Gut + Science

Follow Gut + Science
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Gut+Science explores employee engagement insights you can act on, from CEOs you can trust. Get ready for high energy interviews led by employee engagement evangelist Nikki Lewallen—ones that’ll have you rethinking what it means to build successful people-first cultures.

Nikki Lewallen: CEO | Head of Partnerships | Employee Engagement meets Business Development Expertise


    • Aug 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 493 EPISODES

    5 from 170 ratings Listeners of Gut + Science that love the show mention: employee engagement, nikki does a great, nikki brings, brilliant interviewer, actionable insights, ceos, engaging host, real life examples, employees, millennials, great insights, organization, leadership, meaningful, natural, culture, create, quickly, energy, passion.


    Ivy Insights

    The Gut + Science podcast is a truly insightful and informative show that delves deep into the world of employee engagement, leadership, and gut health. Hosted by Nikki Lewallen Gregory, this podcast provides a fresh and dynamic approach to leadership, seamlessly integrating emotion and calculation. With well-researched episodes featuring expert interviews, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics at hand.

    One of the best aspects of The Gut + Science podcast is its ability to offer fresh perspectives on leadership. The host's passion for inspiring and equipping leaders shines through in each episode, igniting a contagious enthusiasm in both guests and listeners. The discussions on employee engagement and people-forward leadership provide valuable insights into enhancing productivity, retaining talent, and demonstrating the value of internal communication.

    Another standout feature of this podcast is its focus on gut health. The host dives deep into the science behind the gut microbiome and gut-brain axis, offering evidence-based insights that empower listeners to take charge of their gut health. With expert guests sharing their expertise and research findings, this podcast serves as an enlightening resource for those looking to prioritize their overall well-being.

    While it's challenging to identify any significant drawbacks to The Gut + Science podcast, one minor criticism could be that some episodes may feel repetitive or similar in content. However, this can also be seen as a positive aspect as it reinforces key messages and allows for deeper understanding of important topics.

    In conclusion, The Gut + Science podcast is a captivating show that offers valuable insights into leadership, employee engagement, and gut health. With its well-researched episodes featuring expert interviews and the host's genuine passion for inspiring leaders to prioritize people-first approaches, this podcast is highly recommended for anyone seeking fresh perspectives on these subjects. Whether you're already knowledgeable about these topics or just starting to explore them, The Gut + Science podcast will undoubtedly expand your understanding and inspire you to make positive changes in your personal and professional life.



    Search for episodes from Gut + Science with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Gut + Science

    317: How Pet-Friendly Workplaces Are Boosting Mental Health with Michelle Yates & Steve Feldman

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 31:04


    What if boosting your team's mental health and workplace happiness was as simple as adding a wagging tail to the mix?

    Community Conversation: Impact Over Hours: Shifting the Focus from Time Spent to Results

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 29:59


    What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional “hours worked” mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why it's time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPIs are the secret trio for driving real impact.

    316: Culture Change That Sticks: Stories from the Field with BJ McKay

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 50:37


    Ever felt like your culture change efforts are just… throwing spaghetti at the wall

    From the Bedside to the Boardroom with Lori Price

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 32:52


    What happens when a hospital CEO still thinks like a nurse? You get leadership that listens, leads with empathy, and actually walks the talk. Katherine sits down with Lori Price, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Central Indiana, whose journey from nurse to executive brings a rare blend of heart and strategy to the conversation. Lori unpacks how starting at the bedside shaped her “communication flywheel,” a practical, people-first system for keeping 24/7 teams aligned, engaged, and clear on the mission. From listening more than speaking to building trust through radical honesty, she shares real-life leadership lessons that make her style both approachable and effective. If you're navigating complex teams, craving more culture clarity, or just need a reminder that leadership is human work, this one's for you.   Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Trust and healthy conflict are essential for safety and team cohesion. Listening to frontline staff is core to effective leadership. Purpose-driven culture fuels resilience and engagement. Vulnerability and humor make leaders more approachable.

    315: See Differently, Solve Better: Problem Solving Through Perception with Chris Bassett

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 39:56


    What if your biggest leadership roadblock isn't the problem… but how you see it? Nikki sits down with Chris Bassett—founder of Green Bean Consulting Group—to flip your problem-solving approach on its head. What does abstract art have to do with business challenges? And how does soaking a walnut help teams break through stuck thinking? Chris takes us on a journey through neuroscience, philosophy, and real-world consulting wins to show how our brains often mislead us, and how leaders can use perception as a powerful tool for change. From spotting red flags of overconfidence

    314: HR Professionals Crave a System for Culture Change with Heather Haas

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 48:51


    Ready to break free from program fatigue and culture initiatives that fizzle out fast? Nikki sits down with Heather Haas, CEO of Advisa, as she shares why so many culture efforts flop and how HR professionals can finally make the shift from being stuck in a silo to leading true transformation. They dive into the game-changing A.T.L.A.S. framework—think executive activation, trust, leadership development, people data, and killer systems—all designed to drive results and get your team rowing in the same direction. If you're an HR leader who's done with the fluff and ready for a proven system that sticks, this convo is your new playbook

    313: AI & the Future Role of HR Leadership with Cara Brennan Allamano

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 49:53


    Is your HR strategy stuck in the past while AI races ahead?

    Community Conversation: Unlocking Strategic Success Through Monthly Sprints and OKRs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 31:39


    What if the secret to staying focused, aligned, and genuinely excited about your goals wasn't a 20-page annual plan, but a simple monthly sprint? Nikki and Jason pull back the curtain on how PeopleForward Network uses OKRs and monthly sprint goals to spark team momentum.

    312: Really Understanding Workplace Wellness: How to Lead for Impact with Patricia Grabarek & Katina Sawyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 48:46


    What if your wellness program is actually making burnout worse?

    Using AI to Level Up Your Leadership Communication with Katherine Coble

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 20:55


    Ready to supercharge your leadership communication with a little help from AI?

    311: Podcasting for Internal Communications with Katherine Coble

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 45:29


    Get ready for a fresh twist on Gut+Science!

    310: Purpose Driven Impact: The Waymaker & STRIVE Method with Jon Mayo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 33:45


    Get ready to have your mindset stretched and your leadership toolkit expanded!

    309: The Evolution of Work (And the Surprising Role of Pets in Culture & Retention) with Michelle Yates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 23:48


    Work's changing fast—hybrid setups, flexible perks, and even pets making boardroom appearances

    308: Leading a People-Forward Culture - Meet The Team at PFN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 24:16


    Why Leaders Fail to Communicate Effectively with Dr. Michael Kirchhoff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 32:46


    In this episode of “In the Loop,” Katherine sits down with Dr. Michael Kirchhoff from Cooper University Healthcare.

    FEATURE: How to do Asynchronous Meetings with Jason Cochran and Nikki Lewallen Gregory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 24:44


    We're back with another special feature with Jason and Nikki, as they take you behind the curtain at People Forward Network to show how they're shaking up team meetings

    307: Leading Focus and Limiting Distractions for Remote Workers with Steven Puri

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 41:49


    Remote work is here to stay—but how do we actually thrive in it?

    FEATURE: Why Leaders Are Stuck and Change Is So Hard with Nikki Lewallen Gregory

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 39:23


    Steady Leadership in Unsteady Times with Katherine Coble

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 18:22


    In this episode of “In the Loop,” Katherine takes us from scraped knees on a turquoise bike to shark diving in Hawaii —all to teach one powerful lesson: great leaders don't clam up when times get tough. With the world spinning fast around political shifts, DEI rollbacks, and plummeting employee engagement, Katherine breaks down how to stay grounded, clear, and forward-thinking. Think of it as your communication toolkit for chaos. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to lead with purpose when the waters get rough

    FEATURE: Understanding ‘WHY' and Strengths: Insights from Nikki Lewallen Gregory

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 41:02


    For this special feature, Nikki joined Dan Dominguez on his podcast, “Lead Different”

    FEATURE: Building Highly Connected Remote Teams with Jason Cochran and Nikki Lewallen Gregory

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 23:28


    306: How Dreams Can Transform A Workplace with Kate Volman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 39:24


    What if your 9–5 helped you chase your wildest dreams? ✨ Nikki chats with Kate Volman, CEO of Floyd Consulting, about how the Dream Manager program is flipping the script on workplace culture

    305: Future-Proofing Leadership with Dr. Rosie Ward

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 45:36


    Leading at the Speed of Life with Sue Ellspermann

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 33:38


    In this episode of “In the Loop,” Katherine is joined by Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College! From engineer to Lt. Governor to higher ed powerhouse, Sue shares how she leads with passion, strategy, and radical transparency. They dive into how she unites thousands of employees across Indiana with a shared vision, why repetition is her secret weapon, and what it takes to keep communication clear in complex systems

    303: Prioritize Autonomy & Create A Culture of Ownership with Tina Moe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 26:01


    What happens when you ditch micromanagement and start leading with trust? Tina Moe, CPA and founder of ACT Services, shares how she turned workaholic tendencies into a thriving culture of autonomy. From dropping timesheets to rewarding longevity with unlimited PTO, she's redefining leadership—one empowered team member at a time. If you're tired of feeling like you have to do it all, this episode is your permission slip to let go, level up, and build a team that owns their work.

    302: Advocating for the Employee with Jennifer Knotts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 30:59


    What does it really mean to advocate for employees? In this episode, Nikki is joined by Jennifer Knotts, CFO of IDO Incorporated, who is proving that leadership isn't about following a straight path—it's about forging your own!

    301: Workplace Rituals with Una Japundza

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 36:40


    Company rituals aren't just for fun—they're the glue that holds teams together.

    How to Give and Get the Best Feedback with Katherine Coble

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 17:36


    Employees crave feedback—96% say they want it! But let's be honest… giving and receiving feedback can be awkward.

    Dynamic Delegation with Steve Perkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 43:36


    Delegation isn't just about offloading tasks—it's about unlocking your team's potential!

    299: Being In Community With Others with Amanda Medlen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 27:30


    Weekly Planning Rhythms with Steve Perkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 44:07


    Ever feel like your team is always busy but not actually moving the needle? You're not alone. In this episode of The Roots Up Approach, Steve and Nikki unpack the secret to cutting through the chaos: the Weekly Planning Rhythm—a simple, game-changing system to set clear priorities, stay focused, and actually get things done. Steve shares how this rhythm transformed his own business (and sanity), why Monday meetings are the worst, and how one leadership team went from total disorganization to seamless execution in just one week. Ready to ditch the overwhelm and lead with intention? Tune in now and grab the Roots Up Quiz to build your custom action plan!

    298: Awareness of Fit with Matt Poepsel

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 41:57


    Ever felt like something at work just wasn't clicking—but you couldn't put your finger on why?

    Communicating Fast and Slow with Katherine Coble and Sue Finkam

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 29:45


    Great leadership starts with great communication!

    297: Intentional Connection with Charlie Saffro

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 42:51


    What happens when you look beyond someone's job title?

    296: The Purpose Story with Marshall Lockton

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 36:37


    What's your purpose story? On this episode, Nikki is joined by Marshall Lockton, entrepreneur and Partner of Knight Agency, takes us on a journey from his family's business at Lockton Companies to his passion for purpose-driven leadership. Marshall shares how crafting meaningful stories fuels performance, builds connection, and brings purpose to life.

    295: Mental Health CARE is a Necessity, Not a Nicety with Azizi Marshall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 43:06


    In this episode of Gut + Science, Nikki sits down with Azizi Marshall, a workplace mental health expert and international speaker, to tackle the bold truth: mental health care is a must-have, not a nice-to-have. From startling stats (1 in 4 adults face mental health challenges!) to ripple effects in workplace culture, Azizi shares actionable insights on turning data into strategies, creating impactful training programs like de-escalation workshops, and building a culture of care that fosters resilience. Tune in to learn how to lead better, care smarter, and make work a place where people truly thrive.   Additional Resources: Connect with Azizi on LinkedIn Check out Azizi's website! Learn more about Center for Creative Arts Therapy Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Mental health care is vital: Addressing mental well-being is not a luxury but a necessity for individual and organizational success. Data informs strategy: Workplace culture assessments can identify trends, like caregiving challenges or burnout, and tailor solutions effectively. Proactive training is critical: De-escalation workshops help employees handle conflict while maintaining emotional balance. Resource visibility matters: Provide easy access to mental health, financial, and caregiving support with clear, regular communication. Cultural accountability: Creating norms where employees support and correct each other fosters a healthier environment.

    294: Making Core Values Mean Something with Katherine Coble

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 18:46


    Core values: are they driving your culture or just filling up wall space? Katherine Coble unpacks how to make your values real—think Chick-fil-A-level real. From hiring and onboarding to tough decisions that protect your culture, Katherine dives into what it takes to walk the talk. Ready to transform words on a wall into actions that inspire? Let's dive in!   Additional Resources: Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Take the SKOR Snapshot Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Core values must reflect who you already are. Aspirations belong in the vision, not in the values. Leaders set the tone for living the values. If leaders aren't modeling them, employees won't follow. Embed values into every aspect of the business. From recruitment to recognition, values should guide decision-making. Tough decisions uphold credibility. Failing to address misalignment damages trust, even with high performers.

    293: The RootsUp Approach to High Performance with Steve Perkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 38:09


    Work and life don't have to compete! In this exciting kickoff to a new partnership with Steve Perkins of Greenhouse Coaching, Nikki and Steve discuss the "Roots Up" approach—a fresh way to grow the life and team you want. Learn how to ditch the chaos, design with intention, and create thriving cultures where work works for you. It's practical, inspiring, and packed with insights you can start using today. Dive in!   Additional Resources: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Take the RootsUp Quiz! Learn more about Greenhouse Coaching Take the SKOR Snapshot Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Roots First, Growth Follows: Leaders often focus on surface results but overlook foundational habits. The "Roots Up" methodology emphasizes starting with the right foundational practices. Vision as the Anchor: A clearly defined vision acts as the north star for personal and organizational success. Dynamic Delegation: Empower teams by delegating responsibility and thinking, creating trust and engagement. Integration Over Balance: Shift from balancing work and life to intentionally integrating them in a way that fulfills both.

    292: Work Twisties with Ify Walker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 41:48


    What happens when leaders lose their spark, their confidence, and their sense of direction? Enter Work Twisties—a concept Ify Walker brings to life in this episode of Gut+Science. Inspired by Simone Biles' "twisties," Ify shares her raw, emotional story of grief, self-doubt, and rebuilding after losing her biggest champion. Through tears and powerful truths, Ify reveals how leaders can navigate these moments of feeling lost and how we can better support one another. This isn't burnout—it's deeper. And trust us, you'll walk away with insights that stick. Grab your headphones and maybe some tissues—you won't want to miss this one.

    signs leaders simone biles twisties ify peopleforward network gut science
    291: Pet Perks in the Workplace with Michelle Yates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 29:12


    In this episode, Nikki chats with Michelle Yates, EVP at Pet Partners, about the magic of pet-friendly perks in the workplace.

    290: Nikki's 2024 Reflection - 6 Learnings for 2025+

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 16:43


    2024 flew by, and Nikki is here to wrap it up with a bang!

    289: Becoming an Attentive Leader with Katherine Coble and Fred Payne

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 41:52


    In this episode of In the Loop, Katherine is joined by Fred Payne, CEO and President of United Way of Central Indiana, and they're discussing all things leadership, community, and the power of storytelling! Fred shares his journey from practicing law to leading workforce initiatives and overcoming personal health challenges, all while staying true to his mission of empowering others. Tune in to learn why listening beats being brilliant, how vulnerability fuels leadership, and how small wins create big impact. This episode is a feel-good reminder of the power of people-first leadership!

