Pursuing Private Practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Marci Evans, Registered Dietitian and Food and Body Imager Healer®, for a conversation about developing confidence in your counseling skills, recognizing when overgiving can lead to burnout, and working through complex clinical topics like food addiction, GLP-1 medications, and weight-inclusive care. Jennifer and Marci discuss why there are so many different "right ways" to do clinical work, what happens when new research challenges what you believe, and why social media rarely captures the complexity that exists inside the counseling room. Why There Isn't One Right Way to Do Clinical Work (04:27) Marci reflects on why good clinical work can take many different paths, and why learning to trust the nuance can feel both freeing and uncomfortable for dietitians who were trained to look for the "right" answer. When New Research Challenges What You Believe (06:35) Marci reflects on revisiting the research around food addiction and intentionally leaning into information that challenged her existing perspective. Marci and Jennifer discuss staying open to evolving your thinking as new research and different perspectives emerge. Building Confidence in the Counseling Room (11:21) Marci explains how supervision, role play, and hearing the language another clinician uses can help dietitians develop more confidence in their own counseling skills, especially in eating disorder work. When Overgiving Leads to Burnout (15:49) Jennifer and Marci explore why newer clinicians often compensate for uncertainty by giving clients more: more handouts, more access, and more time between sessions. They discuss why your presence, curiosity, and relationship with a client may be far more valuable than everything you feel pressured to add. Teaching Clinicians How to Think, Not What to Think (19:36) Marci shares how feedback from course participants and her continued client work have shaped the way she teaches. Through real case studies, she helps clinicians see not just what she might do, but how she thinks through complex clinical situations. Finding Your Own Internal Clarity as a Clinician (24:06) Jennifer and Marci discuss why the same behavior can mean something completely different from one client to another, and why clinical work can't always follow a formula. They discuss how clinicians can work to develop their skills to make thoughtful, individualized decisions in the moment. Navigating the Gray Areas of Clinical Practice (27:02) From food addiction to GLP-1 medications and weight-inclusive care, Jennifer and Marci discuss why some clinical topics are especially difficult to navigate. When GLP-1s Change the Counseling Relationship (32:00) Jennifer and Marci discuss what can happen when a client you've worked with for months or years begins using a GLP-1 medication and the goals of your work start to shift. Marci shares why clinicians may need to revisit expectations, clarify their own boundaries, and have direct conversations about whether they are still the right provider. Building a Career That Multiplies Your Impact (38:00) Marci reflects on the many ways her career has expanded beyond individual client care, including courses, workshops, supervision, and her upcoming book. Let Your Heart Lead Your Professional Life (44:16) Marci closes with a reminder to pay attention to the work that genuinely lights you up instead of getting caught in comparison or someone else's definition of success. There is so much pressure as a dietitian to know the "right" thing to say, make the right clinical decision, and feel confident that you're supporting your clients in the "right" way. But some of the most meaningful work we do with clients doesn't come with a clear answer. This conversation reinforces that being a thoughtful clinician is about developing the skills and confidence to think critically, stay curious, and make decisions that reflect both your ethics and the individual client in front of you. Marci's career shows us that expanding your impact doesn't require having everything figured out or giving up the parts of the work you love. You can continue seeing clients while teaching, supervising, creating, writing, or building something entirely different. There are many right ways to build a meaningful career, and part of the work is giving yourself permission to discover yours. Sponsor: I would love to invite you to a free business coaching Q&A session! Join me on Wednesday, September 16th at 12pm Eastern. This event is FREE and open to all stages of business: SET UP, START, GROW, LEAD, and COAST. You're welcome no matter what stage of business you're in. I expect questions about vision, operations, systems, money, team, boundaries, counseling skills, and so many other dietitian business topics. Learn more and sign up here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/free-business-coaching/ Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Marci: Marci Evans, MS, RDN, CEDS-C, is a weight-inclusive eating disorder dietitian, educator, author, and speaker. She has dedicated her career to counseling, supervising, and teaching in the field of eating disorders through a relational, anti-oppressive approach to nutritional care. Marci is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Supervisor (CEDS-C) and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Since 2015, she has provided online eating disorders and body image training and education for clinicians through her Food and Body Imager Healers® Training Institute . In 2016, she joined the Simmons University nutrition department, where she co-developed a specialized eating disorder internship and continues to teach graduate-level nutrition counseling courses. In 2018, she received the Professional Integrity Award from the Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her forthcoming book, co-authored with Lisa Pearl, Nourishing Recovery: A New Integrated Approach to Nutritional Care for Eating Disorders , will be published in November 2026. Marci has presented nationally on eating disorder treatment and education. To learn more about her trainings, book and access her free resources for clinicians, visit www.marcird.com . She also maintains a professional presence on social media under @ marciRD .

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Dr. Katie Smith, Registered Dietitian and certified exercise physiologist, for a conversation about functional nutrition, a holistic approach to health, and building a private practice that supports the season of life you're in. Jennifer and Katie discuss what it really means to look for the root cause of a client's symptoms, why more testing isn't always better, and how gut health, stress, sleep, and nutrition connect to hormone health. They also discuss career transitions and how Katie's decision to leave her "dream job" to create a private practice gave her space for both meaningful work and the life she wants outside of it. What Functional Nutrition Really Means (03:12) Katie explains functional nutrition as individualized care that looks at the whole health picture. Jennifer and Katie discuss how food, sleep, stress, movement, and other lifestyle factors all work together. Getting to the Root Cause Without More Overwhelm (06:24) Katie discusses what it really means to get to the root cause of a health concern, and why replacing a long list of medications with an overwhelming list of supplements isn't necessarily the answer. From Academia to Private Practice (10:22) Katie shares how motherhood and a changing season of life led her to reconsider a career in academia that she once thought she'd have forever. The Story Behind 4Gen Wellness (17:19) Katie explains how her background in women's health, her four daughters, and the idea of generational wellness inspired her private practice. Jennifer adds another layer to the conversation: the impact our relationship with food can have on the next generation. Hormones Are the Messenger (22:20) Katie explains why hormones aren't always the problem, but can instead be the messenger of what's happening elsewhere in the body. Jennifer and Katie discuss the foundational role of gut health, sleep, stress, nutrition, and nervous system regulation. When Functional Labs Are Actually Useful (28:33) Katie shares why she doesn't automatically start with functional testing and how she considers cost, symptoms, and foundational nutrition first. Building a Practice Around How You Work Best (33:58) Katie shares how her background as a teacher shapes everything from her initial appointments to the education she provides clients. Jennifer and Katie also explore future offers that could expand her impact without creating burnout. Getting Started in Functional Nutrition (36:56) Katie offers advice for dietitians interested in functional nutrition, including why learning will always be part of the process. Private Practice Doesn't Have to Look One Way (41:30) Katie reflects on building a full practice through word of mouth while keeping social media lower on her priority list. Jennifer reinforces the freedom to choose a business model that works for you. Your clients may come to you wanting their hormones "fixed" or looking for the one test that will finally give them an answer, but this conversation is a reminder of how much deeper nutrition care can go. You have the opportunity to help clients understand the bigger picture, prioritize what matters, and make changes that are actually realistic for their lives. This bigger-picture thinking matters in your business, too. You don't need to do everything, follow someone else's business model, or have your entire career figured out. You can keep learning, lean into the work you do best, and build a business that supports both the clients you want to serve and the life you want to live. Your private practice doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be meaningful, impactful, or successful. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Katie: Dr. Smith is a Registered & Licensed Dietitian and Certified Exercise Physiologist with nearly 20 years as a health & fitness practitioner and researcher. She received her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Nutritional Sciences and her B.A. in Athletic Training. She is a published author in several scientific journals and has presented throughout the United States and internationally. Her research background encompasses several facets of women's health, particularly prenatal lifestyle interventions to prevent maternal and fetal chronic disease. This work sparked her interest in generational health across the lifespan. She's also a wife and mom to 4 young girls, further inspiring her professional pursuits to optimize hormonal health & function for all ages. Outside of work, she loves to be active, be in the kitchen with her family, travel, and all things Disney! Connect with Katie: Website Instagram: @ fourgenwellness

