition.co. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives for RDs launching their own business and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 8: Human Design & Business with Celestina Brunetti

We’re all different, so why would we run our businesses the same way? When you do the inner work and really learn about yourself (using tools like Human Design), you can discover the best way to build your business and make big decisions. It all starts with looking within.
In this episode, we chat with dietitian Celestina Brunetti about breaking the status quo and running your business your way. She shares how she discovered Human Design and learned to implement it into her life and business. Plus, we talk about our journeys to live and work in alignment.
What’s in this episode:
How Celestina became a dietitian and where her career has taken her thus far [2:39]
How we all discovered Human Design and started using it in our businesses [6:29]
The basics of Human Design [10:33]
How working in alignment with who you are can help you build a better business [14:17]
How your business will change as you learn more about yourself [19:01]
Why we believe in running your business your way, regardless of what the traditional business tells you [23:02]
Celestina’s Bio:
Celestina Brunetti is a chef, RD, and master connector. She’s the owner of The Dietitian Collaborative — where she works with RDs to support them in unleashing their superpowers & harnessing their true potential…their human design so that they can grow their business in alignment. Her mission is to redefine the solo in solopreneur RD & grow the field of dietetics into a collaborative space. 
Resources mentioned:
FREEBIE — Unleash Yo’Genius Masterclass
Mastermind Info
Italy reTreat Info
Celestina’s Instagram 
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thekirstenscreen/ or by visiting her website at kirstenscreen.com. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at westnutrition.co. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 7: Trolls: The Ugly Side of the Internet

Showing up online for your business is intimidating enough. But when you throw internet “trolls” into the mix, it can be downright terrifying. Whether they’re fellow dietitians, fad diet followers, or total randos, trolls can take a toll on your confidence. Once you learn how to handle them, though, their comments will roll right off your back.
In this episode, we talk all about the concept of trolls, one of the most annoying, discouraging things on the internet. We share our personal experiences with trolls, how we handle them, and how they’ve impacted the way we share content. We also share our advice for anyone who’s afraid to show up online.
What’s in this episode:
What “trolls” are and what makes them so damaging [1:34]
Understanding what trolls are after and what gives them power [3:46]
How to productively and respectfully address differing opinions [6:53]
Our problem with dietitians tearing down other dietitians online [9:10]
Why you can’t fully judge someone’s expertise based on what they share online [13:11]
The right way to interact with fellow dietitians online [20:32]
Our advice for anyone who’s afraid of showing up online [25:03]
Upcoming resources for dietitians [27:22]
 
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thekirstenscreen/ or by visiting her website at kirstenscreen.com. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at westnutrition.co. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 6: Let’s Have An Uncomfortable Conversation About Money

Let’s fucking talk about money! In our field, there’s this expectation that you go to school, pay thousands for an internship, and then spend your entire career working for peanuts and trying to pay back student loans. We think that’s bullshit. It’s time we started having uncomfortable money conversations and demanding to be paid what we’re worth.
In this episode, we get down and dirty with money: how much we made starting out, how we increased our salaries, and what we think about the current state of RD earning potential. We share how we overcame our own money stories to demand more, and we share some advice for students and new RDs who are nervous about their financial futures.
What’s in this episode:
Our beef with internships and RD salaries [1:07]
How money influenced our education and career decisions [2:22]
Our experiences with money at the beginning of our careers [3:34]
Why women in care-centric careers shouldn’t be afraid to ask for more money [11:04]
Why we believe in having these uncomfortable money conversations [14:42]
How to stand up in the industry with confidence and collaborate with other women [19:12]
Overcoming your money stories by talking with fellow industry leaders [22:23]
Our message for undergrads who are worried about their earning potential [25:28]
 
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thekirstenscreen/ or by visiting her website at kirstenscreen.com. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at westnutrition.co. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 5: Why Doctors Have No Business Giving Nutrition Advice

We place a lot of trust in doctors. And while we do believe they’re usually great at “doctoring,” in our experience, they’re not so great at “dietitianing.” We’ve witnessed so many clients suffer for years from symptoms their doctors couldn’t treat, only to be immediately relieved after just a few dietary changes. It’s time doctors learned to rely on the rest of their medical staff and stay in their own lane.
In this episode, we’re taking on a controversial topic: doctors giving nutrition advice. We’re sharing our own clients’ experiences and how we uncovered issues their doctors missed. We’re also explaining why most doctors don’t receive comprehensive nutrition education, and we’re sharing how we treat the root cause of someone’s issues, not just their symptoms.
What’s in this episode:
A brief disclaimer before we jump into a controversial topic [1:26]
The limited nutrition background most doctors get during their education [2:16]
Why we believe doctors should always involve a Registered Dietitian instead of tackling nutrition questions on their own [6:11]
How doctors could better rely on the rest of the medical staff [6:52]
Developing your own sense of “clinical judgment” and learn to look at the bigger picture [9:57]
What issues our clients have struggled with, and how we found what the doctors missed [13:39]
The danger of treating the symptoms instead of the root cause [17:30]
Why we believe in teaching our clients about their bodies, not just treating the immediate issues [23:14]
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yourfitnessdietitian/ or by visiting her website at https://yourfitnessdietitian.com/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at https://westnutrition.co/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 4: Why DM Sales Scripts Are Dead

If you’ve ever taken an online business course, you’ve probably been encouraged to “sell in the DMs.” While this tactic might have worked a few years ago, these days it’s the quickest way to get yourself blocked by a potential client. It’s pushy, it’s invasive, and more than anything, it doesn't feel good for anyone involved.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the concept of “selling in the DMs” and offering some more ethical, authentic alternatives. We’re sharing how each of us shifted away from this outdated, sleazy sales tactic. Plus, we’re explaining why it’s better to attract clients than hunt them down and sell to them directly.
What’s in this episode:
Why Brooke hates the idea of selling in the DMs [1:08]
How Kirsten shifted away from selling in the DMs [3:35]
Why your audience should have the choice of whether or not to engage [5:10]
How to create a solid foundation for your relationship with a potential client [8:22]
Why we don’t believe in using “pain points” in your marketing [11:29]
Why the best clients are the ones who reach out to you, not the ones you hunt down yourself [15:14]
How to practice ethical, strategic sales on social media [17:13]
Our message for anyone who feels like they have to “sell in the DMs” in order to succeed [21:27]
 
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yourfitnessdietitian/ or by visiting her website at https://yourfitnessdietitian.com/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at https://westnutrition.co/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 3: Toeing the Line Based on the Old Paradigm

Much of our industry operates within the “old paradigm”: hustle hard, pay your dues, don’t break the status quo. But frankly, we think that’s bullshit! There are a million ways to run a business, and the best way is the one that aligns with you and you alone. When you find your own balance and flow, you can create a business that’s uniquely ‘you’ and attract clients who align with your values.
In this first episode, we’re talking about the trend we’ve seen of Registered Dietitians “toeing the line” with hustle culture. We’re calling out the standard of toxic productivity in the nutrition space, and we’re sharing our own stories of finding flow and balance in our businesses. Plus, we’re talking about imposter syndrome and dealing with criticism from people outside the profession.
What’s in this episode:
How people in our field tend to toe the line with the old paradigm of “hustle culture” and toxic productivity [2:16]
What “success” means to us, and how to define your own version of success [4:30]
Why we believe RDs should break the mold and run their businesses in a way that feels aligned [6:34]
Why so many dietitians spend their careers afraid to take up space [8:10]
Why our industry seems to be so competitive and averse to sharing knowledge [9:23]
How our collaboration has helped us grow individually and love our careers more [12:15]
Imposter syndrome in the world of dietitians and dealing with trolls [15:26]
How to find balance between your masculine and feminine energy in your work [18:47]
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yourfitnessdietitian/ or by visiting her website at https://yourfitnessdietitian.com/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at https://westnutrition.co/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 2: No One Knows Who Dietitians Are

It is unnerving how many medical professionals don’t know the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a nutritionist. It’s more understandable for everyday consumers, who are constantly bombarded with celebrity endorsements of protein shakes and random acquaintances pushing MLM supplements. 
There are a number of reasons that RDs get confused with nutritionists, and we believe it is our job as RDs to speak out on why it is important to see an RD for your nutritional needs.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the qualifications necessary to become an RD, how the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is at fault for misconceptions about RDs, and why consumers should work with an RD for their nutritional needs. We’re also discussing the importance of nutrition to health and recovery as well as how RDs can work to trust their intuition and experience and push against systemic setbacks to the profession.
At the end of the day, it’s up to dietitians to make noise, push the Academy to be better, and help educate consumers. Take charge of your ability to make change happen.
What’s in this episode:
The difference in educational requirements between an RD and a nutritionist
The importance of RDs to recovery (after surgery, injury, childbirth, etc.)
How nutrition is fundamental above all else to your health and how your body functions
The frustration that RDs aren’t always covered by insurance
The overlooked importance of RDs to COVID patients on ventilators
How the Academy is complicit in the lack of understanding of the RD profession
Ways that the Academy could advocate for and make changes to the perception of RDs
Why individual dietitians need to use their voice and experience to challenge outdated beliefs and lack of education
Why consumers need to inform themselves on the validity of RDs and stop taking nutrition advice from unqualified individuals and entities
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yourfitnessdietitian/ or by visiting her website at https://yourfitnessdietitian.com/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at https://westnutrition.co/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.

S1 Ep 1: Who We Are & Why We’re Here

It’s time to take up more space. We want to open the door for tough conversations and real dialogue about running and scaling your business as a Registered Dietitian. From career advice to money mindset to our own stories from the field–you can expect a little bit of everything here on Embodied CEO.
In this first episode, we’re opening up about our career journeys so far and what led us to starting this podcast. Kirsten is talking about rediscovering her passion for nutrition, and Brooke is sharing her story of transitioning from tech start up to a private practice. Plus, we’re giving you a sneak peek into the tough, honest, and necessary conversations we’ll be having later on in the podcast.
What’s in this episode:
How Kirsten rediscovered her passion for nutrition and created a business she loves [1:39]
How Brooke transitioned to private practice [6:39]
How Kirsten and Brooke met and started working together [9:25]
Why we started the podcast to have the tough, uncomfortable conversations that are necessary for running a business [11:28]
What you can expect from Embodied CEO [17:06]
Why we’re empowering other RDs to take up space and get paid their worth [19:37]
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, head to: https://theembodiedceo.podbean.com/
Connect with Kirsten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yourfitnessdietitian/ or by visiting her website at https://yourfitnessdietitian.com/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about the new program she is launching for RDs in June.
Connect with Brooke at https://www.instagram.com/westnutrition.co/ or by visiting her website at https://westnutrition.co/. Follow her on Instagram to learn about her openings for business intensives and Voxer coaching.