Don't Get it Twisted

Dealing with change can be HARD, and coping with the aftermath of it can be so much harder. Today is all about the fine art of the balancing act, something Taylor has never mastered, and the workout routine that destroyed her (she now ceases to exist).

It finally happened. I am a certified personal trainer. That is all. 

Braving through the storm can sometimes be the toughest part of your cycle. What may be worse? Taylor's traitor status with the MCU. We break down the ~science~ behind working out on your period, getting in tune with your body, and how incredibly helpful endorphins are (who knew?). We then reveal how Taylor and Keith absolutely ruined their reputations, all thanks to Spider-Man: Far from Home. MCUniversers, we are so terribly sorry in advance. 

Forever living in the shadow of 2017. 

We are flipping the script today as we rewrite the story of this podcast to give you the most value in every episode. We tackle four tips that help Taylor when she is feeling low, unconfident, and unmotivated; to feel like her best self, to feel at her absolute best. We're embodying that healthy lifestyle mentality and untwisting those negative narratives today, baby! 

A mini-episode from a croaking toad named Taylor who issues her sincerest apologies for her state of disgrace.

It's finally time to explain why I have been so MIA...

Sharing my entire experience as the girl who never liked to run, to running a 13.1-mile race. 

This week we sit down with Tess Barclay, YouTuber, and creator of Busy Blooming, a community for postgraduates. Sit back and relax (or safely operate your vehicle) while we break down navigating your 20s, being an open book, dealing with work conflict (and a horror story or two), and finding yourself amongst the mess.   

Tess's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TessBarclay
Busy Blooming: https://www.busyblooming.ca/

Taylor shares where she's been for the past two months, how she's overcoming negative self-talk and imposter syndrome, and has a small breakdown about people using their phones in intimate settings. Welcome back.

Here to give you a bit of direction, ease, confidence, and love before we fully divulge into the THICK of it this holiday season. This is also me bidding ado to 2021 and thanking you all for an amazing year with the #twistypod. I don't know where I would be without you, thank you for sticking by my side. You are EVERYTHING

We sit down with movement-lover and personal training extraordinaire Sareena Rama to talk all things joy through movement, inclusivity and diversity in the fitness industry, and finding ways to ground yourself throughout a stressful day. A very loving and fun conversation that I know will have you feeling rejuvenated and recharged with love!   

Sareena's Instagram: www.instagram.com/sareenarama

I sat down with Paige Knapp of Imperfectly Paige Wellness to discuss her journey with healing her gut health, holistic health and wellness, and healing your mindset with food.   

Link to Paige's website and her Gut Instinct Program: https://imperfectlypaigewellness.com/gut-instinct-group-program/

A milestone birthday can feel overwhelming, exciting, and completely terrifying all at the same time. We're taking a moment to reflect on some of the most important things I've learned in my (extra short) life, and also having a moment to hype you up for the fun of the holiday season. Grab a tissue because this one might be more emotional than anticipated.   

Link to my holiday merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/tayllorwoods/

This is the story of how buying tickets to see Harry Styles: Love on Tour three hours before showtime changed my life. Enjoy. 

Ho, ho, ho: it's November 1st, friends! Taylor Claus is in town and in full holiday gear (or, something like that). We are talking all things holiday season, Twistmas 2021, Halloweekend recap, and a mid-way personal training update! Yeehaw folks, it's the ho, ho, ho-liday hoedown!

Welcome to Ep. 60 of the Twisty Pod! Who let this girl have a microphone and share her dirty secrets for 60 episodes straight? We are coining today's episode as the "comfy, cozy" segment as we take a step back from the usual chaotic energy here at the Twisty Pod to answer some of your extra hot and spicy questions. We discuss how to properly fuel your body before a gym session, feeling guilty for missing a workout, my personal training experience and advice for newbies, and some BOY PROBLEMS. 

I recently had a conversation with my friend on how to approach your workout routine if you are coming back from an extended break. We discussed everything from exercises to choose, goals to set, overall wellness, and even a suggested weekly split...Thus, bringing us to today. Welcome to my free, fun (and hopefully) educational workshop on how to structure your workout routine, orient your mindset and approach your healthy lifestyle the safe and fun way: the Twisty Tay way. 

If you struggle to find your routine, balance your social life and gym schedule, and you're still living in that week-to-week mindset, it's about time we have that talk. We break down what it really means to live a healthy lifestyle--a buzzword that often gets a bit too twisted--plus how we can learn to balance our schedule and healthy habits with a *truly* healthy mindset. Booyah. 