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Lindsay Stenovec, Registered Dietitian and Clinical Supervisor, for a conversation about the clinical complexities of endometriosis, how dietitians can best support their clients, and what it looks like to navigate burnout, career pivots, and build a sustainable private practice. In this episode, Lindsay shares what she has learned through her own diagnosis and treatment, and how dietitians can bring more informed, compassionate care to clients with endometriosis. Jennifer and Lindsay also have a real conversation about burnout, honoring your capacity, transferring your existing skills into a new niche, and building a business differently the next time around. When a Diagnosis Changes Your Career (03:55) Lindsay shares how her endometriosis diagnosis led her to close her private practice, step away from dietetics, and give herself time before deciding what came next. Understanding Endometriosis as a Full-Body Chronic Disease (06:20) Lindsay explains what endometriosis is, the wide range of symptoms it can cause, and why a diagnosis often takes years. Why Community Care Matters in Endometriosis (13:11) Lindsay reflects on how sharing experiences can help people recognize symptoms, advocate for themselves, and find better care. Nutrition Considerations for Endometriosis (20:19) Lindsay discusses nutrition considerations for endometriosis, commonly co-occurring conditions, and why recommendations need to be individualized. When Food Fear and Symptom Management Overlap (24:40) Jennifer and Lindsay unpack low FODMAP diets, gluten fears, and the nuance of supporting clients whose food restrictions may be rooted in very real symptoms. Endometriosis, Eating Disorders, and Grief Around Food (27:31) Jennifer and Lindsay explore how chronic illness can alter someone's relationship with food and why eating disorder counseling skills can be especially valuable when supporting clients with endometriosis. Supporting Clients Before and After Endometriosis Surgery (31:57) Lindsay explains excision surgery and how dietitians can support nourishment, GI symptoms, and healing before and after surgery. Taking Burnout Seriously Enough to Let Your Career Change (40:16) Lindsay describes the burnout that followed after closing her longtime practice and why she gave herself permission not to rush her return to work. Building a Practice Around Client Care and Your Capacity (43:25) Lindsay shares how she is designing her next chapter around what best serves her clients while also creating a sustainable way to work with chronic illness. Lindsay reminds us how powerful it can be to listen closely, believe what clients are telling you about their bodies, recognize patterns that deserve further exploration, and know when to connect someone with additional support. Sometimes excellent care isn't about having every answer. It's about being curious, staying within your scope, and helping clients feel less alone while they navigate something incredibly complex. Lindsay's story is also a reminder that your business and career can and should evolve alongside your life, and that the experience and skills you've built don't disappear simply because you choose a different direction. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Lindsay: Lindsay Stenovec has spent nearly two decades in rooms where people finally say the thing they've never said out loud. As a Registered Dietitian specializing in eating disorders, women's health, and now endometriosis, she's learned that feeling seen and heard isn't a soft add-on to good care — it's where healing actually begins. She's built a group practice, led teams, supervised clinicians, and navigated her own complicated health journey along the way. These days, she works at the intersection of endometriosis, gut health, and whole-person nutrition — for patients who are tired of being dismissed, and for the clinicians who want to do better by them. Connect with Lindsay: Website Instagram: @lindsaystenovec_rd Resources from Lindsay: Substack

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Serena Stewart, Registered Dietitian, running coach, and running nutrition expert, for a conversation about what dietitians need to know about running nutrition, sports nutrition, and building a private practice that evolves alongside your life. Jennifer and Serena explore why so many runners unknowingly underfuel, how proper nutrition impacts everything from performance to GI symptoms and recovery, and why working with a sports dietitian is about so much more than carb loading. They also discuss creating offers beyond one-to-one counseling, finding mentorship within your specialty, and designing a business that supports both your clients and your personal life. Why Running Nutrition Is More Than Just Eating More (04:41) Serena explains why fueling runners requires far more nuance than simply increasing calories. She walks through the many pieces that come together in an individualized running nutrition plan, from glycogen replenishment to GI tolerance and recovery. How Serena Accidentally Found Her Niche (07:32) Serena shares how her clinical background unexpectedly led her into running nutrition, and how what started as a hobby became a thriving private practice. Helping Clients Connect the Dots Between Nutrition and Performance (13:24) Jennifer and Serena discuss why dietitians need to translate nutrition science into meaningful, real-life outcomes so clients understand how proper fueling supports both their running goals and everyday life. Building a Practice Beyond One-to-One Sessions (15:56) Serena shares how her services evolved from individual counseling into memberships, masterclasses, and her Eat Like an Athlete Bootcamp, creating more flexibility for both her clients and herself. Why Group Programs Can Create Incredible Client Results (21:14) Jennifer and Serena reflect on the unexpected benefits of group coaching, including peer support, shared learning, and creating a client experience that goes beyond traditional individual sessions. Growing Into Sports Nutrition With Confidence (24:52) Serena shares why supervision, continuing education, and asking for help have been essential to her growth as a sports dietitian. The Overlap Between Sports Nutrition and Eating Disorder Care (26:57) Jennifer and Serena explore the important relationship between running nutrition and eating disorders, along with the ethical considerations, boundaries, and referrals that help dietitians practice within their scope. Marketing That Speaks to Real Client Pain Points (31:14) Serena explains how identifying the specific symptoms clients experience has transformed her marketing and helped attract the right people to her practice. Building a Business That Fits Your Season of Life (34:06) Jennifer and Serena close with an honest conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and giving yourself permission to build a business that supports your family, your values, and your long-term goals. Whether you're a sports dietitian or simply want to feel more confident supporting active clients, this conversation will help you better understand the important role nutrition plays in performance, recovery, GI health, and overall well-being. Beyond the clinical conversation, this episode is also a reminder that there isn't just one way to build a successful private practice. As your expertise grows and your life changes, your business can evolve with you. The most sustainable practices are often built by staying curious, continuing to learn, and creating offers that allow you to care deeply for your clients while honoring your own priorities, too. This episode is a reminder that some of the best opportunities come from being willing to ask questions, seek mentorship, and trust that your business is allowed to grow right alongside you. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Serena: Serena Stewart is a Registered Dietitian and running coach specializing in helping female runners shift their focus from shrinking to fueling for BIG dreams! Serena uses a unique blend of somatic counseling techniques and running nutrition to help female runners embrace eating like an athlete while learning to finally feel more comfortable in their skin. She is a runner herself and has run 4 BQs, 33 half marathons, and 7 marathons. When not running, she enjoys cooking, hiking, or playing in the park with her son. Connect with Serena: Instagram: @runnergirldietitian Resources from Serena: Free Race Week Checklist Offseason Reset

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Chelsea Levy, Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, for a thoughtful conversation about caring for clients with diabetes, PCOS, and endocrine disorders through a weight-inclusive approach. Jennifer and Chelsea unpack what weight-inclusive medical nutrition therapy really looks like in practice. They discuss supporting clients with diabetes and PCOS, navigating conversations about weight loss with compassion instead of judgment, and building a private practice that allows you to practice in a way that truly aligns with your values. Why Weight-Inclusive Care Is More Nuanced Than People Think (04:41) Chelsea introduces her approach to weight-inclusive nutrition counseling, explaining how she combines evidence-based medical nutrition therapy with trauma-informed, fat-positive care for clients. Looking Beyond Weight in Nutrition Counseling (06:21) Jennifer and Chelsea discuss weight stigma, social determinants of health, client autonomy, and the many ways dietitians can build practices around this work. Chelsea's Journey Into Weight-Inclusive Practice (09:58) Chelsea shares how her own experience with chronic dieting and working with an intuitive eating dietitian ultimately shaped both her career and the way she cares for clients today. The Role of Lived Experience in Client Care (13:01) Jennifer and Chelsea discuss representation within dietetics, the importance of lived experience, and why clients deserve the autonomy to choose providers who feel like the right fit for their care. When Clients Say, "I Want to Lose Weight" (17:41) One of the biggest questions weight-inclusive dietitians face is how to respond when clients want weight loss. Chelsea explains why curiosity, consent, and exploring the deeper goal often lead to more meaningful conversations than simply shutting the topic down. Building a Practice That Supports the Whole Person (24:03) Chelsea shares how she has grown a private practice that includes individual counseling, supervision, meal support groups, body image work, and collaborative medical care, centered around meeting clients where they are. The Healing Power of Eating in Community (28:30) Chelsea describes the monthly community dinners she co-hosts in New York City and why creating weight-inclusive spaces around food can be deeply healing for clients working on their relationship with eating. Expanding Your Scope as a Weight-Inclusive Dietitian (33:00) From clinical supervision to diabetes education and business mentorship, Chelsea explains how dietitians can continue growing their skills while staying grounded in ethical, individualized care. What Weight-Inclusive Medical Nutrition Therapy Really Looks Like (37:37) Chelsea breaks down how weight-inclusive diabetes and endocrine care focuses on behaviors, labs, medications, and long-term health. Jennifer and Chelsea also discuss why curiosity and continued learning are essential throughout a dietitian's career. Taking Up Space in Your Specialty (44:08) Chelsea closes the conversation with encouragement for dietitians to confidently share their expertise, embrace their niche, and let people know how they can help. Weight-inclusive care is often misunderstood. From the outside, it can seem like it's simply about rejecting diet culture or avoiding conversations about weight. But as Chelsea shares, the work is so much more nuanced than that. Dietitians balance evidence-based recommendations, client autonomy, lived experiences, and the realities of practicing within a healthcare system that often focuses on weight loss. This episode is an honest conversation about counseling, clinical care, and creating space for more curiosity and autonomy. Chelsea's story is such a great example of what can happen when you continue learning, stay connected to your clients' needs, and allow your practice to evolve over time. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Chelsea: Chelsea Levy, MS, RD, CDN, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the founder of Chelsea Levy Nutrition , a virtual private practice based in New York City. She specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and size-inclusive approaches to managing endocrine-related conditions such as diabetes and PCOS. A self-identified fat woman, Chelsea is committed to a weight-inclusive medical model. Her work is rooted in evidence-based nutrition therapy, intuitive eating principles, and trauma-informed care. Connect with Chelsea: Website: Chelsea Levy Nutrition Instagram: @chelsealevynutrition

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Jessica Ward, registered dietitian and eating disorder specialist, for a conversation about faith-based nutrition counseling and what it can look like to bring a client's faith, spirituality, and values into the counseling process. Jennifer and Jessica discuss the nuances of faith-based nutrition counseling, especially when food, shame, morality, prayer, religious practices, and diet culture all intersect. Jessica shares how this work became part of her practice, and how she learned to incorporate faith in a way that feels supportive, ethical, and deeply human. Making Faith Part of the Assessment (03:56) Jessica explains how faith and spirituality can connect to a client's values, food choices, recovery, and overall counseling experience. Jennifer and Jessica further discuss why asking about faith or spirituality during an assessment can help clients feel more fully seen and understood in nutrition counseling. Jessica's Path Into Faith-Based Counseling (06:21) Jessica shares how working in a faith-based organization helped her learn how to incorporate faith into eating disorder counseling, even without a formal roadmap. Seeing the Body Through a Faith-Based Lens (09:23) Jessica reflects on the human body as a miraculous creation and how this perspective can bring awe, compassion, and purpose into nutrition counseling. When Faith, Shame, and Food Intersect (11:47) Jennifer and Jessica explore the pain points that clients may bring into sessions, including questions about why they are struggling, how prayer fits into healing, and how shame can become connected to food or health. Bringing Grace Into Conversations About Food (14:16) Jessica explains how faith-based counseling can help clients move away from shame around eating and toward a more compassionate, neutral relationship with food. Navigating Fasting, Religious Practices, and Scope of Practice (17:45) Jennifer and Jessica discuss the nuances of supporting clients through religious practices, including when to involve spiritual leaders and other members of the client's care team. Helping Dietitians Start This Work (25:27) Jessica shares guidance for dietitians who want to incorporate faith into their counseling, starting with curiosity, assessment questions, prayer when appropriate, supervision, and staying within scope. Clients bring their whole selves into the room, including their values, beliefs, communities, fears, questions, and lived experiences. When faith is an important part of a client's life, leaving it out of the conversation can sometimes mean missing a key part of who they are and what supports their healing. This episode is an invitation to think about what it means to take up space in your work, and gives you permission to start learning, asking questions, and finding support if this is an area of work you feel called to explore. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Jessica: Jessica Ward is the founder of Abundant Grace Nutrition . She received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Gannon University and Master of Science in Wellness Management from Ball State University. She's been a Registered Dietitian for more than 25 years, with more than 17 years working in eating disorders. She's had numerous years in leadership in a variety of roles. Jessica enjoys providing one-on-one counseling, group facilitation, teaching, presenting, and mentoring other dietitians. Her passion is helping others achieve their goals and thrive. In 2024, she opened her own nutrition private practice. She's excited expand opportunities to connect with other dietitians through supervision, coaching, and creating new connection groups. Her faith is a cornerstone of her work, and she loves to help clients include their faith in their recovery process or their career. Jessica is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition Entrepreneurs and Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetics Practice Groups, the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians, the Eating Disorder Task Force of Indiana, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Jessica is also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Consultant. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, yoga and being outside, even in winter. She enjoys spending time with her family and being in the forest. Supervision Resources From Jessica: Jessica's next project is launching The Thoughtful Practice Circle, a small professional growth and consultation group for eating disorder dietitians who want a steady, reflective space for connection, accountability, and thoughtful conversation about the realities of this work. Designed especially for clinicians navigating increased complexity, responsibility, or professional growth, the Circle will begin soon with limited spots available. If you're interested in learning more, connect through her website .

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Amanda Mittman, founder of Happy Valley Nutrition , for a conversation about perimenopause, hormone health, body image, and the role dietitians can play in helping clients navigate midlife with more support, context, and compassion. In this episode, Amanda shares how her own experience with perimenopause shaped her business, her niche, and the way she shows up for clients who are trying to make sense of symptoms, body changes, and all the noise in the wellness world. Jennifer also shares her own personal experience navigating perimenopause, including what it felt like to search for answers in a healthcare system that did not fully listen to her story. Amanda's Path Into Hormone Health (05:07) Amanda explains how her own experience with perimenopause, including sleep struggles, joint pain, and anxiety, shaped her niche and helped her connect more deeply with midlife clients navigating similar changes. Being Dismissed in the Healthcare System (10:54) Jennifer opens up about her own health journey after having her third baby, including being told her symptoms were likely mental health-related rather than hormonal. Why Private Practice Care Matters (14:50) Jennifer reflects on how her experience in the traditional healthcare system deepened her appreciation for dietitians, private practice providers, and the time needed to truly understand someone's story. Cutting Through the Noise in Midlife Wellness (18:23) Amanda recognizes how diet culture shows up in perimenopause messaging and explains why simple, foundational support often matters more than trendy interventions. The Supplement Pressure in Perimenopause (21:26) Jennifer and Amanda discuss how vulnerable women are targeted with expensive supplements and products, and why individualized care matters more than generic recommendations. The Dietitian's Role Beyond HRT (26:08) Jennifer and Amanda cover how dietitians can support clients with food, body image, labs, referrals, sleep, stress, and day-to-day decision-making, even when they cannot prescribe hormones. Identity, Capacity, and Career Pivots in Midlife (30:39) Jennifer and Amanda explore how midlife can bring new confidence, fewer worries about outside opinions, and a clearer sense of what needs to change in life and business. Getting Started in Perimenopause Work (40:49) Amanda encourages dietitians interested in this space to seek supervision, learn from diverse perspectives, and trust that they do not need to know everything before beginning this work. Perimenopause and midlife can bring up so much vulnerability for clients, especially when their bodies feel unfamiliar or their old routines no longer work the same way. It's important to recognize that hormone health is not just about hormones. It's about sleep, stress, food, body image, energy, identity, capacity, medical care, and the lived experience of being in a body that is changing. Dietitians are uniquely positioned to help clients in this season of life, when people are often being sold more supplements, stricter rules, and one-size-fits-all solutions. This conversation is a reminder that dietitians do not need to have every answer in order to be helpful. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is listen well, validate someone's experience, provide evidence-based support, and help them figure out the next right step. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Amanda: Amanda Mittman, MS, RDN, LDN (she/her), is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, body image coach, and adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts and CT State. She is the founder of Happy Valley Nutrition , a group practice of Registered Dietitians specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating, and other health issues from a weight-inclusive lens. Her current clinical work focuses on supporting individuals in midlife with an emphasis on body image, relationship with food, and sustainable, health-promoting behaviors. And giving the middle finger to diet culture, of course! Find Amanda on Instagram at @happyvalleynutrition .

