Mindful Muscle

About Mindful Muscle

Welcome to *Mindful Muscle*, the ultimate fitness and nutrition podcast for anyone on their health journey—but especially for beginners, because Gio Marin and Jodi Dolo have been there. Each embarked on their own transformative wellness journey, and together, they have lost about 145 pounds. Now, they are on a mission to show others that making big changes to health and fitness is possible—and sustainable. Through insightful discussions on maintaining a balanced lifestyle, navigating the challenges of raising a family, and building the right mindset for long-term success, they provide practical guidance for listeners at every stage. From nutrition tips to the realities of the journey, *Mindful Muscle* is a go-to resource for those ready to take control of their health.

Publisher

Gio Marin and Jodi Dolo

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Feb 2024

Latest episode

4 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

75 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Dec 2025

   Teen Fitness + Holiday Gift Guide

   In this episode of the Mindful Muscle Podcast, hosts Geo and Jodi delve into the topic of encouraging teens to start and maintain fitness routines. Jodi shares personal experiences about her son’s budding interest in working out, the challenges of navigating fitness and nutrition advice prevalent on social media, and ensuring a healthy relationship with food. The hosts additionally discuss holiday gift ideas for fitness enthusiasts, including gift cards, massage certificates, and Amazon wishlist items. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on guiding the younger generation towards sustainable health and wellness, as well as some thoughtful holiday gift recommendations for the fitness-minded. 00:00 Welcome to the Mindful Muscle Podcast 00:35 Jodi's Son's Fitness Journey 02:06 Navigating Nutrition and Social Media 03:47 Fitness Goals and Progress 05:47 Parenting and Fitness 07:56 Holiday Eating and Moderation 17:30 Gift Ideas for Fitness Enthusiasts 28:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

2. 

   20 Nov 2025

   Explosive Power After 50: Tips for Goal Setting and Other Updates

   At 52 and closer to 53, Gio is chasing the rim again — literally. 🏀 In this episode of the Mindful Muscle Podcast, Gio and Jodi open up about real-life struggles, smart goals, and what it means to keep showing up for your health, no matter your age or circumstances. Jodi shares the powerful story of her husband’s recovery after a horrific drunk driving accident, the emotional and financial toll it took on their family, and the one lesson she wants everyone to act on today: check your insurance coverage. From emergency funds to living below your means, this conversation goes deep into stewardship, resilience, and preparation. From there, Gio talks about moving three times in eight months, the stress of adjusting to country life on four acres, and how that impacted his routines, mental health, and fitness. Then the two dive into: • 🧠 How to turn any fitness dream into a SMART goal • 🏀 Gio’s new challenge: regaining his vertical jump to grab the rim by age 53 • 💪 Why strength, VO₂ max, and low body fat matter more as we age • 🧡 Jodi’s work at the YMCA and with Special Olympics Unified Fitness • 🎁 A book giveaway for loyal listeners (“Rebuilding Milo” & “Built From Broken”) • 🏋️♂️ Sneak peek: Gio’s upcoming home gym build (750–900 sq ft project) • 👦 Future episode: helping Jodi’s 14-year-old son navigate fitness and nutrition questions in a healthy way ⏱ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome + 145 lb combined weight loss 01:00 – Jodi’s husband’s accident & underinsured driver reality 05:00 – Gio’s 3 moves in 8 months & life stress on four acres 09:00 – Playing basketball at 5:30 AM with guys half his age 11:00 – Can a 52-year-old regain his vertical jump? 13:00 – Breaking down Gio’s SMART goal to grab the rim 18:00 – VO₂ max, body fat, and longevity 23:00 – Why goals matter even if you’re already disciplined 24:00 – Podcast update, book giveaway, and gym build teaser 👇 Join the Conversation What’s your current SMART goal — fitness or otherwise? Drop it in the comments using S-M-A-R-T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) and we might feature it in a future episode. 👍 Like this episode 📲 Subscribe for more faith-filled, science-backed fitness conversations 🔔 Hit the bell so you don’t miss the gym build and Jodi’s episode on teen nutrition Until next time, remember: if you don’t take care of yourself… who will?

3. 

   11 Sept 2025

   Wellness Made Simple: The Power of Small Steps with Alan Welch

   In this episode of the Mindful Muscle Podcast, hosts Gio Marin and Jodi Dolo welcome Alan Welch, host of the Busy Pro Fast Wellness podcast, for an inspiring conversation. Alan shares his journey from being a semi-professional musician to becoming a wellness advocate, detailing how he lost 145 pounds and overcame a long struggle with alcohol. The episode delves deep into the importance of sustainable health changes, the power of small steps, and how music and fitness can transform lives. Alan offers valuable insights on maintaining mental and physical health, resilience, and how even the busiest professionals can integrate wellness into their daily routines. Don't miss out on this inspiring and educational conversation! Be sure to subscribe and hit the like button. 00:00 Welcome to the Mindful Muscle Podcast 00:43 Introducing Our Guest: Alan Welch 02:25 Alan's Musical Journey 04:15 Transition to Fitness and Running 09:56 Struggles with Alcohol and Overcoming Addiction 13:25 The Power of Small Steps and Sustainable Change 22:51 Small Steps for Busy Professionals 26:19 Incorporating Music and Movement 30:49 Global Perspectives on Health 38:37 The Power of Small Steps 43:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

51,827

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

63

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

31

Contact Mindful Muscle

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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