Podcast appearances and mentions of Lisa Smith

You look in the mirror one morning and think, **Wait… what happened?** You're more tired than you used to be. Your waistline seems to have changed. You're waking up at 3 or 4 AM. Your brain feels a little foggier. You're having afternoon energy crashes. And somehow, your face looks more tired, too.   So you go to your doctor. Your labs are “normal.” And that's when things get really frustrating.   Because you know you don't feel the way you did five years ago. You haven't suddenly started eating junk food or stopped exercising. You're actually doing a lot of the things you've always done.   So why do you feel like you've aged overnight? Here's the interesting part: **you probably didn't.**   A lot of these changes can be building underneath the surface long before they show up on a standard blood test—or in the mirror. And one of the pieces I want you to understand is something we don't hear about: Insulin.   Not just blood sugar. Insulin. Your fasting glucose and HbA1c can look perfectly fine while your body is working harder and harder to keep them that way. And if nobody is looking at what insulin is doing, you can miss an important piece of the puzzle.   And get this, this is where the aging conversation gets really interesting.   In this episode, I'm walking you through the connection between insulin resistance, metabolic inflexibility, inflammation, belly fat, cravings, energy crashes, fine lines, wrinkles, brain fog, and the changes that can make you feel like you're suddenly aging much faster than everyone around you.   We'll also talk about why two women the same age can look and feel dramatically different—and why genetics aren't necessarily telling the whole story. And then I'm giving you a very simple **seven-day experiment** you can start tomorrow morning.   No diet overhaul. No calorie counting. No fasting. No adding another hour of exercise.   Just one change to your breakfast—and then paying attention to what happens to your cravings, energy, and focus over the next week. If you've been thinking, “Maybe this is just what getting older feels like,”I want you to listen to this one before you decide that's the answer.   Sometimes what looks like aging is actually your body telling you that something is struggling to stay in balance.   If you're loving the Pretty Well Podcast, would you do me a quick favor? Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.   And if you want some protein-rich breakfast ideas to go along with the seven-day experiment, send me the word **BREAKFAST** and I'll get you the recipes. I love having you here. See you next week.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking: "It runs in my family...so I guess there's not much I can do." I hear that all the time. And… it bugs me. That's what made this conversation with Dr. Sam Shay so fascinating. He has a way of taking really complicated science and making it feel surprisingly practical. We talked about the difference between genetics and epigenetics, why your genes aren't necessarily your destiny, and how your everyday choices influence a lot more than you realize.   One thing I especially loved is that this conversation isn't about fear or perfection. It's about understanding where you actually have influence—and where you don't. If you've ever wondered: "Am I stuck with the health problems that run in my family?" "Should I get genetic testing?" "Can stress, nutrition, sleep, or gut health really affect my genes?". This conversation might completely change the way you think about your genetics. I think you're really going to like this one. ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

Why Don't I Feel Like Myself Anymore? The Midlife Conversation Every Woman Needs to Hear Can I tell you about a conversation with Dr. Christina Enzmann that completely changed the way I think about midlife? Actually...it started with a question I hear from women all the time. "Lisa...I just don't feel like myself anymore." Whenever a woman tells me that, I know she's not talking about one symptom. She's talking about this feeling that somewhere along the way, her body started playing by a completely different set of rules. Maybe she's exhausted even though she's sleeping… or maybe she's not sleeping. Maybe she's gained weight without changing anything. Or maybe she's anxious, forgetful, dealing with heart palpitations, waking up at three in the morning, or wondering why hormone therapy helped her friend but made her feel worse. It all feels disconnected. And that's exactly what makes it so frustrating. Every appointment seems to focus on one tiny piece of the puzzle. One doctor talks about hormones. Another talks about stress. Someone else tells you,  "Well...you're getting older."   That's why I was so excited to sit down with Dr. Christina Enzmann. First of all, she's just fun to talk to. She's incredibly smart, but she has this gift for explaining complicated science in a way that suddenly feels obvious. Every few minutes she said something that made me stop and think, "Wait...why has nobody ever explained it like that before?"   Those are my favorite interviews—the ones where I'm learning right alongside you. Christina shared one perspective that completely reframed the way I think about menopause. It wasn't dramatic. It wasn't gimmicky. It just...made sense.   And once she said it, I thought - “Every woman needs to know this.”   We ended up talking about everything from hormones and the gut microbiome to insulin resistance, sleep, stress, recurrent UTIs, heart palpitations, vaginal health, and why so many women feel like their body has turned against them in midlife.   But what I loved most is that she never looked at those as separate conversations. She connected the dots. If you've ever found yourself wondering... Why don't I feel like myself anymore? Why am I so tired all the time? Why am I gaining weight when nothing has changed? Why did hormone therapy work for someone else but not for me? Is there something my body is trying to tell me? ...I know you're going to love this conversation.   Connect with Dr. Christina Enzmann: drchristinaenzmann.com #Perimenopause #Menopause #Hormones #GutHealth #FunctionalMedicine #Microbiome #HealthyAging #Fatigue #Anxiety #Inflammation #Metabolism #BrainHealth #Longevity #WomensHealth   ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

I've had the chance to interview a lot of incredible experts over the years, and every now and then something lands on my radar that makes me stop and say, "Okay...I need to learn more about this." That's exactly what happened here. When I first heard about a molecule called Carbon 60, I'll admit it—I wasn't convinced. There are plenty of products that promise more energy, healthier aging, and better everything. Most don't live up to the hype. But instead of dismissing it, I started digging into the research. The more I learned, the more curious I became. So I decided to try it myself. I wasn't expecting some dramatic overnight change. Honestly, I expected...well...not much. But after using it consistently for a while, I started noticing some exciting changes I wasn't expecting. And my next thought was, "Okay...why?" That's when I knew I wanted to have this conversation. So I invited Chris Burres onto the show. Chris has spent years researching Carbon 60 and studying its potential role in mitochondrial health and oxidative stress.  In this episode, we unpack what C60 is, what it does in the body (that nothing else can do), and why healthy mitochondria may play a much bigger role in how we slow aging more than we've realized. We also have a really honest conversation about something I deeply appreciate: there are no magic bullets. Sleep, nutrition, movement, and mindset still come first.  But if you've ever wondered whether there's something new on the horizon that's actually worth paying attention to, I think you'll love this conversation. What I learned has completely changed the way I think about aging and mitochondrial health. If You've Ever Wondered: Why do I feel older than I actually am? Why am I still tired even when I'm sleeping well? What exactly do mitochondria do? Can oxidative stress make us age faster? What's the connection between mitochondria and slowing aging? Why is everyone suddenly talking about mitochondrial health? Is there really anything new in anti-aging science that's worth paying attention to? If you're curious about mitochondria, healthy aging, reducing oxidative stress, or simply understanding why you don't quite feel like yourself anymore, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation.

The market for lateral partner talent continues to place significant pressure on law firms on both sides of the Atlantic. Compensation is increasingly being used as both a recruitment and retention tool, raising important questions about culture, governance and long-term firm strategy. In this podcast, CM Murray LLP Partners Zulon Begum and David Fisher are joined by Lisa Smith, Founding Principal at Fairfax Associates, to discuss how law firms in the UK and US are responding to these challenges and what firms can do to attract and retain key talent whilst protecting collaboration, culture and long-term stability. Watch the podcast here or listen here. Key discussion points include: - The changing role of partner compensation and the growing pressure on firms to move away from traditional lockstep models. - The impact of the lateral hiring market on partner retention, culture and partnership dynamics. - How firms are balancing individual reward and collaboration, including the increasing use of discretionary bonus pools, performance-based metrics and expanded origination credit models. - The governance and legal issues arising from compensation decisions, including performance management, transparency, partner disputes and discrimination risks. - Strategies for managing partner exits and team moves, including notice periods, garden leave, restrictive covenants and good/bad leaver provisions. - The different approaches taken by UK and US firms to partner mobility and retention, and the challenges this creates for international firms. - The impact of cross-border mergers and globalisation on partner expectations, remuneration structures and firm-wide collaboration. If you would like to discuss partner compensation, partner retention, lateral hiring, partnership governance or any of the issues raised in this podcast, or if you have any questions, please contact Zulon Begum, David Fisher or Lisa Smith.

Are Your Supplements Actually Doing Anything? With Reed Davis of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® You don't feel any different after taking them. So...how do you know if your supplements are actually working? It's a question millions of people ask—but according to Reed Davis Founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN), it may not be the first question you should be asking. In this episode of the Pretty Well Podcast, Reed and I dive into why so many people continue chasing symptoms while the real problem quietly gains traction beneath the surface. He calls it metabolic chaos—the slow, invisible breakdown that can begin years before you're diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, an autoimmune condition, or another chronic illness. The scary part? Metabolic chaos doesn't announce itself. It quietly churns beneath the surface until one day, it's affecting your life in a big way. We also explore why supplements aren't a substitute for understanding what's really happening inside your body, why masking symptoms (even with supplements) can delay healing, and how functional lab testing can help uncover what's driving your fatigue, digestive issues, inflammation, hormone imbalance, brain fog, and other chronic symptoms. Reed also shares his D.R.E.S.S.® framework—Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction, and Supplementation—and explains why getting these foundations right is essential if you want to stop guessing and start making meaningful progress. If you've ever wondered: -Are my supplements doing anything for me? -Why don't I feel any different even though I'm doing all the right things? -Is there a hidden reason I don't feel my best? ...this episode is for you. Timestamps 03:42 How do you know if your supplements are working? 11:18 The hidden danger of metabolic chaos 22:51 Food sensitivities vs. food allergies 35:07 Why pain is a message—not the problem 46:35 Stop chasing symptoms and start asking better questions

Lisa Smith gives us an update on CBD sales in Virginia and how her daughter needs CBD to fight off seizures.

