Healthy Living

41. LM WEEK 2025 DAY 8: Behavior Change with Dr. Erica Jowett Hirst

May 25, 2025

Check out my favorite things here!

FREE! Download my wellness wheel activity!

You'll also love

tell me more

I'm Melyssa with a WHY — lifestyle medicine coach! I'm here to help you forget the fads and create a healthy lifestyle that lasts!

Meet Melyssa

LISTEN NOW ON SPOTIFYAPPLEAUDIBLEIHEART, AND MORE!

SHOW NOTES

In the latest episode of the ‘Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to Suck’ podcast, host Melyssa kicks off season three with an in-depth discussion on sustainable behavior changes with Dr. Erica, a clinical behavior analyst and expert in behavioral psychology. The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning daily actions with core values and the role of community support in achieving health goals. Dr. Erica shares insights on overcoming barriers to healthy living, practical strategies for behavior change, and the significance of maintaining motivation. Listeners are also introduced to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and advised to start small to build long-term, sustainable habits. The episode wraps up the special Lifestyle Medicine Week series, offering actionable advice for those seeking to improve their health through lifestyle changes.

ABOUT DR. ERICA JOWETT HIRST

Dr. Erica Jowett Hirst is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional. In her clinical work, she specializes in behavior change related to all aspects of wellness, including both mental and physical health. Her therapeutic approach involves skills and strategies for better living.

Dr. Erica is also an Adjunct Professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science where she teaches courses in lifestyle medicine that focus on lifestyle factors that influence chronic disease such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

CONNECT WITH DR. ERICA JOWETT HIRST

CHECK OUT OUR LINKS!

TIMESTAMPS

  • 00:00 Introduction to Season Three
  • 00:53 Final Day of Lifestyle Medicine Week
  • 01:50 Guest Introduction: Dr. Erica
  • 02:20 Understanding Behavior Change
  • 02:54 Behavior Analysis and Autism
  • 04:00 Applying Behavioral Science to Health
  • 06:55 Lifestyle Medicine and Chronic Disease
  • 09:11 The Importance of Values in Health
  • 17:57 Strategies for Sustainable Change
  • 22:25 Struggling with Cravings
  • 22:44 Proactive Meal Preparation
  • 23:16 Community and Social Support
  • 26:13 Setting Realistic Goals
  • 27:24 Building Momentum with Small Steps
  • 29:20 Overcoming Barriers and Accountability
  • 38:42 Sustainable Healthy Living
  • 43:54 Conclusion and Resources

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *