Welcome to the Less Stressed Life. If you’re here, I bet we have a few things in common. We’re both in pursuit of a Less Stressed Life. But we don’t have it all figured out quite yet. We’re moms that want the best for our families, health practitioners that want the best for our clients and women that just want to feel better with every birthday. We’re health savvy, but we want to learn something new each day. The Less Stressed Life isn’t a destination, it’s a pursuit, a journey if you will. On this show, we talk about health from the physical, emotional and nutritional angles and want you to know that you always have options. We’re here to help you heal yourself. Learn more at www.christabiegler.com
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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.
#470 Why Your Skin Ages "Overnight" in Perimenopause with Dr. Rey Hamidi
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.
SPONSOR:Thank you to for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 for stress and sleep, 🧠 for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious for daily hydration.
#469 Is it perimenopause or something else? Testing, stages and fatigue with Dr. Carrie Jones
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.
#468 Patches, Pellets & Progesterone: A Complete Guide to HRT Options with Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP
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.
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.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Instagram:
#466 Affordable Mold Testing Is Finally Here with Ariana Thacker of MoldCo
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.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Website: https://www.moldco.com/Testing: YouTube: Free Questionnaire: MoldCo LinkedIn: Ariana's LinkedIn: Dr. Scott's LinkedIn: Instagram: Ariana's X: MoldCo's X:
#465 When It's Not "Just Anxiety”: Diagnosing CIRS with Jenna De Kok, MS, RD
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!
#464 Origin of Functional Medicine, Post-CV Immune Resilience, Mast Cells, Inflammaging and Fatty Acids with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, PhD
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.
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 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 and .
🥳🎉 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
🥳🎉 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
🥳🎉 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
🥳🎉 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
🥳🎉 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
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
For the month of September, Jigsaw Health is giving Less Stressed Life listeners 15% off any order! Use code LESSSTRESSED15 through September 30. Stock up on MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, or Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration. Plus, start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription and get a FREE stainless steel water bottle!
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
For the month of September, Jigsaw Health is giving Less Stressed Life listeners 15% off any order! Use code LESSSTRESSED15 through September 30. Stock up on MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, or Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration. Plus, start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription and get a FREE stainless steel water bottle!
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
For the month of September, Jigsaw Health is giving Less Stressed Life listeners 15% off any order! Use code LESSSTRESSED15 through September 30. Stock up on MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, or Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration. Plus, start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription and get a FREE stainless steel water bottle!
Drinks With Your Elders
The New York Times, O Magazine, Newsweek, Food & Wine,
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
For the month of September, Jigsaw Health is giving Less Stressed Life listeners 15% off any order! Use code LESSSTRESSED15 through September 30. Stock up on MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, or Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration. Plus, start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription and get a FREE stainless steel water bottle!
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