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Megan Hadley, nutritionist and owner of Simple Nutrition , for a conversation about midlife nutrition, body changes, identity shifts, and what dietitians need to understand when supporting clients in this season of life. This conversation is both personal and professional, as both Jennifer and Megan reflect on their own experiences in mid-life. Megan shares her expertise from working with clients navigating food, body image, hormones, health concerns, and the overwhelming influence of diet culture. Defining Midlife Beyond Age (03:37) Megan explains what midlife means from her perspective, including body changes, shifting labs, movement changes, menstrual cycle changes, and vision changes. Why Midlife Nutrition Became Personal (07:33) Megan shares how her passion for working with midlife clients evolved as she experienced this season herself. Jennifer connects this to the vulnerability of clients in midlife and the constant pressure they receive from diet culture and influencer messaging. The Problem With "Feel Like Yourself Again" Messaging (09:17) Jennifer and Megan unpack why the pressure to return to a younger body is so harmful. Jennifer reflects on the importance of embracing each new version of ourselves. Supporting Clients Who Want Sustainable Health (14:15) Jennifer goes through the many challenges midlife clients may be navigating, including body changes, hormones, caregiving, and life circumstances. Reconnecting With Values, Health, and Boundaries (17:30) Jennifer reflects on how working with a dietitian can help clients reconnect their nutrition to their values, lifestyle, and health goals. Megan shares how this work can help clients as they learn to trust themselves more deeply. Inside Megan's Group Practice and Client Offers (23:13) Megan shares more about her group practice and how she supports her ideal clients. The Power of Group Work and Community (26:24) Megan reflects on why group support can be so meaningful for clients. Jennifer highlights how powerful it is for business owners to create offers that serve both their clients and themselves. What Dietitians Need to Know About Midlife Clients (28:10) Megan offers dietitians guidance on understanding scope of practice when working with midlife clients. Megan encourages professionals to start by having conversations and paying attention to client language. Body Image, Intuitive Eating, and Changing Needs (34:13) Jennifer and Megan discuss the importance of body image work, supervision, and continuing education for dietitians supporting midlife clients. Midlife nutrition is not about trying to get back to a younger version of yourself or becoming vulnerable to every message that promises to "fix" this season of transition. It is about helping clients understand what their bodies need now, reconnect with themselves, and make choices that support their health, energy, values, and quality of life. It is also about learning a new identity, protecting boundaries, and stepping into the version of yourself you want to become in this next chapter. Throughout this episode, Jennifer and Megan remind dietitians that supporting clients in midlife requires curiosity, strong nutrition assessment skills, body image support, and a commitment to understanding the full context of a client's life. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Megan: Megan Hadley, MS, RDN, LDN is a nutritionist and owner of Simple Nutrition , a nutrition counseling practice in Greensboro, NC that specializes in supporting people with eating disorders and disordered eating. She believes that all bodies are good and that from cake to kale, all foods are important. She is on mission to help people stress and obsess less about food and their bodies because when this happens, people not only improve their nutritional health but they begin to thrive in all areas of their life. When she's not working, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She loves reading, traveling, long naps, good wine, and french fries. Find Megan on Instagram at @meg.hadley and @simplenutritiongso .

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Rachelle Mallik, reproductive dietitian and founder of The Food Therapist , for a conversation about building a private practice within the reproductive health space, supporting clients through vulnerable seasons of life, and using clinical expertise to create new opportunities in business. In this episode, Rachelle shares the story behind her 20‑year journey from an IVF patient coordinator at Weill Cornell to a reproductive dietitian who now supports clients through every stage of their reproductive lifespan. Jennifer and Rachelle discuss how dietitians can provide thoughtful, ethical support while knowing when to bring in other providers, and how dietitians can grow their specialty beyond one-on-one care. Defining Reproductive Health as a Private Practice Niche (04:19) Rachelle explains why she calls herself a reproductive dietitian and how this specialty can include much more than helping clients who are actively trying to conceive. Rachelle's Path Into Fertility Nutrition (06:44) Rachelle shares how working as an IVF patient coordinator at Weill Cornell helped her understand the emotional weight of infertility and planted the seed for the work she does today. The Gap in Pregnancy Nutrition Care (09:12) Rachelle and Jennifer reflect on how little nutrition support many people receive during pregnancy and why dietitians are so needed before, during, and after pregnancy. Supporting Clients Through Infertility (11:32) Rachelle talks about the overwhelm, misinformation, guilt, and desire for control that many clients experience when navigating infertility, and how dietitians can support them with compassion and scope-aware care. Pregnancy Nutrition, Food Aversions, and Guilt (14:39) Rachelle shares common pregnancy nutrition challenges, including nausea, fatigue, food aversions, constipation, reflux, and the pressure clients feel to "eat healthy" even when eating feels hard. Jennifer reflects on her own pregnancy experience as a dietitian. Postpartum Nutrition and Whole-Person Support (17:08) Rachelle and Jennifer discuss the realities of postpartum life, including recovery, sleep deprivation, feeding a baby, body image concerns, and the lack of consistent support after birth. The Power of Multidisciplinary Care (20:15) Rachelle and Jennifer talk about why dietitians are often uniquely positioned to recognize when clients need additional support from pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health professionals, physicians, and other providers. How Rachelle Structures Her Private Practice (21:06) Rachelle explains why her practice is primarily one-on-one, how she shifted away from packages, and why pay-as-you-go sessions created more flexibility for her clients and her business. Creating Professional Resources From Clinical Experience (27:11) Rachelle talks about expanding her business beyond client care through courses, speaking opportunities, continuing education, and resources for other healthcare professionals. Scope of Practice in Reproductive Health Nutrition (31:52) Rachelle breaks down how beginner, mid-level, and advanced dietitians can approach reproductive health work while continuing to learn, refer out, and seek support when needed. Getting Started in Fertility Nutrition (36:38) Rachelle offers advice for dietitians who want to enter the fertility space, including starting with preconception clients before moving into more complex infertility care. This conversation is a reminder that reproductive health is not a narrow niche. Rachelle shows how fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, PCOS, endometriosis, lactation, and perimenopause can all live under one specialty when you understand the deeper needs of your clients. Strong private practice work is not just about knowing the science. It is also about understanding the client's lived experience, knowing when to collaborate with other providers, and continuing to grow your expertise over time. Rachelle's story is also a powerful reminder that you can expand beyond client care and into areas like supervision and professional development within your area of expertise. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Rachelle: Rachelle LaCroix Mallik, MA, RDN is a dietitian and founder of The Food Therapist , a private practice specializing in fertility and women's health nutrition. With nearly 20 years of experience in reproductive health and almost a decade in private practice, Rachelle helps individuals navigate fertility, pregnancy, and other women's health concerns with evidence-based, weight-inclusive care. Rachelle is also a frequent speaker and received the Women's Health Dietetic Practice Group Excellence in Practice Award for her contributions to the field. Find Rachelle on Instagram at @rachellemallik Resources: Supervision & Case Consultation Fertility Foundations Course GLP-1s & Fertility Webinar Recording

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Megan Cremins, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer specializing in Type 1 Diabetes, for a conversation about the value of lived experience, the importance of meeting clients where they are, and how dietitians can build meaningful work in a specialty they care deeply about. Megan shares how her own diabetes diagnosis shaped the way she supports clients today, helping them move away from fear-based food rules and toward more confidence with blood sugars, technology, and real-life eating. Jennifer and Megan discuss the various ways dietitians can work in the diabetes space, the importance of community, and what it can look like to build a sustainable private practice. Megan's Personal Diagnosis Story (04:17) Megan shares the story of her type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age five and reflects on how challenging it was to grow up managing blood sugars, food, insulin, and confidence. Becoming the Dietitian She Needed as a Kid (06:51) Megan explains how her own health journey helped her realize that she wanted to support others with type 1 diabetes in a more empowering, compassionate way. Moving Beyond Fear-Based Diabetes Advice (08:46) Jennifer and Megan discuss how type 1 diabetes care has often been shaped by food fear and restriction, and why a balanced, flexible approach can better support clients. Helping Clients Build Flexibility and Confidence (11:07) Megan explains common client pain points, and Jennifer reflects on how powerful it is for clients to have a provider who can help them experiment with food, blood sugars, and technology without fear. Supporting Clients Through Life Transitions (15:11) Megan talks about the importance of extra support during major transitions like pregnancy, college, perimenopause, and other life changes that can affect blood sugars. Building a Practice With Multiple Offers (16:39) Megan walks through the evolution of her business, including her group program, one-on-one work, insurance-based practice, recipe club, and brand partnerships. Finding a Sustainable Business Model (20:21) Megan reflects on how her mix of offers helps her feel balanced, and Jennifer shares how business owners can continue evolving their boundaries, services, and definitions of success. Understanding Scope in the Diabetes Space (24:52) Jennifer and Megan discuss the different layers of diabetes care, including type 1, type 2, insulin resistance, insulin use, medications, pumps, CGMs, and the importance of understanding each client's actual needs. Growing Through Community, Social Media, and Consistency (33:58) Megan reflects on how building an online presence, connecting with the type 1 diabetes community, and staying consistent helped open doors for brand partnerships and speaking opportunities. Advice for Dietitians Entering the Type 1 Space (38:21) Megan offers advice to dietitians interested in this niche, and emphasizes getting involved in the type 1 community both online and in person. Megan's story offers a roadmap for turning personal challenges into professional triumphs. She turned her lived experience into a sustainable, purpose-driven practice, helping clients navigate their own Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis with more ease. This episode focuses on both the client experience and the business decisions that come when running a practice, and offers inspiration for dietitians looking to start their own practice, grow their audience, or gain more knowledge about diabetes care. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Megan: Meg Cremins is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 1999 and Celiac Disease since 2010. Her private practice is dedicated to helping women with T1D feel more confident with food, health, and life! Her passion for helping others with T1D comes from her own experience of struggling with T1D management for many years and eventually finding a way to feel more supported and in control. Now, she helps others build that same sense of freedom in their own lives with T1D. She loves running marathons, yoga, traveling around the world with her husband, reading romantasy books, and nailing a pizza bolus. Find Megan on Instagram at @megtypeone .

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Sharon McCaskill, a private practice dietitian , whose own family's journey with celiac disease sparked a career shift and a mission to support others navigating the gluten‑free world. In this episode, they go beyond the basics of celiac disease and talk about what it actually looks like for clients navigating this diagnosis in real life. Sharon shares her perspective as a dietitian specializing in celiac disease, walking through both the clinical realities and the lived experience of her clients. Jennifer reflects on the role dietitians play in bridging that gap, not just through education, but through support, advocacy, and helping clients feel understood as they figure out what this diagnosis means for their lives. The Moment That Changed Sharon's Career (02:11) Sharon shares how watching a dietitian support her husband's health inspired her to go back to school. What Dietitians Do That Doctors Can't (06:33) Jennifer highlights that a diagnosis is just the beginning, and Sharon expands on this by explaining how dietitians help clients actually live their diagnosis through personalized support and problem-solving. Why So Many Clients Feel Dismissed Before Diagnosis (10:15) Sharon shares that many clients spend years searching for answers before being diagnosed with celiac. Jennifer acknowledges how frustrating and invalidating that experience can feel within the healthcare system. The Symptoms Aren't Always Obvious (12:16) Sharon explains that celiac does not always present with GI symptoms. She walks through how it can show up as fatigue, anemia, bone loss, or skin issues, which often leads to it being overlooked. The Hardest Part Isn't the Diagnosis (13:27) Jennifer reflects on how overwhelming the transition can be after diagnosis. Sharon shares that going gluten-free in real life is complex, emotional, and requires constant decision-making. What's Actually Happening in the Body (15:50) Sharon explains the autoimmune response behind celiac disease and how gluten triggers the immune system to damage the small intestine, even when symptoms are not obvious. Why Even a Little Gluten Matters (18:00) Sharon emphasizes that even small exposures can lead to internal damage and long-term health risks. Jennifer reinforces that this goes beyond just how someone feels in the moment. Is Gluten-Free Actually Healthier? (25:34) Jennifer brings up the influence of diet culture, and Sharon explains that gluten-free is not automatically healthier. She shares that many gluten-free products are lower in nutrients and fiber. Building a Practice That Meets Clients Where They Are (28:59) Jennifer transitions into Sharon's business model, and Sharon shares how she primarily works one-on-one while also creating resources like meal plans and courses for clients who need more accessible options. You Don't Need to Be an Expert, But You Do Need to Care (33:33) Sharon encourages dietitians to respect the complexity of celiac, even if they are not specialists. Jennifer reflects on how powerful it is when providers support both the emotional and practical sides of care. The Real Takeaway for Dietitians (41:59) Jennifer closes by reinforcing that a dietitian's role goes beyond giving a food list. She highlights how important it is to help clients navigate the full experience of living with celiac in a sustainable and empowering way. Whether you're a dietitian wanting to better support clients with celiac disease or thinking about how to grow your expertise within your private practice, this episode offers a deeper look at what's often missed. It's a conversation grounded in both clinical insight and real-life experience, with practical takeaways to help you think differently about care, advocacy, and what it truly means to support someone beyond the diagnosis. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Sharon: Sharon McCaskill is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in celiac nutrition, gluten-free living, and general nutrition. She helps clients build confidence around food through practical, evidence-based strategies that support both health and quality of life. Sharon works through an intuitive eating lens, helping people care for their health and manage chronic conditions in a way that feels supportive, realistic, and free from rigid food rules. She is passionate about making nutrition care accessible, supportive, and realistic for everyday life. Find Sharon on Instagram at @realfoodwithsharon . Noteworthy Resource: The Helpful Gluten-Free Site

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Nicole Randazzo, founder of Bettr Full , a virtual practice with a focus on helping clients navigate nutrition both with and without GLP-1 medications. In this episode, they unpack everything dietitians need to know about GLP-1 medications, how to support clients through both weight loss and weight-inclusive counseling, and practical strategies that dietitians at any career stage can use when working with clients. Nicole shares her expertise as a dietitian specializing in GLP-1s, highlighting client results, challenging side effects, and the importance of seeing a dietitian for support. Jennifer brings a weight-inclusive view to the conversation, emphasizing the role of counseling, body image, and holding space for complex, individualized care. Together, they explore the complexities of GLP-1 medications and highlight the essential role dietitians play in supporting clients beyond the prescription. 04:52 – How Nicole built a GLP-1-focused practice Nicole shares her path from diabetes education to bariatrics to recognizing a major gap in nutrition support—and building her niche around it. 06:43 – Why dietitian referrals should be standard A strong stance: every GLP-1 prescription should come with dietitian referrals for ongoing, proactive support. 09:28 – Breaking down what GLP-1 actually does They explain how these medications impact hunger, digestion, and blood sugar—and why they've expanded beyond diabetes care. 14:22 – Navigating different philosophies A real conversation about weight-inclusive and weight-loss approaches—and how both show up in client care. 16:26 – What clients are really struggling with From food noise and appetite shifts to fear of muscle loss and years of dieting, they unpack the real-life challenges clients bring in. 20:05 – The realities of being on (and coming off) GLP-1s Side effects, plateaus, insurance changes, and what happens when medication isn't accessible anymore. 22:12 – Shifting the focus beyond weight A powerful reframe: looking at labs, energy, sleep, and overall health instead of just the scale. 24:36 – Why dietitians are more important than ever The relationship, personalization, and long-term care dietitians provide can't be replaced by quick fixes or AI tools. 28:27 – The risks + how dietitians support safely They talk through side effects, under-eating, and how tailored nutrition strategies make a huge difference. 31:00 – Blending approaches in a real-world way Using weight-inclusive care to reduce shame, while still applying structure when it supports the client. 34:07 – Advice for dietitians at every stage Whether you're new or advanced, there's a place for you in this work—and a way to keep growing your skillset. 35:00 – Knowing your stance and your limits Self-awareness matters: understanding your philosophy and when to refer out. 37:00 – Staying open as the field evolves GLP-1s aren't going anywhere—this is an opportunity to stay curious and continue learning. Without personalized and skilled nutrition support, clients taking GLP-1 medications aren't able to accurately navigate challenges, including changes in hunger, digestion, and metabolism, and risk inadequate protein intake and disordered eating. Dietitians can turn these challenges into opportunities for deeper client relationships, providing client-centered, compassionate care. This episode breaks down the pros and cons of GLP-1 medications, and is helpful whether you're just starting to build your counseling foundation or are a seasoned dietitian. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Nicole: Nicole Randazzo is the founder of Bettr Full , a virtual private practice with a focus on helping clients navigate nutrition both with and without GLP-1 medications. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Nicole specializes in weight management and blood sugar support, with a focus on helping clients navigate nutrition both with and without GLP-1 medications. Her approach combines evidence-based nutrition with behavior change and a full-body perspective. She helps clients better understand their eating habits, their relationship with food, and how to build sustainable routines that support their health long-term. She works with individuals who are looking for realistic, individualized guidance—whether that's improving blood sugar, enhancing lab markers, supporting weight loss, improving quality of life, or building a more supportive and balanced mindset around food. Find Nicole on Instagram at @bettrfull

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Fiona Sutherland, founder of The Mindful Dietitian and an experienced supervisor of dietitians. Together, they explore why supervision is often the missing piece in a dietitian's career, how it can evolve into a meaningful and sustainable business offering, and what it really looks like at every stage of professional growth. Jennifer shares how supervision became essential to her long-term sustainability—helping her build stronger boundaries in business while also deepening her clinical skills to better support clients. Fiona reflects on how using supervision as a space to process the emotional weight that can linger after sessions made clinical work feel more sustainable. She also talks about how supervision isn't about evaluation, but about support, reflection, and connection. Together, they expand the definition of supervision beyond clinical oversight into something much more human-centered that supports emotional wellbeing, strengthens confidence, and holds space for ongoing support. Why Supervision Matters for All (1:28) Jennifer makes the case for why supervision should be a standard part of every dietitian's career, not just in eating disorders. A New Way to Understand Supervision (6:09) Fiona introduces a grounded, meaningful definition of supervision that expands beyond oversight and invites dietitians to see it as true professional support. Three Supervision Formats Explained (9:18) Fiona walks through the different types of supervision and how to decide which format is right for you. Student vs Professional Supervision (10:38) Fiona unpacks the difference between student supervision and professional supervision, and why that distinction matters more than you may think. Discovering the Need for Support (16:10) Fiona shares how discovering supervision through mental health colleagues led her to realize just how much she needed that kind of support. Inside a Supervision Session (20:02) Jennifer paints a picture of what really happens inside a supervision session and why it's so impactful. Burnout, Isolation, and Support (27:00) Fiona dives into the common challenges dietitians face (like burnout, isolation, and decision fatigue) and how supervision can help navigate them. Supervision Beyond Eating Disorders (32:55) Jennifer touches on why supervision is valuable across all specialties, even when the work doesn't seem "complex" on the surface. How to Choose the Right Supervision Fit (41:33) Fiona explains what supervision looks like in real life and how to find the right structure and support for your needs. Levels of Supervision Based on Your Career Stage (47:33) Fiona breaks down the three stages of supervision so you can identify where you are and what kind of support will help you grow. Becoming a Supervisor + Final Takeaways (1:01:04) What makes a great supervisor, how to step into this role, and why supervision is a lifelong support system for sustainable practice. Supervision can transform your growth as a dietitian, and this conversation between Jennifer and Fiona breaks it down in ways that are practical and inspiring. Tune in to discover the supervision tools, insights, and strategies that can elevate your practice today. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Fiona: Fiona Sutherland is an advanced sports dietitian, yoga teacher and clinical supervisor from Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. She is the founder of The Mindful Dietitian , a professional community committed to thoughtful, equitable, and trauma-informed care. This community aims to help health professionals to practice with reflection, integrity, and steadiness as they care for others — and themselves. Fiona has contributed to the development and delivery of education and training to hundreds of dietitians worldwide from undergraduate training through to an extensive array of live and online professional courses on eating disorders, body image, trauma-informed care and supervision for dietitians, all driven by a vision for every dietitian being more sustained and supported in our work. In her professional consultancy, Fiona partners with teams and organizations to provide tailored education, training, and organizational development to promote ethical, reflective, and sustainable practice at every level. Additionally, she teaches Masters-level dietetics courses, mentoring the next generation of practitioners to think critically, lead with integrity, and engage in courageous, reflective practice. Noteworthy Resources: 1. Dietitian Supervision Resources Australia and International (DSRAi) 2. New Supervision Research: Professional supervision in dietetics: A comprehensive, narrative literature review (Crow et al, 2025) Find Fiona on Instagram at @ the.mindfuldietitian

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs , to kick off Season 4 of the podcast. Together, they talk about the wins, the challenges, and the lessons learned in 2025 and how those experiences are shaping their goals for 2026. Jennifer shares how personal experiences shifted her perspective on business and leadership, while Courtney reflects on hitting capacity in her own company and learning how to simplify her work. They also discuss their "word of the year," what sustainable business growth really looks like, and what listeners can expect from the new season of the podcast. Welcome to Season 4 of the Podcast (1:12) Jennifer shares why she took time between seasons to reflect on the direction of the podcast and what listeners can expect from the new season. Reflecting on 2025 and Personal Challenges (7:02) Jennifer opens up about the loss of her father-in-law and how that experience shifted her perspective on priorities, family, and running a business. Why Boundaries Are Essential in Business Ownership (9:34) Jennifer explains why protecting your time and energy is critical if you want to build a sustainable business that doesn't lead to burnout. Courtney's Business Growth and Lessons from 2025 (10:46) Courtney reflects on the biggest wins in her business, including hitting record revenue and completing more than 40 client projects in a single year. Understanding Capacity and Avoiding Burnout (18:14) Courtney shares how she realized she had reached capacity in her business and how she's restructuring her workflow to make things more sustainable. Why Revenue Doesn't Tell the Full Story of Success (15:17) Jennifer explains how her business had its lowest revenue year in a decade—but also one of its most profitable and sustainable years. Simplifying Your Business Model (21:15) Jennifer shares why she decided to stop selling standalone toolkits and focus entirely on Business School to create deeper results for clients. The Problem With "More Information" in Business Education (23:32) Jennifer and Courtney discuss why many online courses go unfinished—and why accountability and coaching often lead to better outcomes. Courtney's Word of the Year: Simplify (27:43) Courtney talks about her focus for 2026, which includes simplifying services, standardizing systems, and learning to say "no." Jennifer's Word of the Year: Elevate (33:41) Jennifer reflects on stepping fully into her role as CEO and elevating her work, her program, and the impact she's making with clients. Redefining Success as a Business Owner (34:56) Jennifer shares how her vision for success has evolved—from chasing growth and visibility to building a business that truly supports her life. What to Expect from Season 4 of the Podcast (36:55) Jennifer reveals the theme for the new season: showcasing dietitians across specialties and highlighting the many ways private practices can be built. From reflecting on the highs and lows of 2025 to setting intentions and goals for 2026, this conversation is full of insights, strategies, and inspiration for building a private practice that truly supports both your clients and your life. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast About Courtney: Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD is a multi-passionate entrepreneur in the weight-inclusive space. She's an anti-diet dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with her own private practice, Vickery Wellness . She is also the CEO of Declet Designs , her website and branding studio for weight-inclusive businesses. She has a double dose of knowledge, with bachelor's degrees in political science and dietetics, plus a Master's degree in Foods & Nutrition from the University of Georgia (and still teaches an undergraduate course there). Her career journey includes working as a Director of Corporate Health Services & Community Outreach, clinical dietitian, managing group fitness programs and community health programs, and roles in healthcare administration and corporate health. She's even stepped in as the Interim Director of the Dietetic Internship at the University of Georgia. At home, Courtney shares life with her husband of 15 years (they've been together since high school!), two kids, a dog named Oliver, and two kitty cats, Finnick and Calliope. She is the perfect blend of Enneagram 1 determination and a laid-back coffee shop aficionado. When she's not helping therapists and dietitians rock their brands and websites, you can catch her chilling at a coffee shop, sipping tea, or spending time with her awesome family. Her passion for blending her love for weight-inclusive care with her knack for web and branding design makes her your friendly expert in dietetics and web design. Find Courtney on Instagram at @ decletdesigns .

