The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair

Today, I'm joined by scientist, nutritionist, and emotional eating and self-sabotage coach Matty Lansdown for a real conversation about health and weight that goes way deeper than food rules. Matty shares why most of us already know what to do, but still feel stuck, and how the real shift happens when you understand the patterns underneath your choices. 
We talk about emotional eating, trauma and self-protection, dopamine loops, and the unsexy truth that sustainable change usually comes from building awareness first, then making small tweaks consistently, without triggering rebellion.
In this episode, we explore: 
Why it's "not about calories or kale," it's mindset and behavior change
Two common roots behind emotional eating: trauma and dopamine-driven self-soothing
A simple awareness practice: track what you eat, where you eat, and what you feel
"One tweak a week" and why slow change is often the only change that sticks
How rebellion gets triggered by rigid plans, and how self-guided empowerment helps
Why naming the emotion can quiet a craving (Michelle shares her own "potato chips" moment)
Fermented foods, gut health, and how the microbiome can influence your body's set 
Obesogens, plastics, and common chemicals that may disrupt metabolism and hormones
Resources from this Episode:
Connect with Matty Lansdown:
Visit Matty's website
Matty's Podcast: The Real Weight Loss Coach
Matty on Instagram: @the.real.weight.loss.coach
 
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Sonia Flores, someone I've known and worked with for years, and after a team meeting where she dropped a phrase that stopped us all in our tracks, I knew we had to bring it to the podcast. The term is "Mantourage Dating," and it's a powerful way to date from self-worth, boundaries, and grounded confidence.
This conversation is about dating, but it's also about so much more. If you're not dating, don't skip this episode. What Sonia shares applies to long-term partnerships, marriages, and every relationship you have, because the real shift happens when you stop making it about them and start making it about you.
In this episode, we explore: 
How "Mantourage Dating" works and why it helps you stay grounded
Why dating gets easier when you stop chasing outcomes and focus on your own experience
The mindset shift that changed everything for Sonia
How to date with clear standards, boundaries, and self-respect
Why having a list of what you want (places, experiences, energy) keeps you out of people-pleasing
How self-worth changes what you tolerate, what you attract, and what you choose
Why this concept applies even if you're already in a committed relationship
 
Resources from this Episode:
Learn more about Sonia:
Website: https://www.bluechakrastudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluechakrastudio
Podcast: https://apple.co/3G50aQC
 
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today's episode is a true "sneak attack" mini-session I recorded on the spot because the shift happened so fast, I wanted you to hear it in real time. 
At first, I introduced my guest "JoJo" as a code name. Then we reveal the big moment: "JoJo" is actually my mom, Nancy Brindisi, and this is her first-ever time on the podcast!
My mom is in that brave space of considering dating again after years, and the negative self-talk started spiraling. So I walked her through one simple practice that stopped the mental loop within minutes, and the calm that followed was unmistakable.
In this episode, I share: 
Why negative self-talk often spikes when you're stepping into something new, especially dating again
How I work with "parts" as energetic parts work (working with the energy of the judging, doubting part)
A practical way to borrow supportive energy when you can't access your Adult Chair in the moment
How this practice can come through as words, images, or a felt sense, and why your way is the right way
 
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Emmy-winning journalist and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal, whose own unexpected journey through perimenopause and menopause led her to create a global movement of education, support, and empowerment for women. After years of brain fog, exhaustion, misdiagnosis, and silence from the medical system, Tamsen began using her voice and platform to help women understand what is happening in their bodies and how to advocate for real care.
In this episode, we talk honestly about symptoms, hormones, relationships, sex, confidence, and why so many women feel blindsided by this transition. Tamsen brings clarity, humor, and compassion to a life stage that has been ignored for far too long, and she offers real guidance for women who want to feel informed, supported, and empowered.
In this episode, we explore: 
The symptoms most women miss in early perimenopause
Why brain fog and sleep issues are among the most debilitating changes
The impact of hormonal shifts on mood, libido, skin, hair, and body composition
Misconceptions about estrogen, the WHI study, and hormone therapy
The role of testosterone and why it is often a missing piece
How to communicate with your partner about what you are experiencing
Why advocating for yourself and finding an educated provider is essential
 
Resources from this Episode:
Learn more about Tamsen Fadal: https://tamsenfadal.com
Menopause Society Provider Finder: https://menopausesociety.org 
Get Tamsen's book, "How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before"
 
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Debra Martin, a certified research medium whose three near death experiences completely transformed her life. Each experience opened her to the reality of the soul, the presence of divine love, and a deeper understanding of why we are here.
Debra shares how these moments awakened her spiritual gifts, led her into unexpected healing abilities, and helped her remember who we truly are beneath the human experience. Her stories offer hope, validation, and a powerful reminder that we are never alone.
In this episode, we explore: 
What Debra experienced during her three near death experiences and how they changed her life
The role of spiritual surgeons, divine intervention, and soul contracts in healing
Why emotional patterns, childhood wounds, and unprocessed pain often sit beneath illness
How Debra facilitates remote healing sessions and the profound results she has witnessed
Why love, presence, and connection to your divine essence are essential parts of healing
Resources from this Episode:
Learn more about Debra Martin: https://debramartinhealer.com/ 
 
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant