Conversations With Maria Menounos

Hey Heal Squad! We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Denise Kirtley, and this one is packed with real talk about what it actually takes to maintain strength, build muscle, and feel your best in midlife and beyond. Denise gets candid about her journey from emotional eating and burnout to becoming a bodybuilding competitor—and what it felt like after she stepped off the stage. She opens up about learning that your leanest body isn’t always your happiest body, how to find your “healthy weight,” and why building a sustainable, strong life matters more than hitting a number on the scale. We dive into her daily health non-negotiables, how she breaks down the fear around lifting heavy, and why acceptance is just as important as ambition. PLUS, Denise shares the powerful mindset shift that helped her push through self-doubt and start living with intention. If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, negative body image, or just need motivation to start again—this episode will meet you exactly where you a