It's time for an explanation, and it's going to be a big one. This episode is a bit of an introduction, a welcome back, an explanation for where in the heck I've been for the past 6 weeks, and also a nod to this upcoming season. Consider this a "prequel" if you will to this new era of the Twisty Pod. Buckle the heck up. 

Clearing the air on how and why my mindset has shifted so drastically in the last few months, and how this change has shifted the trajectory of my entire life (I wish I was kidding, but it truly is *that* dramatic). I also provide tips for weight lifting in the gym for the first time, how to gain confidence while lifting weights, my opinion on gym-based guides, and weight progressions. This episode will also be the last episode of Summer 2021..aka stay tuned for the Twisty Pod return in the Fall! 

You know when you haven't seen your friend in ages so you FaceTime them to catch up? That is this episode in a nutshell. It's an all-in-one pop culture update, breakdown, and gossip session. We talk everything from influencer marketing and sponsorships to Katie's season of the Bachelorette. Plus, Amanda shares university and job search tips and how she's managing to find work internationally. 

I'll let you in on a little secret: this episode is *sponsored* by the very exclusive sweat and tears I have spent obsessing over my fears, anxiety, and a wee bit of reality television over the past few weeks. But isn't that what the Twisty Pod is for? To bring us together to vent? No judgement zone? Same time next week, but then it's your turn.   

Also, the episode where I happen to rant on about my new and improved and ever-so-fabulous microphone, is also the same episode where I had 101 audio and video problems and ended up needing to use my camera audio for the podcast. And with that, I extend my sincerest apologies for your ears, your hearts, and my very weak moment far, far away from humility.

We finally indulge in the stories of sweet, sweet Firenze and all the fun times that beautiful city curated and inspired. I share how I decided to study in Italy, the advantages of studying abroad through your university, where and I how I traveled, and hopefully a helpful tip or two. Let it be known this is one of my longest, solo episodes. Hello pot, I'm kettle. 

While I've only been sharing my life online for a little over a year now, I already do not agree with things I have done in my past--be that certain challenges, trends, workout videos, dieting habits, or even phrases I may have ignorantly used. A lot has changed since I started my YouTube journey, and I want to address how it has affected me and how I want to proceed moving forward.

Introducing the first-ever 50th web show spectacular y'all. Stream live (kinda) on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/dontgetittwistedpodcast

A moment (and hopefully, a lifetime) for body acceptance and positivity, denim on denim on denim, keratosis pilaris, bathing suits hauls, and much, much more. I share openly about my journey to loving my skin and also take the soapbox to declare why we should never feel unconfident trying on bathing suits. This episode is honest and raw and dives into topics I haven't publicly shared, but highlights the importance of loving who we are, as we are, and becoming our own biggest cheerleader. 

The popularization of microtrends, fast fashion, influencer culture, and social media has created a world filled with scary overconsumption habits. How can we manage the ever-growing need to adhere to Planet Earth's livelihood while also having a real conversation about our own habits and their greater impact? Noureen Shallwan's project "The Get Wasted Challenge" explains all of this from an honest perspective and helps break down the importance of our consumption with respect to fashion, beauty, travel, health, fitness, and more. 

Nour Shall Live: https://anchor.fm/nourshall

Noureen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourshall.live

I'm so sorry to break the news to you this way, but it had to be done.

Are you simping? Experiencing a relationship fallout? Maybe you just need a bit of workout motivation? Welcome to the first-ever "Dear Twisty" advice segment on the Twisty Pod, answering your deepest darkest questions (well, maybe not) and offering up my sub-par advice. Get ready for a hoot AND a holler of a time.

Combatting fitness industry stigmas and rewiring our mindset is a challenging feat. You're not alone if you're ever confused on how to be a healthy, fit queen. Because let's be honest here: Taylor is right there with you.

Amanda Wan is the definition of productive. At 22, she runs two entrepreneurial businesses, produces a YouTube channel as well as a successful podcast, and offers freelance editing in her spare time between being a full-time student and working a part-time job. Sounds easy, right? Amanda explains how in the heck she manages her passions, shares her journey with her sexuality online, and how she went to Kylie Jenner's 18th birthday party (no, this isn't clickbait). This is your weekly FaceTime with friends meets business-woman special.

Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/

Amanda's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV2brETUt5mDoAOz1IetYNA

Amanda's Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/behindthegirlboss/

Listen to me stumble my way through trying to sound like I know *things* and am *cool* as I explain how to prioritize your workout and stick to your fitness goals, offer an uncertified lesson on NEAT, and butcher a horrid explanation of the Turkish Get-Up. The beauty of this twisty pod is unraveling itself in the palm of your hands!