Lisa Smith sharing at Grace on July 26, 2026

Tired and Gaining Weight? Ben Azadi Spills the Tea. Metabolism is about so much more than the number on the scale. It's the foundation of your energy, brain function, hormones, and long-term health. When it's working well, you feel energized, focused, and resilient. When it's not, it can feel like you're doing everything "right" but still struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight, and frustrating symptoms. My guest today, Ben Azadi, understands that journey firsthand. After losing 80 pounds and reclaiming his own health, he dedicated his career to helping others improve their health and metabolism through nutrition, fasting, lifestyle changes, and education. In this episode, we dive into what metabolic flexibility really means, why it's one of the biggest predictors of long-term health, and how fasting and ketogenic nutrition can support metabolism when used appropriately. Ben also shares important considerations for women, common mistakes people make when trying to improve their metabolic health, and practical strategies you can begin implementing today. Whether your goal is more energy, better blood sugar balance, improved brain function, or simply feeling better in your own body, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can start using right away. Ben also just released the updated edition of his bestselling book, Keto Flex, this week. If you're looking for a deeper dive into metabolic health, fasting, and ketogenic nutrition, be sure to check it out. In this episode, we discuss: -What metabolic flexibility is—and why it matters -The connection between metabolism, energy, and longevity -How fasting can support metabolic health -What mental obesity is -Important differences in how women respond to fasting and keto -Simple habits that have the biggest impact on metabolic health -Ben's mission to help reverse type 2 diabetes on a global scale About Ben Azadi Ben Azadi is a bestselling author, educator, and the founder of Keto Kamp. For more than 16 years, he has been teaching people how to improve their metabolic health through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies. He is the host of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast and the author of several bestselling books, including the newly released Keto Flex. Ben's mission is to educate one billion people about metabolic health and help reverse type 2 diabetes in one million individuals through education and lifestyle medicine.   Listen & Follow New episodes of Pretty Well drop every week. If this episode resonates, follow the show, share, and leave a review — it helps more women find conversations like this one. Get Ben's new book + free bonuses: ketoflexbook.com Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com   IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/    Disclaimer:  Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such  advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.  

You finally decide to do it. You're going on HRT. You're so excited to feel better. And then… Nothing changes. —or— Everything gets worse. Like, way worse.   More anxiety. More bloating. More mood swings. Or no response at all.  So you try a different dose or a different formulation, but nothing gets better.   So now you're left wondering:

Virginia's new cannabis laws are already affecting families. Rich talks with Lisa Smith, who's daughter takes CBD oil for seizures

Your hormone symptoms are unpredictable. Your mood is all over the place. Some months are fine, some months are a disaster — and nobody has been able to tell you why. You've tried the supplements. Maybe even hormone replacement. And something is still off. Here's what even functional medicine and a holistic approach are still missing: it might not be a hormone problem at all. It might be a hormone processing problem. And the place to look isn't your ovaries. Your hormonal balance starts in your gut. In this episode I'm breaking down the estrobolome (the part of your microbiome that controls how much estrogen is actually circulating in your body at any given time). When it's off, everything feels off. And it's way more common than anyone is telling you. What we get into: Why your body can produce the right amount of estrogen and still have too much of it cycling through your system The enzyme that pulls estrogen off the elimination track and sends it right back through your body (and how to get it back on track) Why this shows up as unpredictable cycles, mood swings, bloating, and weight that won't move ...and keeps getting mistaken for a hormone imbalance The everyday habits sabotaging your estrobolome and easy fixes that start to turn it around What to do before ever going to hormone replacement Your gut is actively deciding whether your used estrogen gets eliminated or recycled back into your body. This often overlooked piece has everything to do with how you feel and how your hormones are functioning. Next week: already on hormone replacement and it's still not working — or making things worse? That's exactly where we're going.  

A one act play written and adapted for radio by Lisa Smith. Ben loves a roast dinner . . . but all is not as it seems . .

The Seed Oil Truth the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know. You've probably heard that seed oils are bad. But do you actually know what they're doing inside your body and why swapping them out could be one of the most powerful things you do for your health? Cherie Calbom, The Juice Lady — bestselling author, nutritionist, and author of The Truth About Seed Oils — joins me to pull back the curtain on the fats we've been cooking with for decades, and what the science actually says about how they're driving inflammation, hormonal disruption, and chronic symptoms that most women have just accepted as normal. What we get into: Why seed oils were never designed with your health in mind and what they're actually doing at the cellular level The fat-hormone-metabolism connection and why the type of fat you eat matters more than how much Cherie's own story of rebuilding her health from chronic illness in her 20s... and what finally worked Why you can be eating "clean" and still feel inflamed, puffy, and exhausted What to cook with instead and how to navigate labels that are designed to confuse you The nervous system piece that most nutrition conversations completely skip Why healing isn't a destination and what consistency actually looks like in real life Cherie has sold over 3 million books and spent decades helping people get answers their doctors couldn't give them. This conversation is the kind of straight talk your body has been waiting for.

Lisa Smith sharing at Grace on June 28, 2026

#217 -Pain You've Been Told Is "Normal"? It Might Not Be — The New Rules of Women's Health" If you've ever walked out of a doctor's appointment feeling dismissed, confused, or like you somehow "did it wrong," this episode is your reset. You were never meant to navigate your health blindly. In this conversation, award-winning health journalist Meghan Rabbitt pulls back the curtain on what women haven't been told — from the real impact of stress on your brain to why your period, your pregnancy history, and even your hot flashes hold critical data about your future health. This isn't surface-level wellness advice. It's the missing user manual for your body. This episode will change how you think about: Why women are still underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and under-researched — and how that affects your care The silent connection between pregnancy complications and heart disease Why your stress response is biologically different — and what it's doing to your brain right now The health signals you've been taught to ignore (heavy periods, pain, "normal" symptoms that aren't) How to walk into any doctor's appointment like a CEO, not a bystander The simple, non-negotiable habits that actually move the needle in your health Timestamps: [04:00] – "Bikini medicine" and everything it leaves out about women's health [12:00] – The link between pregnancy history, menopause symptoms, and heart disease [14:00] – The breast cancer risk test most doctors aren't talking about [31:00] – The female stress response: why burnout hits women differently [46:00] – Perimenopause decoded: what to track, what's not normal, what to do What's been normalized (but shouldn't be): Pain brushed off as "just stress." Periods that are debilitating but labeled "normal." Chronic fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety that get minimized. One of the biggest shifts in this episode: just because something is common doesn't mean it's normal. Takeaways you can use immediately: Track your symptoms like data, not complaints Bring a prioritized list to your next doctor's appointment Know your breast cancer lifetime risk score Pay attention to your cycle, stress, and digestion — they're connected Stop waiting to feel "bad enough" to take action This episode doesn't just give you information — it changes how you relate to your body. You stop outsourcing your health, stop minimizing your symptoms, and start asking better questions.  

You might think more cardio is the key to aging well but Lisa Smith-Batchen, who has run 135 miles through Death Valley ten times, says it's strength that actually carries you through the decades.In this episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with Lisa Smith-Batchen, one of the most decorated ultra-endurance athletes in American history and a 10-time Badwater 135 finisher, to discuss:Why being strong matters more than being fast and why "it's not the running that helps me run, it's being strong"The first movement everyone should train at any age: sit to stand, followed by squats, wall sits, lunges, and pushupsWhy cutting protein after 60 backfires, and why Lisa fuels on roughly 80% protein calories during racesHow to start lifting late, her 85-year-old client went from 5-pound weights to 230-pound farmer carriesThe fall that ended her father's life, and why "pick your feet up" became her mission for aging athletesYou'll walk away with a clear, muscle-first blueprint for staying strong, mobile, and independent for life — and the motivation to start today instead of waiting for another Monday.Thank you to our sponsors:Cozy Earth - Go to https://bit.ly/44qcXtu for up to 20% off!Lucy - Get 20% off your next order with code DRLYON at https://bit.ly/3QEpYMX or find yours in store at https://bit.ly/3SGAEv3 .Kettle & Fire - Head to https://bit.ly/4oJokGu and use code DRLYON for 25% off sitewide. That is K-E-T-T-L-E and Fire dot com slash DRLYON, code DRLYON for 25% off. Also available at select Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Kroger locations nationwide.Explore More from Dr. Gabrielle LyonPremium Podcast Subscription: Ad-free episodes, key takeaway summaries, exclusive Q&A, and behind-the-scenes content https://foreverstrong.supercast.comWeekly newsletter: Recipes, podcast updates, and practical weekly insights https://drgabriellelyon.com/sign-up/Apply to become a patient: Personalized care with Dr. Lyon's clinical team https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/Find Lisa Smith-Batchen at:Website: https://dreamchaserevents.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachlisasmithbatchenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.smithbatchenConnect with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drgabriellelyonX (Twitter): https://x.com/drgabriellelyonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyonChapters00:00 - Introduction02:10 - From marathon to the Badwater 13505:31 - The first race and learning the hard way06:41 - Inside the pain cave13:46 - Why she went back ten times16:51 - Bonking, hydration, and what changed21:12 - Finding your why28:04 - Running for something greater33:25 - Strong over fast: the real secret35:59 - The lifting myths men and women believe44:13 - Where a beginner should start47:02 - Sit to stand: the non-negotiable move48:56 - The habit that killed her father51:11 - Why falls are so devastating54:14 - The danger of low-protein advice for older adults59:00 - Stop waiting for Monday01:01:37 - Fueling: protein, sodium, and calories per hour01:13:01 - Why a DNF isn't failure01:18:13 - Unfinished business and the right choiceIf you found this episode valuable, share it with someone who would benefit from it.Disclaimers: This episode includes paid sponsorships.The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.

In this week's episode I am speaking with Adam Crymble and Rachel Rich about a really exciting piece of research looking at the complexities of feeding the households of King George III and his eldest son George who was Prince Regent whilst George III suffered from his “madness”, and eventually succeeded him as George IV. The focus of the research is the ledgers that still exist, listing the ingredients ordered, foods that were prepared and the people who ate them. Over 40,000 dishes were counted.They have analysed the ledgers from two royal palaces – George III's Kew Palace and the Prince Regent's Carlton House – with two other food historians Sarah Fox and Lisa Smith, and assimilated them to produce a book called The King's Dinner: Family, nation, and identity on the British table, 1760-1820, which was published by UCL Press on 11 June 2026. The book is available from wherever you buy your books, but it is also available open access as a free PDF. So is the data they used in their analysis.We talk about the differing characters of the two Georges and how these were expressed in the foods they ate, Georgian food identity, the concept of oeconomy, the exotic food cultures NOT appearing on royal dinner tables, French cuisine and famous French chef Careme's tenure in the Prince Regent's kitchens, as well as their fruit and veg suppliers, one of whom was called Savage Bear, amongst many other thingsThose listening to the secret podcast get some bonus material where we discuss the upper servant's fancy foods, the huge amounts of meat consumed, and the politics of wine.The King's Dinner: Family, nation, and identity on the British table, 1760-1820(open access)3000 dishes on a Georgian tableAdam's bio on the UCL websiteFollow Adam on social media: @adamcrymble.bsky.social (Bluesky); @dradamcrymble (Insta)Rachel's bio on Leeds Beckett University websiteFollow Rachel Rich on social media: @drrachelrich (Insta)Season 10 of the podcast is sponsored by Netherton Foundry, makers of high-quality kitchen and outdoor cookware. Netherton Foundry ships to several countries outside of the UK, including the USA and Canada. Visit www.netherton-foundry.co.uk to find out more about their wonderful products – approved not just by me but by folk such as Tom Parker-Bowles, Diana Henry and Nigella Lawson.The mixing and sound engineering were done by Thomas Ntinas of The Delicious Legacy podcastIf you can, support the podcast and blogs by becoming a £3 monthly subscriber, and unlock lots of premium content, including bonus blog posts and recipes, access to the easter eggs and the secret podcast, or treat me to a one-off virtual pint or coffee: click here. Things mentioned in today's episodeRachel's articles on The Recipes ProjectHugh Laurie playing the Prince Regent on Blackadder the Third Previous pertinent podcast episodesEating Out in Georgian London with Peter Ross18th Century Tavern Cookery with Marc Meltonville18th Century Dining with Ivan DayThe Philosophy of Curry with Sejal Sukhadwala Neil's blogs and YouTube channel:‘British Food: a History'The British Food History Channel‘Neil Cooks Grigson' Neil's books:Before Mrs Beeton: Elizabeth Raffald, England's Most Influential HousekeeperA Dark History of SugarKnead to Know: a History of BakingThe Philosophy of PuddingsDon't forget, there will be postbag episodes in the future, so if you have any questions or queries about today's episode, or indeed any episode, or have a question about the history of British food please email me at neil@britishfoodhistory.com, or on twitter and BlueSky @neilbuttery, or Instagram and Threads dr_neil_buttery. My DMs are open.You can also join the British Food: a History Facebook discussion page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/britishfoodhistoryThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

# 216 - The Hunger That Has Nothing to Do With Food You eat well. You do the work. And you still feel like something is missing — a kind of emptiness that has nothing to do with what's on your plate. For high-achieving women, food often becomes the answer to a question the body is asking about something else entirely. And until you understand what you're actually craving, nothing will fill it. Amber Caudle has lived this — and spent decades helping women find their way through it. She's a chef, author, and founder of The Source Cafe in Hermosa Beach, CA. In this conversation, we go beneath the surface of emotional eating, perfectionism, and the exhausting cycle of overgiving to explore what your body is really hungry for — and why your nervous system keeps reaching for food when the real need is something else. -In this episode:Why high-achieving women often use food to manage emotions they don't have language for -The difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger and how to tell them apart in real time -How perfectionism and people-pleasing quietly drive depletion and disconnect you from your actual needs -Why guilt, productivity addiction, and "never enough" thinking aren't personality flaws, they're nervous system patterns -The surprising link between emotional nourishment and your relationship with food -What your body is really asking for when you reach for something out of stress or exhaustion -How to start giving yourself what you actually need and why it's harder than it sounds -Why healing isn't linear, and how to stay compassionate with yourself through the process If you've ever eaten well and still felt empty (or reached for food when what you really needed wasn't food at all), this episode will give you language for something you've felt for a long time but couldn't explain. The Part Worth Sitting With: Many women spend years trying to fix themselves when they were never broken. The constant drive to do more, achieve more, help more, and be more isn't always coming from ambition. Sometimes it's coming from a deeper belief: that rest must be earned, worth must be proven, love must be deserved. And no amount of productivity can satisfy a need that was never about productivity in the first place. When we start to understand what we're truly hungry for (connection, peace, play, purpose, support, or simply permission to slow down) something shifts. Not just in our relationship with food, but in our relationship with ourselves. If this episode resonated, send it to the woman in your life who always seems to have it together... and always seems exhausted. And if you want a simple way to stay grounded in what actually matters day to day, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked below. No protocol. No pressure. Just a place to come back to yourself. ❤️ Timestamps 00:00 Why so many women never feel fully nourished 04:30 The hidden connection between food and emotional needs 10:15 When success and productivity stop feeling fulfilling 16:40 Why rest feels dangerous for so many high achievers 22:10 The relationship between self-worth and overachievement 28:20 Emotional hunger versus physical hunger 35:00 What you're really craving when food isn't the answer 37:00 Why a 15-minute break can feel so hard to take 39:00 The deeper beliefs underneath the inability to slow down 40:00 Rebuilding self-trust and learning to receive 42:00 Why healing isn't linear — and how to stay compassionate with yourself Resources & Links (As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you) Amber's book Hungry: https://amzn.to/4xb0PcY Amber's website: https://www.nourishyourpowers.com Amber's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambercaudlela/ The Morning Mindset Journal: https://lisasmithwellness.com/the-morning-mindset-journal   ✨ Join the conversation Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on Instagram @prettywell_podcast

#215 - You're “Better”… So Why Do You Still Feel Like This? With Amy Kurtz   At some point, you get past the diagnosis. You finally start to feel physically better or the flare passes. And everyone—including you—thinks: okay, this is where life goes back to normal. Except… it doesn't. In this episode, I'm joined again by Amy Kurtz—patient advocate, bestselling author of Kicking Sick, and her new book But You Look Fine—and we're talking about the healing phase no one prepares you for: What happens after the illness because for a lot of people, that's where a different kind of struggle begins. Amy shares her experience of finally getting answers after years of chronic illness (we're talking 30+ doctors), beginning to heal physically, and then being hit with something she didn't expect: Debilitating anxiety. Hypervigilance. A nervous system that refused to stand down. Even though she moved beyond the illness, her body had been in survival mode for so long, it didn't know how to be anything else. What we unpack in this episode: The “in-between” phase of healing—when you're not sick, but you're not okay either Why your nervous system doesn't automatically catch up just because your labs look better The concept of Medical Trauma Brain (MTB)—Amy's term for the imprint chronic illness leaves behind How years of survival mode can turn into anxiety, fear, or obsessive control even after you improve The grief that comes with lost time, missed seasons, and a life that didn't go the way you thought Why healing isn't just physical—and what happens when we ignore the emotional and neurological layers The connection between chronic illness and trauma (including how this differs from traditional PTSD) What it actually looks like to start regulating your nervous system in a practical, doable way We also go here: The subtle ways people self-abandon in medical settings—and how to stop doing that Why “doctor knows best” can keep you stuck (and what to do instead) The fawn response in healthcare—and why it feels so hard to advocate for yourself How to choose the right practitioner for you (not just the most recommended one) The reality that 80% of your healing happens outside the doctor's office   A few moments to listen for: 08:30 – Her husband's provocative question that made Amy realize she wasn't actually “better” 14:00 – What Medical Trauma Brain really is—and why you've never heard of it 19:00 – Living in constant fear even after your body improves 27:00 – The fawn response and why patients stay in bad medical relationships 36:30 – “It all starts with peeing” (stay with us—it's actually profound) 44:00 – Why meditation can feel impossible—and what that tells you 52:00 – What Amy would do differently if she could go back   The part that stays with you: This idea that you can spend years fighting to get better… finally get there… and still feel trapped. If this sounds familiar, you're not failing. It's just that no one told you there's an aftermath to surviving something so hard. Amy calls it the “shadowlands”—that space where you look fine on the outside, but internally, your system is still bracing for impact. If you've ever thought: Why can't I just relax? Why am I still on edge? Why do I feel like something's about to go wrong—even when it's not? This episode will put language to that. If this is you right now, there's a way to actually teach your body that it's safe again. And the steps are easier than you think. This conversation isn't just about chronic illness. It's about what happens when you've been in survival mode for so long that you don't know how to turn it off. And how to start finding your way back.

#214 - Why You're Still Bloated, Tired, and Taking Supplements That Aren't Working There's a version of gut health that a lot of people are still operating from...even in functional medicine. Test. Treat. Kill. Replace. It's an oversimplification of the 5Rs, but it's often how gut healing gets translated into real-world practice. It's structured. It's logical. It's been the model for a while. It's talked about over and over. And sometimes, it works.  But there's a growing number of people doing everything by the book, working with practitioners, investing serious money, running the protocols all the way through, and still not getting all the way there. They're not failing, but they're also not getting on the other side of their health issue. This episode is about that gap. Behind the scenes, there's a different layer of research starting to come forward. The kind that doesn't just tweak the current approach, but begins to suggest that the model itself is missing something. In this conversation with Oscar Coetzee from Designs for Health, we get into what happens when you look at the microbiome less like something to control and more like a system that responds to pressure, balance, and environment. And why that shift is so important. We talk about why certain protocols look right on paper but stall in real life, how aggressive approaches can sometimes work against the system they're trying to fix, and why outcomes aren't always explained by what shows up on a lab report.  There's also a bigger conversation here about the people who don't fall into a clear diagnosis. The ones who are told everything looks fine, but don't feel fine, and end up cycling through solutions without fully getting resolution.  And then there's the shift that reframes everything we've been told about gut health. What if it's not about getting more aggressive with what you remove, but more intentional about what you build in? What if the goal isn't constant intervention, but creating the conditions where the system starts regulating itself? And you don't have to keep relying on supplements month after month. We also get into how this plays out in real life. Food, flexibility, and the reality that we don't have to live in a perfectly controlled environment.  So the question becomes less about doing everything perfectly, and more about how to balance your ecosystem so that it can handle real life without constantly needing another protocol or set of supplements.  What we get into: • Why the current gut health model doesn't fully explain real-world outcomes • What newer research is starting to suggest about microbiome behavior • Why some protocols stall even when they look right • The difference between controlling the system and supporting it • The “in-between” space where many people get stuck • How to think about food and lifestyle without losing progress Timestamps 00:00 The model most people are still using 04:20 When “doing everything right” doesn't resolve things 09:10 Why some protocols stall out 15:00 The shift in how we think about the microbiome 22:30 The gray zone between fine and fully well 30:00 What this looks like in real life The need-to-know part: If the protocol you've been on is incomplete, no matter how much effort you put into it, it won't fix the problem. It just keeps you on a loop. If this episode made you rethink how you've been approaching gut health or any health issue, send it to someone who's been stuck in that in-between space. And if you want a simple way to stay consistent with what actually matters day to day, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked in the show notes. It helps you stay grounded without turning your life into yet another protocol. ❤️

#213 - Your Brain Is Designed to Pull You Back to What Feels Familiar If you keep falling back into old patterns no matter how motivated you feel at the beginning, this episode may explain why. Because the problem usually is not your habits. And it's not that you lack discipline. It's that your brain is designed to prioritize what feels familiar, even when those patterns are no longer serving you. In this episode, we're talking about the deeper reason change feels so difficult, especially when part of you genuinely wants something different. We get into how identity shapes behavior, why your nervous system resists unfamiliar versions of yourself, and what's actually happening when you feel like you're “starting over” again and again. Most habits fail for one reason: they were built on top of an identity your brain still doesn't fully recognize as safe, true, or sustainable. This conversation is about the uncomfortable space between who you've been and who you're becoming. The part where growth can feel strangely vulnerable. Where consistency feels harder than it “should.” And where your old patterns keep pulling you backward, even when you consciously want to move forward. What we get into: • Why habits don't stick even when you're motivated • How identity quietly shapes your behavior • Why your brain prefers familiar patterns over positive change • The hidden nervous system component behind self-sabotage • Why growth can feel uncomfortable or emotionally unsafe • How small repeated actions reshape identity over time • The mindset shift that finally makes consistency feel natural Timestamps: 00:00 Why you keep starting over 02:30 The real reason habits don't stick 05:40 How identity shapes behavior 09:10 The uncomfortable space between old and new versions of you 14:20 A simple framework to create lasting change The part that matters most: Your habits were never the root issue. They were the output. And when your identity begins to shift, the things that once felt forced start becoming natural. Not because you suddenly became more disciplined. But because your brain finally stopped experiencing the new version of you as unfamiliar. If you're trying to create change that actually lasts, the Morning Mindset Journal was designed to help reinforce that identity through small, repeatable daily actions that build self-trust over time. You can grab it free below. And if this episode made you feel a little more understood, send it to someone who keeps thinking they just need more willpower.If you're ready to stop starting over, the Morning Mindset Journal was designed to help you reinforce that identity in a simple, repeatable way. It takes a couple of minutes, gives your day direction, and helps you build real consistency without overthinking it. You can grab it below and start tomorrow differently. ❤️ Because at some point, you stop trying to change. And realize. You already have.

Lisa Smith sharing at Grace on May 24, 2026

#212 - You Don't Need a Better Morning Routine. Do This Instead. There's a reason your morning routine isn't sticking. And it's probably not what you think. It's not that you're inconsistent. Or that you lack discipline. It's not that you just haven't found the “right” routine yet. It's that most morning routines were never built for you in the first place. In this episode, I'm breaking down the three types of morning routines almost everyone cycles through at some point. The hyper-disciplined, early morning version. The perfectly optimized, do-everything-right version. And the personal growth version where you're trying to stack all the habits into one “better you.” Here's the truth: All of them can work. And all of them can fall apart. Here's why: the moment a routine becomes something you have to perform instead of something that actually supports you, your body eventually opts out. We get into what's really happening when your routine fizzles, why forcing yourself into someone else's structure never works long term, and the subtle shift that makes a routine finally stick without feeling like another thing on your to-do list that you have to get right. This is less about building the perfect morning and more about building one you can actually come back to when life is full, your energy is off, and you don't have the bandwidth to overthink it. What we get into: Why most morning routines fail even when you start motivated • The hidden downside of hyper-structured, early mornings • When “optimized” wellness routines create more pressure than progress • The trap of turning personal growth into another checklist • What actually creates consistency without relying on willpower • How small, repeatable actions build real self-trust • The identity shift that changes everything Timestamps 00:00 Why your morning routine keeps falling off 03:10 The real reason you think it's a discipline problem 06:20 When early mornings start working against you 10:05 The pressure of doing the “perfect” morning 13:20 When personal growth becomes performance 16:00 The shift that makes a routine stick 19:10 How consistency builds self-trust The part that matters: Morning routines don't change your life. The identity they reinforce does. Every small, repeatable action is telling your brain this is who I am now. And when that clicks, you stop starting over. If you're tired of starting over every Monday and are ready for something that actually helps you follow through, the Morning Mindset Journal is for you. It's simple, flexible, and designed to give you a clear starting point without turning your morning into a checklist. Rather than you working for your journal, get the journal that works for you. You can use it in two minutes or go deeper when you have the time. Either way, it helps you build consistency in a way that actually sticks. Grab it in the show notes (it's free) and start tomorrow differently. ❤️ If this episode hits close to home, share it with your friend who's been trying to “get her morning routine together” for the fifth time this year.

#211 - She Taught Herself Science to Save Her Husband. What She Found Changes Everything You Know About Gut Health -What One Woman Uncovered About the Gut That Medicine Missed There's a moment in this conversation where everything clicks. Not in a subtle way. In a “wait… why is no one talking about this?” kind of way. Because we've been taught to think about our health in pieces. Your brain over here. Your gut over there. Your diagnosis as its own isolated thing. But what if the real story has been happening in the background the entire time? In this episode, I'm talking with Martha Carlin, microbiome researcher, founder of BioCollective, and what she calls a “citizen scientist” who quite literally taught herself chemistry, microbiology, and genetics after her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's at just 44. And what she uncovered will change how you think about everything from food… to antibiotics… to the products sitting in your kitchen and bathroom right now. This is not a surface-level gut health conversation. This is about the system underneath the system. We talk about how the microbiome influences neurological disease, why so many of us have lost critical bacteria we were supposed to have from birth, and how everyday exposures quietly dismantle the very ecosystem that keeps us functioning. And then we get into what you can actually do about it. Because once you understand this, you don't just “take a probiotic and hope for the best.” You start thinking differently. What we get into: The moment everything changed and why a Parkinson's diagnosis didn't sit right • How food, toxins, and antibiotics quietly reshape your microbiome over time • Why your gut has more genetic influence than your actual DNA • The surprising connection between glyphosate, neurotransmitters, and mood • What most people misunderstand about probiotics and why many don't work • How specific bacterial “teams” can restore function across multiple systems • The real reason fermented foods can be so powerful when done right Timestamps 00:00 The diagnosis that changed everything 03:30 The food connection no one was talking about 08:10 The microbiome discovery that shifted the entire direction 13:00 Building a targeted probiotic that changed real outcomes 18:40 The hidden exposures damaging your gut every day 22:30 Why your microbiome matters more than your genetics 27:10 What most people get wrong about probiotics 31:30 How to actually rebuild your gut in a way that works The part that sticks with you: You are not just you. You are an entire ecosystem. And whether you realize it or not, that ecosystem is being shaped every single day by what you eat, what you're exposed to, and what you're missing. The good news It's not fixed. It's responsive. And even small shifts can start to change the trajectory in ways most people never consider. If you have the Morning Mindset Journal and are looking for a new prompt, try this one:  What is one shift I can make this week that will affect my entire ecosystem…not just one area? If you don't yet have the Morning Mindset Journal, pick it up for free in the show notes. ❤️ If this episode made you rethink even one thing sitting in your kitchen or daily routine, send it to someone who needs to hear it. And if you're not already subscribed, make sure you are. Because this is the kind of conversation that builds on itself and the next ones go even deeper.

Lisa Smith sharing at Grace on May 10, 2026

#210 - What is Mirror Anxiety and Do You Have It? With Dr. Natalya Borakowski  At some point, it happens. You catch your reflection and think… wait, when did that change? You see yourself in a mirror, a photo, or on Zoom… and something looks painfully off.  That subtle disconnect has a name and it's more than skin deep. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, a naturopathic physician specializing in women's health, hormones, and cosmetic dermatology. We're unpacking the science and psychology behind midlife changes from perimenopause and menopause. And doing a deep dive into “mirror anxiety.” We talk about why your brain holds onto a younger version of your face, how stress, sleep, and nutrition directly impact your skin seemingly overnight, and why so many of us feel the urge to fix it fast. This is a grounded, honest conversation about aging, beauty, and how to support your body instead of fighting it. If you've been noticing changes in your skin, energy, or reflection and wondering what's actually going on, this episode connects the dots. You'll learn: What causes “mirror anxiety” in your 40s and beyond • How perimenopause and menopause affect your skin and aging • The connection between stress, sleep, and visible aging • Why protein, nutrition, and daily habits matter more than products • How to approach aesthetic treatments from a place of clarity, not panic • Simple ways to support healthy aging and feel like yourself again This is not about giving up aesthetics or pretending you don't care. It's about making decisions from a place of calm clarity. If you've been feeling that subtle shift, this conversation is a much-needed breath of fresh air. If this episode made you pause for a second… that's the point. Share it with a friend who's been quietly wondering if it's just her. It's not. And if you're not already, make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss what's coming next. We go deep into the things that matter to you. Not more wellness noise but actionable steps that genuinely change your life. If you don't yet have the Morning Mindset Journal, that's a great place to keep reflections like this. It's free and linked in the show notes.❤️   midlife health, perimenopause, hormone balance, aging gracefully, skin health, functional medicine, women's health, stress and aging, cortisol, collagen, skincare routine, mirror anxiety, anti aging, holistic health, beauty and wellness

Spark Award recipient, Lisa Smith, talks about her recipe book, "Desserts that Delight," and the joy that comes from sharing what we have with others.

#209 - The #1 Symptom of Hidden Toxin Overload At a certain point, it's not one thing. It's the accumulation. And most of it isn't obvious in the moment. It's what builds quietly over time. Because it's one thing to understand toxic load. It's another to see how it actually plays out inside the body day to day. In Part 2, I sit back down with Dr. Joe Nieusma, toxicologist with nearly four decades of experience, and we go deeper into what's actually happening inside the body when inflammation, exposure, and intervention start to overlap. And this is where the nuance matters. Inflammation isn't just something to suppress. It's how your body heals. But when it runs unchecked, or when the body doesn't have what it needs to regulate it, that's when things start to spiral. We talk about the fine line between helpful inflammation and when it tips into something far more damaging, and why trying to shut it down completely can actually work against you. There's also a moment in this conversation that really sticks. The idea that your body is constantly redistributing and compensating under stress, and that what shows up on a lab or in a moment doesn't always tell the full story. Which explains a lot more than you'd think. We also get into something that doesn't get talked about enough. How people end up on multiple medications that start to interact, stack, and create entirely new problems. Not because anyone is doing anything wrong, but because nothing in the body happens in isolation. And once you see that, it becomes a very different conversation. We also go into real-world examples, from low-level chemical exposure that shows up years later, to how everyday foods and environmental inputs can quietly drive inflammation in ways most people never connect. And one of the biggest takeaways from this entire conversation: your body is always trying to move toward balance. The question is whether we're supporting that or unknowingly working against it. 00:00 Why this needed a Part 2 and where we're going deeper. 02:00 The truth about inflammation and why suppressing it isn't always the answer. 05:00 What happens in the body during stress and why lab values don't tell the full story. 10:00 Low-level exposure over time and how it quietly impacts long-term health. 18:30 Polypharmacy and how medications can start creating new problems. 26:00 The toxic cocktail effect and why symptoms often stack instead of resolve. 28:30 Finding root cause and why removing the trigger can change everything. If something in this episode clicked, take a few minutes and write this down: Where might my body be dealing with more than I've been aware of? Nothing you need to do yet. Just something to start paying attention to. If you don't yet have the Morning Mindset Journal, that's a great place to keep reflections like this. It's free and linked in the show notes.❤️ If this episode shifted how you're thinking about your health, send it to someone who's been trying everything and still not getting answers. And if you're not already following the show, make sure you hit follow. Part 2 is where this conversation starts to turn into something you can actually apply. If something clicked for you, I'd love to hear that too. Leave a review or share it and tag me so I can see what landed.  

#208 - The Hidden Trigger of Fatigue and Inflammation -How everyday toxins, cumulative exposure, and inflammation impact energy, brain fog, and long-term health Most people aren't under-supported. They're overexposed. Think toxins. And no amount of adding more to your routine fixes that. We've been trained to look for what's missing… another supplement, a better protocol, something we haven't tried yet. Meanwhile, your body is busy dealing with what's already coming in… all day, every day. Air. Water. Food. Medications. Products.   Individually, they don't seem like much. Together, they're more than we think. And at a certain point, your body stops keeping up quietly. It starts showing you. Fatigue that doesn't fully resolve. Brain fog you can't think your way out of. Symptoms that improve some… but never quite go away. This conversation goes there. In Part 1 of this series, I sit down with Dr. Joe Nieusma, a toxicologist with nearly four decades of experience studying how chemicals, drugs, and environmental exposures actually impact the human body. And what he shares reframes a lot. From why “safe levels” don't reflect real life… to how constant, low-level exposure actually works in the body… to the idea that your system is managing a cumulative load, not isolated inputs. There's also a moment where he breaks something down so simply it sticks. Your body has a finite capacity to deal with what's coming in, and most people are unknowingly exceeding it.   Once you hear that, a lot of things start to make more sense. We also get into a two-part approach to actually supporting the body: how to help it clear what shouldn't be there, and how to calm the inflammation that keeps people stuck. It's simple. But it changes how you think about everything from energy to immunity to how we age. Timestamps 00:00 Why this conversation had to be a series 04:30 What toxic exposure actually means and why dose alone doesn't tell the full story 10:15 The pharmaceutical model, polypharmacy, and why more medication isn't always the answer 18:40 The “bucket” concept that explains inflammation, burnout, and chronic symptoms 28:30 A two-part strategy to help the body clear toxins and reduce inflammation   If this episode shifted how you're thinking about your health, send it to someone who's been trying everything and still not getting answers. And if you're not already following the show, make sure you hit follow.   Part 2 goes deeper into what this actually looks like in practice… and how to start applying it.   If something in this episode clicked, take a few minutes and write this down:  Where might my body be taking in more than I've been aware of. Nothing you need to do, just something you want to start paying attention to.  I'd love it if you'd leave a review or share it and tag me so I can see what matters most to you.   If you don't yet have the Morning Mindset Journal, that's a great space to keep information like this. It's free. Link is below. ❤️

#207 - The Biology of Belief Part 3: Becoming Your Future Self (When Your Body Feels Safe to Move Forward) -Why change still feels like effort, how identity is shaped by safety, and the simple shift that helps your body finally move forward Ever notice how you can want something deeply… and still feel like you're not fully stepping into it? Not because you don't believe in it. Not because you're not capable. But because something in you isn't fully on board yet. In this final part of the Biology of Belief series, we're closing the loop on something a lot of high-functioning, health-conscious people quietly feel but don't always say out loud: “I'm doing everything right… so why does this still feel like effort?” This is where we move beyond habits, beyond mindset, and into something much more foundational. Your identity. Not who you think you are, but who your body believes you need to be to stay safe. What we get into in this episode: There's a version of your life you're working toward. Health, ease, energy, clarity, longevity. But your body has one job. Not to chase that vision. To ask one question: Is it safe to be that person? Your body doesn't run on goals or logic. It runs on familiarity. And if the version of you that you're working toward doesn't feel familiar yet, your system will default to what it knows… even if what it knows feels like pressure, urgency, or constantly holding it all together. We talk about what that actually means in real life, how those patterns become your identity, and why change can feel harder than it “should” even when you're doing everything right. In this episode, we cover: Why your body filters your future through the lens of safety, not desire The real definition of identity and how it shapes your health and behavior Why high-achieving, health-conscious people often feel like it's all a grind How patterns like urgency and pressure become your baseline The role of fascia as stored memory and lived experience in the body What people call manifestation and what's actually happening underneath it A simple 4 step process to help your body feel safe enough to change   Timestamps: 00:00 The quiet frustration of doing everything right but still feeling effort 02:00 Why your body questions whether your future is sustainable 03:30 Safety and trust as the real gatekeepers of change 05:00 What beliefs actually are beneath the surface language 07:00 How identity is formed and why two people get different results 09:00 Fascia, stored stress, and how your body holds your past 12:00 What's really happening when things finally start to “flow” 14:00 The 4 step process to shift your internal state and identity 18:30 A question that reveals where you're still bracing   The takeaway: You're not trying to become someone else. You're allowing your body to feel safe becoming who you already know you are. And until your system trusts that version of your life, it will keep pulling you back toward what feels familiar. Even if familiar feels like stress. The shift isn't about doing more. It's about creating enough safety that your body finally says, “Okay, we can go there.” If this episode made something click, pause for a second and stay with that. That's not just insight. That's your system starting to recognize something new. If you want a place to actually work through this, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked in the show notes. It's free and a simple way to get your thoughts out of your head and start creating a different internal signal in just a few minutes a day. ❤️ Follow the show so you don't miss what's coming next, and if you haven't yet, take a second to rate and review. It genuinely helps more people find these conversations. Keywords: nervous system safety, identity change, why change is hard, self trust, mind body connection, fascia and trauma, subconscious patterns, behavior change, stress physiology, functional medicine mindset  

Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Ted Evgeniadis joins us to discuss his work protecting the Susquehanna through education, water‑quality monitoring, pollution patrols, and legal action. As Riverkeeper and Executive Director of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Ted has built a reputation as both a coalition‑builder and an unrelenting advocate for clean, healthy waterways.We also break down the latest developments in LSRA's legal fight with J&K Salvage, a York scrapyard the Riverkeeper has accused of polluting local waterways. A judge has denied the Riverkeeper's request to temporarily shut the facility down, leaving the case to continue through the courts as LSRA pushes for stronger environmental accountability.Steve Kurtz and Lisa Smith join us to share the story behind The Downbeat Foundation, created in memory of Lisa's son, Benjamin, who died at age 39 from an aortic aneurysm. A Central Dauphin graduate and accomplished drummer who played through high school, college, and with the band Dreading Monday, Ben's lifelong love of music now fuels a mission to open doors for young musicians.The foundation provides free drum lessons, a full drum kit, and transportation for Harrisburg‑area students in grades 4–12 who want to learn but lack financial access. With applications rising, Steve and Lisa talk about the growing need, the students they're reaching, and how music can change a young person's trajectory.They also preview May Jam, coming May 16, 2026, at Royal Winery — a community concert featuring local bands, with proceeds supporting future Downbeat students.

The Biology of Belief Part 2: Why Your Body Won't Let You Change (Even When You Know What to Do) Ever notice how your brain can be fully on board… and your body is like, “absolutely not”? Yeah. That's where we're going today. This episode starts with me sitting at my kitchen table, realizing I was basically inhaling my food like a Labrador… again. And what that moment uncovered had nothing to do with habits. You can understand something completely… and still watch yourself not do it. Not because you don't care or lack discipline. But because something deeper hasn't shifted yet. This is the part most people never get an explanation for. Why the habits don't stick. Why the patterns keep repeating. In Part 2 of the Biology of Belief series, we're going inside the mechanics of that gap. We talk about how your body has been programmed to respond. This isn't about learning more or trying harder. It's about the patterns your system has rehearsed so many times that they've become automatic. In this episode, we cover: • Why knowing what to do doesn't mean your body is available to do it • How self-talk becomes either makes or breaks your habits, goals, and dreams • Why emotions program your nervous system • Why affirmations don't work unless they're connected to feeling • How repeated thoughts shape stress, inflammation, and behavior • The connection between subconscious patterns and daily habits • A simple way to start shifting patterns without forcing change   Timestamps: 00:00 When your brain agrees but your body doesn't follow 02:15 Why this isn't about habits or discipline 03:15 How the limbic system overrides logic 05:00 Why your body can feel unsafe even when life looks stable 07:40 The bigger question behind thoughts and biology 10:00 How your internal dialogue becomes instruction 13:10 Why repetition alone doesn't rewire your system 15:00 The missing link behind habits that don't stick   The takeaway: You're not stuck because you don't know enough. You're stuck because your system is still running a pattern that feels safer than change. And until that pattern shifts, your body will keep choosing what's familiar… even if it's frustrating. If this episode made you see yourself a little more clearly, that's real progress starting to take root. If you want a place to begin shifting those patterns, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked in the show notes. It gives you a simple way to start changing the signal consistently. ❤️ Follow the show so you don't miss Part 3, where we bring this together and talk about what it actually looks like to become your next level self.

#205: The Biology of Belief Part 1: Why Your Body Doesn't Feel Safe -Your Body Is Listening to Something You're Not Aware Of   Ever have that feeling where nothing is technically wrong… but your body is bracing? You're doing the things. Eating well. Taking care of yourself. Staying on top of it. And yet there's this low-level tension running in the background like your system never fully powers down. This is where we start. Because what if that feeling isn't random… and it's not something you need to fix? Let me say something that might rattle the wellness algorithm a little: What if it's actually your body doing exactly what it was designed to do? In this first episode of the Biology of Belief series, we're zooming out and looking at the foundation most people never think about. The signal your body is constantly reading. The one that determines whether you heal, regulate, and expand… or whether you stay guarded, braced, and in protection mode. And here's the part that changes everything once you see it: Your body isn't responding to what you know. It's responding to what it detects. What we get into in this episode: There's a moment in this episode that starts with something simple. Standing in the kitchen, holding a cup of tea, realizing your body is already ten steps ahead of your day. Nothing is wrong. But nothing feels settled either. That moment opens the door to a much bigger question. What is your body actually responding to? We talk about why symptoms aren't random, why your body doesn't operate on logic, and how your nervous system is constantly scanning for safety before your conscious mind even catches up. This is the foundation everything else builds on. In this episode, we cover: Why your body prioritizes safety over everything else The difference between what you know and what your body detects Why doing everything right doesn't always lead to results How symptoms like fatigue, gut issues, and anxiety are protective signals The role of predictability in calming your nervous system How self-trust is built through small, consistent actions Why pace and pressure shape your physiology Timestamps: 00:00 That constant “on” feeling you can't quite explain 02:00 The kitchen moment that sparked a different question 03:15 Why your body doesn't care how much you know 05:00 Protection mode vs growth mode and what your symptoms are telling you 07:00 Why logic doesn't change how your body responds 09:00 Predictability as a signal of safety 12:00 How urgency keeps your body in stress mode 15:00 Why consistency matters more than intensity The takeaway: Your body isn't fragile. It's adaptive, intelligent, and constantly working to protect you. And when it doesn't feel safe, it will always choose protection over healing. Not because it's broken. Because it's doing its job. If this episode made something click, stay with that. That awareness is where this whole series begins. If you want a simple place to start applying this, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked in the show notes. It's a quick, structured way to build consistency and start sending your body a different signal. Follow the show so you don't miss Part 2, where we get into why knowing what to do still doesn't translate into change.

Want to share your story? We'd love to feature more voices from our community. Stay tuned for how to get involved. Learn more about AADOM: https://www.dentalmanagers.com/

#204 - High-Functioning. Healthy. Still Exhausted. Interview with Jared St. Clair from Vitality Radio   Over time we've learned that having the health we want comes down to how much discipline we have: better habits, more consistency, tighter routines.   But what if the real reason those approaches keep falling short has nothing to do with what you're doing—and everything to do with your nervous system?   In this delightfully real conversation with Jared St. Clair from Vitality Radio, we go there. Diving beneath the usual performance-driven wellness talk and into what actually moves the needle in your overall energy, wellness, and vitality.    We talk about patterns that look “high-functioning” but actually aren't; why so many people feel a general sense of blah no matter how hard they try; and how pushing harder backfires when your nervous system is already overloaded.   This episode connects the dots between your biology, behavior, healing, and identity—with a lot of raw truths (and laughs) along the way.   It's a grounded conversation about feeling safe, seen, and resilient.  If you've ever wondered why you know what to do but can't seem to sustain it—or why rest feels wrong—you'll love this episode.   In This Episode, We Talk About: Why willpower breaks down under chronic stress What “nervous system capacity” actually means in real life How high achievers unknowingly train themselves into burnout The difference between discipline and nervous system safety Why rest can feel like a threat—and how to rebuild tolerance for it How to create change that actually sticks (without forcing it)   Time Stamps   00:00 — Why discipline isn't the problem we think it is 03:00 — Stress, adaptation, and the nervous system's role in behavior 06:30 — High-functioning burnout: when things look fine but feel off 10:00 — Why pushing harder often makes symptoms worse 14:00 — Regulation vs. optimization: what actually creates resilience 18:00 — Relearning rest, recovery, and safety in the body 22:00 — Building capacity instead of chasing performance   Why This Conversation Matters Most wellness advice assumes your body is neutral and ready to comply. But when your nervous system is tapping out, no amount of discipline will work. Healing doesn't start with better habits—it starts with creating enough safety and space for change to happen. This episode is a breath of fresh air—especially if you're tired of trying harder and getting nowhere. Where to Find Jared Website: https://vitalitynutrition.com/pages/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOoqNMcBTmQ--3AVS4U0R75f3nstRJrxseq2xka5ClgOEOPso8lnb   Podcast: https://www.vitalityradio.com/listen/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredsaint/  https://www.instagram.com/vitalityradio/    Where to Find Lisa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast Website: https://lisasmithwellness.com Listen to The Pretty Well Podcast wherever you get your podcasts   Disclaimer:  Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such  advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

Understanding ARFID - Finding Your First Supervisor In Episode 370 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week's three topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice', they explore grounding techniques in counselling practice, highlighting key techniques every counsellor should know and why these skills are essential for safe, trauma-informed work. Then in ‘Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith about ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – what it is, how it presents, and why it is often misunderstood, particularly in neurodivergent individuals. And finally, in ‘Student Services', Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen discuss how to find your first supervisor – what to look for, what questions to ask, and why the supervisory relationship matters so much in your development. Grounding Techniques in Counselling Practice [starts at 03:46 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken explore grounding techniques in counselling practice, highlighting why every counsellor should understand how to help clients return to the here and now when they become distressed or overwhelmed. Key points discussed include: Grounding techniques are essential when a client becomes emotionally overwhelmed, dissociates, or is pulled into traumatic memories. Therapy happens in the here and now – if a client is reliving the there and then, effective therapeutic work cannot take place. Simple distraction and attention-shifting techniques (e.g. talking about neutral topics) can gently bring a client back into the present moment. Body-based grounding techniques, such as noticing physical sensations or using the 5-4-3-2-1 method, help regulate the nervous system. In more extreme trauma responses, reorientation techniques may be needed to remind the client where they are and that they are safe. Grounding is collaborative, individual, and most effective when practised regularly and introduced early. Understanding ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) [starts at 37:45 mins] In this week's ‘Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith about ARFID – a complex eating disorder that is often misunderstood as “fussy eating” but can have serious physical and emotional consequences. Key points from this conversation include: ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but by fear, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and sometimes neurodivergence. Recent guideline changes mean weight alone should no longer determine access to support – behavioural signs and functional impact are key. Neurodivergent individuals, particularly autistic people, may be more vulnerable due to sensory processing differences and rigidity around routines. Restricted diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies that impact brain function, creating a cycle of anxiety and further restriction. Interventions should be gradual and non-threatening – introducing small changes, using food chaining, and keeping “safe foods” in place. Battles around food can increase anxiety and shame; curiosity, patience, and flexibility are more effective approaches. Finding Your First Supervisor [starts at 01:01:32 mins] In this section, Rory, Ken and Paul Cullen reflect on the importance of choosing your first supervisor carefully and what to consider when beginning your clinical practice journey. Key points include: Supervision is an ethical requirement and becomes central to your practice the moment you begin seeing clients. The supervisory relationship must feel safe enough for you to discuss mistakes, uncertainties, and the full reality of your work. A supervisor should understand your modality and, where relevant, have knowledge of online and telephone working. Good supervision is not simply a friendly chat – it should challenge you, stretch you, and support your professional growth. Students are entitled to ask questions about a supervisor's experience, knowledge of legislation, and approach to supervision. While some placements assign supervisors, it's important to reflect on fit, autonomy, and whether the arrangement supports your development. Links and Resources Counselling Skills Academy Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide Counsellor CPD Counselling Study Resource Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide Counselling Tutor Training and CPD Facebook group Website Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide Online and Telephone Counselling Course

#203 - Who Said You Had To Be Perfect To Be Well? With Dr. Kim Howes If you've ever thought, “I'm not feeling my best because I'm not doing all the things right,” this episode is going to hit. Because somewhere along the way, a lot of high-capacity people accepted the idea that wellness equals doing all the things - just right. Perfect routines. Perfect mindset. Perfect food. Perfect supplements. Perfect activity. Perfect body.  And that? That's exhausting. And... It's a lie. In this episode of Pretty Well, I sit down with Dr. Kim Howes to unpack the quiet pressure so many of us carry: the belief that feeling great requires us to be perfect. And we get very honest about how that belief is keeping you stuck in cycles of over-functioning, analysis paralysis, and never quite feeling like you're “there.”  This is not a fluffy “just love yourself more” conversation. It's nuanced. Grounded. Practical. And if you're someone who does all the right things but still feels like you're failing at them? You're going to feel very seen. In This Episode, We Cover: [02:10] The Real Roots of Perfectionism  Dr. Howes breaks down how perfectionism isn't about high standards — it's often about protection. Protection from rejection. Criticism. Not feeling enough.  You'll start to recognize how this pattern may have quietly shaped your relationship with food, productivity, health, and even rest. [07:45] The Hidden Cost of “Doing Everything Right” We talk about the mental load of constantly trying to optimize yourself — and why it creates more nervous system activation than progress.  If you've ever thought: “Why am I still tired?” “Why doesn't this feel easier?” “Why do I feel behind even when I'm ahead?” This section will hit. [14:30] When Wellness Becomes Another Performance There's a difference between supporting your health and performing your health. We unpack how wellness culture can subtly reinforce the idea that you are only as good as your discipline. And how that belief undermines self-trust over time. [21:55] Self-Compassion (Without the Eye Roll) Not the soft, vague version. The evidence-based, nervous-system-regulating, behavior-changing version.  Dr. Howes explains why self-compassion actually increases accountability and follow-through — instead of making you complacent. This is the part most high achievers misunderstand. [29:40] How to Interrupt the “Never Enough” Loop We get practical here. What to say to yourself in real time. How to catch the inner critic before it runs the meeting. How to build standards without building shame. Small shifts. Big relief. Why This Episode Matters Because if you secretly believe: I should be further by now I shouldn't struggle with this If I were stronger, I'd have figured it out …then perfectionism is likely running more of your life than you realize. And the irony? The more you chase perfect wellness, the further you drift from actually living the life you love. This conversation isn't about lowering your standards. It's about removing the internal pressure that's keeping you tense, reactive, and quietly dissatisfied — even when you're doing everything “right.” If this episode resonates, share it with someone else who holds themselves to impossible standards. And if you're ready to stop performing wellness and actually feel amazing — this is where to start.

#202 - Your Body Remembers: How Stored Emotions Shape Your Health, Success, and Relationshipswith Riana Malia Ever wonder why, no matter how much work you've done toward healing and life goals, you still hit the same walls—repeated patterns, anxiety, or that “stuck” feeling you can't quite name? What if you don't need to work on yourself anymore—what if it's more about clearing old, inaccurate messages ? In this episode, I sit down with Riana Malia, creator of Quantum Time Release (QTR) and Quantum Goal Setting, to explore how stored emotions, subconscious patterns, and energetic imprints shape your physical health, your relationships, and even your sense of success. If you've ever rolled your eyes at words like “quantum” or “energy work,” stay with me—because this one's rooted in neuroscience, not hocus pocus or woo. Riana breaks down how unresolved emotions literally alter your nervous system, and how releasing them can create measurable shifts in your body and your life.

#201 - Stop the Hustle: How Doing Less Can 10x Your Success with Brannon Poe, CPA, Author, Founder of Poe Group Advisors & Accounting Practice Academy   Create More Time, Profit & Freedom—Without Burning Out What if the key to greater success wasn't doing more—but finally doing less?   In this episode, I talk with Brannon Poe, a CPA and entrepreneur who's redefining what it means to “have it all.” Brannon helps accounting firm owners build, buy, and sell thriving practices—but the brilliance of his work isn't just in business strategy. It's in teaching high performers how to reclaim time, profit, and freedom without losing their sanity (or their marriages) in the process. We dig into how he discovered the power of margin, mindset, and unplugged vacations—and how every overextended professional can apply these same principles to their own lives. You'll hear: Why busy is the new burnout—and how to stop wearing it like a badge of honor. The deceptively simple mindset shift that separates exhausted achievers from calm high-performers. How a cruise, a laptop ultimatum, and a good wife sparked Brannon's “freedom revolution.” The truth about why stepping away (literally) makes your business—and your brain—work better. The 3-bucket strategy for reclaiming your calendar and your creativity. Why the most successful people he knows are also the most balanced. This conversation will challenge the part of you that thinks you can't slow down. Step in closer: you can—and your work, health, and happiness will thank you.  

If rehab worked the way it's supposed to…why do so many people end up right back where they started?After more than 30 years in the trenches of addiction treatment, Jimmie Applegate has some theories.In his recently released book Addicted to Failure: Why the Rehab System Doesn't Work and What Must Change, he pulls back the curtain on the myths, blind spots and outdated models that keep people stuck.We talk trauma, brain rewiring, why “just go to rehab” is wildly oversimplified and what real, lasting recovery support should actually look like. This one is part wake-up call, part hope for something better.Learn all about Jimmie's work here.  Finally, check out all things Recovery Rocks, Lisa and Anna. Lisa Smith is the author of the award-winning memoir Girl Walks Out of a Bar. Anna David is the author of the novel Party Girl, as well as multiple nonfiction books. Together, they bring the honesty of lived experience to conversations about addiction, sobriety and the messy, meaningful truths at the heart of recovery.

 #200 - Miracle Cure or Internet Hype? The Truth About Castor Oil Castor oil is having a moment. Scroll social media for five minutes and you'll see it: “Cured my endometriosis.” “Detoxed my liver.” “Regrew my hairline.” “Healed… well, everything.” And when something is suddenly the solution to literally every problem… it's time to pause. Because while castor oil is absolutely powerful, not every claim floating around the internet deserves your blind trust (or all of your body parts). In this episode, I break down what castor oil actually is, what it's scientifically supported for, what I personally use it for, and what I absolutely would not recommend—especially if you're pregnant or thinking about putting it near your eyeballs. If you've been curious about castor oil packs, anti-aging benefits, hair growth hacks, stretch mark reduction, or lymphatic detox claims… this episode is your grounded, evidence-based (with a dash of anecdotal honesty) guide. What You'll Learn in This Episode What castor oil is made of (and why omega-9 fatty acids matter) FDA-approved uses vs. influencer folklore Whether castor oil actually helps with constipation Skin barrier repair, anti-aging, and collagen support Hair growth, scalp health, and rosemary oil synergy Castor oil for scars, stretch marks, arthritis, and cracked heels The truth about castor oil packs for liver detox Regular vs. Jamaican black castor oil—is there a difference? Side effects, safety, and when to absolutely avoid it Timestamps 00:00 – Castor oil: miracle cure or marketing frenzy? 01:00 – Why the FDA cracked down on exaggerated claims 02:00 – What castor oil actually is (hello, omega-9 fatty acids) 04:30 – What it's officially approved for 05:00 – Would I drink it for constipation? 06:30 – Traditional uses: skin conditions, infections, inflammation, lymphatic support 07:30 – Skin benefits that actually make sense 08:00 – Fine lines, wrinkles, and collagen support (why it may help) 09:00 – How to use it for hair growth  10:30 – Acne: helpful or hormonal disaster? (Bio-individuality matters) 12:00 – Castor oil packs for liver detox—worth it? 13:00 – Thyroid application (yes, I use it for Hashimoto's support) 14:00 – Stretch marks & scars: how to use heat to enhance absorption 16:00 – Anti-aging layering method (this is worth the price of admission) 17:00 – Lips: hyaluronic acid + castor oil combo 18:00 – Cracked heels, cuticles, and nail growth 20:00 – The fern experiment (because why not?) 21:00 – Jamaican black castor oil vs. regular: which is better? 22:00 – Side effects and when not to use it 23:00 – Pregnancy warning (seriously, a hard no) 24:00 – My honest verdict Let's Talk About What's Real Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—an omega-9 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. That's the magic. It's thick. It's deeply emollient. It seals moisture in like a champ. Which makes it excellent for: Dry skin Eczema-prone areas Crepey skin in perimenopause and menopause Fine lines (temporarily plumping through hydration) Cracked heels Dry cuticles Scalp nourishment And when you layer it correctly, it acts like a sealant to hold hydration in. I personally use it nightly on my face, neck, thyroid area, lips, and brows. Am I shiny before bed? Yes. Do I care? Not even a little. What I'd Be Careful With Internal use for constipation (very effective but not my first-line recommendation) Anything near your eyes (I woke up with red, burning, and irritated eyes) Vaginal dryness or sensitive internal use (research first, please) When To Never Use It Pregnancy (it induces labor) Castor Oil & Hormones As estrogen drops in perimenopause and menopause, skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This is where castor oil shines—literally and figuratively. It supports: Skin barrier repair Moisture retention Elasticity appearance That “spring back” we start to lose Is it Botox? No. Is it still amazing and affordable? Absolutely. Bottom Line Is castor oil a cure-all? Nope. Is it a potent, multi-use, low-risk tool? Yes. In a world where we're constantly sold $200 serums and complicated 12-step regimens, there's something refreshing about a humble glass bottle that's been used for centuries. If you try it: Buy organic Make sure it's in a dark glass bottle Patch test first Use cotton (preferably organic), not polyester, when covering treated areas And maybe—just maybe—pour it into something beautiful so you'll actually remember to use it. One More Thing Pretty Well was shared more than 94% of other shows in Spotify Wrapped this year. That's because of you. You share it. You text it. You send it to friends who need better information without the hype. And that means everything to me. If this episode helped you to decode the castor oil craze (or prevented you from putting it in your eyes), do me a favor and share it with a friend.

Maybe escaping the Vocation Traps isn't just about personal creative fulfillment or private spiritual formation. What if it's about cultural responsibility?Finding Freedom In Your True CallingThis conversation reframes calling as a way of life rooted in prayerful listening and faithful action—the quiet practices that form artists who can tell the truth, hold ambiguity, and create without fear. And in a moment when culture is shaping the imagination of the world faster than ever, this isn't just personal freedom. It's cultural responsibility.Helpful Resources: Download your FREE Vocation Trap Tracker: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Discover Your Artist Archetype → Take the Free Quiz at soulmakers.org Download the Full Artist Archetypes Guide for deeper insight: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedoConnect & Share: Subscribe to Be. Make. Do. for more in the Vocation Traps series Share this episode with a friend or creative you know Join the conversation on socials using #VocationTrapsPodcast Join our brand new Instagram Broadcast Channel!Edited3Write a reply and mention others with @

What happens when your “journey of self-discovery” includes Burning Man debauchery, spontaneous decisions to move to other countries and the ingestion of substances you probably should've Googled first?We asked the best source on the topic—Carly Schwartz, a former top editor at The Huffington Post and Editor-in-Chief of the San Francisco Examiner all about it when discussing her upcoming recovery memoir, I'll Try Anything Twice: Misadventures of a Self-Medicated Life.To call Try Anything Twice just a recovery memoir doesn't do justice to just how poignant, tragic and inspiring it is. It's a sharp and painfully honest look at dealing with depression and addiction, not to mention chasing meaning in all the wrong places—before finally finding real recovery.We get into adult identity crises, denial that deserves an award, suicidal depression and what it actually takes to rebuild a life you almost lost. Also, we talk a lot about how we're all obsessed with each other.Find out more about Carly on carly.ink, on Instagram, and on LinkedIn. And book a writing and storytelling workshop with Carly at Mindwriters.  Finally, check out all things Recovery Rocks, Lisa and Anna. Lisa Smith is the author of the award-winning memoir Girl Walks Out of a Bar. Anna David is the author of the novel Party Girl, as well as multiple nonfiction books. Together, they bring the honesty of lived experience to conversations about addiction, sobriety and the messy, meaningful truths at the heart of recovery.

#199 - Healing Eczema from the Inside Out: Toxins, Steroid Withdrawal & the Identity Shift That Changes Everything with Kat Vong If you've ever looked in the mirror and felt betrayed by your own skin… If you've been told “it's just genetic” or “here's another prescription”… If you're quietly wondering whether something deeper is going on— Stop scrolling. This episode is the one you've been waiting for. Today I'm joined by my friend Kat Vong—host of the Well Done podcast and founder-in-the-making of a clean beauty brand for women with chronic skin struggles. Kat's story is raw, emotional, and wildly empowering. After years of battling off-and-on eczema that left her in physical pain and emotional exhaustion, Kat's body erupted in severe eczema just three weeks before her wedding. We're talking weeping wounds. Steroid injections. Oral steroids. Topicals on repeat. And that was just the beginning. What unfolded over the next several years included topical steroid withdrawal, toxic overload, leaky gut, postpartum depression, a NICU stay with twins at UCLA—and ultimately, a complete identity shift that changed everything. This conversation is about more than eczema. It's about the skin–gut–toxin connection. It's about stress, identity, and the nervous system. It's about what happens when you decide to heal—and cut off every other option. The best news - whether it's your skin or something else, healing.is.possible. In This Episode, We Cover: Heavy metals, phthalates, parabens—and how toxic burden shows up in your skin Leaky gut and why “everything” can suddenly become a trigger Why detox can initially make flares worse The missing piece in chronic healing: identity and mindset The hidden dangers of long-term topical steroid use What topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) actually looks like The beauty industry's blind spots—and what needs to change Practical skin barrier repair from the inside out How meditation rewires your biology (yes, really) Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Kat: severe eczema, beauty industry insider, and the wedding-week flare from hell 02:00 – Three types of steroids in three weeks (and why that mattered later) 03:30 – When the flares came back worse than before 05:00 – Discovering topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and sleeping on towels 08:00 – The functional testing that changed everything: toxins, gut, inflammation 09:30 – Heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, mold—and why her practitioner was shocked 11:00 – Leaky gut, gluten markers, and the “everything is a trigger” phase 12:00 – Detox + TSW: when healing looks worse before it gets better 13:30 – Pregnancy, temporary glowing skin, and the devastating steroid shot before delivery 15:00 – NICU, postpartum depression, and the emotional toll of skin disease 18:30 – The surprising non-food trigger most people ignore: toxic burden 20:00 – Stress as gasoline on the inflammatory fire 21:30 – “You can't drain the bathtub if the faucet's still running.” 22:30 – Identity work: “I am someone who has eczema” vs. “I am someone who heals.” 26:00 – The meditations that changed her brain (inspired by Joe Dispenza and his books Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself and You Are the Placebo) 29:00 – The desperation loop that keeps people stuck 30:00 – Decide vs. choose: cutting off every other option 31:30 – Skin barrier repair explained simply (bricks + mortar analogy) 34:00 – Makeup, shame, leadership, and not feeling “enough” in the beauty industry 37:00 – Beauty, identity, and self-worth beyond appearance 39:00 – If you feel stuck, here's what you need to hear 41:00 – Turning pain into purpose 42:00 – Kat's upcoming clean beauty brand for chronic skin conditions Let's Talk Root Causes What struck me most in this conversation? It wasn't just the heavy metals or the leaky gut (although yes, those matter). It was this: You cannot heal in the same identity that created the illness. I've seen this over and over in clinical practice. We can remove inflammatory foods. We can support detox pathways. We can rebuild the gut lining. But if someone still believes, deep down, “This is just who I am”… the body listens. Kat didn't just detox her liver. She detoxed her identity. And that's where the shift happened. If You're Struggling with Chronic Condition Right Now… Here's your gentle but firm nudge: Get proper testing. Guessing is exhausting. Reduce inflammation first (you can't drain a bathtub with the faucet running). Support detox pathways before aggressive detox. Repair the gut lining. Regulate the nervous system daily. Decide that healing is happening—even if your eyes haven't caught up yet. Your body is not broken. It's communicating. And as someone who has walked countless women through chronic conditions, autoimmunity, skin flares—I can tell you: when we address toxins, gut integrity, stress, and identity together… things change. Connect with Kat Follow Kat's amazing journey and podcast: Instagram: @thewelldonepod Personal page: @iamkatvong Website: thewelldonepod.com Her upcoming clean beauty line is being formulated specifically for women who have felt invisible in the makeup aisle. And honestly? It's about time. If this episode resonated, send it to the friend who keeps saying, “It's just my hormones,” or “I guess I just have sensitive skin.” Sometimes it's not just sensitive skin. Sometimes it's your body asking for a new story. And that story? It can end very differently than it began.   ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

#198 - The Brain Fog Fix: How to Rewire Your Mind and Reclaim Your Focus with Judy Gaman   Pretty Well Podcast: Judy Gaman on Brain Optimization, Longevity & Cognitive Health What if your brain fog, fatigue, or “I just can't focus” moments aren't about age — but small, daily habits that for the most part, go unnoticed? In this week's Pretty Well episode, I sit down with Judy Gaman, CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, bestselling author, frequent healthy living expert on Fox News Radio, and host of Stay Young America. Judy is a powerhouse in preventive medicine, longevity, and brain optimization — and she's sharing what she's learned from decades of helping high-performing patients reclaim their energy, clarity, and focus. We talk about everything from brain mapping and neurofeedback to why multitasking is wrecking your nervous system (and what to do instead). Judy also shares incredible insights from her late 100-year-old best friend, Lucille — including how connection, laughter, and purpose might just be the most powerful medicine of all. This conversation is equal parts science, story, and soul — with plenty of practical steps you can start today to keep your brain sharp for decades to come and live a life of joy.   ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – The truth about “drug and drop” medicine vs. true prevention 02:45 – Why personalized goals are the foundation of lasting wellness 06:50 – How brain mapping and neurofeedback reveal hidden stress patterns 10:30 – The link between grief, trauma, and cognitive decline 19:30 – How to reset your nervous system in a world that never stops 23:00 – Neuroplasticity: how your brain can actually heal itself 28:45 – The science of laughter, positivity, and emotional healing 31:00 – Artificial sweeteners, gut-brain health, and shocking research from Harvard 38:45 – Lessons from Lucille: brain longevity from a 100-year-old firecracker 42:15 – Finding purpose, giving back, and keeping your brain young  

“The anxiety around uncertainty is caused by the belief that we need certainty to act."Episode 9: Certainty Not RequiredEmbracing Uncertainty, Setbacks, and Serendipity in the Creative LifeWhat if the need for certainty is actually the thing keeping you stuck?In this episode of Be. Make. Do., Lisa and Dan explore how uncertainty, setbacks, and even mistakes can become powerful catalysts for creative and vocational freedom. Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, they look at how figures like Abraham, Sarah, and Ruth navigated the unknown—and what their stories teach us about faithful action without guarantees.You'll discover why certainty isn't required to move forward, how action itself can become part of discernment, and how to recognize serendipity as an “expected unexpected” in the creative life.Helpful Resources: Download your FREE Vocation Trap Tracker: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Discover Your Artist Archetype → Take the Free Quiz at soulmakers.org Download the Full Artist Archetypes Guide for deeper insight: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Read the article, Vocation's Unbroken Chain: Biblical Call Stories and theExperience of Vocation by Chris KeetonConnect & Share: Subscribe to Be. Make. Do. for more in the Vocation Traps series Share this episode with a friend or creative you know Join the conversation on socials using #VocationTrapsPodcast Join our brand new Instagram Broadcast Channel!

#197 - How to Reverse Bone Loss Naturally — With 4 Clinically Proven Nutrients to Prevent Fractures. Interview with Dr. John Neustadt   Why Calcium Isn't the Answer to Strong Bones (and What Actually Is) — with Dr. John Neustadt If you've ever been told, “Just take calcium for your bones,” this episode is going to blow your mind. Lisa sits down with Dr. John Neustadt, naturopathic doctor, bestselling author of Fracture-Proof Your Bones, and founder of NBI Health, to uncover what really causes — and reverses — osteoporosis. It turns out, bone health isn't just about bone density. And the scary truth? The standard “treatments” may actually make bones more brittle. From medication-induced bone loss to how to choose supplements that actually work (and aren't a waste of money), Dr. Neustadt breaks down the science in a way that's refreshingly clear — and shockingly empowering. You'll learn:

#196 - Stop Hair Loss: Hormones, Stress & What Actually Works Hair loss isn't just cosmetic — it's a biological signal. And if you've ever watched clumps of hair collect in the shower, you know exactly how unsettling hair shedding can be. In this deeply personal episode, Lisa breaks down hair loss causes, why it often shows up during already stressful seasons of life, and what actually helps reverse it — without panic, gimmicks, or jumping straight to pharmaceuticals. Drawing from both functional medicine research and lived experience, this episode connects the dots between stress hormones, DHT, thyroid health, inflammation, nutrition, and insulin resistance — and explains why hair loss is rarely about “just hair.” If you've been told it's genetic and there's nothing you can do… this conversation may change everything.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why up to 40% of women experience hair loss — and why it often hits during perimenopause, menopause, post-partum, or prolonged stress The difference between autoimmune hair loss, hormone-driven hair loss, and stress-induced shedding How cortisol, insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, and DHT quietly sabotage hair growth The most common everyday habits that worsen hair loss (even when you're doing “everything right”) Evidence-backed lifestyle shifts, foods, supplements, and scalp strategies that actually support regrowth What finally helped Lisa stop excessive shedding after a major life transition — and why consistency matters more than perfection This is a compassionate, science-backed roadmap for anyone who's tired of feeling scared, frustrated, or alone in their hair loss journey — and wants real answers that address the root cause.  Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Why hair loss often shows up during stress, grief, or hormonal change 04:45 – What's normal shedding vs. a red flag 09:15 – The two main categories of hair loss (and why it matters) 13:30 – Hormones, DHT, and why women lose hair differently than men 19:45 – Lifestyle habits quietly damaging hair growth 26:30 – Nutrition for hair regrowth: what actually helps 31:45 – Supplements that support hair (without pill overload) 37:30 – Scalp care, circulation, and what finally stopped the shedding Final takeaway: Hair loss is rarely random — and it's almost never “just aging.” It's information. When you listen to the signals your body is sending and address the root causes, regrowth is often possible. And just as importantly, you're not broken — you're responding to stress, change, and biology in a very human way. If you or someone you love is quietly panicking every time you wash your hair, this one's for you. Keywords: hair loss, female hair loss, hormonal hair loss, stress hair loss, hair thinning, hair regrowth, perimenopause hair loss, menopause hair loss, thyroid hair loss, functional medicine

#195 - From Bullsh*t to Botox: The Real Secret to Aging Beautifully with Sandra Lena Silverman If you've ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Maybe if I just fix this one thing…” — this episode will stop you in your tracks (and probably make you laugh, cry, and rethink your skincare drawer). This week, Lisa sits down with Sandra Silverman, author of From Bullsht to Botox* — a raw, hilarious, and deeply healing memoir about beauty, self-worth, and what happens when we finally stop outsourcing our validation. Sandy has done everything — facelifts, liposuction, lasers, lymphatic sculpting, microcurrent tools, and the full emotional transformation that comes after realizing no procedure can fix a wound that started in childhood. Her story is as real as it gets: she opens up about adoption, trauma, toxic love, divorce, and the slow, powerful process of learning to love yourself from the inside out. We also dive into the practical stuff — from the lymphatic hacks that slim and de-bloat in minutes to skincare products that actually work (spoiler: one costs $17 on Amazon). You'll learn: