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Curious Women

Curious Women

By Meg Hagar & Kylie Fagnano

The Curious Women Podcast is a place where hosts Meg and Kylie talk weekly about women's health topics, focusing in on the things you didn't know you didn't know.
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011 - How to Manage Anxiety with Curiosity with Jennifer Bronsnick

Curious WomenMay 23, 2022

00:00
01:18:40
44.5 Brief Hiatus Announcement
Feb 27, 202303:34
044 Spicy Beverage Talks with Kylie & Meg

044 Spicy Beverage Talks with Kylie & Meg

This week’s episode of the Curious Women podcast features Kylie and Meg. This episode is dedicated to spicy beverages. Throughout the conversation, we talk about the White Lotus series, Valentine’s Day, mango-habanero hot sauce, hot chocolate, Meg’s intuitive moment class, and more.

[02.53] The White Lotus: We talk about the American black comedy-drama series The White Lotus, which aired on HBO.

[13.07] Valentine's Day: Meg discusses her Valentine's Day and why they decided not to celebrate Valentine's Day.

[19.21] House hunting – Kylie talks about her big transition into a new house and her upcoming travel to Korea.

[27.19] Mango-Habanero Hot Sauce – We talk about how Kylie prepared a mango-habanero hot sauce.

[35.16] Intuitive movement class – Meg shares her intention of having another intuitive movement class and starting a new acne dietitian clinical library opening on March 6th.

[38.30] Strata string – Kylie shares her idea of doing a combined program of foundational, nutritional, and strength training for people who feel overwhelmed, lost, and confused.

Resources:

stratanutrition.com/

megthedietitian.com/

eg: @acne.nutritionist
Acne Dietitian Clinical Library: https://meg-s-school-e0f7.thinkific.com/courses/acne-clinical-library
Spicy Intuitive Movement Class: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63de1c3e781752946ff2b0b1

Kylie: @the.gut.therapist
Strata Strength:  https://deft-speaker-5452.ck.page/e239282036
Strata Supplements: https://www.stratanutrition.com/shop/


You Can Support Us Here:  https://anchor.fm/curious-women/support

Feb 20, 202341:55
043 Matriescence with Amanda Radan

043 Matriescence with Amanda Radan

Motherhood isn’t easy. It comes with a lot of hard work, mentally and physically. The essential part is, you have to admit all the weaknesses and vulnerabilities that come with it because it’s the most important thing you can do for your child and for yourself. This week’s episode of the Curious Women Podcast features Amanda Radan, the herbalist at Tree Mama Herbals. She is a postpartum advocate who is passionate about natural and organic health and healing. She started the company in 2015, shortly after her first son was born. After experiencing postpartum depression and lasting postpartum anxiety, she turned to herbs to help herself heal. She now shares her herbal knowledge and helps other mothers through the postpartum stage. Throughout the conversation, we discuss Amanda's background, the postpartum phase, the shadow side of a mother, postpartum herbs, and more.

[01.40] Amanda’s background – Starting the conversation, Amanda briefs about her and what she does in Tree Mama Herbals to help mothers.

[06.55] Becoming a different person –Motherhood transforms you into a completely different person. Amanda shares how being a mother can change you physically and emotionally.

[13.52] Postpartum – Amanda explains postpartum according to her perspective and how she practices with her clients to figure out whom they are from the inside after becoming mothers.

[19.26] The shadow side of yourself – Amanda walks us through how you see the shadow side of yourself after becoming a mother.

[25.18] Merry Mother Concept – Amanda shares society’s expected mother role and how it cages mothers, not allowing them to show their emotions.

[30.19] Be vulnerable and honest – Amanda shares how normal it is to feel rage after being a mother and how to get help from people you love in that phase of life.

[36.11] Becoming beautiful and valuable – Amanda shares the way of becoming a whole new person of beauty and value by embracing all the broken parts after giving birth to a child.

[44.31] Herbs – Amanda recommends raspberry leaves, nettles, milky oat tops, fennel, and adaptogens as herbs that will help women in their postpartum phase, how to use them, and what effects they have.

Resources

Connect with Amanda:

Website - treemamaherbals.com/

Instagram - instagram.com/treemamaherbals/?hl=en

Podcast – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holistic-life-for-moms/id1555186477?uo=4

Quotes

“Motherhood and mattresses in general, really kind of blows the top off of whom you thought you were and make you really see who you are.”

“The more you see it, the less scary it is.”

“Feelings come and go but you have to let them feel.”

“Becoming a mother is not an overnight sensation. It's a process.”

Feb 13, 202359:05
042 Seeking All Oven Cleaners with Kylie & Meg
Feb 05, 202337:14
041 Body Neutrality with Michelle Shapiro

041 Body Neutrality with Michelle Shapiro

It doesn’t matter if you don’t love your body; you have to respect it because it works hard to keep you healthy. Approaching things with love makes them easier, especially when it comes to weight loss. This week’s episode of the Curious Women podcast features Michelle Shapiro, a functional registered dietitian, and a patient advocate. Her goal is to build an army of self-healing advocates who aren’t ashamed of their bodies and health, and she also believes that everyone deserves to be heard and deserves to heal. She joined us today to talk about a loving approach to weight loss, inside voices, body neutrality, intuitive eating, and more.

[06.05] A loving approach – Starting the conversation, Michelle shares what she means by a loving approach to weight loss. She further explains how we approach things with love and respect for ourselves.

[13.19] The voices – We all have voices coming out of our minds. Telling people what to do and what not to do. Michelle dives into how she approaches these kinds of situations with her clients and what steps she takes to help them pass through them.

[19.50] Positive and protective – Michelle discusses the importance of appreciating the voices that come from you.

[24.26] Weight bias – Michelle shares reasons why we should not pursue intentional weight loss.

[29.06] The biggest issue – Michelle shares the most vital issue the nutrition world has at present and the importance of having both physical health and psychological health.

[42.21] Body neutrality – Michelle defines body neutrality and how it differs from body positivity.

[48.01] Intuitive eating – Michelle shares the goals of intuitive eating and how it can be hard for people who suffer from chronic illnesses.

[56.11] Starting point – Michelle shares what steps you need to follow if you want to start your health journey.

[01.03.15] Trusting ourselves – Michelle walks us through the reasons why we don’t trust ourselves and what outside sources lead us to doubt ourselves.

Resources

Connect with Michelle

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/michelleshapirord/

Website - michelleshapirord.com/

Instagram - instagram.com/michelleshapirord/?hl=en

Quotes

“Approaching something with love doesn't make it easy. It doesn't mean you're letting yourself off the hook, it doesn't mean that you're not doing the hard work.”

“Lovingly also means listening to your authentic voice.”

“You don't have to love your body every day, but you have to respect your body every day.”

“Our thoughts are not always right. But they need our attention because they're trying to protect us and save us.”

“Everything in life and health is all about neutralizing and not categorizing things as so black and white.”

“People can weaponize nutrition information if they're not in the right state of mind to receive it.”

Jan 30, 202301:14:53
040 Leo's 101 With Kylie & Meg: Spoonfeed Us Compliments
Jan 23, 202332:17
039 Off of Birth Control, Now What: What to Do Post Pill with Olivia Wagner, MS, RDN, LDN, IFNCP, CLT, MB-EAT

039 Off of Birth Control, Now What: What to Do Post Pill with Olivia Wagner, MS, RDN, LDN, IFNCP, CLT, MB-EAT

Choosing to stop using contraception is a significant step for some women, so it is helpful to have a strategy ready for the time after you stop taking your pills. During our discussion today, we go over essential and insightful data that should be considered while determining what to do after discontinuing birth control.

Olivia is an Integrative and functionally focused Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist specializing in women's health, PCOS, and irregular & missing periods. As a functionally focused Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, she helps her clients identify their health concerns' biochemical, emotional, and lifestyle root causes and tailor a strategic plan to guide them to their goals. Also, Olivia believes that in learning to nourish and respect the body through food choice, individuals create the opportunity to heal and thrive in a body that feels right for them. On the other hand, she believes in the incredible shifts that a positive mindset can create and that welcoming joy and fun into the health journey is essential for sustainable change, which she highlights in today's conversation as well.

[07:06] Introduction – Olivia introduces herself, her work, and why she's the perfect person to discuss today's topic.

[09:43] Side Effects and Menstrual Cycle – We delve deeper into the withdrawal symptoms of birth control and discuss the numerous beliefs surrounding them.

[16:00] Key Reasons - Why do individuals have difficulty discontinuing birth control?

[23:10] Four Pillars – We explore four post-birth control balance pillars in depth.

[25:20] Pillar 1 - Nutrient repletion and blood glucose management.

[37:21] Pillar 2 - Daily detox support

[44:13] Pillar 1 - Adrenal stress and stress balance

[51:31] Pillar 4 - Gut microbiome nourishment

Resources:

Connect with :

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oliviawagner/

Website: livnourishednutrition.com/

Mentioned in the episode:

025 Birth Control 101 with Dr. Basma Faris - What BC is, What it's Doing in Your Body, and the Questions You Want to Ask About It: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/025-birth-control-101-with-dr-basma-faris-what-bc-is

012 Circadian Rhythm: The Routines Impacting Your Sleep, Hormones, and Gut Health with Sarah Marlette: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/012-circadian-rhythm-the-routines-impacting-your/id1614039124?i=1000564521144

007 How The Menstrual Cycle Works with Jillian Greaves: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/007-how-the-menstrual-cycle-works-with-jillian-greaves

38 Irregular Period? The Red Flags To Look For with Jillian Greaves, MS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-irregular-period-the-red-flags-to-look-for-with

Jan 16, 202301:01:09
038 Irregular Period? The Red Flags To Look For with Jillian Greaves, MS

038 Irregular Period? The Red Flags To Look For with Jillian Greaves, MS

The more you are knowledgeable about something, the less frustrated you are. Irregular periods and not knowing it's not okay are common among women. In this week's episode of the curious women podcast, we are here with Jillian Greaves to talk about what's normal, what's not normal, and when you have to ask questions about your menstrual cycle.

Jillian is the owner and a registered Dietitian at 'Jillian Greaves Functional Nutrition & Wellness.' She is a women's health expert known for her whole-health approach and the ability to support and empower women by naturally finding out the root causes of their hormonal and digestive symptoms. She has a bachelor of science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from UMass Amherst and a Master of Public Health Nutrition from Tufts University. She also assisted in developing and implementing multiple clinical nutrition research studies at USDA Human Nutrition Research Center. After healing her own body with years of hard work and experience, she worked with hundreds of women to transform their health. She knows what works and how to support women in achieving sustainable health outcomes according to their unique conditions.

[07.30] Normal vs. not-normal – Starting the conversation, Jillian defines a normal menstrual cycle and in what conditions they consider it not normal.

[13.23] Length of time – Jillian explains the common causes of having a long-term or short-term menstrual cycle.

[20.33] Stress – Women struggle to find out if they are stressed or not most of the time. Jillian dives into what you need to do to identify if you are stressed or not. She further dives into the actions you can take to investigate deeply.

[28.11] Physical symptoms – Everybody is different from one another. Jillian explains what's normal and what's not in terms of physical symptoms regarding the menstrual cycle.

[35.05] Phytoestrogen – Jillian explains what phytoestrogen food is and how it could help women with high estrogen.

[39.14] Bloating – Jillian dives into the causes of bloating and what remedies we can use.

[47.49] Causes – Jillian shares the reasons for high estrogen in the body.

[49.46] Hormonal acne – Jillian shares the most common reasons for hormonal acne. She further dives into how androgenic and estrogen-related acne works.

[54.03] Acne levels – Jillian shares her perspective of hormonal acne being normal and not normal.

Resources

Connect with Jillian

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jillian-greaves/

Website - jilliangreaves.com/

Facebook - facebook.com/jilliangreavesrd/

Instagram -  instagram.com/jilliangreavesrd/?hl=en

Jan 09, 202301:00:56
037 A Curious Women Recap II + Winter Hiatus

037 A Curious Women Recap II + Winter Hiatus

In this episode of the Curious Women podcast, we provide a summary of the prior few episodes as we found them to be so engaging and in-depth. We want to ensure that you not only have adequate time to go over all of them but that we also draw your attention to anything you may have overlooked.

[03:33] Pregnancy – We explore the significance and applicability of the two pregnancy-related episodes, in which we address what you need to know before purchasing prenatal vitamins and what to eat during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding.

[09:15] How To Track Cervical Mucus: Your Vagina Know Best!  - In this episode, Kristina explains the KEGG device and how it helps women monitor their fertility and other cervical mucus-related issues.

[11:29] Birth Control 101 with Dr. Basma Faris - Learn about BC, its effects on your body, and the questions you've always wanted to ask.

[15:51] Check out - Listen to episodes 26,28 and 36, respectively, if you're interested in hearing Dr. E's functional medicine perspective on Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism, Bea Boas's insights into breathwork, and Heather Lastma's explanation of what it means to live an Embodied Life.

[20:00] Suggestions - Get in touch with us and share your opinions and feedback.


Resources:

Mentioned in the episode:

031 Prenatal Vitamins with Ayla Barmmer: What You NEED Know Before Buying: 031-prenatal-vitamins-with-ayla-barmmer-what-you-need/

034 What to Eat For Pregnancy, Postpartum and Breastfeeding with Lily Nichols: 034-what-to-eat-for-pregnancy-postpartum-and/

030 How To Track Cervical Mucus: Your Vagina Know Best! with Founder of Kegg, Kristina Cahojova: 030-how-to-track-cervical-mucus-your-vagina-know-best/

025 Birth Control 101 with Dr. Basma Faris: 025-birth-control-101-with-dr-basma-faris-what-bc-is/

028 ThetaBreathwork with Bea Boas:028-thetabreathwork-with-bea-boas/

036 to know what it means to live an Emobied Life with Heather Last: 036-embodiment-what-it-means-to-live-an-emobied-life

026 An Functional Medicine Approach to Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism with Dr. E: 026-an-functional-medicine-approach-to-hashimotos/



Nov 21, 202227:32
036 Embodiment: What it means to live an Emobied Life with Heather Last

036 Embodiment: What it means to live an Emobied Life with Heather Last

We are not broken. We do not require any repair. Simply reclaiming the lost parts of ourselves and honoring the knowledge that resides there is all that is needed. On the other hand, bringing the mind, body, and soul into harmony with the natural rhythms and cycles that exist both within and outside of us to achieve equilibrium in our day-to-day lives and reacquaint ourselves with our core essence. Hence, our guest for today approaches her work with clients and students through a trauma-informed approach, believing that we already possess the capacity to heal ourselves.

Heather Last is a Movement Instructor and Somatic Embodiment Coach. She has been a lover of nature, movement, art, and poetry for her entire life, and she has always felt closest to Spirit in the depths of her body. This interest led her in her teenage years to Yoga and Ayurveda, as well as to a degree in Exercise Science. Heather has worked in the health and wellness industry for over two decades and holds numerous fitness training and certifications. Her offerings as a teacher and a coach include marrying the expression of the body with the expression of the soul, discovering inner and outer alignment, opening and strengthening the body with intelligent sequencing and unique movement patterns, guiding individuals into the depths of their bodies and reflecting the wisdom that resides within.

[09:30] Somatic Embodiment – Heather defines somatic embodiment in detail. In addition, she explains how we are conditioned against our instincts.

[26:18] Presence and Connection - What does it mean to orient to the space? What is our next step if we cannot connect with what our bodies are feeling?

[37:14] Differences - We discuss the reasons why living from one's own body is such a challenge and the changes that occur within individuals due to engaging in somatic embodiment practices.

[49:52] Ask Yourself - Can you tune in to your body and ask, "How do I wish to express myself today?"

[57:40] Connect with Heather – Heather mentions who needs her assistance and how they can connect with her.

Resources:

Connect with Heather:

Website: sacredrhythmswellness.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/Sacred-Rhythms-Wellness

Instagram: instagram.com/sacredrhythms_wellness/

Nov 13, 202201:06:06
035 Is it Sleep or Something Else? with Teresa DeNike

035 Is it Sleep or Something Else? with Teresa DeNike

Sleep has a vital role to play when it comes to your health and well-being in your life. Many people struggle with their sleep. If you are concerned about better sleep lately, this episode is just for you. This week on the Curious women podcast, we are joined by Teresa DeNike, Sleep Coach & Clinical Sleep Educator and the founder of Sleep Better NYC, which provides sleep coaching, care coordination, and therapy monitoring. 

Teresa is a board-certified clinical sleep health educator. She is not a physician but has been working with physicians. She is an expert in sleep apnea, sleep hygiene, mindset for sleep, and the overall well-being of her patients. She has been working in the field for 14 years with patients and doctors who have patients. When she realized that not enough information was being shared with people about the area, but people had a lot of questions to ask her about their sleeping, she decided to start full-time sleep coaching. She works with patients but created some online courses because it's accessible for everyone to get in touch. She aims to educate people and spread awareness about sleep, mental health, and possible sleep disorders.

[05:31] Getting to Know Teresa -  Teresa’s career journey as a professional sleep coach and how she came to start Sleep Better NYC.

[08:06] Sleep & Caffeine – How Caffeine affects the quality of sleep and what we should do to use Caffeine without letting it prevent us from having a healthy sleep routine.

[15:00] Perfect Sleep – Teresa shares her thought on the ideal sleep conditions and how it differs from person to person.

[19:30] Simple Tips for Better Sleep – Teresa dives into some of the simple things we can do to improve our sleep.

[24:55] Sleep Talking – The scientific background of talking in your sleep and some, how stress and diet effects it and how to prevent it.

[29:30] Insomnia – What insomnia is, and how to prevent insomnia.

[35:50] CBT as a Remedy – How we can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a remedy for insomnia.

[38:54] Sleep Apnea – What is sleep apnea, how it originates, most common signs of it, and available remedies.

[52:25] Diagnosis – What you should consider when deciding whether you should get tested for a sleep-related issue.

Resources

Connect with Teresa Power DeNike BS CCSH

Instagram https://instagram.com/sleepbetternyc

Quiz - Sleepy or Something Else
www.sleepbetter.nyc/im-sleepy


FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 2022:

20% off self-paced sleep programs 

PLUS 75% off Mental Health bonus material

Use code:  SLEEPGUIDE20

Nov 07, 202201:00:17
034 What to Eat For Pregnancy, Postpartum and Breastfeeding with Lily Nichols

034 What to Eat For Pregnancy, Postpartum and Breastfeeding with Lily Nichols

Prenatal nutrition is a multifaceted and intricate field. You have probably been given a lot of well-intentioned advice about what to eat (or what not to eat), but unfortunately, much of it is outdated or not supported by evidence. In today's episode of the Curious Women podcast, we talk about healthy eating during pregnancy, recovery, and breastfeeding with Lily Nichols. Lily is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author passionate about evidence-based prenatal nutrition and exercise. Also, her work is well-respected for its research orientation, thoroughness, and commonsense because she draws from both modern scientific literature and the knowledge of traditional cultures.

[03:01] Background – Lily shares her background in premarital and postpartum nutrition.

[09:14] Major Myths - Lily explains the most prevalent false beliefs she observes among her people and the most recent research regarding the foods we are advised not to consume during pregnancy.

[12:36] Eggs and Fruits -  Why are eggs, fruits, and vegetables singled out during pregnancy?

[17:39] Infections -  Lily outlines a range of pregnancy-related concerns, including those related to food poisoning.

[24:09] Non-Negotiable Foods - Most important foods that should not be avoided while pregnant.

[30:40] Vegetarians -  Lily provides guidance to vegetarians who want to include nutrient-dense foods in their diet.

[39:00] Nutrient Reserves -  If you are fit enough to conceive a child, you almost certainly have some nutrient reserves stored away in your body.

[50:52] Alcohol -  Lily expresses her view about the consequences of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

[55:35] Postpartum Support -  Is there anything, in particular, that should be kept in mind to maintain breast milk supply or to support the woman's body postpartum?

Resources:

Connect with Lily:

Instagram: instagram.com/lilynicholsrdn/?hl=en

Website: lilynicholsrdn.com/

Mentioned in the episode:

Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition: goodreads.com/book/show/38726601-real-food-for-pregnancy

031 Prenatal Vitamins with Ayla Barmmer: What You NEED Know Before Buying: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/031-prenatal-vitamins-with-ayla-barmmer-what-you-need/

Oct 31, 202201:11:48
033 Talkin' Story with Kylie & Meg
Oct 24, 202228:29
032 A Meal Planning Sesh for Gut, Hormone & Skin Health with Kylie & Meg

032 A Meal Planning Sesh for Gut, Hormone & Skin Health with Kylie & Meg

You may have a lot of plans for your life. Like all the other plans that you have, planning a meal happens to bear a great deal of importance. Planning a meal has numerous benefits, but it mostly includes having a healthy body. This week on the Curious women podcast, we are having an interesting conversation about a meal planning session for gut, hormone, and skin health.

Meg is the founder of Meg The Dietitian. Meg used to have a lot of acne. According to her, she tried all the treatments that could be found but eventually get back to the same result. She studied nutrition at school and was finally fed up with all the things that she did to get rid of her acne and came to realize that the root causes of acne are gut issues, inflammation, trouble detoxing, underlying conditions, and hormonal imbalance. Now, she has developed a science-based protocol to help other women who have the same acne problem just like she did once. She helps women to control their acne and grow their self-confidence back through her “clear skin program”.

Kylie is a registered dietitian and trained as a nutrition certified practitioner. She has a master’s in Nutrition from Scranton. She has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis; an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is eventually destroyed. Once the treatments she received were thoughtless and not acceptable, she took control of her health and start working on her food and gut. Now, she helps people who have gut disorders and autoimmune diseases by searching for root causes and listening.

In this episode we cover,

[10.05] Nutrient-dense food – Starting the conversation, Meg explains what does means by nutrient-dense food.

[12.49] Breakfast suggestion – Kylie and Meg dive into ‘almond butter on toast with fruit’ as their suggestion for breakfast and what kind of other syrups and creams you can use for your breakfast.

[15.35] Normal breakfast – Meg and Kylie dive into their normal breakfast routine what they like to eat, what ingredients they use, and how they use them.

[23.36] Pumfu – A tofu made with pumpkin seeds that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3, omega-6, and fatty acids.

[25.39] Snacks – Both Meg and Kylie share what kind of snacks they like to eat and why.

[30.09] Lunch - Most of the time people have a hard time with lunch. Meg and Kylie share what they normally do for lunch.

[37.56] Between lunch & dinner – Everyone likes to eat snacks. Mostly it could be in between a major meal of the day. Both Meg and Kylie share what they get for snacks between lunch and dinner.

[41.22] Butter board trend – A customizable spread with any of your favorite toppings. It’s suitable for both large and small crowds.

[45.11] Dinner – Meg and Kylie then dive into what they usually get for dinner and how they are preparing it.

[52.43] Dessert – Everybody like dessert. Just like snacks. Desserts conclude a meal. Wrapping up the conversation, Meg and Kylie share what they like to get for dessert after dinner.

Resources

Connect with Kylie and Meg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megthedietitian/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-fagnano-33325b146/

https://www.stratanutrition.com/

https://www.megthedietitian.com/

Oct 16, 202201:02:12
031 Prenatal Vitamins with Ayla Barmmer: What You NEED Know Before Buying

031 Prenatal Vitamins with Ayla Barmmer: What You NEED Know Before Buying

When reproductive health is compromised, it is often a symptom of a more systemic issue. Even if having children isn't on your mind, learning about and taking care of your reproductive health is still vital, as several fertility-related statistics provide valuable insight into your health. This week on the Curious women podcast, we will be joined by a remarkable guest, Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, and the founder, and CEO, of FullWell, a fertility wellness, and education brand.

Nutritional science, functional medicine, and evidence-based holistic remedies have been Ayla's work, improving people's health and giving them more agency. Also, Ayla has steered her nutrition and wellness practice, Boston Functional Nutrition, to great success. The firm focuses on women's health and infertility and has benefited hundreds of people looking for compassionate, tailored care. She also co-founded the Women's Health Nutrition Academy, which gives dietitians/nutritionists, midwives, doulas, and other healthcare professionals focusing on women's health access to in-depth, evidence-based continuing education courses.

[06:15] Introduction – Ayla talks about her background, including her life up to this point, the work she is doing, and the things that fascinate her.

[11:10] Fertility – Ayla provides an abundance of fertility-related information. She further elaborates on the need for iron supplementation during and after pregnancy.

[15:01] Iron Supplementation – Ayla offers a comprehensive overview of her recommendations as well as the important considerations that must be made about iron supplementation throughout the prenatal period.

[24:11] The Serving Size of Prenatal – Alye stresses the factors contributing to the increased portion size of prenatal vitamins. She also emphasizes the significance of methyl folate, calcium folate, and folic acid regarding nutrition.

[34:27] Pre-Conception Nourishment – Alya talks about diet and lifestyle choices associated with pregnancy, mentioning the importance of pre-conception nourishment in reducing the risk of experiencing a miscarriage or other form of pregnancy loss

[37:38] Role of Men – Ayla discusses the significance of men's involvement in pregnancy and how the health and quality of sperm might affect the success of a pregnancy.

[41:39] Other Factors - Alya points out a few things that both men and women should consider before and during pregnancy besides supplements.

[44:06] Diet Quality - Ayla shares her views on nutrient density and what, in her opinion, constitutes a nutrient-dense diet.

[46:51] Personal Care Products – Ayla describes how she assists her clients in evaluating personal care goods.

[49:05] Fatty Acids – Ayla outlines the importance and impact of omega three fatty acids on nutrition.

[54:21] More Info - Ayla discusses how listeners can connect with her and her work by learning more about them.


Resources:

Connect with Ayla:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ayla-barmmer-ms-rd-ldn-6824382b/

Website: fullwellfertility.com/

Mentioned in the Episode:

Blog: fullwellfertility.com/blogs/blog

Boston Functional Nutrition: bostonfunctionalnutrition.com/

Women's Health Nutrition Academy: whnacademy.com/

Oct 11, 202259:20
030 How To Track Cervical Mucus: Your Vagina Know Best! with Founder of Kegg, Kristina Cahojova

030 How To Track Cervical Mucus: Your Vagina Know Best! with Founder of Kegg, Kristina Cahojova

The cervical mucus test is keeping track of how your cervical mucus varies throughout your menstrual cycle. This week on the Curious women podcast, we are having an amazing guest who is the CEO of KEGG; a medical-grade fertility device that gives you personalized fertility tracking through the cervical fluid. Kristina joins us today to dive into the KEGG device and how it helps women to have a close eye on being fertile and other concerns regarding cervical mucus.

Kristina was a person who travels a lot. Due to the stress and traveling, her cycle was not regular, and found out tracking vaginal fluid might help but there was no device to do that. She completed her training on the Creighton Model and the Sympto-Thermal Method of fertility awareness and after some time identified that those methods are not easy to learn. She spent 7+ years working on eBay and Amazon and decided to create KEGG. Kristina currently lives in San Francisco, California, the United States with her husband.

In this episode we cover,

[08.49] Background -  Starting the conversation, Kristina dives into her story, how she got into the field and how KEGG started.

[19.39] The device – Kristina shares KEGG helps you to get the data of your vagina without going to a doctor.

[21.17] Being empowered – Kristina dives into what the device can currently offer for any woman who uses it like, the possibility of having infections, PCOS, conceiving, and more before going to the doctor.

[23.36] Tracking – Kristina dives into the methods by which women can track cervical fluid and how difficult it is to track it for women who have irregular periods.

[32.21] Birth control – We dive into how women are used to getting birth control which doesn’t fix problems because it only conceals the problem.

[35.26] What is KEGG – Kristina dives into what KEGG is, how it works, what benefits women can get from it, and how it served women including herself.

[41.27] Pelvic floor – Pelvic floor holds the weight of everything when you are pregnant. Kristina shares how women get problems in the pelvic floor after childbirth and how to avoid that.

[46.09] Manual cervix fluid tracking – Kristina shares how to both track manual cervix fluid and KEGG tracking and how it helps fertilization.

[56.09] Processing with knowledge -  Kristina dives into how women should know about things like egg quality, and timing to conceive because most women get frustrated after the first four months due to the lack of knowledge.

Resources

Connect with Kristina

https://kegg.tech/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinacahojova/

https://twitter.com/kristincahojova?lang=en

https://www.ease.com/

Chart your fertility

https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycharting/?hl=en

Period Guru

https://mobile.twitter.com/jennalongoria

https://www.instagram.com/jennalongoriahealth/?hl=en

Fix Your Period By Nicole Jardim

https://books.google.lk/books/about/Fix_Your_Period.html?id=xs-lDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

Oct 02, 202201:06:11
029 How to Forage for Herbs with Lindsay Knecht

029 How to Forage for Herbs with Lindsay Knecht

Although most of our modern medical remedies are made in labs and factories, the origins of medicine are deeply connected to natural herbs. This week on the Curious women podcast, we have an amazing guest who passionately explores the healing capabilities of herbs. Lindsay Knecht joins us today to dive into how to forage for herbs, the nutritional and medical benefits they can bring to our lives, and how to get yourself familiar with five common herbs you can find easily.

Lindsay is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and a Certified Nutritional Herbalist. She became interested in the power of natural healing with herbs and foods while her dad was struggling with late-stage cirrhosis of the liver in 2010. She has since achieved many certifications in related fields and now loves helping women with their adrenal health and gut issues through Nutritional Therapy and clean living. She also teaches online workshops regularly covering a variety of herbal and nutritional topics.

Originally from Texas, Lindsay now resides in Western Colorado with her husband and their two dogs. They enjoy the many outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer, including foraging, camping, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more.

In this episode, we cover:

[09:30] Becoming a Herb Fairy – We start the conversation with a brief look at Lindsay’s journey as a nutritional herbalist and how she became interested in plants & herbs.

[12:53] Nutritional Herbalism – Lindsay explains what nutritional herbalism is and how it can help us.

[16:40] Plants Around You – How to identify and familiarize yourself with plants around you that provide medicinal benefits.

[21:42] Dandelion – Lindsay dives into the medicinal benefits of the Dandelion plant, how it can be added to food, and how to find them.

[30:33] Plantain / Plantego – We talk about the most common types of Plantain and the nutritional benefits it brings.

[36:53] ChickWeed – Lindsay dives into another herb that helps improve your digestive system and kidneys and how to find them.

[43:45] Purslane – We talk about the nutritional properties of the Purslane plant, which parts of it we can use, and how we can add it to our food recipes.

[48:55] Red Colver – How Red Clover helps us overcome sinus and throat-related issues and how to make a tea out of Red Clover.

Resources:

Connect with Lindsay

Website: www.LindsayKnecht.com
IG: @WildcraftingWellness
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindsayknecht

Herbs mentioned in the episode

Common Purslane
hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/common-purslane-portulaca-oleracea/

Red Clover
www.nccih.nih.gov/health/red-clover

Plantago
plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/plantago-major/

Chickweed
http://www.wildedible.com/chickweed

Dandelion
plantscience.psu.edu/outreach/plant-id/broadleaf/dandelion

Sep 25, 202201:01:38
028 ThetaBreathwork with Bea Boas

028 ThetaBreathwork with Bea Boas

Whether or not you have experience with breathwork, it is an incredibly accessible method for resetting your neurological system. The founder of ThetaBreathworkTM, Beatriz Boas, joins today's episode of the Curious Women podcast to discuss her mind-blowing insights on mentality and manifestation. Through customized ThetabreathworkTM, Beatriz assists 7-figure business entrepreneurs in taking aligned action, generating tremendous impact and income, and taking aligned action. Also, she enjoys expanding her knowledge and helping others on their transformational journey by igniting new neural pathways for sustainable behavior change through breathwork. In this episode, we explore some of the fantastic science behind breathwork.

[05:45] Background – Beatriz shares her past, including who she is, where she comes from, what she does, and pivotal turning points in her life.

[25:39] Theta Healing – Beatriz explains what Theta healing is and does it work. Moreover, she further elaborates on the difference between breathwork and theta breathwork.

[47:05] Breathing and Nervous system - Beatriz describes the importance of breathing in all aspects of our lives, including our emotions, thought processes, and response to stimuli.

[49:44] The Method – Beatriz walks us through the process of how breathwork can benefit us and how we can incorporate it into our everyday lives.

[01:00:55] Experiment – Beatriz demonstrates a practical application of breathwork so the audience can experience the resulting serenity.

Recourses:

Mentioned in the episode:

Curious Women Podcast: youtube.com/channel/UC2zvacVlJfvb62M2AwLJwYg

Connect with Beatriz:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beatriz-b%C3%B4as-6a3b97b2
Website: www.theta-breathwork.com

Sep 18, 202201:18:42
027 Acupressure for Constipation, Bloating, and Cramps - The Poop Button! with Founder of Go With Ease, Kristi Jones

027 Acupressure for Constipation, Bloating, and Cramps - The Poop Button! with Founder of Go With Ease, Kristi Jones

This week on the Curious Women podcast, we’re having a fun conversation with Kristi Jones, the founder of Ease. Ease is a handheld device that helps relieve symptoms of constipation, PMS, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain by activating acupressure points on the stomach. Kristy came up with the idea of creating this device through her own experiences of dealing with uncomfortable digestive and menstrual symptoms. Throughout the episode, we dive into major causes of constipation and cramps, how the Ease device works and how to use it.

[12:08] Kombucha – Kristi talks about her go-to drink, Kombucha, and why she loves it.

[17:26] Getting to Know Kristi – We start the conversation with a brief look at Kristi’s background, how she came up with her acupressure device, and how to use it.

[24:07] Causes of Constipation – Kristi dives into the major causes of constipation, medications available for constipation, and why women are more prone to constipation.

[28:36] Initiating Bowel Movements – How Kristi’s acupressure device helps users initiate bowel movements.

[31:02] Menstrual Cramps – Kristi dives into how pressure points could be used as a method of relief for menstrual cramps.

[39:12] Usage of Ease – We talk about how the Ease device could be used in different ways for pain relief as well as helping with bowel movements and how to discover what’s best for you.

[42:48] Acupressure – What acupressure is, and how pressure points are connected to different functions of our body.

Resources

Get Ease: gowithease.com/products/ease-acupressure-device

Connect with Kristi:

Instagram: instagram.com/shopgowithease
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCPv7bdfUKJgeESxFVlXbzBA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopgowithease

Sep 11, 202247:44
026 An Functional Medicine Approach to Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism with Dr. E

026 An Functional Medicine Approach to Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism with Dr. E

Dr E is a firecracker, comedian and potential future mayor of Staten Island (just ask her). She truly is one of a kind in what she does and she does it with such intention and focus. She is more fierce than fluff and here to talk to Kylie & Meg today about her functional approach to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Dr. Efrat LaMandre, PHD owns and operates her own Medical practice, EG Healthcare, which provides pediatric, adult and geriatric care to over 20K patients. In addition to her primary care practice, she has taken conventional medicine to the next level with her signature process The Knew Method. Dr. E is co-chair of the Staten Island Hospital Board of Trustees. She at also serves as the President of the Nurse Practitioner Association State Board. In addition, she is Clinical Faculty at Wagner College. She is also the Primary Care Provider for the City University New York, College of Staten Island Athletic Department. Efrat owns a Medical Scribe company, HawkScribes, that allows providers fo focus on their patients instead of charting. Dr. E is also a public speaker and offers consulting services to other nurse practitioners who are opening up their own practices.


You can connect with Dr E and her team on TikTok, YouTube and IG @theknewmethod , check our her website www.theknewmethod.com or grab a copy of her book The Knew Method!


TLDL takeaways/action steps:

1) So many people are unwell but not sick. There's no room in conventional medicine for those who are unwell but NOT sick OR those who are both unwell and sick but want alternatives to medication

2) Hashimoto's: your body attacks your thyroid, stops reducing thyroid hormone (T4). From a functional perspective, Hashimoto's is due to leaky gut (Dr E specifies gluten consumption here too). It starts with a source of inflammation which can be gluten sensitivity, toxins, mold, etc. The exposure is usually never addressed and eventually the body starts producing antibodies against the thyroid

3) Typical Hashimoto's patient: cold all the time, trouble losing weight, tired, family thyroid issues, hair thinning, fatigue. This patient may be symptomatic for YEARS before a diagnosable "illness" is actually diagnosed

4) Typically conventional doctors only do TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test. You can ask your provider for the antibody test if you actually want to do something about it (if positive). 

5) It starts with a source of inflammation which can be gluten sensitivity, toxins, mold, etc. The exposure is usually never addressed and eventually the body 

6) If you're not feeling WELL - "I don't feel good ITIS", as Dr E puts it:

      STEP 1: Get the full conventional workup done- you want to know 100% that there is no pathology

      STEP 2: "Clean up" your diet/heal gut

          i.) Dr E's definition of a "clean"diet is an intense (but brief!) elimination period; no gluten/dairy/grains or legumes for 30 days. Then reintroduce "intensely"

          ii) She also mentions using short chain fatty acids, pre/probiotics when appropriate and usually after the reintroduction phase

          iii) Dr E encourages intermittent fasting, particularly an 18:6 schedule for her autoimmune patients

     STEP 3: Conventional testing: ferritin, CRP, H pylori, lime disease, check for gingivitis (gum disease); if you are 40+ or have/suspected PCOS hormone panel is helpful too

     STEP 4: Functional testing: Mold, heavy metals

Sep 05, 202257:30
025 Birth Control 101 with Dr. Basma Faris - What BC is, What it's Doing in Your Body, and the Questions You Want to Ask About It

025 Birth Control 101 with Dr. Basma Faris - What BC is, What it's Doing in Your Body, and the Questions You Want to Ask About It

Dr Faris is a rock solid, no bullshit PCOS-OBGYN Queen who really helps us understand all the things we didn't know we didn't know about hormonal birth control. She is totally in your corner and will fight like hell for you, her patients. 

Dr. Basma Faris is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Dr. Faris attended the University of California at Berkeley where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences. She went on to complete a Masters of Science in Nutrition at Brooklyn College. She received her medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University at Buffalo in 2009. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Faris began her career in healthcare as a Registered Dietitian.

You can connect with Dr Faris on IG @drbasmafaris and @pollyprep ! Be the first to know about the release of her new "Prep School" for people with PCOS- coming soon! Visit her website at www.basmafaris.com or www.pollyprep.com . And if you're a busy physician, she has created an amazing course for you too: Nutrition for Busy Physicians (available on her website)

TLDL action steps and takeaways:

1) What hormonal birth control (HBC) ACTUALLY does: a) suppress ovulation (but not all of them); b) thicken the cervical mucus (making it more difficult to get pregnant) and c) thins the endometrial lining over time (again, making it more difficult to get pregnant)

2) Types of hormonal birth control options:

    i) Combination of estradiol (synthetic form of estradiol) and progestin (synthetic progesterone-like hormones). Different pills differ in type of progestin and dosage

    ii) Progestin-only contraceptives like emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B)- (delays ovulation); there are also progestin-only pills for regular use

    iii) Injectible contraceptives

    iv) Implant contraceptives

    v) Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs)

3) Some common side effects of HBC: decreased sex drive, increase in anxiety and depression

4) To have a better experience with HBC use, Dr Faris says we should all ask ourselves "What am I trying to accomplish by being on contraceptives?" and communicate this to our doctors

5) Nutrition guidelines to support our bodies (in general but also especially if using HBC):

    i) Avoid refined carbohydrates 

    ii) Get enough healthy fats in the diet

    iii) Avoid too much alcohol

    iv) Get enough fiber

6) Signs your contraceptive isn't working well for you:

    i) Changes in skin (like acne, facial hair) that you didn't have before

    ii) Weight changes (including water retention)

    iv) Mood changes

7) Expectations of starting HBC; there may be: 

    i) Decreased libido

    ii) Vaginal dryness

    iii) Changes in bowel function

    iv) irregular bleeding during the first few months or blood clot risk

8) Is post-pill PCOS a thing? Dr Faris says we're not sure yet

9) If you're experiencing amenorrhea after coming off the pill (6+ months) your body fat may be too low

10) Dr Faris' starting questions to ask about HBC:

    i) What are my contraceptive options? (ALL of them)

    ii) Is there anything about me (the patient) that you think should steer me towards one vs the other? Why?

Aug 29, 202201:10:24
024 A Curious Women Recap: Feeding Two Birds With One Scone - Gems of Wisdom From Our Guests So Far!

024 A Curious Women Recap: Feeding Two Birds With One Scone - Gems of Wisdom From Our Guests So Far!

This week Kylie and Meg decide to take a breath a recap their favorite moments & episodes so far on Curious Women. Celebrating their 24th episode and 5 months on air so far, the girls take a little trip down memory lane with the usual raucous detours that have come to be a signature of the Curious Women Podcast. 

TLDL: Meg and Kylie's highlights include:

1. Episode 012: Circadian Rhythm: The Routines Impacting Your Sleep, Hormones, and Gut Health with Sarah Marlette

2. Episode 007: How the Menstrual Cycle Works with Jillian Greaves

3. Episode 022 Why You're Bloated and What To Do About It with Isabel Smith

4. Episode 021 Ditching Diet Rules So You Can Participate in Your Life NOW with Shelly Najjar

5. Episode 014- Intuitive Energy Healing: What is it, Who's it for, How it heals with Celina Rosso

6. Episode 011 - How to Manage Anxiety with Curiosity with Jennifer Bronsnick

7. Episode 010 Therapy, Who Can Benefit, and What It Might Look Like with Andrea Brognano

8. Episode 003- How To Communicate Your Desires with Dr. Rose Schlaff

9. Episode 001- Muscle Mass and Hormones with Lo Papanos

10. Episode 004- Thyroid or Adrenal Gland Problems with Lacey Dunn


Don't forget, if you love the show PLEASE leave a 5 star rating & review wherever you listen and share with all your friends! You can also support us via donation with Listener Contributions!

And, finally, a little reminder from Meg & Kylie about how important it is to rest and receive:


I am resting

And receiving

I'm not buying lack of time, lack of work, stayin inside

Of the lines, this time is mine, won't be blind


So I'll keep resting

And receiving

Keepin in flow as I go, fill my cup, cause I knowI'll keep workin to the bone, I should've known


If I don't rest

And receive

I don't produce, I don't see, not allowed to be me

I'm someone else entirely, watch me now break free


Aug 22, 202256:22
023 Gut Rehab: A New Perspective on How to Be Successful in Healing Your Gut with Katie Lovitt

023 Gut Rehab: A New Perspective on How to Be Successful in Healing Your Gut with Katie Lovitt

Katie Lovitt is just the sweetest little Southern cinnamon roll with a TON of helpful tips to share on the often forgotten about part of any healing journey- personal responsibility & empowerment. Katie is a functional gut dietitian who is on a mission to empower women to get the answers they need in order to heal from chronic gut symptoms. She has seen conventional medical systems fail by not asking the "how's and "why's", especially around something so crucial as gut health! You can accomplish true healing with Katie's one of a kind program. Plus, it's fun and delicious! Katie currently resides in Texas with her husband, their three children, and fluffy puppy dog.

You can connect wtih Katie on IG @the_healthygut_dietitian , listen to her brand new podcast The Nourish & Thriving Show or check out her FREE Dish on Digestive Enzymes training + symptom tracker & interpretation guide: https://nourishthrivewellness.com/free-training/ .

TLDL action steps & takeaways:


1) It's NEVER just about the gut! (Even if it seems like it)

2) There are several unintentional ways people may subconsciously be "hiding" behind their illness and hindering their ability to be truly PRESENT in their own lives

3) There's a difference between taking short-sighted action (like getting caught in the "root cause research" and waiting for the perfect expert or protocol to help you) and empowering action (like Katie's steps below)

4) Accepting help + support vs waiting for that person to "rescue" you: Empowered action = asking yourself, "what do i need support with?" so I will look for a practitioner who can meet that need. Non-empowered action = reaching out to the first person you found on Google

5) Benefits of taking empowered action towards your health:

    i. If you feel stuck in your health journey or feel like you keep ending up in the same place, you might need to add empowered actions to your regimen

    ii. Results led by empowered actions will be longer lasting, more sustainable and FEEL better for you personally 

6) Katie's steps to taking empowered actions in your health journey:

    i. Narrow down what exactly your goal is. (spoiler alert, "I don't know" or "to feel better" are not specific enough. Questions to ask yourself further: "what does 'better' look like for me?" and "why?")

    ii. Think about what your unique gifts are. What are you good at, how can you use those skills to help you take action towards your goal?

    iii. Create that vision for your life. Go back to what 'better' looks like for you and figure out what skills you can use to take a small step towards that NOW

    *Katie notes this exercise takes TIME it is not meant to be a simple, quick exploration. Be patient & compassionate with yourself.

7) If the information discussed in this episode resonated with you, check out Katie's Gut Rehab program, where you can get multiple levels of support to connect you to your ultimate goal and get you there in a supportive way.

Aug 15, 202250:40
022 Why You're Bloated and What To Do About It with Isabel Smith

022 Why You're Bloated and What To Do About It with Isabel Smith

This week Meg & Kylie talk bloating with the sassy, BDE (big dick energy) Dietitian entrepreneur Isabel Smith. Isabel Smith, MS RD CDN, Founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition, is a nationally recognized Integrative Registered Dietitian, Health and Lifestyle Expert, as well as a Certified Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. At Isabel Smith Nutrition, Isabel and her team of dietitians work with clients of all ages (almost) and in most areas of wellness- though ISN specializes heavily in gut health, thyroid, hormone, autoimmune, and allergy. Isabel and her team help guide their clients towards true health and healing through helping clients identify and treat the root cause of their dis-ease. Isabel’s expert opinion is often featured in print and online and can be found in Elle, Mind Body Green, Readers Digest, Women's Health/ Men's Health and others.  Isabel is also an advisor, consultant and brand ambassador for various companies she loves, as well as an Angel Investor in the CPG space. In her spare time, Isabel can be found hiking in the mountains of the Adirondacks where she splits her time; or creating new recipes, painting and/or hanging with her two Yorkshire Terriers Sasha and Henry.

You can connect with Isabel and her team on IG at @isabelsmithnutrition or via her website at www.isabelsmithnutrition.com . Or you can join her 6 week Bloat Free Blueprint Program!

TLDL actionable takeaways:

1) Biggest non-food factors that contribute to stress:

    i) Chronic stress (and no, we don't mean the goal is to not HAVE stress, but to make sure you are balancing it with nervous system resetting practices like deep belly breathing).

    ii) Hormonal imbalances (both in men and women)

    iii) The WAY you are eating or drinking- for example, swallowing too much air when eating or drinking, eating too fast, etc

2) What the gut-brain connection ACTUALLY means: "there's a 'super highway' of communication between your gut and your brain" where your brain asks "is it SAFE for me to send blood flow to the gut to optimize digestion right now?". 

3) Isabel's first line-of-defense tools for bloating you can practice on your own:

     i) 3-4 deep belly breathing (NOT puffing your chest out but actively puffing out your belly) a few times throughout your day and ESPECIALLY before eating

    ii) Regular BMs: for constipation people can try magnesium oxide or citrate, concentrated aloe vera, digestive bitters (herbs or foods/drinks like dandelion, coffee, arugula, dill, etc), self message, heating pads or even yoga twists. Hydration is also important here and Isabel recommends focusing on electrolytes like those in coconut water and vegetable juices

    iii) Avoid drinking through straws

    iv) Eat slowly and CHEW food WELL

    v) Avoid frequent consumption through aluminum cans (due to heavy metals which can add to toxic    burden)

5) Common reasons for bloating you might find on a stool test: parasites, bacterial overgrowth, mold exposure, candida, H. pylori, low levels of digestive enzymes, etc.

6) You can also register for Isabel's new 6 week program The Bloat Free Blueprint, which opens for enrollment on September 12th!

Aug 08, 202248:04
021 Ditching Diet Rules So You Can Participate in Your Life NOW with Shelly Najjar

021 Ditching Diet Rules So You Can Participate in Your Life NOW with Shelly Najjar

This week Kylie & Meg picked the brain of the brilliant & beautiful Shelly Najjar about the topic of intuitive eating. She is a Nutrition Mindset Coach, with thousands of hours of training as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, with a Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition. She uses an encouraging, practical, and non-diet approach to help busy women take care of themselves while meeting their goals. Her specialty is in addressing the why and how we eat, helping her clients develop a healthy and stress-free relationship with food, so they can have peace with food, themselves, and their bodies at any size.

On this week's episode we discuss what intuitive eating is and where to start. It's a very liberating episode that just might change the way you think about food & eating! 

You can connect with Shelly on IG @confidentnutritiontravels, join her Intuitive Eating for Busy Women Facebook Group or check out her website: http://confidentnutritionnow.com ! If you are someone who struggles with stress eating, you can also check out her Stop Stress Eating Now bundle!


TLDL action steps & takeaways:

1) Intuitive eating, according to Shelly, is changing the "rules" from external diet rules to rules you create based on your internal cues

2) Internal body cues can range, but some common ones to indicate early signs of hunger and fullness are: hunger= mental slowdown or impatience/"on edge" feeling and fullness= less interest in food or eating slower

3) The common response to intuitive eating is, "so does that mean I can eat whatever I want then?" Shelly says then she challenges her clients to ask themselves how they would feel if they did that. Would get tired of that food or enjoy it as much?

4) A good place to start with intuitive eating is to just simply ask yourself what your favorite food is

5) The difference, according to Shelly, between a craving and enjoying a food is that cravings are typically associated with an impulsive feeling, whereas enjoying foods truly comes with a more satisfying feeling

6) Intuitive eating and mindful eating are similar but they aren't the same. There are still "rules" in mindful eating that may not apply in intuitive eating 

7) Some of Shelly's tools for intuitive eating include taking a "mindful bite" during a meal, creating your own hunger & fullness "map" where you create your own personal "landmarks" or using Shelly's "My Custom Menu" strategy for when you need a little help!

Aug 01, 202201:02:51
020 Healing From Eczema: Getting Your Skin Clear with Christa Biegler

020 Healing From Eczema: Getting Your Skin Clear with Christa Biegler

This week, Meg & Kylie chat with Eczema expert Christa Biegler. Christa is an award-winning dietitian nutritionist, host of the Less Stressed Life podcast, and author of The Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook. She helps health-savvy women beat bloat, burnout & eczema breakouts with her podcast, programs and private practice. She lives with her unicycling husband & kids in the Midwest. The Less Stressed Life Podcast & Nutrition mission is that everyone deserves a less stressed life without inflammation, food sensitivities and fatigue.

On this episode, Christa breaks down some of the most common reasons people struggle with eczema and breaks down some actionable steps people can take either on their own or if working with a practitioner. We talk about mold, staphylococcus, how long it takes to heal eczema and her approach to heal eczema without restricting food!

You can connect with Christa on IG @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist, listen to the Less Stressed Life Podcast  or visit her website at https://www.christabiegler.com/  !


TLDL takeaways & action steps:

1. Eczema is a result of topical staphylococcus infection/overgrowth on the skin- which also points to overgrowth in the gut as well.

2. Mold exposure is a common reason for food sensitivities and eczema

3. Christa has her own eczema typing system. If your eczema looks more dry and flaky you likely need liver support. If it's bright red you may be having a reaction to histamines in the diet. If eczema is primarily on your hands you're likely dealing with eczema from stress.

4. Eczema is a SYMPTOM or RESULT of something else (like mold exposure, sluggish detox, stress, gut issues, etc)

5. General healing time frame for eczema is 2-4 months


Action steps:

[A] Follow a high quality diet- in Christa's eyes, this means based on whole foods, 5+ cups of veggies daily & a ton of colors in your meals.

[B] If you want to experiment with food restriction (i.e. cutting out the Top 8 Allergens, which are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soybeans, wheat, tree nuts and peanuts) - Christa doesn't recommend restricting for longer than 3 weeks.  

[C] Follow Christa's process for eczema healing (aka "AWE"):

1. AWARENESS: write out a timeline of when you started to notice eczema, what else was happening in your life at that point, etc. You can also fill out this questionnaire to see if you can make connections to what else is going on internally. Sometimes this step also includes getting specialized testing done.

2. WORK: these are what you're going to DO with the information you discovered in step 1. If you're exploring this on your own that might look like implementing a detox or stress management regimen

3. EMPOWERMENT: this means taking what worked well for you in step 2 and continuing to use those tools to support your body. 

[D] Christa's favorite detox strategies: infrared sauna therapy, regular BMs, sweating, good hydration

Jul 25, 202238:02
019 Reconnecting to You with Amber Lilyestrom

019 Reconnecting to You with Amber Lilyestrom

This week, Kylie and Meg sit down with business mentor, branding expert, author and speaker with a plethora of incredible and inspiring stories. On the episode, Meg, Kylie and Amber discuss everything from Amber's experiences with (**TW) an eating disorder and sexual abuse to her transformation that started with listening to her intuition.

Amber's work has been featured by Forbes, Entrepreneur, Mind Valley and Working Mother Magazine. She is the host of The Amber Lilyestrom Show podcast and author of books Master Your Money Mind and Paddle Home. Amber helps coaches & creatives help more people and make more money by changing the way they think and show up in their businesses. Her expertise as branding coach supports her clients in positioning themselves as sought-after experts and thought leaders in their fields. Her transformational mindset work sets her apart in an industry focused on a strategy-first, inner work later approach.

You can connect with Amber and inquire about her programs or working with her on her website at www.amberlilyestrom.com or connect with her on IG @amberlilyestrom

TLDL takeaways & action steps:

1. If you receive anything from this episode, please receive the PERMISSION to let the hard stuff be OK and advocate for yourself when dealing with painful feelings & experiences.

2. If you suffer from chronic health ailments that just don't seem to want to quit, you might want to consider including some work on the emotional pieces as a part of your journey. 

3. "It's not anyone else's job to get your vision, it's YOUR job to get your vision. It's not anyone else's business" to validate the vision you have for your life.

4. Lean on support- mentors, mental health professionals, friends and family. Women are designed to thrive in community and in support. If you don't feel supported, reach out to us and/or Amber, we can direct you to some resources!

5. Amber doesn't claim to have answers to deal with difficult situations or really painful experiences but she does believe that it deserves our attention.

Jul 18, 202201:01:09
018 The Postpartum Relief Plan with Michele Duffy and Kate Van Es P2

018 The Postpartum Relief Plan with Michele Duffy and Kate Van Es P2

This week's episode is a continuation of our double part interview with Michele Duffy and Kate van Es on Postpartum Depression. They continue talking about Kate's battle with Postpartum Depression and share some practical tips straight from their Postpartum Relief Plan.

SHE is a holistically-minded, functionally-trained, mother-daughter duo on a mission to transform women’s treatment in the medical community from inferior to superior. From our first experiences as young girls and throughout our final days, we are drastically under-educated about our bodies, medically misinformed, and lied to by the people we trust to take care of us and offer solutions to our pain, symptoms, and confusion. Often, our experiences as women are normalized when they’re anything BUT normal (and are actually symptoms that something is off/wrong and deserves care/attention)! They founded SHE Health to bring unfiltered education, truthful advice, and functional medical care and coaching to help women heal through every stage of their lives while delivering a superior health experience where women’s voices and needs are not only centered/prioritized but trusted.

If you would like to connect with the SHE team you can find them on IG @she_health_ or head over to their website at she-health.net . You can also get started with their Postpartum Relief Plan by going to www.thepostpartumblueprint.com or download the fun "Fridge Macros" they created as a result of our conversation on THIS episode of Curious Women here!

TLDL takeaways/action steps:

1. Cortisol dysregulation is a huuuuge underlying contributer to postpartum depression along with nutrient and hormone depletion

2. Four pillars of relief that SHE's Postpartum Blueprint are: a) blood sugar regulation; b) decreasing inflammation; c) addressing sleep hygiene and d) addressing mental/emotional stress

3. Testing the SHE team uses to assess where you are depleted: a) full thyroid panel; b) hair mineral analysis; c) hormone testing including Cortisol, Estrogen, Progesterone and neurotransmitters (dopamine, etc)

4. Action steps YOU can take at home right away are:

i. SLEEP: we know this is an annoying one to hear, especially for new moms, but Kate & Michele say sleep is the ONLY opportunity the body has to heal and replenish, so it's VITAL to your recovery process. Their program focuses on QUALITY not QUANTITY. The team recommends consistency in bedtime routines (even when bedtime is not a consistent thing) and using tools like aromatherapy, calming activities, music, etc.

ii. Restorative yoga: this helps put the body into the parasympathetic nervous state so your body can actually heal. It's been shown to reduce stress and may also be a great tool to add into your bedtime routine for sleep hygiene

iii. Regulate your blood sugar: make sure you get a good quality fat and protein at every meal and don't skip meals! Eat every few hours, especially when breastfeeding and make sure you are eating ENOUGH. You can download SHE's helpful meal checklist (that was developed as a result of THIS episode!) here!

Jul 11, 202246:56
017 The Postpartum Relief Plan with Michele Duffy and Kate Van Es P1

017 The Postpartum Relief Plan with Michele Duffy and Kate Van Es P1

For a list of potential actions you can take to stand up for abortion rights in the US, check out this list

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On today's episode, Meg & Kylie sit down with a mother-daughter duo team Michele & Kate van Es who are the founders of the "Superior Health Experience" women's health company SHE. Mom Michele Duffy has her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Creighton University, received her Functional Medicine Practitioner training at both the Institute of Functional Medicine and the School of Applied Functional Medicine. and has a background in trauma and pediatrics. Daughter Kate van Es has her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and is a Certified Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

SHE is a holistically-minded, functionally-trained, mother-daughter duo on a mission to transform women’s treatment in the medical community from inferior to superior. From our first experiences as young girls and throughout our final days, we are drastically under-educated about our bodies, medically misinformed, and lied to by the people we trust to take care of us and offer solutions to our pain, symptoms, and confusion. Often, our experiences as women are normalized when they’re anything BUT normal (and are actually symptoms that something is off/wrong and deserves care/attention)! They founded SHE Health to bring unfiltered education, truthful advice, and functional medical care and coaching to help women heal through every stage of their lives while delivering a superior health experience where women’s voices and needs are not only centered/prioritized but trusted.

If you would like to connect with the SHE team you can find them on IG @she_health_ or head over to their website at she-health.net . You can also get started with their Postpartum Relief Plan by going to www.thepostpartumblueprint.com or download the fun "Fridge Macros" they created as a result of our conversation on THIS episode of Curious Women here!

TLDL takeaways/action steps:

1. Cortisol dysregulation is a huuuuge underlying contributer to postpartum depression along with nutrient and hormone depletion

2. Four pillars of relief that SHE's Postpartum Blueprint are: a) blood sugar regulation; b) decreasing inflammation; c) addressing sleep hygiene and d) addressing mental/emotional stress

(Tune in next week for P2!)


Jul 04, 202251:43
016 How Food Impacts Gut Health and How To Make Manageable Swaps with Kylie Fagnano

016 How Food Impacts Gut Health and How To Make Manageable Swaps with Kylie Fagnano

This week, Meg & Kylie bring another dual episode to you talking about the foundational aspect of food! Today's guest is our very own Kylie Fagnano, Registered Dietitian, trained as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, as well as a Certified Leap Therapist. She earned her BS in Psychology and Master’s in Nutrition in Scranton, PA. Her private practice, Strata Nutrition, was born out of her little apartment in Portland, Maine!

A long time sufferer of digestive issues and autoimmune disease herself, Kylie asks and expects of her clients the very same work that she did for herself. She *literally* understands what it feels like, what other feelings the process can bring up and how lonely and hopeless it can seem sometimes.

You can connect with Kylie on IG @the.gut.therapist and online at www.stratanutrition.com

Check out Strata Supplements too!  You can learn more about this incredibly high quality supplement line here:  https://www.stratanutrition.com/shop/

TLDL takeaways:

1) Food is a set of instructions for our bodies; and different foods can give different instructions to different people

2) There are different layers to gut healing: some people might just need a gentle diet spruce up meaning eating more foods in their most whole form and some may need to actually go through an elimination diet. The starting point looks different for everyone. Two extreme examples might be: "Yeah I guess I really haven't looked at my diet I can see myself starting there" vs "I have been to 17 different doctors and nothing has helped"

3) Whichever of the following action steps you choose to move forward with- you MUST do it at 100%; otherwise you may end up more frustrated and may not get accurate information

4) Food sensitivities can cause symptoms in a person for up to 72 hours after eating the food. This is part of what makes finding patterns between foods and symptoms so hard 

5) A helpful place to start could be tracking your food, digestive symptoms, mood & emotions and see if you can start to identify any patterns on your own

6) Just because we have to eat to survive does *NOT* mean you should already know how to eat for your body

7) Some examples of symptoms of food sensitivities and/or if you might have gut issues: neurological (anxiety, depression, brain fog, exhaustion, ADD/ADHD), skin issues (acne, eczema, psoriasis, ketosis pilaris), tinnitus (ear ringing), need to clear your throat, joint pain, digestive (heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea)

8) Food is RARELY the cause of an illness or set of symptoms, and there are certain exceptions, but typically food is a trigger and becomes part of the problem but is rarely the root cause

9) Food with SIMPLE ingredients may be the single best thing someone can do for their gut! Tune in to the full episode to learn what exactly that means! 


Jun 27, 202201:21:21
015 Managing Autoimmune Disease through Food and Nutrition with Annie Rubin

015 Managing Autoimmune Disease through Food and Nutrition with Annie Rubin

Today's episode features Ms Annie Rubin, she is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a Certified Leap Therapist (CLT). Annie works with adults struggling with a host of symptoms from underlying inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that include pain, fatigue, digestive challenges and reduced quality of life. This week Meg & Kylie pick her brain about autoimmunity- we talk what is it, what symptoms might someone who has it experience and most importantly- what can someone who thinks they might have autoimmune problems DO about it?

In her work, Annie helps her clients implement a personalized nutrition roadmap designed to improve mobility, concentration and energy levels to ultimately live a vibrant and fulfilling life. She's also offering an amazing free workshop that goes live TOMORROW (June 21st, 2022) on how to discover the root cause & heal from your autoimmune disease triggers! 

Register for this free workshop here: https://annierubin.ck.page/f0b25cd096 (replay will be available if you sign up through that link until Saturday, June 25, 2022!)

You can also connect with Annie by visiting her website at www.annierubin.com or connect with her on Facebook at annierubinnutrition or on IG @the.autoimmune.dietitian


TLDL takeaways & action steps:

1) Autoimmune disease is when your body accidentally attacks itself. Many times there is a genetic predisposition that is "triggered" by something- like long term poor diet, stress, environmental toxins, etc.

2) It IS possible, in many cases, to manage your autoimmune disease to where it is basically in remission through diet & lifestyle changes

3) Autoimmune disease can effect ANY body system: skeletal/joints (Rheumatoid Arthritis), skin (eczema/psoriasis and to some extent even acne), gastrointestinal (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases- check out episode 009 on IBD with Ashley for more info on this!) and more!

4) Labs Annie recommends to explore if you might have an autoimmune disease: hsCRP and/or CRP, sedimentation rate, FULL thyroid panel (tune into the episode and episode 004 with Lacey Dunn to learn more about what that means!)

6) Who should be looking into whether autoimmune disease is a cause of their symptoms? Those who seem to have a ton of seemingly unrelated symptoms that there is no other answer for, like neurological conditions (brain fog, anxiety), skin issues, digestive issues, joint pain, chronic fatigue, etc!

7) Annie's action steps if you want to experiment on your own (aka see if these things help your symptoms)

-----> Cut out processed foods (tune into the episode to learn what that actually means!)

-----> Trial gluten & dairy free diet for at LEAST 1 month (at 100% effort!)

8) If it's an option, food sensitivity testing can be a really helpful option (but be careful! Not all food sensitivity testing is created equal!)

Jun 20, 202201:03:26
014- Intuitive Energy Healing: What is it, Who's it for, How it heals with Celina Rosso

014- Intuitive Energy Healing: What is it, Who's it for, How it heals with Celina Rosso

This week Kylie & Meg sat down with Intuitive Business Coach & Energy Healer Celina Rosso. Meg & Kylie believe that the intersection of what's considered "science" and what's considered "alternative" or even "woo-woo" actually has a ton of overlap. Exploring the intuitive nature of what the body might be trying to tell us is the basis of the very work that Meg & Kylie do in different ways but this episode focuses more on the connection between intuition and fear, how these feelings are meant to serve us and our overall health and Celina gives amazing tips on how you can get started by harnessing the power of listening to your body (aka your "intuition", "higher self" or whatever verbiage feels right to you).

Celina supports creatives and alternative business owners in growing their businesses in a way that fully honors the full spectrum of their self expression. She helps entrepreneurs come home to their intuitive knowing through holistic healing, humanity led marketing practices, wealth expansion, and nervous system regulation. By incorporating energy healing practices into coaching, she helps people clear stagnant energy and reconnect to their own inner magic. Celina believes the key to successful business and fulfilling life is knowing yourself deeply and allowing yourself to be seen in your true gift expression.

To schedule a single intuitive guidance session, click here. You can also connect with Celina on IG and TikTok @celinarosso

TLDL takeaways:

1) Intuition IS based in "logic" (despite what we've been taught to think). It's based in "your truth if fear was not present", as Celina explains

2) The way Celina practices energy healing is like putting a megaphone to your intuition so we can "hear" what we already know over our fears

3) Our body communicates with us all the time through energetics, emotions & the physical body; having "processing" practices can help us get in touch with our own energy to create more balance and harness our own power

4) The more in touch we are with our own energetics, the more powerful we are because we are not influenced by our fears, social conditioning, experiences, etc

5) It is NOT your full time job to heal, so if it starts to feel really overwhelming, take a break. It doesn't have to be so heavy all the time. Celina says it CAN and SHOULD involve tons of play, creativity & fun 

6) Pay attention to your practices you do for health/wellness- are you actively feeling benefits from them or just doing them to "check off a box"? If it's the latter- that means it's time to change things up!

7) So much of our neurological & immune functions live in our gut. It makes perfect sense that when emotions are ignored or our spirit needs healing, physical ailments (like digestive issues) might start to pop up

8) Habit stacking is a great way to add in helpful habits with little time

9) Energy/spiritual healing may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if it sounds interesting to you, it can be a really supportive addition to your current healing practices 



Jun 13, 202201:15:12
013 Ayurveda 101 with Dr. Justine Lemos

013 Ayurveda 101 with Dr. Justine Lemos

This week, Kylie and Meg explore the world of Ayurveda with Justine Lemos, PhD. She is here to guide you into manifesting your most Radiant Self; nutrition, self-care, relationships, beauty, intuition and bliss. The toolkit for that transformation includes understanding your Ayurvedic blueprint (mind-body type), Vedic Astrology, meditation, mantra, mudra, yoga & more. She loves to harness ancient wisdom-systems and make them applicable to our modern lives; igniting the special magic of a soul aligned with its true purpose.

She is an author, teacher, dancer, mother, speaker and founder of #notacult (a long-term conceptual art piece) and
The Bliss Academy (an online wisdom archive) and at One Yoga. You can check out her shows on Gaia TV: Thrive: Self Healing with Ayurveda or my programs with New World Ayurveda & Dr. Paul Dugliss. She has studied & performed classical Indian dance for 23 years with my Guru, Ranjanaa Devi, and is an Ayurvedic practitioner, Vedic Astrologer, student of Tantrik Yogas and a mystical reader of signs, symbols and omens.  She is on the administrative faculty at Western Yoga College where she offers 200 and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. She is also an instructor of Kundalini Awakening Process guided by Tao Semko.  Her PhD is in Cultural Anthropology with a focus on the study of embodiment in South Asian cultures.

You can connect with Justine on IG at @justinelemosphd !

TLDL action steps:

1. Ayurveda is an ancient system of science that encompasses so much more than the physical- it looks at the mind, body, spirit and teaches an entire way of living. The word Ayurveda actually means "life science" and originated from India. There's no way we could get down to a true understanding of the depth behind this ancient practice in the format of this podcast, but this episode can give you a good surface level of understanding.

2. There are 3 basic doshas (or "defects"- ways in which the body can become imbalanced) and each person has their own mix of doshas: Vata, Pitta & Kapha. These doshas are in everyone in varying amounts that are influenced by genetic makeup and what Justine refers to as "karmic makeup" which are one in the same to her.

3. You can get hints about what dosha you are predominantly by looking at your butt shape & size as well as your approach to sex

4. One of the best ways to learn more about Ayurveda is to pick up an Ayurvedic cook book. Although Ayurveda is much more than just what we eat, Justine says most Ayurvedic cookbooks are well written and do a good job of explaining the depth behind the science.


Jun 06, 202201:00:26
012 Circadian Rhythm: The Routines Impacting Your Sleep, Hormones, and Gut Health with Sarah Marlette

012 Circadian Rhythm: The Routines Impacting Your Sleep, Hormones, and Gut Health with Sarah Marlette

This week Meg & Kylie sat down with Functional Nutritionist Sarah Marlette, who focuses on circadian rhythm regulation in her work. She has her Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Her philosophy is all about nourishment - not deprivation; she calls it: realistic nutrition. She focuses on creating a flexible routine that allows her to enjoy life while still feeding her cells and nourishing her body, and does the same with each one of her clients. Tools, not rules

Sarah has a 21 circadian rhythm reset program to help balance and reset rhythms. This program is group based and led by Sarah. You can connect with Sarah on IG at @nourishthriveglow !


TLDL action steps:

1. Follow Dr Andrew Huberman @hubermanlab on IG for more info on circadian rhythms and their impact on health

2. Circadian rhythms are basically the bodies routines of functioning (i.e. digestion, hormone regulation, heart rate, etc); ideally these functions are on regular schedules or routines, but when those routines become disrupted, they can cause symptoms or even health problems

3. Common circadian disruptors are blue light (yes you scrolling on your phone at night), not enough exposure to sunlight and irratic meal patterns

4. Sarah's recommendations to regulate your circadian rhythms and improve a vast range of health issues (including digestive problems, sleep issues, anxiety or other mental health issues like ADHD- even muscle mass loss (sarcopenia)) include: a) getting morning sunlight (or daytime) exposure within 1 hour of waking up every day; b) delaying caffeine intake and c) limiting scrolling time before/while in bed

5. Heart rate variability can be a great marker for assessing your nervous system functioning as it is closely associated with circadian rhythm regulation

May 30, 202201:11:53
011 - How to Manage Anxiety with Curiosity with Jennifer Bronsnick

011 - How to Manage Anxiety with Curiosity with Jennifer Bronsnick

Kylie and Meg investigate anxiety with Jennifer Bronsnick, LCSW, CMHIMP (Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Practitioner), who is passionate about supporting women who are experiencing stress & anxiety, as well as relationship challenges.  She helps them to access their innate resilience, heal from burnout & anxiety, and uncover their passions so they can feel confident in their decide to stay in a relationship OR make a fresh start.  Learn more at www.jenniferbronsnick.com.  Follow IG @anxietyproofher, www.facebook.com/Jenniferbronsnickmsw


TLDL action steps:

1. There are so many factors that effect our mental health, including our relationships, which actually have the power to disrupt our nervous system.

2. Heart math is a tool we can use to regulate emotions and the nervous system.

3. Anxiety ultimately serves a purpose- to protect us. The first step in managing our anxiety is to get comfortable with it. It's our "safety survival system"

4. Pull out the "worry part", name it and talk back to it- this is a good tool for managing feelings of anxiety (even for adults!)

5. Get curious about your anxiety. When you feel anxious, ask yourself questions like, "how would going for a walk feel?" "what did I eat today?" "how would play feel?" -- let go of the "problem solving" and try to approach it with asking questions instead of the goal of "getting rid" of the feeling

6. Easy tools to start with for managing anxiety: (1) Get more magnesium and potassium either through food or even through baths; (2) Improve sleep quality & amount (3) Limit caffeine & alcohol consumption 

7. "You can't cure trauma with cognitive behavioral therapy- you have to access the body"- Jennifer. She suggests incorporating other tools into your journey such as EMDR and/or tapping with a trained practitioner

8. Typically, women tend to "fawn" or "freeze" in the face of anxiety due to the societal conditioning of being a "good girl"


May 23, 202201:18:40
010 Therapy, Who Can Benefit, and What It Might Look Like with Andrea Brognano

010 Therapy, Who Can Benefit, and What It Might Look Like with Andrea Brognano

This week we are chatting it up with Andrea Brognano, a Licensed Mental Health Clinician who specializes in women's mental health & stress management.  She has worked with people for over 10 years, helping them explore emotions and get to the root of anxious feelings and overwhelm. She is the owner & founder of Therapy Connection, an online group therapy practice. 

Connect with Andrea & her team online at www.therapyconnectiononline.com or on IG @andreabrognano or @therapy_connection. You can also purchase her journals and other helpful resources from her store here.


TLDL action steps:

1. Brain dumping can be a super helpful way to release stress, thoughts & emotions. 

2. Grounding exercises can be a very helpful way to manage overwhelm or overstimulation; bringing you back to the present moment (great for those who don't like meditating): hold an ice cube, go outside and touch the grass/ground/sand or using all 5 senses.

3. If you have been curious about therapy but aren't quite sure what's holding you back, ask yourself "why" and "what do you think going to therapy says about someone?" "who do you know that's in therapy and what do you think about them?"

May 16, 202201:04:41
009- What does Inflammatory Bowel Disease mean with Ashley Hurst

009- What does Inflammatory Bowel Disease mean with Ashley Hurst

This week, Kylie & Meg sit down with Ashley Hurst, who is a Registered Dietitian & Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialist. She is also owner of Crohn's & Colitis Dietitians, a team of 4 Dietitians who are specialists in nutrition therapy for IBD and who also have IBD themselves. Together they help hundreds of patients with IBD find symptom relief, improve energy and find peace with food again. She also has an effective and trustworthy line of supplements to help those with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

You can connect with Ashley and her team on social @crohns_and_colitis_dietitian on IG, Crohns.and.colitis.nutrition on Facebook , IBD_Dietitians on Twitter or on LinkedIn. Or you can check out her website at www.crohnsandcolitisdietitians.com

TLDL action steps/takeaways:

1. Irritation is NOT inflammation. A person can be irritated (or experiencing symptoms) by certain foods or triggers but these may not necessarily mean they are causing inflammation. Similarly, a food or trigger can cause inflammation that a person might not necessarily be able to feel.

2. 1 in 4 IBD patients has an eating disorder; 80% of IBD patients have disordered eating patterns.

3. Eating PATTERNS make more of a difference for those with IBD vs including/omitting individual foods alone.

4. Research shows that, contrary to popular belief, fiber should NOT be restricted in the diet if you have IBD (of course this part takes a lot of personalization and should be decided between you and your dietitian, but fiber can be super helpful in helping IBD patients remain in remission)

5. Basic rules of an IBD diet: 1) high antioxidant diet (berries, leafy greens, smoothies, squash, fish, nut butters); 2) high fiber & 3) anti-inflammatory foods (curcumin, etc)

6. There is considerable research to suggest a gluten free trial period (at least) may be beneficial for IBD patients


May 09, 202201:13:40
008- What Is Hormone Sensitive Cancer And How to Prevent/Manage It with Dionne Detraz

008- What Is Hormone Sensitive Cancer And How to Prevent/Manage It with Dionne Detraz

On this week's episode of Curious Women, Meg & Kylie chat it up with Cancer Nutrition Expert & Integrate and Functional Dietitian, Dionne Detraz.

Dionne specializes in helping survivors build cancer recovery plans that support healing, optimize treatment, and reduce recurrence by using holistic anticancer nutrition in combination with integrative and functional medicine tools.

Dionne’s experience includes over 20 years working in health education, wellness, and nutrition. She’s worked in conventional medical settings, infusions clinics, an integrative medicine clinic, and for the last 6 years in private practice. Before starting her online business "The Rustic Dietitian" in 2016, she worked for several years at the University of California San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and she spent more than 10 years as an outpatient dietitian and health educator at Kaiser Permanente. Her education and experience includes a unique blend of western medical nutrition therapy with integrative and functional medicine.

You can connect with Dionne on her new website at www.groundandroot.com or on social at @groundandroot.nutrition !

TLDL takeaways from today's episode:

1. The majority of hormone-sensitive cancers are mostly influenced by the sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone & testosterone (uterine, ovarian, prostate, breast cancers, etc)

2. The connection between hormones & hormone-sensitive cancers is this: cells in these glands have a place for hormones to "land" (i.e. receptors), which means when hormones bind to that cell, the hormone tells the cell to grow (and therefore it can multiply into cancer). Cells in other parts of the body can also have "landing pads" for other hormones and substances (like Insulin and glucose).

3. Pillar I to managing/preventing hormone-sensitive cancers: Avoiding or reducing exposure to xenobiotics/endocrine disrupting chemicals (aka EDCs). You can do this by: (1) trading out plastic tupperware for glass; (2) trading out bleached products (toilet paper, menstrual pads and tampons, etc) for non-bleached products as much as possible and (3) choose less toxic personal care products (shampoos, deoderants, etc- check out Dionne's website for more posts on these!)

4. Pillar II: Improve the liver's ability to detox. You can do this by: (1) Reduce/limit alcohol consumption; (2) Eat cruciferous veggies, dark leafy greens, allium foods, citrus fruits & berries, walnuts, apples to help nourish the liver (3) Some herbal teas like milk thistle can help detox processes and (4) Good hydration! Adjusting meal times, adequate sleep & getting your sweat on are also great! (Check out the "organ clock" Dionne was referring to here!)

5. Pillar III: Support your gut's estrobolome. You can do this by eating a ton of fiber, probiotic-rich foods, mushrooms and polyphenols

6. Pillar IV: Include hormone-balancing foods like healthy fats, cruciferous veggies & phytoestrogens (organic, whole food-form).

7.vThere are alternative testing methods to see how your body is actually processing your hormones. One test that can do this is called the DUTCH test. You can do this test with a Naturopath or Functional MD or Dietitian (like Dionne!).

May 02, 202201:25:04
007 How The Menstrual Cycle Works with Jillian Greaves

007 How The Menstrual Cycle Works with Jillian Greaves

This week's episode is a MUST LISTEN TO episode for anyone out there with a uterus and a menstrual cycle! Kylie & Meg had an in depth chat with Functional Dietitian, Jillian Greaves and get the low-down on all things menstrual cycle, energy levels, symptoms & what's actually happening in there during the month. Ladies, it's the health class we never got!

Jillian is a Functional Dietitian and Women’s Health Specialist. She provides comprehensive nutrition and lifestyle counseling to women, with a special emphasis on PCOS, hormone balance, and digestive health. Jillian helps clients identify and address the root causes of their hormone and digestive symptoms naturally using advanced lab testing, personalized nutrition and supportive lifestyle therapies as the first line of intervention. Jillian runs a virtual private practice and is the creator of the Empowered PCOS Program. It's her mission to empower women to take back control of their health, reclaim their confidence, and experience life at its fullest potential.

To learn more about Jillian and to connect with her, check her out on IG @Jilliangreavesrd or learn how you can work with her directly on her website at https://jilliangreaves.com/ !

TLDL action steps:

1. There are FOUR phases of the menstrual cycle- menstruation, follicular, ovulation and luteal. Each phase typically comes with different energy levels, symptoms and diet & lifestyle changes that should be made to support the changes happening in your body

2. Menstrual cycle is considered to be the 5th vital sign for people with uteri & who are cycling.

3. Menses (or menstrual phase) can be thought of as a time for rest; we typically have lower energy levels during this time.

4. Cycling people with uteri (lol, uteri) tend to feel more energetic and creative during the follicular phase. This is a good time for higher intensity exercise,  eating regular & more well rounded meals and supporting healthy estrogen levels (i.e. cruciferous veggies, high fiber, high quality protein, etc)

5. Ovulation is typically when women are able to get pregnant (it's about a 6 day window). Uterus-having people typically experience higher libido during this time and higher energy levels. It's a good time to continue with food & exercise recommendations from the follicular phase.

5a. FAM (Fertility Awareness Method) is a pretty reliable method of birth control IF done correctly & efficiently

6. The luteal phase causes more inflammation in general, which explains why many of us feel bloated, moody and even less energy. RMR actually increases during this phase (aka we require more energy/might be hungrier during this time) and Insulin might not be used as well during this time (aka more prone to blood sugar fluctuations).

Apr 25, 202201:12:20
006- Can Acne Be Cured with Meg Hagar

006- Can Acne Be Cured with Meg Hagar

On this week's very special episode, the guest of honor is one of their very own: Meg Hagar! She is sitting down with Kylie for a deep dive on the topic of adult acne. Meg is a Functional Registered Dietitian, Licensed Esthetician & Acne Expert. She helps women heal their acne naturally without harmful medications or bandaid solutions.

Schedule a free Mini Assessment with Meg to get some personalized help narrowing down the root causes of your acne at: https://www.megthedietitian.com/contact. You can connect with Meg on IG and TikTok @acne.nutritionist. Her 1:1 Clear Skin Program is OPEN! In this program, clients get access to the most accurate & sensitive testing and a customized protocol based on the results of these tests, virtual visits with a licensed esthetician, access to monthly breathwork workshops and unlimited messaging support between sessions! It's a natural, full-support approach to "undoing" adult acne from the root. You can check out more about this program on her website at https://www.megthedietitian.com/clear-skin-program

TLDL; action steps for this episode:

1. What your acne looks like can be helpful for narrowing down the root cause. For example, deep/painful/cystic acne is likely an internal cause.

2. The tests at your doctor's office may not be enough to get to the bottom of why you have acne. They are a great starting point but we need testing that tells us what your body is actually DOING with things (hormones, bacteria, etc)- not just how MUCH is there. Meg uses GI MAP, DUTCH + micronutrient testing in her practice. 

3. Major starting points for figuring out root causes of adult acne are: hormones, gut, body's ability to detox.

4. A "healthy" diet is NOT the same as an acne healing or acne preventative diet! Meg's tips for following an acne healing diet are: A) Get 30g of fiber daily; B) Double your veggie intake; C) Drink Green Tea!

Apr 18, 202257:53
005- Eating back to your roots with Dr. Sara Chong

005- Eating back to your roots with Dr. Sara Chong

On this week's episode of Curious Women, Kylie & Meg are chatting it up with Dr. Sara Chong, a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Chiropractor with a wealth of training in lifestyle coaching and Korean whole foods nutrition. Dr. Sara's mission is to balance and modulate the foundational pillars of health by addressing the underlying root cause to chronic gut issues and restoring natural health and vitality. 

Today our hosts get to pick her brain about the relationship between food and culture and how we can connect with our roots through that approach. We also take a bit of a detour into discussing other related topics like different practitioner/patient dynamics, pros and cons of our medical system and easy beginning steps one can take to start connecting with their food!

You can connect with Dr. Sara on IG @drsarachong or schedule a free gut consult at www.drsarachong.com !

TLDL action steps for how to connect more with your food:

1. Research who lived on the land you now occupy and learn more about what foods they ate, what plants were most important to them and see if you can include more of those in your food preparation. Another way to do this is also to look into your own heritage and try some new dishes or foods that were staples in that culture.

2. To include more variety in your food, start even by substituting one item in a recipe you like (i.e. purple sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes or even yams)

3. If you're not sure what types of food you want to try, think about what type of cuisines you typically order out. Do you usually go for Indian? Italian? Moroccan? Look up an easy recipe to try and create on your own and see how it goes!

4. Remember that you as the patient know your body best. There are practitioners out there who will invite you to participate in your health journey. This might feel more supportive & collaborative for some people.

Apr 11, 202259:37
004- Thyroid or Adrenal Gland Problems with Lacey Dunn

004- Thyroid or Adrenal Gland Problems with Lacey Dunn

This week Kylie & Meg sit down with Lacey Dunn, a Functional Medicine Dietitian, who helps women reclaim their hormones and their health to become the boss of their own bodies! 

The girls get back to Thyroid basics and break down what it is, what it does, and what tests are important. Like much of Curious Women topics, this one is super complicated, so while they dive into some pretty science-y stuff in the beginning they wrap up at the end with some great suggestions on attainable places to start!

Lacey is the author of the new book, "The Women's Guide to Hormonal Harmony: How To Rebalance Your Hormones, Master Your Metabolism and Become the Boss of Your Own Body", where she helps women navigate their "hormonal symphony", healing their gut and more! It serves as a database to help women understand anything that impacts their overall health. Her book is available on Amazon & at Barnes & Noble or available on her website: https://upliftfitnutrition.com/book/

You can connect with her on IG @faithandfit , twitter @laceyadunn , or www.upliftfitnutrition.com 

She also has a new supplement line called NourishWell Nutrition, which are evidenced based and formulated by Lacey herself. They are also third party tested to ensure purity and safety! Coming soon @nourishwellnutrition on IG ; pre-launch for the supplements starts on 4/8 and the website will be: www.NourishWellco.com 

TLDL action steps for how to support your thyroid & adrenal systems:

1. Your TSH is not enough to fully assess your thyroid function. Lacey's ideal testing for thyroid would include: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies (TPO & Tg Ab) + nutrients (Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin E, zinc, selenium, magnesium) + Cortisol 

2. For many people (especially women), things you wouldn't suspect may be putting unnecessary stress on your body and messing with your hormones, so try to avoid these. These things include under-eating/over-exercising, fasting for too long, not getting enough sleep and even past traumas.

3. "If you have symptoms, you're stressed". If typical stress management tips don't work for you (like yoga & meditation), there are a ton of options for you, including "forced relaxation" techniques. 

Apr 04, 202258:36
003- How To Communicate Your Desires with Dr. Rose Schlaff

003- How To Communicate Your Desires with Dr. Rose Schlaff

This week, Meg and Kylie sat down with Dr. Rose Schlaff to talk all things breaking down the barriers to intimacy. 

Dr. Rose Schlaff is a sex/intimacy coach and pelvic floor physical therapist who has spent the last 5 years helping women and queer folks break down barriers to intimacy so they can feel confident, connected, and carefree in their relationships in and out of the bedroom.

In addition to her virtual sex/intimacy coaching practice, she is a guest lecturer for the University of Michigan’s Human Sexuality Certificate Program, San Diego State University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program, and has had the opportunity to lecture internationally on the topic of sexual and pelvic health in Beijing, China.

To learn more, go to https://www.bewellwithrose.com/learn-more , check out Dr. Rose on instagram @bewellwithrose, or get in touch with Dr. Rose at bewellwithrose@gmail.com.

You can download Dr. Rose's FREE guide to talking sex at www.bewellwithrose.com/talk

Actionable steps for this episode:

  • People who are socialized as female tend to be taught to prioritize others desires before their own
  • People with vulvas' pleasure is often not prioritized in our media
  • You have PERMISSION to prioritize your pleasure and communicate your desires
  • Ingredients for better intimacy:
  1. Decrease stress
  2. Connect with your body
  3. Ask yourself what you want (this doesn't even have to be about sex- you can start really small and just ask yourself what you want for dinner!)
  4. Make sure your "inner spotlight" is shining on you during intimate contact, not JUST your partner.
Mar 28, 202201:03:03
001- Muscle Mass and Hormones with Lo Papanos

001- Muscle Mass and Hormones with Lo Papanos

Today Kylie & Meg are learning how we can actually balance our hormones by focusing on building muscle! Lauren Papanos talks us through the science behind supporting muscle growth and what exactly it has to do with balancing our hormones. Lauren is a Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian and owner of Functional Fueling Nutrition (FFN), Lauren Papanos. FFN offers private coaching, the Strength in Hormones Collective and functional lab testing. Lauren is a licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She holds both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Nutritional Sciences. Lauren works with women to get to the root cause of their health issues and help them heal using natural approaches. She specializes in: PCOS, amenorrhea, thyroid conditions, and exercise performance. You can learn more about FFN at www.functionalfueling.com.

Make sure to check out Lauren's program Strength in Hormones, the only live program on how to sustainably lose body fat and build strength while improving your hormone health. Without calorie counting, hours spent in the gym, or taking hundreds of supplements. See more here: https://functionalfueling.thinkific.com/bundles/strength-in-hormones 

TLDL action steps for how to balance your hormones by building strength:

1. Work on your "metabolic flexibility" by implementing a balanced overnight fast. Lauren generally recommends a 12-14 hour overnight fast to allow your body enough rest

2. Identify "Tell-tale" signs of hormone imbalance: mid-afternoon energy crash, sleeping issues, fatigue, gut problems, skin/hair/nails problems

3. Focus on nourishment vs restriction: eat foods you like but make sure you are also getting the basic 3 "PPF" as Lauren calls it

4. Eat ENOUGH!

5. Build muscle by including strength training into your workouts (and no, it DOESN'T mean you'll get "big and bulky")

Mar 21, 202255:00
002- PCOS: Where To Start with Eleni Ottalagana

002- PCOS: Where To Start with Eleni Ottalagana

In this episode, Kylie & Meg chat with Registered Dietitian, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner and Reiki Master, Eleni Ottalagana. Eleni has a private practice called Women’s Nutrition Clinic, where she specializes in women’s health and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). More specifically, she supports women who want to make nutrition & lifestyle changes using holistic, integrative and functional nutrition approaches.

Eleni is passionate about shifting health care for women and works to empower females when it comes to advocating for their health.

In today's episode, we ask Eleni all the questions including:

  • What are the root causes of PCOS?
  • Can PCOS be cured? Managed?
  • What tests do you need to be diagnosed with PCOS?
  • How does PCOS effect the body?
  • What does PCOS have to do with other conditions like acne, Insulin resistance, thyroid, infertility and more?
  • What can you do to manage PCOS naturally?

Or, if you want to cut right to the chase and know what Eleni's top tips for managing PCOS naturally are, her suggestions are to start with:

  1. Stress management (** this was a biggie!!)
  2. Reduce toxins in your environment (i.e. change plastic cups/tupperware/food storage to glass and slowly work through cleaners, personal care products, etc)
  3. Get as many antioxidants in your diet as possible! 

If you want more specifics on these action tips or want to work with Eleni, here's how you can find her online:

https://womensnutritionclinic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/c/WomensNutritionClinic

https://womensnutritionclinic.com/schedule-a-consultation-with-eleni/

https://www.instagram.com/pcos.dietitian/ 

Mar 21, 202201:16:54
000- The Plural of Uterus is Uteri

000- The Plural of Uterus is Uteri

Hello to all and welcome to the Curious Women Podcast, where we have chats about women’s health to teach you what you didn’t know, you didn’t know.

On the very first intro episode of the Curious Women Podcast (CWP), hosts Meg & Kylie take you on a little journey into their lives, what they do and why they are SO DARN EXCITED to start this podcast.

We are two "curious women" who will be asking questions to various industry experts in an interview style format about things you didn't know you didn't know so YOU can feel empowered to participate in your health care.

Meg: a NYC-turned-Hawai'i transplant is a Functional Registered Dietitian who specializes in nutrition for acne & skin health. She currently has a virtual private practice helping women get clear skin naturally. https://www.acnenutritionist.com

Kylie: a DC/Maine-based Functional Registered Dietitian who specializes in gut health & autoimmune diseases. She currently also has a private practice where she helps clients navigate their way to a healthier body & happier gut. https://www.stratanutrition.com/

Episodes will be released weekly. Each episode will feature an expert in that topic along with some regular segments ("What Are We Drinking?" and "Health WTF Moments"). 

"What Are We Drinking" is when we'll share our beverages of choice while we record the podcast episodes. Whether it's your daily reminder to hydrate, an invitation to make a fancy drink for yourself while you listen to our episodes or just something that makes you laugh- we're here for it. Share your fancy drink recipes with us via email at curiouswomenpodcast@gmail.com

"Health WTF Moments": have you ever had a health-related experience that just makes you think, "WTF?" Each week we'll be sharing Health WTF Moments from our own lives, our clients lives, our special guests and even you! Send us your Health WTF moments at curiouswomenpodcast@gmail.com

Mar 19, 202227:52