The MENTORD Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Urgency isn’t just a concept—it’s a felt experience that shows up in real moments. In the final episode of the No Nutrition Emergencies series, Bethany and Danielle walk through real-life scenarios where urgency creeps in—like when a client spirals after a binge, when you're tempted to over-deliver, or when silence in session feels unbearable.

They name the “fix-it” moments you’ve probably experienced, break down what’s really happening under the surface, and offer new responses rooted in safety, curiosity, and regulation.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to do more to prove your value as a dietitian—this episode will help you unhook from that urgency and reconnect with your clinical presence.

Resources from this episode:

[FREE WORKSHEET] Slowing Down in Session: A Reflection for Dietitians

Have a question for the co-hosts or an episode topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Send us an email at hello@mentordpod.com

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

The MENTORD Podcast [NEW Website]

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

Slowing down in session can feel wrong in a system that celebrates speed—but it’s exactly what ethical, sustainable care requires. In Part 3 of our No Nutrition Emergencies series, Bethany and Danielle explore why urgency isn’t the answer, how to notice when you’re over-functioning, and what it means to regulate before you react.

Resources from this episode:

[FREE WORKSHEET] Slowing Down in Session: A Reflection for Dietitians

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

The MENTORD Podcast [NEW Website]

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

[Part 2] In this episode, Bethany and Danielle discuss the profound impact the nervous system has on medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and nutrition counseling. They explore how clients' nervous systems might influence their ability to follow nutritional advice, touching on the concept of the window of tolerance and the polyvagal theory. They also discuss how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can affect health outcomes via the nervous system. Practical tips are shared for recognizing when a client might be in sympathetic or dorsal vagal states during a session, and how dietitians can adapt their approach to support these clients better. They also highlight the importance of adjusting expectations and the pace of interventions based on the client's capacity, and stress on the need for compassionate, non-judgmental language when collaborating with other providers about clients’ progress.

*This content represents the opinions of the consultant. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*

More nervous system resources:

Grab our FREE guide: Nervous System 101 for Dietitians

Stuck Not Broken podcast

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

The MENTORD Podcast [NEW Website]

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

In this episode, Bethany and Danielle dive into understanding the role of the nervous system in nutrition counseling. Key segments include an in-depth discussion on the polyvagal theory, the window of tolerance, and how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact health through the nervous system. They explore the physiological responses to nutritional restriction and address how to recognize nervous system states in clients. Practical tips for adjusting client care based on nervous system activation and the importance of early life experiences are also covered.

*This content represents the opinions of the consultant. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Polyvagal Theory

Window of Tolerance

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study

The Body Keeps the Score

Deb Dana

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

The MENTORD Podcast [NEW Website]

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

Bethany and Danielle are taking their "spring break" this week and will be back next week with an all NEW episode! In the meantime, we're replaying our Boundaries episode in case you missed it.

[REPLAY] Bethany and Danielle discuss why boundaries are so important, especially for dietitians in private practice. They talk about specific boundaries they have set with clients, colleagues and themselves.

*This content represents the opinions of the consultant. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Practice Policies template for RDs in Private Practice

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't. 

In this episode, Danielle and Bethany discuss the importance of client autonomy and consent in nutrition counseling sessions. They explore various scenarios, from initial consultations to ongoing treatment, emphasizing the need for clear communication, understanding client readiness, and setting realistic goals. The conversation delves into the ethical considerations of motivational interviewing, the significance of respecting client choices, and the provider's role in facilitating open dialogue without imposing their agenda. Anecdotes and practical tips provide listeners with insights into creating a supportive and respectful client-provider relationship.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Ragen Chastain's Don't Weigh Me Cards

Weight Inclusive Innovators podcast

Center for Body Trust

Dana Sturtevant Motivational Interviewing Trainings

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

You can find out more about the work they do at:

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

Bethany and Danielle discuss the importance of client autonomy and consent in dietetic practice, emphasizing the need for clear, concise, and understandable practice policies. They also highlight the necessity for ongoing consent, especially when involving dietetic interns in client sessions.

*This content represents the opinions of the consultant. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Ragen Chastain's Don't Weigh Me Cards

Weight Inclusive Innovators podcast

Center for Body Trust

Dana Sturtevant Motivational Interviewing Trainings

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

You can find out more about the work they do at:

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

A continuation of Bethany and Danielle's discussion on Imposter syndrome, including ways to overcome it! (If you haven't listened to Part 1, check out Episode 5 first)

*This content represents the opinions of the consultant. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Motivational Interviewing in Health & Fitness by Dawn Clifford and Laura Curtis

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

You can find out more about the work they do at:

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

Even when you have the RDN credentials, have you ever questioned your level of expertise? If so, just know you're not alone. In this episode, Bethany and Danielle discuss imposter syndrome and ways it has shown up in their professional lives.

*This content represents the opinions of the consultants. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin

The Highly Sensitive Person

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

You can find out more about the work they do at:

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

Regardless of being in an inpatient or outpatient setting, you need to find a session style that feels authentic to you. 

When we say "style" we mean: 

• how you begin/end a session
• how you conduct a session- formal or informal or a mix?
• how you take notes (outpatient) (ex. do you use a template or free style? Do you take notes on a computer/tablet or a pad of paper?)
• your office setting/set-up (outpatient)
• It can also mean what you wear as the provider

In Part 2 of this episode, Bethany and Danielle continue discussing each of their session styles and share ways you can figure out what style works and feels authentic to you. 

*This content represents the opinions of the consultant. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison

The F*ck It Diet by Caroline Dooner

Hunger by Roxanne Gay

The Body Positive (Embody by Connie Sobczak)

A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

Dana Sturtevant/Center for Body Trust

Where to find us:

@mentordpod 

Southern Nutrition

@southernutritionllc

B. Wheeler Nutrition

@bethanydietitian

Anti-Diet Designs Merch

About the co-hosts: 

Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern are both weight-inclusive registered dietitians in outpatient settings and each own a private nutrition therapy practice. They have known each other since 2012 when Danielle reached out to Bethany for guidance on how to become a registered dietitian herself. Since then, Bethany has mentored Danielle through her entire journey to become a dietitian. They both know and value the importance of registered dietitians having professional support and mentorship in their career and want to help make the journey for future dietitians a bit easier and more successful. Each week they will be taking on a topic that dietitians don't traditionally learn about in their university programs or internships, but is essential to a career as a dietitian. In other words, they'll be talking about all the stuff you wish you would have learned in school/internship, but didn't.

*This content represents the opinions of the consultant. It carries no endorsement by their employers.*