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! This episode wraps up Season 3 of the podcast. Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Hannah Turnbull, founder of NourishED Colorado , a group practice specializing in eating disorders, and a business coach at Values Driven Group . Hannah shares her journey of building and leading a thriving group practice, the challenges and rewards of managing a team, and her bold decision to step away for an 18-week sabbatical. Together, they dive into leadership, company culture, burnout, and what it really takes to create a sustainable business that supports both clients and clinicians. This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom for any dietitian or business owner who wants to step fully into leadership while still honoring their own life outside of work. Shift Toward Coaching & Leadership Development: During the pandemic, Hannah began coaching other owners, earned a master's in organizational leadership, and identified leadership skills as the "secret sauce" for practice success. Planning a Sabbatical: Burnout triggers, delegating responsibilities to trusted leaders, writing exhaustive SOPs, securing a line of credit, and announcing the break to the team. Post‑Sabbatical Structure & Work‑Life Balance: Implemented "No‑Work Wednesdays," a four‑day work week, and strict time‑batching across multiple projects. Leadership Philosophy & Lessons Learned: Advocates detaching from outcomes, modeling balance, viewing the business as an asset, and "rolling out the red carpet" for departing staff. Hannah's story is a powerful reminder that leading well means trusting your team, setting boundaries, and creating a business that fuels your life - not the other way around. Timestamps: 00:01 Opening & Why People Matter: Jennifer sets the tone, explaining that hiring is both the most rewarding and the hardest part of running a group practice. 02:36 Guest Introduction – Hannah Turnbull: Founder of Nourished Colorado (9 dietitians) and Values-Driven Group (business coaching), plus co-host of the Weight Inclusive Innovators podcast. 04:08 Career Origins: From hospital dietitian to the "Healthy Annie" blog, a move to Denver via Craigslist, and the launch of her first private-practice space. 06:15 Growth & Pandemic Pivot: Rapid expansion to 8-10 clinicians, a swift shift to fully virtual during COVID, and quarterly hiring cycles. 09:30 Burnout & Sabbatical Decision: After completing her master's and maxing out her coaching load, Hannah realizes she can no longer over-perform without harming herself. 10:50 Preparing to Step Away: She hands off clinical duties, delegates supervision, and navigates key leadership turnover while already planning a 2025 sabbatical. 12:06 Team Trust & SOP Creation: Hannah explains how she documented detailed standard operating procedures to ensure the practice would run without her. 15:00 Life on Sabbatical: Hannah discovers the power of a structured, work-free period before returning in January 2025. 18:15 Company Culture Deep-Dive: Emphasizes companionship, hybrid office use, purposeful all-hands meetings, retreats, and balancing fun activities against cost. 21:00 Transparency & Financial Sharing: Shares mission, vision, client flow, and payroll ratios (~75% payroll) while keeping full profit-and-loss details private to build trust without overwhelm. 24:32 Retention & Career Pathing: Discusses the typical 2-3-year clinician tenure, encourages honest conversations about growth, and promotes "red-carpet" exits to maintain goodwill. 27:41 Practical Sabbatical Prep: Recommends a trusted interim (e.g., finance expert), comprehensive SOPs for every task, and a line-of-credit cash-flow safety net. 34:20 Leadership Philosophy: Advocates consent-based hiring, mutual choice to stay, evolving roles, and "rolling out the red carpet" for departing staff as brand ambassadors. 41:38 Sabbatical Reflection: Stepping away forces detachment from outcomes, clarifies personal values, and reinforces a sustainable work-life balance. 51:00 Final Takeaways: Trust the team, rely on SOPs, adopt the "It's not that serious" mantra, and schedule regular breaks to ensure longevity. Whether you're dreaming of building a team, navigating leadership challenges, or simply craving more balance, this episode will leave you with the clarity and courage to create a business that truly supports the life you want to live. Hannah Turnbull is a multi-passionate clinician entrepreneur. She founded NourishED Colorado, a dietitian group practice specializing in eating disorders and weight-inclusive care, and is a business coach at Values Driven Group, where she helps clinicians build thriving, values-aligned group practices. As co-host of the Weight Inclusive Innovators podcast, she shares insights on business, leadership, and finances. A lifelong learner, she's often found nose-deep in a leadership or finance book. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Charlie Golighlty, founder of Group Practice Partner, a fractional practice management partner for strategic, mission-aligned support. Charlie shares why so many solo clinicians and group-practice owners feel like they're juggling too many hats and constantly putting out fires, and how bringing in someone who understands both the clinical world and the language of business can transform that chaos into clarity. If you've ever felt burnt out in the day-to-day business operations and are ready to step back, see the bigger picture, and make intentional moves for your business, this episode is for you. The Realities of Running a Private or Group Practice: Exploration of the overwhelming multitasking, emotional attachment, and common pain points that practice owners face daily. Introducing Fractional Practice Management: A part-time, on-demand practice manager service that keeps operations running smoothly during leaves or breaks. The Three Core Pillars of a Healthy Business: Discussion on services (bones), systems (muscles), and energy (gut/heart) as essential, interlocking components. Routine Business Check-Ins: The speakers recommend semiannual full reviews and mentorship input aligned with personal life cycles for sustained balance. Recurring Themes Across the Business: A conversation on boundaries, burnout, and visibility as recurring challenges that need intentional focus. This episode is for you if you're looking for actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and practical next steps you can use to create a business that supports both your mission and your life. Timestamps: 02:31 Charlie's Background: From an eating‑disorder dietitian to a B2B educator, Charlie brings many years of private‑practice experience to group‑practice consulting. 03:51 Why Group Practices Struggle: Accidental "boss" status, rapid scaling, and lack of business foundations leave many dietitians overwhelmed. 07:07 Boundaries & Sustainability: Charging enough, protecting personal time, and building a profitable practice are essential for long‑term success. 08:15 Three‑Pillar Framework: Services (bones), Systems (muscles), and Energy (heart/gut) must stay balanced for a healthy business. 17:20 Assessment Categories: Finances, hiring/onboarding, operations, contractor vs. employee, burnout, and general support guide the audit. 24:25 Coasting as Strategy: Deliberate "coasting" periods let owners rest while a well‑oiled machine runs smoothly, often with a temporary CEO. 29:06 Emotional Validation: Feeling uneasy about taking a break is normal; you deserve rest and sustainable success. Whether you're running a solo practice or managing a growing team, this conversation will leave you inspired, better equipped, and ready to make confident decisions for the future of your business. Charlie Golightly supports the visionaries behind group practices by acting as the integrator - the person who brings it all together. Through fractional practice management, they help human-centered teams get the nitty gritty details done with clarity, sustainability, and care. Whether its reimagining your systems, putting out administrative fires, or supporting your team while you take a leave, Charlie has your back. Learn more about their services and get your free Business Vitality Assessment at GroupPracticePartner.com . Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the COAST stage of business. Join them to discuss the importance of coasting as a business owner, how it can be a strategic and intentional phase, and the benefits it brings to personal and professional life. When you're a business owner, the need to COAST can come up at any time, sometimes planned, and sometimes unplanned. Whether you think you'll be coasting anytime soon or not, this episode will leave you feeling confident when it's your time to COAST. COAST Stage of Business: Coasting is defined as an intentional phase in business, often necessary during personal life events. Boundaries and Self-Care in the COAST Stage: Emphasizes the importance of evolving boundaries and prioritizing self-care during coasting. Personal Development and Self-Understanding: Business ownership offers opportunities for personal growth and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. Saying No and Identity as a Business Owner: Discusses the power of saying no and balancing personal identity with business responsibilities. Motherhood and Coasting: Highlights how motherhood and family responsibilities necessitate coasting in business. This conversation will help you see coasting not as a setback, but as a strategic way to build a sustainable business and life. Timestamps: 00:38 Podcast Series Details: The series will explore the five stages of business, emphasizing personalized roadmaps for success. 01:53 Resources and Toolkits: Highlights available resources and toolkits for different stages of business, including upcoming releases. 04:23 COAST Stage of Business: Introduction to the COAST stage, emphasizing its importance and intentional nature in business management. 05:55 Reasons for Coasting: Lists various reasons for coasting, such as personal health and life events, validating its necessity. 06:43 Defining Coasting: Clarifies that coasting involves intentional management, not inactivity, similar to intuitive eating misconceptions. 08:50 Boundaries and Self-Care: Discusses evolving boundaries and prioritizing self-care during the coasting stage of business. 13:01 Learning About Yourself: Highlights the importance of understanding personal strengths and weaknesses through assessments. 14:12 Saying No and Personal Development: Explains the power of saying no to prioritize personal life and shares personal growth experiences. 16:14 Motherhood and Coasting: Discusses how motherhood and family responsibilities necessitate coasting in business. 18:35 Mindset Shift and Diet Culture: Encourages rejecting societal pressures in business and diet culture, advocating for personal success definitions. This conversation is a reminder that coasting can be part of growth, and it's an essential step in a business that works for your life, not against it. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the LEAD stage of business. This stage is focused on the importance of hiring and leading a team. Hear insights on how dietitians can step into leadership roles, overcome the fear of hiring, and build a sustainable business. Whether you already have a team, are ready to hire, or may want to hire in the future, this episode is for you. Introduction to the LEAD Stage: Learn why hiring is essential for expanding your business without compromising self-care and boundaries. New Resources for Hiring and Leading: Discover a free guide and upcoming Team Toolkit to assist in the hiring and leadership process. Challenges and Solutions in the LEAD Stage: Explore common fears in hiring and strategies for building a strong company culture. Combining Business School and the EXPAND Curriculum: The new Business School Mastermind will support dietitians in the LEAD stage of business as well as dietitians starting and growing. Celebrating Success in the LEAD Stage: Emphasize the importance of focusing on your strengths and achieving business sustainability. Tune in to gain the tools, mindset shifts, and practical strategies you need to confidently LEAD your business to the next level. Timestamps: 00:28 Free Guide and Team Toolkit: Two resources are highlighted: a free guide for hiring preparation and an upcoming Team Toolkit for the hiring process. 01:37 Podcast Series Introduction: Jennifer introduces the podcast series focused on the five stages of business: SET UP, START, GROW, LEAD, and COAST. 02:24 Resources for Different Business Stages: Various resources are available for different stages of business, including toolkits for marketing, finances, and team building. 03:56 Business School Mastermind Program: The Business School Mastermind program is introduced as a comprehensive support system for dietitians. 05:46 LEAD Stage of Business Discussion: Jennifer and Courtney discuss the LEAD stage of business, emphasizing the necessity of hiring to avoid burnout. 08:53 Challenges and Mindset in the LEAD Stage: Insights from the EXPAND program highlight challenges in hiring and leadership, focusing on building company culture. 18:24 Skills and Requirements for the LEAD Stage: Key skills for moving forward include hiring, training, managing, and leading a team effectively. 21:03 Celebrating the LEAD Stage: The celebration involves stepping into one's zone of genius and delegating tasks to maintain business sustainability. This conversation will leave you feeling empowered to build the team you need, so you can lead with confidence, protect your energy, and grow a sustainable practice. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the GROW stage of business. This is a stage where you'll focus on expanding your reach, refining your marketing strategies, and implementing new systems, all while continuing to serve your clients effectively. This stage of business is all about getting fully booked but on your terms. In this episode, Jennifer walks you through the ups and downs and practical advice for marketing, finances, and much more. Whether you're looking to refine your current practice or considering launching new offers, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you grow sustainably. GROW Stage of Business: Transitioning from the start stage, the GROW stage involves defining "fully booked" and personalizing business goals with systems and strategies. Challenges and Considerations: Key challenges include understanding finances, setting boundaries, and implementing effective marketing strategies. Launching New Offers: Business owners are encouraged to refine current offers and consider audience size before launching new services or products. Graduating from the GROW Stage: Success in this stage involves understanding conversion rates, maintaining sustainability, and celebrating achievements. This episode will empower you to make strategic decisions, streamline your systems, and confidently step into the next level of your business growth. Timestamps: 00:29 Introduction to the GROW Stage: Jennifer McGurk introduces the GROW stage, highlighting its personalized nature and the importance of defining "fully booked" for each practitioner. 05:13 Defining the GROW Stage: Jennifer explains how dietitians can identify if they are in the GROW stage, focusing on confidence in client work and setting personal business goals. 10:36 Challenges in the GROW Stage: The episode addresses common challenges such as setting boundaries and understanding finances, emphasizing the need for experimentation. 14:57 Marketing and Finances: Jennifer discusses the critical role of marketing and financial understanding in maintaining a sustainable private practice. 16:18 Launching New Offers: The discussion covers the idea of launching new offers, advising caution due to the significant effort and resources required. 12:38 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship: Jennifer highlights the importance of understanding financial needs for those considering leaving a full-time job. 26:36 Celebrating Success: Jennifer encourages listeners to celebrate their achievements in reaching the GROW stage and reflect on their business progress. No matter where you're at in growing your business, this episode will help you clarify your goals and take intentional action to build a business that works for you. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the START stage of business, the time where you transition from setting up your private practice to seeing your first clients. We'll explore the emotions, challenges, and action steps involved in this stage, focusing on the importance of developing strong counseling skills and effective customer service strategies. Whether you're just starting to see clients in your private practice or looking to refine your counseling approach, this episode offers valuable insights and resources to help you keep clients coming back. Characteristics of Dietitians in the START Stage: Highlights the experience of working with dietitians and the importance of counseling skills. Thoughts and Feelings in the START Stage: Discusses the excitement, overwhelm, and hopefulness experienced by dietitians in this stage. Challenges in the START Stage: Identifies selling services and customer service as key challenges for dietitians. Requirements to Move Forward: Stresses the need for strong counseling skills and forming therapeutic alliances. Celebrating the START Stage: Encourages recognizing the importance of work and passion in fueling business growth. By understanding the unique dynamics and realistic expectations of the START stage, you'll be better equipped to counsel clients and make an impact with your business. Timestamps: 04:49 START Stage of Business: Explanation of the transition from SET UP to START stage, focusing on seeing first clients. 05:49 Counseling Skills and Client Retention: Emphasis on developing counseling skills to retain clients and build therapeutic relationships. 08:28 Challenges in the START Stage: Discussion of common feelings and challenges, including selling services and managing customer service. 13:12 Ideal Clients and Business Growth: Encouragement to experiment with different client types to identify ideal clients. 14:08 Counseling Skills Toolkit: Announcement of an upcoming Counseling Skills Toolkit focusing on counseling and customer service. Join the waitlist today. 15:31 Celebrating the START Stage: Recognition of the significance of the START stage in feeling fulfilled as a dietitian. Navigating the START stage is not just about getting clients. It's about becoming a confident, capable counselor for your clients, which is the foundation of your private practice. Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/ Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️ The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast