Send us a text Obesity is complex—and it’s not a willpower problem. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith joins us to break down what really drives the obesity epidemic. We discuss the modern food environment, food addiction, food noise, stress, GLP-1 medications, and how surgery fits into the modern obesity treatment landscape. We'll unpack why body composition—not just pounds lost—matters, explore how to choose the right tools, and why long-term success always comes back to lifestyle and h...

Send us a text Movement is one of the most powerful ways to thrive through menopause—but it’s not just about finding the “right” workout. It’s about defining what you want your life to look like in the years ahead and making choices that support that vision. In this episode, we talk with two experts who help women reconnect with themselves, stay true to their goals, and bring more movement into everyday life in ways that feel realistic and energizing. Whether it’s lifting weights, yoga, or sn...

Send us a text Midlife can be a confusing time for many women when it comes to sexual identity, desire, and connection. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Juliana Hauser, PhD—sex therapist and author of A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity. Dr. Hauser shares how to enact and activate agency—not just in your sex life, but in every aspect of your life. We explore her “sexercises,” designed to help women self-reflect, self-audit, and reconnect wi...

Send us a text Breast cancer rates are rising, especially among younger women—but why is this happening, and what can you do to protect your health? In this episode, breast cancer surgeon Dr. Veronica Jones answers the most common questions women have about breast cancer. We talk through risk factors, genetic testing, and what dense breast tissue really means. Dr. Jones also explains what happens when a mammogram comes back abnormal, how breast cancer is diagnosed, and what treatment looks li...

Send us a text Perimenopause is often the most confusing stage of the menopause transition, with shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and a mix of symptoms that can feel unpredictable. In this episode, board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society–certified physician Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson breaks down what really happens during perimenopause. We discuss the most common symptoms, how oral contraceptives and IUDs can change your experience, and who may benefit from starting hormone therapy early....

Send us a text In this episode, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Degler helps us unravel the complicated relationship between hormones, mood, and life stress during perimenopause and menopause. Many women wonder: is my anxiety or irritability a result of overscheduling and constant demands, or is it a hormonal shift? Dr. Degler explains how to recognize the difference, and we discuss the role of hormone therapy and antidepressants in managing these symptoms. Together, we explore how to build strong ...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert to unpack the connection between hormones, metabolism, and nutrition in perimenopause and menopause. We explore why your body can feel so stubborn during this stage of life—why the same diet and exercise you’ve always done may suddenly stop working, or even lead to weight gain. Amanda explains how hormonal changes drive insulin resistance and increase risk for metabolic syndrome, what nutrients are most impo...

Send us a text Dementia can be a devastating diagnosis for patients and families, and treatment options remain limited. But there is good news—prevention is possible. In this episode of The Starting Gate, we explore how lifestyle choices in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and delay cognitive decline. From nutrition and exercise to sleep and social connection, the evidence is clear: these habits are far more powerful than any supplement on the market. Dementia may n...

Send us a text In this episode, stroke neurologist Dr. Theresa Sevilis joins us to break down what really happens in the brain during a stroke, who is at risk, and how recovery can unfold. Dr. Sevilis also emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic conditions like hypertension that raise stroke risk, and how everyday choices—like choosing vegetables over fast food or staying active—can lower your chances of having a stroke. We explore the crucial role lifestyle plays in...

Send us a text Migraines aren’t “just bad headaches” — they’re a disease that can be life-altering. In this episode, we sit down with headache neurologist Dr. Jaclyn Duvall to explore the world of tension headaches and migraines. We discuss what causes them, common triggers like food, sleep, and posture, and how to know when over-the-counter medications are enough — and when it’s time to see a doctor. We also cover social media myths, supplements that may help, and the impor...

Send us a text Ever feel bloated, itchy, or just “off” after eating certain foods—and wonder if it’s an allergy? In this episode, allergist Dr. Shaunah Ritter helps us sort fact from confusion when it comes to food reactions. We dig into the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance (they’re not the same!), why food diaries matter, and how to use them to figure out what’s really bothering you. We also talk about the pros and cons of at-home allergy tests, how skin testing works ...

Send us a text In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Sunana Sohi takes us on a deep dive into the gut microbiome—what it is, how it forms, and why it matters for your health. We explore the gut–brain axis, dysbiosis vs. eubiosis, and the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Dr. Sohi also shares practical strategies for common digestive issues like IBS, constipation, and acid reflux, plus her expert tips for preparing for a colonoscopy. Dr. Sohi reminds us that even small s...

Send us a text Fatty liver disease is one of the fastest-growing liver conditions worldwide, often linked with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic health issues. Many people don’t realize they have it until it progresses to more serious complications like cirrhosis. In this episode, we sit down with gastroenterology nurse practitioner Kyle Bloomfield to uncover the risks, warning signs, and connections between fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. We also dive into lifestyle strategi...

Send us a text Colon cancer rates are rising in younger adults—and it’s a trend we can’t ignore. In this episode, we sit down with oncologist Dr. Reema Patel to discuss why this is happening, which lifestyle and genetic factors increase risk, and what you can do to protect yourself. We also talk through screening tests, why they matter, and how catching colon cancer early changes everything. This is an important conversation you won’t want to miss. Colon cancer is no longer just a disease of ...

Send us a text Ever wondered what’s actually living in your gut—and how to keep it healthy? Registered dietitian and owner of LexStart nutrition Emily McGlone joins us to unpack everything you need to know about your gut microbiome. We explore what probiotics and prebiotics really are, how to get them in your diet, and why fiber and plant diversity are essential for gut health. We cover practical ways to reduce bloating, support digestion, and use targeted diets like low FODMAP to...

Send us a text It’s that time again—back to school! Whether you’re sending a kindergartner or a senior, we’ve got you covered. We’re joined by three principals from elementary, middle, and high school who share what they wish every parent knew. Tune in for tips on how to motivate (but not micromanage) your kids, how to talk with teachers, and why getting involved matters. We also chat about the new no-phone policy in schools and how AI is already changing the game in education. It’s not...

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful truth: medicine isn’t black and white—it lives in the gray. While bold, oversimplified health claims often go viral on social media, real patient care is far more nuanced. We explore why individualized care matters and how no two patients are exactly alike. From lifestyle medicine to functional and integrative approaches, we discuss how social media has changed the conversation—and why a flexible, compassionate, and personalize...

Send us a text What is metabolic health, and why does it matter for your energy, weight, and long-term wellness? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Meredith Sweeney, a former bariatric surgeon now practicing longevity medicine, to unpack what’s happening under the surface. We dive into insulin resistance—how it develops, why it's so common, and what it means for your overall health. Dr. Sweeney explains how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help you better understand how your body resp...

Send us a text Is your thyroid holding you back? Endocrinologist Dr. Kyle Rosenstein joins us to explain the signs of hypothyroidism, what Hashimoto’s really means, and why thyroid lab testing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We also dive into how and when to take thyroid medications (hint: don’t take it with your morning coffee) and what to know if you’re dealing with multiple autoimmune conditions. If you’ve been wondering whether your symptoms are thyroid-related, this episode is for you.&nb...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with clinical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy to talk all things skin health. From teen breakouts to aging skin, we cover what changes as we age, what your skincare routine really needs (hint: it’s probably simpler than you think), and how to choose the right cleanser and moisturizer. We dive deep into sunscreen—how much, how often, and what kind. Plus, we explore how lifestyle habits like diet, stress, and sleep show up on your skin, an...