    288: Storytelling is the Secret Weapon to Connection with Danielle Krischik

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 45:02


    Get ready for a storytelling masterclass! Nikki sits down with Danielle Krischik - Partner at Knight Agency and host of the new show The Story Effect - to reveal why storytelling is the ultimate connection hack. From captivating beginnings to real, relatable moments, Danielle shares her simple storytelling formula that any leader can master. Packed with inspiration and practical tips, this episode will have you weaving unforgettable tales and building deeper connections in no time. Tune in and start crafting stories that truly stick!   Additional Resources: Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn Learn more about The Story Effect Listen to The Story Effect's pilot episode! Take the SKOR Snapshot Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways Storytelling Builds Connection: Stories spark emotions, making them a powerful tool for creating meaningful relationships and engaged teams. Simple Storytelling Formula: Captivate: Grab attention with something unexpected. Relate: Share real, relatable experiences. Motivate: Inspire action or new thinking. Go Beyond the Surface: Take time to ask deeper questions that reveal what defines people, not just what describes them. Prioritize Stories: Slow down to let meaningful stories unfold—they're worth the time and space.  

    286: 40 Years of Culture, Connection & Commitment with Jennifer Young Dzwonar, Karen Alter, and Katherine Coble

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 44:45


    It's a special Gut + Science episode with Borshoff celebrating 40 years of people-focused leadership. Nikki chats with Borshoff partners Karen Alter, Jennifer Dzwonar, and Katherine Coble about building a company that's all heart, hustle, and a whole lot of history. Listen in as the trio breaks down the “3 C's of Legacy Leadership”—Culture, Connection, and Commitment—that have shaped Borshoff's success story. Expect stories of teamwork, fearless pivots, and a legacy rooted in founder Myra Borshoff's mantra of always putting people first. Here's to celebrating #40andForward

    285: A Way to Really Measure Culture with Eddie Geller

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 39:37


    In this episode, Nikki chats with Eddie Geller, Founder and CEO of SKOR, the ultimate culture measurement platform. Eddie's passion for data and people shines as he reveals how SKOR helps organizations move their cultures beyond gut feelings and standard employee surveys, to real, actionable insights. Learn why culture isn't just about pizza parties and pep talks but about measurable, strategic growth built on cohesion, clarity, and courage. Which are all linked to profit and organizational productivity. Tune in to find out how your company can get its own culture SKOR and either start winning at the culture game or accelerate it!   Additional Resources: Take the SKOR Snapshot Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn Follow SKOR on LinkedIn   Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Three Pillars of Culture: Each organization's culture SKOR is based on cohesion, clarity, and courage, essential for measuring and improving workplace culture. Leader-Centric Assessment: SKOR focuses on inputs of people leaders, ensuring culture is measured among those who build it, with a business case correlating organizational improvements to potential profit Beyond Surveys: SKOR complements traditional employee surveys by addressing the leading indicators of culture rather than lagging symptoms.

    284: Speaking and Presenting with Impact with Katherine Coble

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 18:11


    In this episode, Katherine tackles one of the top fears (and no, it's not death!)—public speaking! Let's dive into practical tips for leaders who want to engage their teams and build trust every time they step up to speak. Whether it's a team meeting or a town hall, Katherine covers how to keep your message clear, connect emotionally, and boost your speaking confidence. Ready to turn those nerves into leadership superpowers? Tune in and let's make speaking fun and impactful!   Additional Resources: Listen to Amy Cuddy's TED Talk  Connect with Katherine Coble on LinkedIn Learn more about Borshoff Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Preparation is Key: Good public speaking starts with clear goals and understanding the audience's concerns. Practice, simplicity, and alignment with values make the difference. Clarity and Simplicity: Avoid technical jargon and keep the message accessible. Break down complex ideas to ensure everyone can follow along and stay engaged. Engage Emotionally: Appeal to both the rational and emotional sides of the audience, creating a connection and relevance to drive the message home. Warmth Before Competence: Prioritize warmth and trust-building, then reinforce competence. This approach helps leaders create lasting influence and respect.

    Claim Gut + Science

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel