Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself
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#478 Grief, Mourning, Estrangement, Help and Hope with Deb Hadley
✨ Feeling mentally scattered, overwhelmed, or like your brain just won't slow down? I've put together my tried-and-true tools for better mental clarity in Finally Focused: Mental Clarity on Demand. Grab it here: http://christabiegler.com/focus
🚨 BIG SAVINGS on Jaspr Air Scrubbers! Get $350 OFF NOW through December 31, 2026 with code LESSSTRESSED! Shop here: https://jaspr.co/lessstressed
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Deb Hadley, founder of KT Humble Hearts, who shares her heartbreaking story of losing both of her children just nine months apart. Deb's story is incredibly moving, and I really wanted to share it with you. We talk about how she found hope and purpose through her grief and why she now helps others who are going through difficult losses. We also get into the difference between grief and mourning, how grief can show up in situations like estrangement, and why healing doesn't mean forgetting or moving on. Plus, Deb shares how joy and sadness can exist together and some ways we can better support people who are grieving.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: ❤️ Deb's story of loss, love, and hope 🌿 Understanding grief vs. mourning 💔 Grieving relationships and estrangement 🫶 Supporting someone through grief ✨ Finding joy alongside sadness 🌱 Growing around grief instead of moving on
ABOUT GUEST: Deb Hadley is the Founder and Executive Director of KT Humble Hearts, a nonprofit dedicated to providing hope and healing to those who are grieving. A certified grief coach, speaker, and author, Deb compassionately walks alongside individuals and families, helping them find hope, healing, and purpose after loss.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
✨ Feeling mentally scattered, overwhelmed, or like your brain just won't slow down? I've put together my tried-and-true tools for better mental clarity in Finally Focused: Mental Clarity on Demand. Grab it here: http://christabiegler.com/focus
🚨 BIG SAVINGS on Jaspr Air Scrubbers! Get $350 OFF NOW through December 31, 2026 with code LESSSTRESSED! Shop here: https://jaspr.co/lessstressed
Do you ever catch yourself overthinking, trying to keep everyone happy, or feeling like you need to control everything? On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Dr. Stephanie Lopez to talk about how these everyday habits can actually be signs of defensiveness. Stephanie shares how a workshop during her career at NASA completely changed the way she understood her own emotions, and why coping with anxiety isn't always the same as addressing what's underneath it. We also get into how our nervous system plays a role in anxiety and some interesting ways to help calm it down. Plus, how learning to handle our own emotions can make a difference in our relationships, especially with our kids.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🛡️ Defensiveness beyond arguing 🧠 Overthinking, perfectionism, and people pleasing 💭 Coping vs. addressing anxiety 🌿 Calming an overactive nervous system ❤️ Emotional capacity and relationships
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Stephanie Lopez is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and former NASA professional who helps high achievers overcome anxiety and overwhelm. After struggling with anxiety and burnout herself, a life-changing workshop inspired her to take a different approach to managing emotions. Today, Dr. Steph combines psychology, nervous system science, and practical tools to help women feel calmer, more confident, and connected in their everyday lives.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focus
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're wrapping up our October ADHD series with psychologist Dr. Ari Tuckman. We talk about what an ADHD diagnosis actually looks like, why ADHD often goes unnoticed in girls and women, and how it can affect relationships and parenting. We also explore the difference between using ADHD as an explanation versus an excuse, along with practical strategies for managing procrastination, time blindness, and everyday challenges.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧠 What an accurate ADHD diagnosis looks like 🧬 Genetics and why ADHD can go undiagnosed ❤️ ADHD in relationships and parenting ⏰ Managing time blindness and procrastination 🧩 ADHD as an explanation, not an excuse
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA, is a psychologist, international speaker, and ADHD thought leader with over 25 years of experience in private practice. He specializes in working with teens and adults with ADHD, as well as couples navigating relationship challenges. He is the author of five books on adult ADHD, including his newest, The ADHD Productivity Manual, and received CHADD's Hall of Fame Award in 2023.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focus
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're diving into executive function with Dr. Sharon Saline as part of our October ADHD series. We talk about why everyday things like managing time, remembering appointments, and following through can be so challenging, and how these struggles can affect relationships. We also explore ADHD diagnosis, genetics, hormones, and the role shame plays in keeping us stuck. Plus, Sharon shares practical strategies for making everyday life a little easier.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧠 Why ADHD can be missed in women 🧬 Genetics, trauma, and ADHD symptoms 🧩 Hot vs. cool executive functioning skills ❤️ ADHD, relationships, and emotional regulation ✅ Practical strategies for motivation and follow-through
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Sharon Saline is the author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD solution card deck. She specializes in working with ADHD and neurodivergent children, teens, adults and families--helping them improve anxiety, cognitive and social executive functioning skills, resilience, self-confidence and personal relationships. She consults with schools, clinics and businesses internationally. Dr. Saline is an instructor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, a part-time lecturer at the Smith College School for Social Work, blogger for PsychologyToday.com, contributing expert on MASS Live at WWLP TV, serves on the editorial board of ADDitudemag.com.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focus
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re continuing ADHD month with returning guest Dr. Jolene Brighten to talk about the hidden signs of ADHD in women and why so many go undiagnosed for years. We get into masking, people pleasing, overachieving, and what ADHD can look like when someone seems to have it all together on the outside but is struggling to keep up behind the scenes.
We also unpack the connection between ADHD and perimenopause, including why hormonal changes can make existing symptoms worse or create symptoms that look like ADHD. Jolene explains why thyroid health matters when evaluating ADHD symptoms and how inflammation, gut health, sleep, and movement can influence brain function. Plus, we discuss what an ADHD diagnosis actually involves and when getting one may be helpful.
🧠 Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women 🎭 Masking, people pleasing, and overachieving 🔍 How ADHD can show up beyond the typical stereotypes 🌸 Why perimenopause can amplify ADHD symptoms 🦋 How thyroid and hormone changes can mimic ADHD 🔥 The connection between inflammation, gut health, and brain function 💤 How sleep and movement support focus and executive function 🧩 When an ADHD diagnosis may be helpful
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Jolene Brighten is an internationally recognized hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and founder of Dr. Brighten Essentials, a supplement company creating science-backed solutions for women’s health. Board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology, a certified menopause specialist, and sex counselor, she’s the bestselling author of Beyond the Pill, Is This Normal, and the forthcoming ADHD and Women—empowering women to optimize their hormones and enhance sexual wellness. A passionate advocate for uncovering the root causes of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten combines clinical expertise with evidence-based education to empower women to optimize their hormones, brain health, and sexual wellness. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and global educational platforms, she has inspired millions of women to better understand their bodies and reclaim vitality.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
🎯 WHAT’S YOUR UNIQUE SUCCESS ARCHETYPE? Take Brad’s free 60-second assessment to uncover subconscious patterns that may be holding you back from your goals. http://www.bradbizjack.com/a/2148328317/SoWiGkU5
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re kicking off ADHD month with returning guest Brad Bizjack to talk about motivation, identity, and what can keep us stuck even when we know what we want to do. We get into why motivation often comes after action, the difference between pushing yourself and feeling pulled toward something, and how the stories we believe about ourselves can shape our behavior.
We also unpack toxic positivity and what happens when we avoid uncomfortable emotions like anger and anxiety. Brad shares a practical framework for processing emotions instead of stuffing them down, plus we talk about burnout, recharging your battery, and the difference between doing something that truly fills your cup and simply checking out or escaping.
🧠 Why motivation often comes after action 🔄 How identity and beliefs influence behavior 🧲 Push motivation vs. pull motivation 👏 Why rewarding the action matters 🔥 Processing anger and other uncomfortable emotions 🧩 The RULER framework for working through emotions 🔋 Recharging your battery vs. escaping
ABOUT GUEST: Brad Bizjack is a personal development expert, mindset strategist, coach, inspirational speaker, and podcast host with over 10 years of coaching experience. His mission is to help people maximize their life, master their mindset, and elevate their relationships and career to the next level and beyond. Brad is happily married to his beautiful wife, Janiece. They reside in Western Illinois in their lake house and have a daughter named Lillian and a dog named Oliver.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re switching things up and having a little fun with personal style. I’m talking with style coach Gillian Jakob Kieser about why figuring out what actually feels like you goes way beyond knowing your colors, following trends, or buying the pieces someone says everyone needs in their closet.
Gillian walks me through the six style archetypes and we get into my own mix of natural, dramatic, and gamine. We also talk about why your style can change through different seasons of life, what your closet can teach you about yourself, and how understanding what you actually like can make getting dressed and shopping a whole lot easier (and more fun).
👗 Why personal style is about more than fashion 🎨 Why knowing your colors isn’t enough ✨ The six style archetypes and what they mean 🧩 Finding your unique blend of archetypes 🔎 What your closet can teach you 🛍️ Shopping with less guesswork 👚 Building a wardrobe for your actual life 💫 Making getting dressed easier and more fun
ABOUT GUEST: Gillian Jakob Kieser (KEESER) is a style coach here to serve the women who have felt left behind by traditional style advice. She goes beyond 'fashion' and doesn't believe there are any 6 pieces everyone must own. She shows you celebrate your true self, quiet the clothing noise, and teaches you how to match your outsides to your insides. Using concrete tools and frameworks, Gillian makes style understandable and enjoyable for EVERYONE, whether you’re “good at fashion” or not.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Kari Natwick to talk about how herbs can support women throughout the perimenopause transition.
We talk about why some women struggle more through perimenopause than others, how changing hormones can amplify stress on underlying systems, and why herbal support may look different depending on where you are in the transition. Kari shares herbs for hot flashes, sleep, mood, libido, and nervous system support, plus where herbs fit alongside HRT.
🌿 WISE WOMAN ERA: Kari's 12-week group program for navigating perimenopause with support around hormones, nutrition, gut health, the nervous system, and herbal medicine: https://www.gutbrainrd.com/wise-woman
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🌿 How herbs can support perimenopause 🌱 Vitex for early perimenopause 🫖 Nourishing herbs for minerals & vitality 🧠 Nervines for stress, mood & sleep 🔥 Herbal support for hot flashes & night sweats 💊 How herbs fit alongside HRT
ABOUT GUEST: Kari Natwick, RDN, LD, IFNCP, is an Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Kari Natwick Nutrition | Gut Brain RD. She helps women navigate perimenopause by uncovering the biological story behind their symptoms and connecting gut health, the nervous system, metabolism, hormones, and the realities of modern life.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rey Hamidi to unpack why skin can seem to age so quickly in midlife and what shifting hormones have to do with it.
We talk about how declining estrogen and progesterone can affect collagen, elastin, pigmentation, acne, dryness, sensitivity, and sagging. Dr. Rey also explains why supporting your skin barrier should come before adding actives, which skincare ingredients she prioritizes, how sleep and other internal factors affect aging skin, and when treatments like microneedling or lasers may make sense.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🧬 How hormones affect aging skin ✨ Why skin can seem to age overnight 🧴 How to support your skin barrier 🫧 Why over-exfoliating can backfire 💧 Which skincare actives to prioritize 😴 How sleep & stress impact your skin 💆♀️ When microneedling & lasers may help
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Rey Hamidi is a board certified dermatologist, founder and CEO of Derm Media, Inc and creator of Ageless Alchemy, a digital program for women in midlife navigating signs of aging. She still practices dermatology part time in Southern California, where she lives with her husband and 2 children. Dr. Rey is passionate about helping women in midlife feel like themselves again, even amidst the hormone chaos of perimenopause and menopause.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones, who is back to break down what actually happens to our hormones during the perimenopause transition and why symptoms aren't always as straightforward as they seem.
We talk about the stages of perimenopause, early symptoms, hormone testing, and why fatigue or changing hormones may be related to perimenopause, something else, or both. Carrie also explains how declining estrogen can affect insulin resistance, body composition, belly fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure, plus how to know when HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense, why HRT isn't one size fits all, and the foundational pieces that still matter throughout the transition.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🧬 The different stages of perimenopause 😴 Why fatigue isn't always just a hormone issue 🧪 What FSH, estrogen & progesterone testing can tell you 🍎 Why body composition & belly fat can change 🩸 How estrogen impacts glucose, insulin & cardiovascular health 💊 When HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense 🧠 Why foundations still matter with or without HRT
ABOUT GUEST: Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author and educator on women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones” in functional medicine, Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed a two-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH), became one of the first to be board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test), the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health (a Fullscript Company) and served on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council. She regularly consults and educates for several women’s health, supplement, and lab-focused companies. Dr. Jones co-hosted the highly popular Root Cause Medicine Podcast, which has over 10 million downloads and now hosts her own podcast, Hello Hormones.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're diving into our September focus on perimenopause with Jennifer Gularson, who is back to break down the different hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options available during perimenopause and menopause.
We talk about estrogen patches, progesterone, testosterone, creams, gels, and pellets, including how they work, why one option may be a better fit than another, and what to consider when starting HRT. Jennifer also explains hormone testing, why she often introduces hormones one at a time, and how treatment may change as you move through the menopause transition.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🧬 The different forms of estrogen, progesterone & testosterone 🩹 How estrogen patches, gels & oral options compare 🌙 Immediate vs. sustained-release progesterone 🌸 When HRT may be considered during perimenopause 🧪 Testing and adjusting hormones over time ⚖️ Pros & cons of hormone pellets 💗 Why vaginal estrogen may still be helpful with HRT
ABOUT GUEST: Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP is a board-certified Physician Assistant and functional medicine practitioner specializing in perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, and women’s midlife health. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she focuses on personalized, science-based care to support longevity, metabolic health, and overall wellness for women navigating hormonal changes.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I'm joined again by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to continue our conversation about CIRS and mold, this time focusing on the health of your home.
After navigating multiple mold exposures herself, Jenna has learned firsthand how overwhelming the environmental side of healing can feel. We talk about what she wishes she had known earlier, including proper mold removal, small particle cleaning, HVAC maintenance, humidity, and when an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may be helpful. We also discuss practical ways to support a healthier home without feeling like you have to figure everything out overnight.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🏠 What to do when you find mold or water damage 🧹 Why small particle cleaning matters after mold exposure 🧼 Why killing mold isn't the same as removing it 💨 HVAC maintenance, airflow & indoor air quality 💧 Why monitoring humidity can help prevent mold growth 🔎 When an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may help 🌱 Taking practical steps without letting mold overwhelm you
ABOUT GUEST: Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
MOLDCO DISCOUNT: Use code LESSSTRESSED20 for 20% off the Complete Panel and Home Dust Test. Find those tests here https://www.moldco.com/testing.
Mold exposure can feel like an expensive and overwhelming rabbit hole, especially when symptoms span multiple systems and conventional testing keeps coming back normal. This week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Ariana Thacker of MoldCo to talk about making mold and CIRS testing and treatment more accessible and less overwhelming. We cover the symptoms and environmental clues that may point toward mold exposure, MoldCo’s $56 starter blood panel, home and genetic testing, and why some people are more susceptible than others. Ariana also walks us through their simplified approach to the Shoemaker Protocol, including prescription binders, nasal sprays, and VIP, and shares an important reminder for anyone navigating mold illness: there are solutions, and people do get better.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🦠 Common signs and symptoms of mold exposure 🧪 Affordable blood, home, and genetic testing options 🏠 HERTSMI vs. ERMI testing 🧬 Why some people are more susceptible to mold 💊 MoldCo’s detox, clear, and repair approach 🌿 Using symptoms to track recovery 💡 There are solutions for mold-related illness
ABOUT GUEST: Ariana Thacker is the founder and CEO of MoldCo, a healthcare technology platform focused on identifying and treating mold toxicity. With a background in chemical engineering and experience as a venture capitalist, she co-founded Conscience VC, investing in early-stage, science-driven startups. Her personal health journey with mold inspired MoldCo, where she combines technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight to improve care for overlooked conditions. Ariana is dedicated to advancing patient-centered, data-driven solutions and continues to support innovative companies shaping the future of health and technology.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to share the deeply personal journey she and her husband have been on with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). After multiple exposures to water-damaged buildings, they both began experiencing unexplained symptoms, with Jenna developing debilitating panic attacks, severe insomnia, neurological symptoms, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite being told by multiple healthcare providers that it was "just anxiety," she continued searching for answers until she finally received a CIRS diagnosis. We also discuss what CIRS is, how it differs from mold illness, why environmental testing matters, and the role of the Shoemaker Protocol in recovery.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Common neurological symptoms of CIRS
The difference between CIRS and mold illness
Trusting your body when answers don't add up
Why environmental testing matters
Finding the right tools for your healing journey
ABOUT GUEST: Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Dr. Jeffrey Bland for a conversation about the evolution of functional medicine and what we're continuing to learn about immune resilience. We explore why "immune boosting" isn't the goal, how the gut microbiome influences inflammation throughout the body, and why mast cells, the 4R gut restoration protocol, and post-COVID immune changes are important pieces of the immune health puzzle. We also discuss inflammaging (chronic inflammation associated with aging) and how nutrition and lifestyle choices can help support resilience and healthy aging.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Why immune resilience matters more than immune boosting • How the gut microbiome influences inflammation • The role of mast cells in immune health • How the 4R protocol supports gut health • Understanding inflammaging and healthy aging • Nutrition and lifestyle strategies to build resilience
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Jeffrey Bland is a world-renowned nutritional medicine expert and is widely considered the "Father of Functional Medicine." A trained biochemist, he has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and the bestselling book The Disease Delusion. He co-founded the Institute for Functional Medicine and the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute and is the founder of Big Bold Health, where his work focuses on immune rejuvenation through nutrition, lifestyle, and regenerative health.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
The Less Stressed Life turns 10 next year🤯, and as I started looking back through some of the earliest episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 54 from 2019 with bestselling author and wellness innovator Dave Romanelli. While this conversation was recorded before the world experienced the isolation of the pandemic, its message about connection, loneliness, and learning from older generations feels even more meaningful today.
In this episode, Dave shares what he learned from years of connecting with people in their 80s, 90s, and even 100s through his Drinks With Your Elders events and the conversations that inspired his book, Life Lessons from the Oldest and Wisest. We explore the importance of preserving family stories, why slowing down to truly listen matters, and the perspective that only comes from a lifetime of experience. We also discuss parenting, resilience, loneliness, and why meaningful relationships—not accomplishments or possessions—are what matter most at the end of life.
Why older generations hold wisdom we can't afford to lose
The importance of preserving family stories before it's too late
Life lessons on parenting, resilience, and showing up for the people you love
How perspective can help us navigate life's everyday challenges
Why relationships matter more than achievements at the end of life
The value of creating connections across generations
Simple ways to start meaningful conversations with the elders in your life
ABOUT GUEST: Dave Romanelli is a bestselling author, wellness innovator, entrepreneur, and lifelong meditator. He is the author of several books, including Life Lessons from the Oldest and Wisest, and is known for bringing generations together through his Drinks With Your Elders events. His work explores connection, mindfulness, relationships, and the lessons we can learn from those who have lived the longest. His work has been featured in The New York Times, O Magazine, Newsweek, Food & Wine, and The Wall Street Journal.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
The Less Stressed Life turns 10 next year🤯, and as I started looking back through some of the earliest episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 47 from 2019 with functional dietitian Olivia Wagner, whose practical approach to food as medicine continues to inspire how we think about nourishing our bodies.
In this episode, we explore how every bite of food provides information to the body, why becoming a "nutrient seeker" can transform the way you think about healthy eating, and simple strategies for building meals that are both nourishing and delicious. We also discuss practical meal prep techniques, easy ways to increase the variety of plants on your plate, creative tips for helping the whole family enjoy more nutrient-dense foods, and how small, consistent changes can have a lasting impact on your health.
Bonus Resource: Download the free Food as Medicine Checklist created for this episode, packed with simple, practical ways to put these nutrition strategies into action.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Food as information and the food-as-medicine approach
How to become a "nutrient seeker"
Simple ways to build colorful, nutrient-dense meals
Practical meal prep and batch cooking tips
Easy strategies to help the whole family eat more vegetables
Flavor-building techniques to make healthy meals delicious
Kitchen tools and resources that simplify healthy cooking
ABOUT GUEST: Olivia Wagner, MS, RDN, LDN, IFNCP, is a functional women's health and fertility dietitian and the founder of Liv Nourished. She specializes in helping women uncover the root causes of hormone imbalances, fertility challenges, and metabolic concerns through a whole-woman approach that combines functional nutrition, advanced lab testing, and nervous system support. Olivia is passionate about empowering women to better understand their bodies and create lasting health from the inside out.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
The Less Stressed Life celebrates 10 years next year🤯, and as I looked back through some of the early episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 39 from 2018 with Jeff Chilton, one of the world's leading experts on medicinal mushrooms and the founder of Nammex.
In this episode, we explore the science behind functional mushrooms, what makes mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and shiitake unique, and why not all mushroom supplements are created equal. We also discuss beta-glucans, immune and cognitive support, how to identify quality mushroom products, and simple ways to incorporate mushrooms into your daily routine.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Functional mushrooms and their unique benefits
Lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga explained
Beta-glucans and immune support
How to choose a quality mushroom supplement
Mushroom myths and common misconceptions
Cooking with mushrooms for maximum flavor
Simple ways to add mushrooms to your wellness routine
ABOUT GUEST: Jeff Chilton is a mycologist, author, and founder of Nammex, one of the world's leading suppliers of certified organic functional mushroom extracts. With more than 50 years of experience in mushroom cultivation and research, Jeff has been a pioneer in bringing medicinal mushrooms to the North American natural health industry. He co-authored the bestselling book The Mushroom Cultivator and has spent decades working alongside leading mushroom researchers and growers throughout China to advance quality standards, education, and scientific research on functional mushrooms. Today, he continues to advocate for transparency, proper labeling, and evidence-based mushroom products.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
The Less Stressed Life celebrates 10 years next year🤯, and as I looked back through some of the early episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. We're kicking off this replay series with Episode 30 from 2018, featuring Dr. Raleigh Duncan, one of the early pioneers in the infrared sauna industry.
In this episode, we talk about what makes infrared saunas different from traditional saunas, what's happening in the body during a sauna session, and the research behind many of sauna's health benefits. We also discuss detoxification, nervous system regulation, recovery, cardiovascular health, and simple ways to get more out of your sauna routine.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Infrared vs. traditional saunas
The science behind sauna
Detoxification and sweating
Nervous system support
Sauna and exercise recovery
Simple sauna best practices
Building a sustainable wellness habit
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Raleigh Duncan is a Doctor of Chiropractic and the founder and CEO of Clearlight®, one of the world's leading infrared sauna companies. A pioneer in infrared sauna technology for nearly three decades, he has dedicated his career to researching how infrared therapy can support healing, recovery, and overall wellness. Dr. Duncan has developed numerous patented infrared technologies and continues to advance innovations in sauna and wellness products used by individuals, health practitioners, and fitness professionals around the world.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
In this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Louise Wilson for a conversation about dreams, intuition, and the possibility that some of our best ideas may arrive while we're asleep. We explore the concepts of 3D, 4D, and 5D reality, why Louise believes dreams can be a powerful source of guidance, and how sleep may be an overlooked opportunity for problem-solving, creativity, and personal growth. We also discuss the power of asking better questions, creating space for deeper rest, and why the answers we're seeking may be closer than we think.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Ancient cultures viewed dreams as a powerful source of wisdom and guidance • How questions can shift your focus toward solutions and possibility • The difference between 3D, 4D, and 5D perspectives • Sleep may be an untapped tool for problem-solving and creativity • Dreams, even the strange ones, may contain valuable messages • Your intuition grows stronger when you learn to trust it • Some of the answers you're seeking may already be within you
ABOUT GUEST: Louise Wilson is a Business and Quantum Manifestation Coach who helps entrepreneurs combine intuition, mindset, and practical action to grow thriving businesses. A former Finance Manager for Greenpeace International and successful serial entrepreneur, she has spent the past 15 years coaching business owners through her proprietary Quantum Leap In Your Sleep framework, helping them create greater clarity, alignment, and results.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, I’m joined by Helen Eimers for a conversation about the hidden beliefs, energy leaks, and patterns that may be keeping us stuck. Helen is also my sister-in-law and one of the very first guests I ever had on the podcast, so it was a special treat to welcome her back for a second conversation. We explore why so many high-achieving women find themselves exhausted despite doing all the “right” things, how self-sabotage often stems from parts of ourselves that simply want to be seen, and why healing isn’t about fixing or erasing our wounds. Helen shares her perspective on building capacity from the inside out, the role of self-compassion in lasting change, and how gratitude, curiosity, and learning to receive support can help us create more energy, fulfillment, and freedom in our lives.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: ✨ Stop fighting yourself and start getting curious ✨ Hidden beliefs may be draining more energy than you realize ✨ You can't think your way through everything—you have to feel it too ✨ Martyrdom, burnout, and people-pleasing often go hand in hand ✨ Receiving support is just as important as giving it ✨ Lasting change happens when you build capacity from the inside out
ABOUT GUEST: Helen Eimers is a Success Coach, certified conscious heart hypnotherapist, speaker, and author who helps ambitious women overcome self-doubt, burnout, and inner resistance so they can create sustainable success and fulfillment. Drawing on her background as a registered nurse, Helen combines practical strategy, mindset work, and hypnotherapy to help women build confidence, clarity, and alignment from the inside out. She has spent more than a decade guiding women toward greater capacity, purpose, and intentional living.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Nicole Cain for a conversation about anxiety, panic, stress, and what our symptoms might be trying to tell us. We talk about the difference between fear, anxiety, and panic, why anxiety may be more of a signal than a problem, and how chronic stress can quietly build beneath the surface long before we recognize it. Dr. Nicole shares her perspective on complex trauma, nervous system regulation, and the ways modern life constantly pulls us into reactivity without us even realizing it. We also explore why awareness is often the first step toward healing, how nature can help bring us back into balance, and why anxiety isn’t necessarily something you have to live with forever.
Anxiety may be a signal rather than the problem itself
Panic often builds long before it feels like it comes out of nowhere
Chronic stress can become invisible when it feels normal
Complex trauma develops through repeated experiences over time
Nature and nervous system regulation can support healing
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Nicole Cain is a naturopathic physician, EMDR-trained clinician, author, and expert in trauma-informed mental health care, holistic anxiety treatment, and panic recovery. Holding a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, she combines evidence-based psychology with integrative and functional medicine to help people address the root causes of anxiety and chronic stress. She is the author of Panic Proof (Rodale, 2024) and host of the Holistic Inner Balance: Natural Mental Health Podcast, where she shares research-backed strategies for emotional well-being. Dr. Nicole is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today and has been featured in numerous national health and wellness publications.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, I’m joined by Michele Spring for a conversation about Hashimoto’s, autoimmune healing, and the often-overlooked role stress plays in chronic illness. We talk about why food can be a powerful tool for uncovering inflammation, how restrictive diets are meant to be temporary, and what happens when symptoms return after you've already done the work to feel better. We also explore the connection between perfectionism, people-pleasing, overachievement, and autoimmune disease, along with why nervous system regulation became such an important piece of Michele’s healing journey.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Hashimoto’s is about more than thyroid hormones • Food can uncover hidden sources of inflammation • Healing often requires more than dietary changes • Overachievement and people-pleasing can fuel chronic stress • Nervous system support is a missing piece for many people
ABOUT GUEST: Michele Spring is an autoimmune health coach, founder of Thriving Autoimmune, and a Hashimoto’s and Celiac disease warrior. After struggling for years with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and other symptoms despite conventional treatment, she discovered a root-cause approach that transformed her health. Today, Michele helps women with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism reclaim their energy, clarity, and confidence through nutrition, gut health, nervous system support, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Through her coaching programs, educational resources, and personal experience, she has helped hundreds of women take control of their health and thrive.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, I’m joined by optometrist Dr. Dawn Wattenhofer for a conversation about dry eye, light sensitivity, and the surprising ways our modern lifestyle impacts eye health. We talk about how screen use, inflammation, and environmental stressors affect the eyes, why dry eye is becoming increasingly common, and what newer therapies are changing the way practitioners approach treatment. Dr. Dawn also shares how her perspective on sunlight and eye care has evolved over the years and why supporting long-term eye function requires a more whole-body approach.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Your eyes need healthy blinking habits • Modern life is hard on eye health • Sunlight isn’t always the enemy • New therapies are changing dry eye care • The eyes reflect what’s happening in the body
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Dawn Wattenhofer is co-owner of Vision Source Specialists in Rapid City and has practiced optometry since 1998. She specializes in dry eye testing and treatment through the clinic’s Ocular Surface Disease Clinic and has completed extensive post-doctoral training focused on overall health, wellness, and their impact on the eyes. Dr. Wattenhofer has also completed specialized dry eye training through the Dry Eye Institute and Dry Eye University.
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, I’m joined by my friend and fellow mastermind member, Rianne Klein Getlink, for a conversation about authenticity, self-expression, and the subtle ways we learn to wear masks to fit into the world around us. We talk about how conditioning, professional expectations, and social pressure can slowly disconnect us from who we naturally are, along with why the things that feel most effortless to us are often the biggest clues to our authentic selves. We also explore two Dutch words that don’t have direct English translations but completely change the way we think about ease, joy, anticipation, and possibility. This episode is a reminder that reinvention is always available and that maybe the parts of yourself you’ve been trying to tone down are actually the parts that were meant to shine the brightest.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Many women unknowingly wear “masks” to fit in • What feels effortless may reveal your authentic self • Conditioning can disconnect us from our natural energy • Anticipation and joy are experiences worth cultivating • “Yes, and” thinking creates more creativity and possibility • Small mindset shifts can change your energy quickly • Reinvention is possible at any stage of life
ABOUT GUEST: Most of us desire to BE ourselves in every context, yet as we age we create a multitude of filters and masks between who we are and how we express ourselves. Rianne (49, The Netherlands) is on a mission to bring out all and more that what makes you YOU into the world.
We're all born with an innate energy that wants to be expressed and instead of dimming your light, let's amplify all that lives in you so that we get to witness the real you and in return you feel actually seen as you.
A Less Stressed Life because you get to live it as YOU.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, Jennifer Gularson joins me to talk about perimenopause, menopause, and low libido, along with what’s actually happening in the body during this transition. We break down how stress, sleep, blood sugar, under-fueling, and hormone shifts can all impact libido, mood, cycles, and energy levels. We also discuss why so many women feel dismissed when symptoms start showing up, how testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone change through perimenopause and menopause, and the evolving conversation around hormone replacement therapy, healthy aging, and longevity so women can better understand what their body may actually need.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Low libido is rarely just one thing • Stress hormones affect sex hormones • Perimenopause can feel unpredictable • Estrogen impacts long-term health • Lifestyle habits still matter deeply
ABOUT GUEST: Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP is a board-certified Physician Assistant and functional medicine practitioner specializing in perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, and women’s midlife health. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she focuses on personalized, science-based care to support longevity, metabolic health, and overall wellness for women navigating hormonal changes.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
In this bonus episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes updates on how we’ve shifted the way we help people inside the Less Stressed Life over the last several years. I talk about how Momentum was created to help people get faster results in a more accessible and streamlined way, why we now offer both one-on-one and group options, and why enrollment is temporarily closing next week while I focus on a new project!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, Inna Segal joins me to talk about healing in a way that goes beyond quick fixes. Instead of looking for someone else to “fix” you, we break down what it actually means to participate in your own healing and why that shift is often the turning point.
We walk through the stages of healing, why people get stuck, and how the nervous system, past experiences, and overwhelm can slow progress. We also talk about how to start reconnecting with your body through simple tools like breath and awareness, and how symptoms can act as signals instead of something to suppress.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Healing requires your participation • There are stages to healing you can’t skip • The nervous system has to be ready for change • Symptoms can be signals, not just problems • Overwhelm keeps you stuck early on • Connection starts with breath, touch, and awareness
ABOUT GUEST: Inna Segal is a pioneer in the field of energy medicine and human consciousness, and the bestselling author of The Secret Language of Your Body, translated into 27 languages and sold over a million copies worldwide. Her journey began after years of illness and the tragic stillbirth of her child, which led her to discover a profound ability to heal herself. From that turning point, she dedicated her life to helping others transform pain into freedom. For over 25 years, Inna has worked with people worldwide—from doctors and psychologists to trauma survivors and creatives—teaching how to uncover the true roots of suffering and restore health through the wisdom of the body and soul.
This week’s episode is a behind-the-scenes conversation with my podcast manager, Lori, where we look back on the first quarter of episodes and talk honestly about what stood out, what we liked, what didn’t land as well, and what actually felt useful. We get into some of the bigger topics from the quarter like radon, water filtration, fascia, and detox, share a bit about how we think through guests and episode quality, and wrap up with what’s coming next, including new protocols and where I want to take the podcast this year.
The Clean Water Store is also offering listeners 15% off water testing or whole house systems. Use code LESSSTRESSED15 at checkout and you’ll be automatically entered to win a Portable Stainless Steel Gravity Water Filter with UV Purification (a $230 value).
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!
#450 Is Collagen the Answer to Aging? with Christa Biegler, RD
In this episode, I’m breaking down collagen and why it matters more than you might think as you age.
After a conversation about my own eyesight, I started digging into how collagen declines over time and how that impacts skin, joints, bones, and more. This episode walks through the different types of collagen, what to look for on labels, and how to actually use it in a way that makes sense.
I also share what the research shows, how much you need to see results, and why consistency matters if you want to notice a difference.
I’m inviting you to join me in a simple 30-day collagen challenge so you can test this instead of guessing.
✨ How collagen declines with age ✨ The most important types of collagen and where they work ✨ What to look for in a quality collagen supplement ✨ How much you actually need to see results ✨ Why consistency matters
📢 Sponsor Shoutout: Jigsaw Health
This episode is sponsored by Jigsaw Health. I’ve personally been to their warehouse and seen the level of care they put into their products.
Their collagen is grass-fed, includes hyaluronic acid for added hydration support, and is third-party tested with results available for full transparency.
If you’re looking for a high-quality option, this is one I trust and use.
👉 Get 10% off your order with code LESSSTRESSED10 at jigsawhealth.com.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
This week, Dr. Christopher Shade joins me to talk about detox in a way that actually makes sense. Instead of jumping straight into protocols or pushing things out too fast, we break down how detox really works in the body and why drainage has to come first.
We discuss what happens when toxins build up, how they move through the liver, kidneys, and lymph, and why symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and reactivity often point back to a system that isn’t draining well. We also get into why stress, inflammation, and even hormone shifts can slow detox down, keeping you stuck.
We also walk through binders, how they actually work, why different types matter, and how to use them in a way that supports your body instead of overwhelming it. This episode helps you think about detox in a more practical, step-by-step way so you can stop guessing and actually make progress.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Detox starts with drainage • Pushing too fast = feeling worse • Liver, kidneys, lymph all matter • Stress shuts detox down • Not all toxins act the same • Binders help you clear, not recirculate • Skin issues can be detox overload • Histamine = overwhelmed system • Start slow, build up 👍
ABOUT GUEST: Christopher Shade, PhD, founder and CEO of Quicksilver Scientific, continues to be a driving force of development and innovation in Functional and Integrative Medicine, creating high-efficacy detoxification systems for wellness and longevity by employing high-bioavailability delivery systems for nutraceuticals and whole-plant extracts.
This week, Gerry Bulfin joins me to talk about water filtration in a way that actually makes sense. Instead of chasing the “best” filter, we break down how to think about your water based on what’s in it, whether you’re on city or well water, and what problems you’re trying to solve.
We discuss common issues like chlorine, hard water, iron, and bacteria, along with how things like old pipes or mineral buildup can impact both your home and your health. We also walk through the most common filtration options and when they actually make sense, so you can stop guessing and choose something that fits your situation.
The Clean Water Store is also offering listeners 15% off water testing or whole house systems. Use code LESSSTRESSED15 at checkout and you’ll be automatically entered to win a Portable Stainless Steel Gravity Water Filter with UV Purification (a $230 value).
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • There is no one-size-fits-all water filter • City water can pick up contaminants after it leaves the plant • Hard water causes buildup, appliance damage, and stubborn residue • Iron and manganese are common and affect both water and hair • Activated carbon works well for chlorine but not everything • Reverse osmosis is one of the most comprehensive options for drinking water • Testing your water helps you avoid guessing and overspending
ABOUT GUEST: Gerry Bulfin is a Water Quality Association Master Water Specialist and licensed Water Treatment Operator with nearly four decades of experience helping homeowners across the US figure out what's in their water and what to do about it. He founded the Clean Water Store in 1986 and his team is known for giving straight, no-commission advice — they will talk you out of a system if you do not need one.
This week, Greg “the Hydrogen Man” joins me to talk about molecular hydrogen and what you actually need to know. With hydrogen water gaining popularity, we break down what it is, how it works in the body, and why there’s so much confusion around it.
We discuss how hydrogen may influence oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and energy. Greg also shares his personal story and how his search for answers led him into years of researching and experimenting with hydrogen through both water and inhalation.
We also get into why not all hydrogen products are created equal, why water quality matters, and how to think through trends like this without getting pulled in every direction.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Hydrogen may act as a selective antioxidant • Mitochondria play a role in energy and healing • Delivery method (water vs inhalation) matters • Water quality is foundational • Not all hydrogen products are equal • It’s easy to get pulled into health trends without context
ABOUT GUEST: Greg, widely known as “The Hydrogen Man,” spent over 20 years in the medical field before a near-death experience forced him to rethink his understanding of healing. After battling severe health issues—including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, systemic inflammation, heart disease, and immune collapse—he found little relief from conventional or alternative approaches. His breakthrough came through a spiritual awakening that led him to molecular hydrogen.
Today, Greg is a leading voice in hydrogen health, trained with top engineers in Japan and known for pioneering advanced protocols using ultra-pure hydrogen water and gas. In this interview, he explains the science behind molecular hydrogen, its role as a selective antioxidant, why water purity and production methods matter, and how hydrogen therapy may be one of modern wellness’s most overlooked tools.
In this episode, I’m sharing my hormone test results at 39 and how to interpret them through a root cause lens. I walk through why I chose a DUTCH test, what I hoped to learn, and why it’s easy to chase data while missing what your body is already telling you.
I break down what my results showed across hormones and adrenal function, what changed, and where I still have room to improve. It’s a reminder that supporting how your body functions matters more than chasing perfect lab numbers.
WHAT HELPED ME IMPROVE MY RESULTS:
• Supporting detox and drainage • Reducing excess caffeine • Prioritizing stress and adrenal support • Paying attention to light exposure
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Why symptoms matter more than lab results • What a DUTCH test can (and can’t) tell you • How stress impacts hormone balance • The role of detox and estrogen metabolism • Why trends matter more than perfect numbers
This week, Deanna Hansen joins me to talk about fascia through a root cause lens. Instead of looking only at pain, posture, or mobility in isolation, we explore how fascia affects the body as a whole and why compression, stress, and loss of flow may contribute to much more than people realize.
We discuss how fascia influences circulation, detoxification, lymphatic flow, digestion, alignment, and even emotional health. Deanna explains how trauma, shallow breathing, repetitive stress, and daily movement patterns can all create adhesions in the body that affect how we feel and function over time.
We also talk about why breath is such a critical part of healing, how the diaphragm supports both nervous system regulation and cellular health, and why symptoms like pain, bloating, tension, and chronic stress may all point back to deeper patterns of compression. Learning how to create more space in the body may be one of the most powerful ways to support long term healing.
Bonus Gift: 9 Part Fascia Sampler https://blocktherapy.com/sampler-program-opt-in/. Use just your body weight + a towel to start decompressing fascia, improve oxygenation, and support better alignment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • You can’t out supplement a compressed body • Shallow breathing keeps you stuck in stress mode • Fascia affects way more than just pain and mobility • Your diaphragm is a major player in healing • “Tight” often means stuck, not strong • Creating space = better flow, better function
ABOUT GUEST: Deanna Hansen is a pioneer in the field of fascia decompression for physical and emotional transformation. With more than 20 years of hands-on clinical experience, Deanna created Block Therapy™, a unique fascia-release protocol, to relieve chronic pain and dis-ease, encourage healthy detoxification, and reverse cellular aging.
This week, Diane Ducarme joins me to talk about migraines through a root cause lens. Instead of focusing only on pain relief, we explore why the brain goes into pain in the first place and what the body may be trying to signal when migraines show up.
We discuss how different migraine patterns can have very different drivers. Diane explains how trauma, perfectionism, nervous system overload, hormone shifts, and digestion issues can all contribute to migraine symptoms, even when life outwardly seems calm or stable.
We also talk about why many people do not recognize their own stress levels, how the nervous system can become hypersensitive over time, and why migraines are often delayed signals from the body rather than immediate reactions. Learning your personal patterns can be one of the most powerful steps toward long term relief.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Migraines often reflect deeper system imbalances • Stress patterns can exist even when life feels “normal” • Trauma and perfectionism can keep the body in stress mode • Digestive dysfunction can amplify migraine triggers • Hormones and cycle changes often influence migraine timing • Learning your patterns is key to long term relief
ABOUT GUEST: Diane Ducarme is the host of the Migraine Heroes Podcast and Founder of the Migraine Heroes app. She studied Business and Neuroscience with Harvard Business School and HarvardX, and trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shanghai and at the Academy of Healing Nutrition. Diane blends Eastern medicine, engineering thinking, and modern science to uncover the real roots of migraine. Through her podcast, Migraine Heroes, she shares breakthrough insights, practical tools, and empowering strategies to help people reclaim control of their lives.
In this episode, I’m sharing Part 2 of my healing crisis and the story of how I unintentionally trashed my hormones. A few years after the skin and energy issues I talked about in Part 1, I started noticing a different set of symptoms: puffiness, shakiness between meals, energy crashes, irritability, and stress patterns that were slowly burning out my adrenals and thyroid. What makes this tricky is that many of these symptoms are easy to normalize when life is busy.
I walk through the symptoms that were building, how intermittent fasting and undernourishment played a role, and what actually helped me rebuild my energy and resilience. I also share how testing eventually confirmed what my body had been signaling for a long time: burned out stress hormones and sluggish thyroid function, and why supplements alone cannot fix stress physiology without addressing the nervous system.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Signs of adrenal and thyroid stress • How undernourishment and fasting impact hormones • Why labs can look normal when you feel terrible • Why supplements alone can’t fix stress physiology • The role nervous system work plays in healing
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!
#442 Financial planning when you have a child with a disability with Michael Pereira of The Autism Voyage
This week, Michael Pereira joins me to share his family’s journey after his son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He opens up about moving from denial to acceptance, how COVID revealed behaviors they could no longer ignore, and the stress it placed on his marriage as they navigated uncertainty about their son’s future. After struggling to find practical, parent-centered resources that were not tied to a sales pitch, Michael left corporate America and created The Autism Voyage®, a platform designed to help families understand the emotional and financial realities of long term planning.
We talk about why so many families feel frozen when it comes to planning and how to move from fear into clarity. Michael explains what it means to become the quarterback of your child’s care, why building a trusted team matters, and how thinking in short term, midterm, and long term timelines can bring stability to an otherwise uncertain path. This is an honest conversation about parenting, partnership, and preparing for the future without losing yourself in the process.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Acceptance creates forward movement • Fear shrinks with clear planning • Be the quarterback, build a team • Protect income before anything else • Start trust and guardianship talks early • Rest and marriage are part of the plan
ABOUT GUEST: Michael Pereira is the founder of The Autism Voyage®, a platform supporting families raising children with autism and other neurodivergent diagnoses. As a father of two, including one neurodivergent child, he brings lived experience alongside professional collaboration to help families navigate long-term planning with clarity. His work focuses on education, trusted resources, and insurance-based strategies within a team-oriented approach to promote long-term stability.
This week, Karlee Close joins me to talk about why so many women stay stuck in chronic bloating despite eliminating foods, running tests, and trying supplement protocols. We unpack how stress physiology, under fueling, and blood sugar swings can quietly shut down digestion, even when you are eating “clean.”
Karlee shares her own story of cycling through restrictive diets, repeated food sensitivity testing, SIBO protocols, and candida cleanses before realizing that the missing piece was foundational habits. We dig into how skipping meals triggers cortisol and adrenaline, why digestion starts in the brain, and how eating in a constant fight or flight state can lead to gas, constipation, and that six months pregnant feeling by the end of the day.
We also cover the role of sleep, movement, and nervous system regulation in restoring motility and reducing fermentation in the gut. If you feel bloated no matter what you eat, this episode brings you back to the basics that actually move the needle.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Chronic bloating is often driven by stress physiology, not just food • Skipping meals and under eating trigger cortisol and slow digestion • Blood sugar crashes increase cravings and worsen gut symptoms • Digestion starts in the brain and requires a rest and digest state • Restrictive diets and repeated testing can keep you stuck • Light movement after meals supports motility and reduces gas • Consistent sleep rhythms help stabilize blood sugar and gut function
ABOUT GUEST: Karlee Close is a Certified Gut Health Coach, host of The Beyond Bloated Podcast, and founder of Beyond Bloated, where she helps women reduce chronic bloating through simple, sustainable habits.
After developing severe digestive issues in her mid-20s, she spent years cycling through restrictive diets and supplements without lasting relief. Now, she teaches a balanced, non-restrictive approach focused on foundational habits so women can feel confident, energized, and comfortable in their bodies.
In this episode, I’m giving you a little life update and answering a question I get all the time.
Where do I start with my health?
Using a story about my son’s back pain and how a trained eye caught what others missed, I walk through why assessment has to come first. So often things look fine on the surface. Compensation can look functional. Symptoms can feel normal. And you truly do not know what you do not know.
When it comes to your health, guessing creates overwhelm. Assessment creates clarity.
I explain how I use symptom patterns and an inflammation score to help identify root causes and determine which systems need support. Instead of jumping straight to restriction, random supplements, or excessive testing, we start by looking at the full picture.
This episode will help you understand why restoring function to systems changes everything and why more symptoms often mean more opportunity for improvement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Why assessment is always the first step
How compensation can hide dysfunction
Why higher symptom burden often means more room for improvement
The questions I ask before recommending testing
How restoring function shifts you out of restriction and into clarity
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone ❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!
#439 Stealth Toxins: Testing Radon and Other Indoor Air Contaminants with Air Quality Expert Justin Liberman
We often overlook what we cannot see, but stealth toxins like radon, mold, and chemical pollutants may be quietly building up in our homes. This week I’m joined by Justin Liberman, Air Quality Expert and Jaspr’s Head Experience Coordinator, to talk about hidden threats in indoor air and how they can impact health over time. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil, and because it is invisible and odorless, it can accumulate indoors without anyone realizing it.
With experience testing over 3000 homes, Justin explains how radon moves from the soil into indoor air, why basements and certain home features increase risk, and what proper testing and mitigation actually look like. We also explore other overlooked indoor air contaminants and the connection between indoor air quality and symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and emotional dysregulation, along with practical tools to monitor and improve the air you breathe every day.
Use code LESSSTRESSED at checkout to save on the Jaspr Air Scrubber, the air purifier Christa uses in her own home.
How radon enters the home and why it often goes unnoticed
Signs indoor air may be affecting health
What accurate radon testing looks like and how much it costs
Common home features that increase radon risk
Why air quality impacts kids and emotional regulation
Simple tools to track and improve your indoor air
ABOUT GUEST: Justin Liberman is an air quality expert and Jaspr’s Head Experience Coordinator. With over eight years of hands-on experience in environmental testing and more than 3,000 home assessments under his belt, Justin specializes in identifying hidden indoor toxins like radon, mold, VOCs, and chemical pollutants. His work bridges the gap between environmental health and everyday wellness by helping people take practical steps to clean up their air and reduce toxic exposure at home.
You’re eating well, taking the supplements, and following the protocols. So why are your labs still showing burnout? Why do symptoms keep coming back?
This week I’m joined by Hope Pedraza, FDN-P. We unpack the deeper layers behind recurring symptoms, mineral imbalances, and why your nervous system might be the real reason nothing sticks. We talk about how emotional stress shows up on lab work, what a calcium shell actually means, and how subconscious patterns can drain your energy no matter how healthy your habits are.
We also get into how tools like human design can reveal what’s out of alignment and how to finally stop relapsing into the same burnout cycles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS • Minerals reflect more than diet • Burnout starts with misalignment • Emotions impact detox and hormones • A calcium shell = emotional shutdown • Worthiness wounds drive depletion • Human design shows energy leaks
ABOUT GUEST: Hope Pedraza is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Human Design Guide, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and host of the Hopeful and Wholesome podcast. She helps high-performing, spiritually curious women optimize their energy, rebalance their nervous system, and reconnect with their body’s wisdom so they can scale their business and life without burnout. Her signature method blends functional labs, Human Design embodiment, and subconscious reprogramming to create sustainable radiance from the inside out.
You’ve probably heard it before. “Picky eating is just a phase. They’ll grow out of it.” But what if they don’t? What if it gets worse? And what if your well-meaning bribing and begging is actually making it harder?
This week I’m joined by picky eating specialist Alyssa Miller RD, and we’re diving into what’s really going on when your kid refuses food. Alyssa brings a refreshing, root-cause lens to the mealtime madness and helps us zoom out to see what picky eating is actually about. Spoiler alert: it’s not about the chicken nuggets.
We talk about how to stop the power struggles, what’s driving the pickiness beneath the surface, and why this stuff hits so hard as a parent. If you’ve ever left the dinner table wondering what just happened or questioned your entire parenting strategy over a side of broccoli, this one’s for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Why picky eating is a symptom, not the actual problem • How to spot the root cause behind your child’s food refusals • Why your own childhood feeding experience might be impacting your parenting • What to do instead of pressuring, bribing, or sneaking foods • Why “they’ll grow out of it” is not always true • The long-term effects of mealtime control and clean plate expectations • What real progress looks like and how long it actually takes • How to create calmer, more connected meals starting now
ABOUT GUEST: Alyssa is a registered dietitian, picky eating specialist, founder of Nutrition for Littles and mama of three. She is also a podcast host for the Nutrition for Littles Podcast and creator of Table Talk, a Picky Eating Reversal Program for families. She has a gentle root cause approach for more peaceful mealtimes where little ones can learn to like new foods. She is passionate about teaching moms how to raise healthy, independent eaters and is dedicated to seeing families have success at mealtimes and seeing lifelong healthy eating patterns start at a young age. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, Huffpost and more.
This week on the Less Stressed Life marks the final week of our encore series, where we’ve been revisiting listener-favorite episodes from 2025.
In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Don Wood to explore how unresolved trauma can keep the nervous system stuck in survival mode and quietly drive symptoms like anxiety, autoimmune conditions, and chronic pain.
We discussed how past experiences can remain stored in the brain as “high-definition” memories, keeping stress chemistry turned on and contributing to inflammation, immune imbalance, and physical symptoms long after the original event has passed. Don also shared how reprocessing these patterns can help the body return to regulation, improve performance, and free up energy that had been tied up in chronic stress.
How unresolved trauma keeps the nervous system stuck in survival mode
The surprising link between stress, DNA, and inflammation
Why depression is often unresolved anger (and what to do about it)
How past emotional wounds show up as physical symptoms
A simple test to know if you’ve fully processed past trauma
What happens when you release stored trauma
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Don Wood discovered the link between unresolved trauma and chronic health issues while searching for answers to his daughter's autoimmune condition. This led him to develop the TIPP program, a neuroscience-based approach that provides immediate and lasting relief. His work has helped trauma survivors, elite athletes, and executives, including a double-amputee marathon runner who broke a world record and the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman. He is also the author of You Must Be Out of Your Mind and Emotional Concussions.
For the next few weeks on Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025 that resonated deeply with our community.
In this episode, I sat down with former client Kelli, who shared her journey of healing eczema and food sensitivities in a way that felt surprisingly linear. While healing is rarely a straight path, Kelli’s experience highlighted what was possible when the right root causes were addressed with clarity, consistency, and support.
Kelli came to me after years of managing eczema through food restriction, topical treatments, and trial and error approaches that never fully resolved her symptoms. Together, we uncovered what was actually driving her flare-ups, including nervous system stress and environmental mold exposure, and focused on restoring balance rather than chasing symptoms.
This episode is a powerful reminder that eczema and food sensitivities are not something you are destined to manage forever. Symptoms are signals, not failures, and when you learn how to listen and respond, real healing becomes possible.
If you are stuck in restriction, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or wondering why your symptoms keep returning, this conversation offers both hope and practical insight.
🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone 💛 Do your best and leave the rest
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!
#434 ENCORE: 3 Ways Stress Triggers Skin & Gut Issues—And What to Do About It with Christa Biegler, RD
For the next few weeks on Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025 that resonated deeply with our community.
This episode explores something many people overlook: stress is often the hidden trigger behind gut and skin issues. If you’ve been dealing with eczema, rashes, bloating, or food sensitivities and haven’t found lasting relief, stress may be the missing piece.
In this conversation, I break down three major ways stress impacts the body, including how it depletes key nutrients, shuts down digestion, and suppresses immune function. I also share practical strategies to help rebuild resilience, replenish nutrients, and support both gut and skin health so you can move toward real, sustainable healing.
🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone 💛 Do your best and leave the rest
SPONSOR: Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!
#433 ENCORE: Why Vitamin D Supplements Could Be Making You Worse with Morley Robbins
For the next four weeks on the Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025.
This week, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Morley Robbins, creator of the Root Cause Protocol and expert in mineral metabolism, to unpack why high-dose vitamin D supplements might actually be making symptoms worse instead of better.
In this eye-opening episode, we explore why low vitamin D on a lab test doesn’t always equal deficiency, how inflammation and hidden infections can disrupt vitamin D metabolism, and why minerals like magnesium, copper, and retinol are essential for proper function. If you’re struggling with fatigue, hormone issues, or have been told you’re vitamin D deficient, this conversation may completely shift how you think about healing.
ABOUT GUEST: Morley Robbins is the creator of the Root Cause Protocol and founder of the Magnesium Advocacy Group. Known as the “Magnesium Man,” Morley left a decades-long career in hospital administration after a personal healing experience led him to question conventional health models. Since then, he’s become a passionate educator on mineral balance, conducting thousands of consults and researching the roles of magnesium, copper, and iron in chronic illness. Through his work, Morley helps people address fatigue, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances—one mineral at a time.
This week on the Less Stressed Life, I’m welcoming back two of my favorite humans, Patrick Sullivan Jr. and Ashley Leroux Sullivan, the married duo behind our amazing podcast sponsor, Jigsaw Health. If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know I love partnering with brands that truly care and Jigsaw walks the walk while making it fun to feel good!
We go behind the scenes on supplement quality, why third party testing matters, and why supplements should supplement real food, not replace it. We also nerd out on clean, mycotoxin tested coffee, functional lattes with collagen, and their new documentary Breaking Big Food, which explores how local food systems and informed consumer choices can help fix what’s broken in our food supply.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Supplements work best on a strong whole food foundation • Third party testing is non negotiable • Mold and mycotoxins in coffee matter more than you think • Pairing coffee with protein supports energy and blood sugar • Small consistent upgrades can create meaningful change
ABOUT GUESTS: Patrick Sullivan Jr. and Ashley Leroux Sullivan are the married CEO and CMO of Jigsaw Health, a family owned supplement company founded in 2005 by Patrick and his father, Pat Sullivan Sr., built on the belief that life is too short to feel crappy and it’s fun to feel good. Jigsaw is known for magnesium and potassium focused supplements like the fan favorite Potassium Cocktail, plus weekly fun edu-taining videos. They are also the producers of Breaking Big Food and the founders of Firefly Organic Coffee and Market in Scottsdale, Arizona, home of Ashley’s collagen boost latte, Firefly Glow.
This week, Dr. James Greenblatt returns to talk about the root causes of depression that often get missed. We dig into why many people still struggle despite medication and therapy, the surprising importance of amino acids for neurotransmitters, and how stress and low stomach acid quietly disrupt protein and nutrient absorption.
We also cover key deficiencies linked to depression, including zinc, B12, folate, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega threes, and why “normal” lab ranges are not always helpful. Dr. Greenblatt explains why very low cholesterol can increase depression risk, and we explore new research on nutritional lithium and its potential for mood, cognition, and long-term brain health.
You can now preorder Dr. Greenblatt’s upcoming book, Finally Hopeful, which releases January 13, 2026. It offers a whole-body, personalized roadmap for understanding and treating depression.
ABOUT GUEST: James M. Greenblatt, MD, is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and a leading voice in functional and integrative psychiatry. In practice since 1988, he has authored seven books, including Finally Focused and the upcoming Finally Hopeful, and lectures internationally on nutritional approaches to mental health. He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined and a member of the Orthomolecular Hall of Fame.
I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint
This week our favorite naturopathic oncologist returns and I am so excited! Michael Robinson always brings the nerdy gems and I learn something new every single time. We dive into advanced decision making for cancer and how to think clearly about screening, diagnosis, and treatment long before you are in crisis. We talk about the value of yearly tumor markers and whole body MRI, why tumor mutations matter more than where cancer appears, and how personalized targeted therapies can meaningfully shift outcomes.
Michael also shares what he would do if he were diagnosed, how integrative care can reduce chemo side effects and boost effectiveness, and why air, water, and food quality matter more than extreme diets. We also explore the emotional and mental sides of cancer and why mindset, support, and clarity are essential parts of any treatment plan.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Early screening helps you act before symptoms appear • Tumor genetics, not location, guide treatment • Integrative care improves tolerance and results • Air, water, and whole foods support immunity • Mindset and emotional support influence outcomes
ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Robinson is a naturopathic doctor specializing in naturopathic oncology in the Chicago suburbs. He is the owner of Nourish Healthcare, a multidisciplinary clinic with a team of naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, and acupuncturists, and also serves as a staff doctor at the Ayre Clinic of Contemporary Medicine, the oldest low dose chemotherapy clinic in the U.S. He is a professor of oncology and immunology for the University of Western States and holds degrees in health sciences, applied clinical nutrition, and naturopathic medicine. He is certified in oncology nutrition and is a licensed naturopathic physician, licensed dietitian nutritionist, and Certified Nutrition Specialist.