In this episode, we sit down again with Dr. Jenna Stedman, Director of Cognitive Performance Nutrition at Master Nutrition Lab. We have featured Dr .Stedman before with an episode sharing her own journey in dietetics as well as a solo episode covering brain nutrition geared towards nutriWith a doctorate in clinical nutrition and board certification as a specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), Dr. Stedman shares how dietetics students and interns can forge their own paths in a crowded field.We cover:* A bird’s-eye view of the career-building process—from knowledge acquisition to landing paid opportunities* Strategies for reading and researching effectively* Tips on organizing what you learn from books and articles* The value of joining book clubs and associations* How to apply your learning both in and outside the classroom* Reflective prompts to realign your goals every 6–12 monthsDr. Stedman’s Recommended Reading List for Aspiring Dietitians & Interns:Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes, 4th edition — Monique Ryan, MS, RD, CSSDNancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, 6th edition — Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSDPlant-Based Sports Nutrition — Enette Larson-Meyer, PhD, RD & Matt Ruscigno, MPH, RDSports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals* — Karprinski & Rosenbloom (7th edition coming summer 2025)Nutrient Timing — Lauren Link, MS, RD, CSSDThe Athlete’s Gut — Patrick Wilson, PhD, RDClinical Sports Nutrition, 6th edition — Burke & DeakinNutrition Counseling and the Treatment of Eating Disorders — Herrin & LarkinMotivational Interviewing in Nutrition and Fitness — Clifford & CurtisFiber Fueled — Will Bulsiewicz, MD, MSciLive Nourished — Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDNutrition for Brain Health and Cognitive Performance — Talitha Best & Louise DyeThe MIND Diet — Maggie Moon, MS, RDNutrition & Diagnosis-Related Care, 9th edition — Sylvia Escott-Stump, MA, RDWhether you’re just starting your journey or looking to realign your path, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow as a future RD.

In our final episode of the ACEND series, we wrap things up with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RD, Executive Director of ACEND, as she shares invaluable advice on preparing for your first interview as a Registered Dietitian. With experience interviewing hundreds of candidates, Dr. AbuSabha offers her expert insights on how she prepared for her current role, key do’s and don’ts during the interview process, and tips for landing your first RD position, and making sure it’s the right fit for you.As we close out this incredible series, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. AbuSabha and ACEND for generously sharing their time and guidance. This collaboration has provided aspiring dietitians with essential professional development tools to succeed in the field.Catch up on the rest of the ACEND series here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acendTo see the rest of our ACEND episodes, check out our playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/@rd2be/playlists

This week we welcome Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN, RD, CSSD, Director of Cognitive Performance Nutrition, back to the podcast! This week we dive deeper into cognitive nutrition and how it can actually be beneficial to use as an aspiring RD! Whether you are preparing for a chemistry exam or the RD exam, Dr. Stedman discusses science-backed ways that nutrition can play a role in optimizing your studying and performance during these exams. Dr. Stedman shares insights from her work with athletes and students, what supplements to use, how to recommend supplements, and more in the sports dietetics space. Whether you stress eat or lose your appetite under pressure, this episode will help you stay sharp, nourished, and ready to perform.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Shelby Yaceczko, DCN, RDN-AP, CNSC, CCTD—Advanced Practice Dietitian, Assistant Clinical Professor, and founder of a cancer wellness digital health company. We dive into the decisions behind her pursuit of advanced credentials like the RDN-AP and DCN, and how they’ve shaped her opportunities, leadership path, and advocacy for RDs in the clinical setting. This conversation is rich with insight on critical thinking, navigating transformative career choices, and the power of strategic growth in the field of dietetics. Whether you're a student, new RD, or seasoned professional, Shelby’s story will leave you inspired to think boldly about your future.

We’re continuing our job preparation series with Trenton Voss, MS, RDN, LDN, as we dive into what really happens inside the interview room—whether it's virtual or in person. More importantly, we focus on how to craft and confidently share your personal story—beyond what's listed on your resume or CV. Trenton offers valuable insights, practical advice, and personal experiences to help you feel prepared for interviews, both after passing the RD exam and even for roles you may take on beforehand.Mastering the Art of Storytelling in Interviews: Your Path to Success: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mastering-art-storytelling-interviews-your-path-success-paranjpe/

