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.*

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 this episode, Bethany and Danielle discuss each of their session styles and how 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.*

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:

[FREE] 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. 

Clients often arrive wanting a quick fix—a meal plan, instant results, immediate answers. And as dietitians, we can feel the pressure to deliver. In Part 2 of our No Nutrition Emergencies series, Bethany and Danielle explore how client urgency shows up in sessions and why it can trigger urgency in us as providers. They talk about the tension between wanting to honor our clients’ needs while staying aligned with your values and scope, and they share practical ways to respond when clients want to rush the process. Because slowing down isn’t passive—it’s ethical, sustainable care. And it’s okay to remind your clients (and yourself) that change takes time, especially when untangling decades of diet culture.

Resources from this episode:

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

Kelly Mahler | Interoception

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

Meet the MENTORD Pod co-hosts, Bethany Wheeler and Danielle Southern. They 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. Join them for Season 1: The Top 10 Things You Need to Know as a Dietitian. Episodes will be dropping weekly!

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

Welcome to The MENTORD Podcast! A podcast for dietitians + RDs2be where we talk about the stuff that makes you a better dietitian but you don't learn in school (or your internship).

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

If you’ve ever felt like it’s your job to fix everything in session, respond instantly to client distress, or prove your value with the perfect handout—this episode is for you.

In Part 1 of our No Nutrition Emergencies series, we dig into the urgency that so often shows up in our work as dietitians:

• Why we feel pulled to solve fast and say the “right” thing
• How our education and systems reinforce this impulse
• What urgency actually costs us (and our clients)
• And why slowing down isn’t passive—it’s the real intervention

Whether you’re in private practice or clinical, weight-inclusive care or just trying to survive your internship, this episode will help you exhale, soften, and reconnect with your purpose.

Have a question or an idea for a topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Email us at hello@mentordpod.com

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

In the final installment of our Breaking Up with a Client series, Bethany and Danielle are unpacking what happens after the decision is made. From documenting the breakup and navigating emotional fallout, to self-reflection, grief, and the unexpected relief that sometimes follows—this episode offers validation and grounding for the messy middle of ending care.

They also talk about closure in the therapeutic relationship, what clients may be experiencing, and how you can support yourself as a provider through it all.

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

Resources mentioned in this episode:

[FREE DOWNLOAD] Ending Client Care with Clinical Clarity & Compassion

Have a question or an idea for a topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Email us 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

In Part 3 of our Breaking Up with a Client series, Bethany and Danielle dive into the emotional and ethical realities of ending client care. We share real-world scripts, talk through burnout and scope of practice, and explore how these conversations—while uncomfortable—can be a turning point in the therapeutic relationship. Whether you’re ending care or resetting boundaries, this episode will help you do it with clarity and compassion.

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

Resources mentioned in this episode:

[FREE DOWNLOAD] Ending Client Care with Clinical Clarity & Compassion

Have a question or an idea for a topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Email us 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

In Part 2 of this essential conversation, Bethany and Danielle continue unpacking the complex—and often uncomfortable—reality of ending client-provider relationships as dietitians. They dive deeper into emotional boundaries, client autonomy, and what to do when a client refuses a referral to higher care. The co-hosts offer practical tips for preparing for “the conversation,” including scripting, role-playing, and having referral options ready. They also discuss tricky legal/ethical nuances, like state licensure and what happens when a client moves out of state. As always, they bring transparency, humor, and validation to a topic that’s rarely talked about—but deeply necessary for sustainable, ethical practice.

Whether you’ve been ghosted after securing an out-of-state license or you're navigating your first termination conversation, this episode gives you the language, tools, and validation to do it with care and confidence.

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

Have a question or an idea for a topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Email us 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

In this candid and necessary episode of The MENTORD Podcast, Bethany and Danielle dive into a topic that dietitians are rarely taught but inevitably face: how and when to break up with a client. From emotionally charged terminations to recognizing clinical boundaries and capacity issues, this conversation offers real-world insights from both hosts’ personal experiences. They explore how ending a therapeutic relationship doesn’t always mean failure—it can actually be the most ethical, compassionate, and clinically appropriate step for both client and provider. Whether it’s due to scope limitations, the need for a higher level of care, or misaligned goals, Bethany and Danielle break down the nuanced decision-making process and share practical language to help you navigate these tough conversations with professionalism and care.

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

Have a question or an idea for a topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Email us 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

In this episode, we shift the spotlight from client to clinician—and talk all things nervous system from the provider's perspective. If you’ve ever left a session feeling fried, frozen, or like you were faking calm, you’re not alone. Bethany and Danielle dig into how the nervous system shows up during client care, why regulation isn't about perfection, and how polyvagal theory can help you build nervous system flexibility—not just for your clients, but for yourself. Whether you’re a new RD navigating tough sessions or a seasoned dietitian noticing your own activation creeping in, this episode offers practical insights, validation, and a few laughs along the way. Learn what “nervous system literacy” really means and walk away with tools to stay grounded, present, and effective—no matter what the session throws your way.

🎧 Tap play to learn how your own regulation is a powerful tool for client care.

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

Resources mentioned this episode:

[FREE DOWNLOAD] Nervous System 101 for Dietitians

Craniosacral Therapy

Somatic Experiencing Therapy

Have a question or an idea for a topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Email us 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

What if effective medical nutrition therapy isn’t just about labs and protocols—but also about understanding your client’s nervous system in real time? In this episode, Bethany and Danielle unpack how integrating nervous system awareness into MNT can transform your sessions. They explore why regulation is not a “bonus” but a clinical consideration, how stress physiology can impact nutrition-related behaviors, and how dietitians can fine-tune care plans based on a client’s nervous system state. Whether you’re working with eating disorders, GI issues, or just want to be a more attuned provider, this conversation brings nuance to the science. Learn how to spot signs of nervous system dysregulation (in your clients and yourself), how to adapt your interventions accordingly, and why co-regulation is a clinical tool—not fluff. This episode is a must-listen if you’re ready to deliver more effective, compassionate, and body-aware nutrition care.

🎧 Press play to bring the body—and the nervous system—back into the MNT equation.

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

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Polyvagal Institute

Venn Diagram of Autonomic Nervous System States

Responsive Feeding Therapy

[FREE DOWNLOAD] Nervous System 101 for Dietitians

Have a question or an idea for a topic you'd like to hear us discuss? Email us 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