Can you believe it?! 100 episodes. And in true Unfiltered Fit Life fashion, we’re marking this milestone with zero filters, lots of laughs, and a lot of real talk.
This week, I’m handing the mic to Coach Jen, licensed counselor, head coach at Powerhouse Academy. Jen flipped the script and put me in the hot seat for an unscripted Q&A session.
We’re talking about everything: what it takes to keep a podcast going past episode 5 (spoiler: less than 6% make it to 100), my most cringe moments in fitness and life (yes, hip thrust fails included), and what I’ve learned from building a business, raising kids, and navigating the messy, beautiful chaos of life out loud.
If you’ve ever wanted to peek behind the curtain of podcasting, fitness, or my personal life, this is it. No edits. No polished soundbites. Just unfiltered truth with a side of overshare.
Here's what we cover:
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What it’s really like to hit 100 episodes—and why most shows don’t make it
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My most embarrassing gym, business, and life moments (brace yourself)
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Body image, boundaries, and the messy middle of personal growth
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The truth about motherhood, identity, and not feeling instantly “bonded”
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Hilarious dating horror stories, family fails, and bathroom panic
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The advice I’d give my younger self
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How I handle setbacks, stay motivated, and why victim mentality drives me nuts
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The difference between saying “yes” to growth vs “yes” to people-pleasing
This episode is for the day-ones, the new listeners, the ones chasing big goals, and the ones who just need to know they’re not the only ones screwing it up and trying again.
Take notes of who you're becoming in the process, the lessons that you're learning that can transfer from the weight room or from the habits that you're developing to who you are, who you're going to be, the things that you're going to do, and the work ethic that you're going to present. - Nathalia
Thank you for being part of this journey. This episode is a love letter to this incredible community.
DM me your favorite moment or what caught you off guard.
To celebrate 100 episodes, I’m giving away $10K in Powerhouse Academy scholarships—apply by May 12! Head over to this link to apply!
Related Episodes
Couples Q&A: Roger and Nathalia
The Influence That Parents Have On A Child's Relationship with Food, Their Bodies, & Obesity
Connect with Nathalia
Get my favorite pre-workout HERE
Thanks for joining us on the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple and Spotify to help us reach even more women ready to simplify their fitness journey so they can lose weight, regain their confidence, and feel sexy AF!
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Nathalia [00:00:00]:
Hello, fam! Welcome to the 100th episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast. I’m Nathalia Mellor, and today we’re doing something special. Jen is joining me as cohost to ask questions submitted by our community (and some of her own). I have not seen them—so whatever happens… happens! 😂
Jennifer [00:00:55]:
Congrats on 100 episodes! I was also told not to peek at the questions, so here we go…
Cheers to Hitting 100 Episodes
Nathalia [00:01:19]:
Did you know only 5.36% of podcasts make it to 100 episodes? That’s wild!
Jennifer [00:01:48]:
People really don’t realize how much work goes into it. Kudos!
Nathalia [00:02:00]:
It’s a win not just for me but for the listeners too. You guys keep me going—sending messages, showing love, and tuning in.
Let the Questions Begin...
Jennifer [00:02:59]:
Let’s start with something light—what’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done to impress someone?
Nathalia [00:03:22]:
Oh boy. When I met Roger (my husband), I was bartending and tried to get his attention by adjusting my corset… and he didn’t even flinch. Also, I stalked a bar manager for a year to land a bartending gig. Persistence pays off, folks.
Most Embarrassing Moment... EVER
Jennifer [00:05:23]:
What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced?
Nathalia [00:05:33]:
Doing a seminar in Moscow, I tried to demo a hip thrust on a plastic chair… in front of 200 people. Fell flat on my butt. Could barely walk. Mortifying.
The Bathroom Chronicles
Jennifer [00:07:32]:
Have you ever farted in a situation where you 100% shouldn’t have?
Nathalia [00:07:51]:
Not really farting, but the first trip with Roger, I was stressed about going #2 in a bathroom right next to the bed. It was a whole strategy: run water, quick flush, spray perfume, repeat. 😂
Getting Caught (Literally)
Jennifer [00:09:40]:
Ever been caught doing something you shouldn’t have?
Nathalia [00:09:59]:
I crashed my mom’s car at age 10 playing Mario Kart in the parking garage. Damaged the car. Hit the building pillars. Neighbor’s car too. Thought I got away with it until the cameras told the truth.
Childhood Experiences That Shaped Me
Jennifer [00:13:56]:
What’s one thing from your childhood that shaped how you show up for your family today?
Nathalia [00:14:14]:
I was raised by a single mom who couldn’t attend many events. That influenced how intentional I am about showing up for my kids—and the language we use around food and body image.
Advice to My Younger Self
Jennifer [00:15:55]:
What advice would you give your younger self when you first started taking care of yourself?
Nathalia [00:16:09]:
Keep going. Even if your path isn’t validated yet. Fitness was not taken seriously where I grew up, but it became my calling. Every moment built who I am.
Reflection from the Olympia & Arnold Days
Jennifer [00:18:20]:
What would you say to yourself during the Olympia/Arnold competing years?
Nathalia [00:18:37]:
Ask more questions. Set boundaries. Just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t mean you have to. Some photos I took, I wish I had the courage to say no to. I now know it’s okay to say no.
Drunk Tales & Teaching English
Jennifer [00:23:22]:
Embarrassing drunk story?
Nathalia [00:23:29]:
I partied hard the night before teaching English at 8 a.m. I reeked of alcohol and couldn’t speak Portuguese to explain myself. I survived... barely.
Oops! Wrong Message…
Jennifer [00:26:55]:
Ever sent a message to the wrong person?
Nathalia [00:27:04]:
Yes. All the time. ADHD + Slack = chaos. I’ve lost count.
Caught in the Act?
Jennifer [00:27:22]:
Ever been caught in the act?
Nathalia [00:27:42]:
Not by adults, but maybe by my kids. It’s traumatizing. “Mommy and Daddy need a minute” is now a household phrase.
Mirror Pep Talks & Motivation
Jennifer [00:29:51]:
Do you talk to yourself in the mirror?
Nathalia [00:29:57]:
I used to write motivational quotes in lipstick all over my mirror. Now I journal and speak gratitude aloud—some of it in advance, like it’s already true.
Cringe-Worthy Confidence
Jennifer [00:33:28]:
A time you were confidently wrong?
Nathalia [00:33:28]:
Early in my coaching career—I believed and said things I now regret. Growth means admitting you didn’t know better… and learning.
Pet Peeves & Road Rage
Jennifer [00:36:04]:
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Nathalia [00:36:04]:
Victim mentality. And people who lie. Also: slow walkers, slow drivers, and my husband picking the longest red light line on purpose. WHY?
The Childish Things I Still Do
Jennifer [00:40:22]:
What’s the most childish thing you still do?
Nathalia [00:40:32]:
I can be petty. If God wanted me to be the bigger person, he would've made me taller than 5'5.
Weirdest Google Search?
Jennifer [00:41:30]:
Weirdest thing you’ve Googled?
Nathalia [00:42:12]:
My search history is wild—pure chaos. ADHD rabbit holes and 75 tabs later, I could find your ex’s cousin’s dog groomer if needed.
Navigating Different Lifestyles in Relationships
Jennifer [00:42:57]:
Do you and Roger eat the same way?
Nathalia [00:42:57]:
Yes! But if someone has a problem with your healthy habits, it's not a food problem—it’s a relationship problem.
Magic Wand Moment
Jennifer [00:44:27]:
If you had a magic wand, what would you change?
Nathalia [00:44:27]:
I’d be on a yacht in the Mediterranean. But seriously—more patience and emotional detachment when needed. I care deeply, sometimes too much.
Worst Date Ever
Jennifer [00:46:39]:
Worst. Date. Ever?
Nathalia [00:46:39]:
Guy shows up with a chauffeur, takes me to a Michelin-star restaurant, and pulls out a coupon. Also sent me a full grocery list to shop for his house. No sir.
What No One Tells You About Parenthood
Jennifer [00:51:11]:
Hardest part of parenting?
Nathalia [00:51:11]:
It’s romanticized too much. There’s grief in losing your independence, and you won’t know how well you did until they’re grown. It’s messy, hard, and beautiful.
Favorite Childhood Memory
Jennifer [00:56:00]:
Let’s end with your favorite childhood memory.
Nathalia [00:56:00]:
Getting “lost” on purpose in the mall so security would call my mom. Also, flying alone at six years old—carried my own bag, brought snacks, and called my mom from a payphone when no one came to get me. Iconic.
Nathalia [00:58:55]:
That’s a wrap! Thank you for joining us on this special episode. If you liked this style, let me know—we might do it again!
Jennifer [00:59:39]:
And congrats on 100 episodes, Nathalia. You’ve earned every bit of it.