What Does Professionalism Really Look Like in Dietetics?In this episode, we continue our ACEND series with with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RDN, Executive Director of ACEND, to break down what professionalism means for students, interns, and future RDs. From classroom etiquette and internship expectations to job interviews and navigating your first role post-RD exam, Dr. AbuSabha shares real-world examples, red flags of unprofessionalism, and practical advice for building a strong professional identity. Whether you're new to the field or mentoring the next generation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Explore leadership opportunities within the AND: https://www.eatrightpro.org/leadershipBroaden your (future) career: https://www.eatrightpro.org/careerACEND Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN, RD, CSSD, Director of Cognitive Performance Nutrition at Master Nutrition Lab. Dr. Stedman shares her unique journey from a distance dietetic internship to serving as a Performance Dietitian for the Indiana and Massachusetts National Guards, and eventually founding her own practice specializing in cognitive performance nutrition.We delve into her motivations for pursuing a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition over a traditional PhD, her experiences working with diverse populations—including athletes, esports competitors, healthcare workers, and first responders—and the development of her innovative platform, the Lab, designed for individuals to experiment with their cognitive nutrition.Dr. Stedman also offers invaluable advice for students and early-career dietitians on forging their own paths in emerging areas of nutrition, emphasizing the importance of self-directed learning, volunteering, and regular self-reflection.Whether you're a nutrition student, an aspiring dietitian, or simply interested in the evolving field of cognitive performance nutrition, this episode provides practical insights and inspiration to help you carve out your niche.Dr. Stedman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennastedman/Dr. Stedman's Website: https://www.masternutritionlab.com/

In Part II of our job searching series with Trenton Voss, MS, RDN, LDN, we break down the real questions every new grad faces: How many jobs should you apply to—and when? What’s the difference between a resume and CV, and how do you know if you're “qualified”? We explore strategies for organizing your materials, tracking contributions, and tailoring your application to each opportunity. From salary negotiations and relocation considerations to defining your non-negotiables and recognizing your leverage, this episode is your practical guide to navigating the job market with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Whether you're just starting or feeling behind, we’ve got tips to help you start strong, stay organized, and aim high.Resume vs. CV: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/career-and-professional-development/pathways-to-success/prepare-for-your-career/take-action/resumes-and-cvs/

For more information visit their website here: https://twu.edu/nutrition-food-sciences/masters-dietetic-internship-msdi-programs/masters-dietetic-internship-program-msdi--houston/Rachel Poland, MS, RD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-poland-26bb0a85Editor's Note: This program does accept students with a master's degree. Below is further information: "If a qualified applicant has earned a prior advanced degree in nutrition or an area related to the NFS Department degrees, i.e., Food Science, Food Systems Administration, Public Health, etc., then no additional degree is required. The DI Director determines if the prior degree is approved, however, all students are required to enroll in the TWU Graduate School and meet the course and supervised practice requirements relevant to the Dietetic Internship. If a qualified student has earned an advanced degree in a non-related area, i.e., history, psychology, marketing, etc., then they must enroll in one of the MS programs mentioned above. No prior learning experiences can be utilized to replace any of the supervised practice requirements and/or required credit hours."

In this episode, we explore the journey of nontraditional students and the mindset shifts that lead to success. Trenton Voss, MS, RDN, LDN, shares the power of pursuing what you love, and the importance of building a strong support system. We dive into mentorship, radical accountability, and the belief that learning never stops. From documenting both highs and lows to understanding motivation and the impact of the people around you, this conversation is all about growth, resilience, and trusting the process. Tune in to hear how taking the right first steps and making time for meaningful experiences can shape your future.Resources mentioned in the episode: 1. RD Mentorship Resources: https://www.rd2be.com/resources2. "Growth Mindset" by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/03454723223. "Mind for Numbers" by Barbara Oakley: https://barbaraoakley.com/books/a-mind-for-numbers/

In our last episode, we explored the new Advanced Practice Doctoral Standards introduced by ACEND. This week, we’re diving into how these standards are being applied in real time, featuring the very first program to implement them. Our guest, Dr. Corri Hanson, PhD, RD, LMNT, FAND, joins us to highlight the University of Nebraska Medical Center's (UNMC) online, asynchronous Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics (DND) program. Beyond discussing the program itself, we also cover broader topics, including who this degree is designed for, key factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue an advanced practice doctorate, and insights from Dr. Hanson’s own experience. Tune in for valuable advice and much more!For more program information: Overview: https://catalog.unmc.edu/allied-health-professions/dnd/#textApplication Information: https://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/academics/programs/mne/dnd/index.html

We are continuing the ACEND Series with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha discussing doctoral programs in dietetics. More notably, ACEND's new Advanced Practice Doctoral Standards. This episode is great for those interested or curious in pursuing terminal degrees. We discuss PhDs, what a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) is, and where the new APD standards fall into place. For more information about the new APD standards, visit this link: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accreditation-standards-fees-and-policies/advanced-practice-standards-for-doctoral-programs

This week we are happy to have Dr. Rayane AbuSabha again share her excellent insights and expertise into becoming a successful dietitian! This week we discuss all things related to salary and making the most out of our credential financially when seeking employment.

Dr. AbuSabha shares not just why it is important to negotiate salary, but how you can start now as an RD2BE to prepare for how to negotiate once you obtain that RD credential. This episode provides step-by-step instructions on how to research what is the best salary for your location, skillset, job description, how to communicate with employers respectfully and effectively, and so much more!

If you would like even more info on this topic (i.e., resume, cover letter, and interview) through a free webinar, it is available on ACEND’s website under the Students and Advancing Education section: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/career-information 

We are continuing our ACEND Series with Dr. Rayane AbuSaba, Executive Director. This week we are diving into a very popular topic right now: Job Opportunities for Registered Dietitians! There is an increased demand for RDs with a decreased supply, meaning that now is the best time to be an RD2BE working to get that RD credential. Dr. Abusabha shares job statistics, how to nail a job interview, what to look for in a job fresh out of school, what not to do when looking for jobs, the best time to apply, and so much more. Like this episode? Visit our website here for more resources: https://www.rd2be.com/ ACEND Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend Want to give ACEND feedback? Complete their survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACENDfeedback

Megan Moore, RD, CD, is an accomplished entrepreneur and bariatric dietitian with robust experience in starting a business and taking advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. Megan shares where her interest in bariatrics began, common misconceptions in the field, the vital role dietitians play, how she pivoted to starting a business, and more! Listen to hear advice on starting a business, finding a niche, and growing a social media presence. Like this episode? Check out our website here: https://www.rd2be.com/ Find Megan Moore here! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybariatricdietitian/?hl=en Website: https://www.mybariatricdietitian.com/ Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1641528761?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzmybariat-20&creativeASIN=1641528761&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3LDPU6S4Z2RVN&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_d_asin

We are continuing our ACEND Series with Dr. Rayane AbuSaba, Executive Director. This week we dive into the Master's degree requirement that has recently become a requirement for sitting to take the RD exam. Rayane explains ACEND's reasoning behind the requirement, the long-term benefits and impacts of the requirement, how best to maximize it, and how to make it a return on investment rather than an additional expense. We cover different types of graduate programs out there to reduce costs, things to consider when choosing a program, and so much more! Like this episode? Visit our website here for more resources: https://www.rd2be.com/ ACEND Website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend Want to give ACEND feedback? Complete their survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACENDfeedback

This week we sat down with Stacey Krawczyk, MS, RD, Director of Nutrition & Wellness at the American Diabetes Association. Stacey shares her unique journey getting to this position, the benefits of working remotely, things to keep in mind when navigating social media, and how to curate your path towards become an RD that works best for you based on your strengths and weaknesses. Like this episode? Check out our website: https://www.rd2be.com/ Interested in learning about the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and all the ways you can become a dietitian? We are currently hosting a mini-series with the Executive Director to answer all your questions about it! Check them out here: 1. What is ACEND? (Pt.1) https://youtu.be/lAjNwfjwqsQ?si=y8SvP_fRZOCGjW4j 2. What is the new DICAS application process? (Pt.2) https://youtu.be/dMYD22RggxE?si=n6bYItEPFhwVfkiL 3. Coming up: All You Need to Know About the Master's Degree Requirement (Pt. 3)

This week we are excited to feature a unique dietitian who became a physician assistant; Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN! She is a pediatric physician assistant and podcast host of Exam Room Nutrition, a podcast dedicated to educating practitioners on effective ways to discuss nutrition to patients. Colleen shares her path towards dietetics, why she pivoted careers, the importance of nutrition being discussed in exam rooms and clinics, HOW to discuss the topic with adolescents, her journey of navigating barriers towards her goals, and things aspiring RDs can do to become better clinicians, advocate for themselves, and so much more! Like this episode? Check out our other free resources here: https://www.rd2be.com/ Like Colleen? Check out her Instagram @examroomnutrition and podcast on her website: https://www.examroomnutrition.com/

"This episode is part of our mini series featuring the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, otherwise known as ACEND. We are creating this series to clear up confusion and common misconceptions about ACEND and its relation to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Commission on Dietetic Registration. We are also in a transformative phase of dietetics with the new master's degree requirements, dietetics application process, and Advanced Practice Doctoral Standards created by ACEND where understanding these topics are crucial for pushing our profession forward. Join our conversation with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, Executive Director of ACEND, in the series as we discuss what ACEND is, the new standards, and what steps you can take to uplift and advocate for our profession with these standards." Episode highlights: What is DICAS? Why is the match system going away? What will the new process be to apply to programs? What will the program deadlines be? How will this new system benefit and affect students? Like this episode? Check out our other free resources here: https://www.rd2be.com/ To learn more about ACEND, visit their website here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend We are not affiliated with Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or Commission of Dietetic Registration **Editor's note: "match" refers to the older system of assigning students to dietetic internships that will be changing beginning in 2024 as a pilot year.

"This episode is part of our mini series featuring the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, otherwise known as ACEND. We are creating this series to clear up confusion and common misconceptions about ACEND and its relation to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Commission on Dietetic Registration. We are also in a transformative phase of dietetics with the new master's degree requirements, dietetics application process, and Advanced Practice Doctoral Standards created by ACEND where understanding these topics are crucial for pushing our profession forward. Join our conversation with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, Executive Director of ACEND, in the series as we discuss what ACEND is, the new standards, and what steps you can take to uplift and advocate for our profession with these standards." Episode highlights: What is ACEND? How and why is it different from the Academy? What can ACEND do (and what do they not do)? Why should students know the difference? Like this episode? Check out our other free resources here: https://www.rd2be.com/ To learn more about ACEND, visit their website here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend We are not affiliated with Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or Commission of Dietetic Registration