Doctors Are Failing Women: Amy Alkon Exposes Menopause Myths

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this episode of Thrive with Cate, author and science investigator Amy Alkon joins Cate Stillman to expose the myths and misinformation surrounding menopause and perimenopause. Known for her relentless pursuit of evidence-based truth, Amy discusses the critical gap in women’s healthcare and the damaging legacy of flawed studies like the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative. Far from being a passive patient, Amy empowers women to question outdated medical narratives and embrace hormone therapy grounded in real science—not fear. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or confused by the healthcare system, this conversation will leave you informed, enraged, and deeply empowered.   💡 What You’ll Learn: Why over half of U.S. medical care is not evidence-based The truth about estrogen and progesterone: essential, not dangerous How to navigate perimenopause and severe hormonal shifts What the medical system gets wrong—and how you can self-advocate Tools like quantitative basal temperature (QBT) for smarter self-assessment     👩‍💼 About Amy Alkon: Amy Alkon is a syndicated columnist, speaker, and the author of Going Menopausal, where she dismantles popular myths around women’s health with rigorous scientific research. Drawing on insights from top researchers like Dr. Jerilynn Prior and epidemiologist Sander Greenland, Amy helps women reclaim their bodies and their power. 📘 Going Menopausal: https://shorturl.at/WRaKm 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn 📰 Subscribe via Substack 🎥 Amy’s TED Talk     👩‍⚕️ About the Host – Cate Stillman: Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. With over 20 years of guiding wellness pros and conscious seekers, she empowers people to unlock deep healing, body intelligence, and aligned leadership. Author of: PRIMAL HABITS: https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx Uninflamed: https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2  Body Thrive: https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 Master of YOU: https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn 💬 Connect + Subscribe: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and review! Join the conversation: What’s one health insight from today’s episode that surprised you? 💌 

Episode Summary:  In this episode of Thrive with Cate, Dr. Robert Lufkin shares his remarkable journey from conventional medicine and medical imaging to becoming a leading voice in metabolic health and longevity. After being diagnosed with four chronic diseases, Dr. Lufkin questioned the standard prescription of lifelong medication. His research led him to discover the transformative power of lifestyle changes- and he reversed every diagnosis.   💡 What You’ll Learn: Why lifestyle changes- not just medication- are key to reversing chronic disease. How to identify and restore healthy rhythm in your daily life. The power of group support for sustainable health habits. How to advocate for yourself in a system designed for acute, not chronic, care. 👩‍💼 About the Host – Cate Stillman Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. With over 20 years of guiding wellness pros and conscious seekers, she empowers people to unlock deep healing, body intelligence, and aligned leadership. Cate is also the author of Uninflamed, Body Thrive, Master of You, and Primal Habits. Author of : PRIMAL HABITS: https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx Uninflamed: https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2  Body Thrive: https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 Master of YOU: https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn   About Dr. Robert Lufkin  Dr. Robert Lufkin is a distinguished physician, medical school professor at UCLA and USC, and a New York Times bestselling author. With over 200 published academic papers, particularly in MRI and medical imaging research, Dr. Lufkin has transitioned his focus to metabolic health and longevity. He is passionate about empowering the mainstream audience with knowledge on food choices, medications, and the underlying causes of chronic diseases, drawing from his own experience of reversing four chronic conditions through lifestyle changes.   💬 Connect + Subscribe: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and review! Join the conversation: What’s one health insight from today’s episode that surprised you? 💌 

🧬 Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Cate Stillman is joined by Dr. David Lipman, founder of Physical Evidence Chiropractic, to dive into the world of personalized wellness through biometric and micronutrient testing. Dr. Lipman shares how cutting-edge tools help uncover hidden nutrient deficiencies, methylation issues, and detox pathway challenges. Together, they explore how individualized testing can optimize energy, immunity, and long-term health outcomes—especially for those feeling stuck despite taking supplements or eating clean. If you're curious about what your genes say about your nutrition—or want a smarter supplement strategy—this episode is for you.   💡 What You’ll Learn: The role of methylation and how it affects your health Why “one-size-fits-all” supplements may be making things worse The difference between functional and traditional lab testing Steps to take your wellness into your own hands How Dr. Lipman uses genetic and nutrient data to transform client results 🔗 Resources Mentioned: 23andMe Genetic Testing MTHFR Gene Mutation Info SpectraCell Micronutrient Testing Dr. Lipman’s Clinic: https://www.physicalevidencechiropractic.com   👩‍💼 About the Host – Cate Stillman Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. With over 20 years of guiding wellness pros and conscious seekers, she empowers people to unlock deep healing, body intelligence, and aligned leadership. Cate is also the author of Uninflamed, Body Thrive, Master of You, and Primal Habits. Author of : PRIMAL HABITS: https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx Uninflamed: https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2  Body Thrive: https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 Master of YOU: https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn   🧠 About Dr. David Lipman Dr. David Lipman, founder of Physical Evidence Chiropractic, blends his chiropractic background with advanced biometric testing, functional medicine, and micronutrient diagnostics. He’s passionate about helping individuals use personalized data to unlock peak health and performance. His innovative approach empowers patients to make smarter decisions based on their unique genetic and biochemical profiles.   💬 Connect + Subscribe: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and review! Join the conversation: What’s one health insight from today’s episode that surprised you? 💌 

In this special book club edition, Ayurvedic expert and author Cate Stillman leads a transformative discussion on her latest book, Uninflamed. Together with her community, Cate unpacks what it truly means to live in a body that’s free from inflammation—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Through the lens of Ayurveda, trauma healing, and habit evolution, Cate explores the real roots of inflammation and how we can reclaim clarity, energy, and alignment from the inside out.   💡 In This Episode: The deeper meaning of being “uninflamed” How trauma and toxicity manifest as chronic inflammation Ayurvedic insights on digestion, flow, and cellular health Daily practices for releasing suppressed energy Why inflammation is often tied to disconnection from your truth How to rewrite your personal healing story—one habit at a time Whether you’ve read the book or are new to the journey, this episode offers a grounded, honest, and empowering path to long-term healing.   🔗 Resources: 📘 Uninflamed by Cate Stillman → https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2 🌿 Join Club Thrive → https://clubthrive.global 🧘 Yogahealer Website → https://www.yogahealer.com 📚 Cate’s Books: Body Thrive, Master of You, Primal Habits 👩‍💼 About Cate Stillman: Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. With over 20 years of guiding wellness pros and conscious seekers, she empowers people to unlock deep healing, body intelligence, and aligned leadership. Cate is also the author of Uninflamed, Body Thrive, Master of You, and Primal Habits. Author of : PRIMAL HABITS: https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx Uninflamed: https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2  Body Thrive: https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 Master of YOU: https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn   🎧 Tune in and reflect: What’s one belief, habit, or emotion you’re ready to release to become uninflamed?  

What if your hunger isn’t just for food… but for purpose? In this illuminating episode, Cate Stillman—visionary Ayurvedic teacher and founder of Club Thrive—guides us on a journey into the real reasons we fast. It’s not about punishment or restriction. It’s about awakening. Together, we explore how fasting clears the fog of complacency, sharpens our senses, and reveals the hidden desires beneath the noise of modern life. Cate shares a powerful perspective on hunger—not as something to avoid, but as a portal to insight, direction, and soul-aligned living. Expect raw reflections, ancient wisdom, and practical tools that will help you align your physiology, your mindset, and your mission. ✨ What You’ll Learn: Why hunger is a key to clarity—not a threat The Ayurvedic concept of ama and how it affects your energy and mind How simple “adversity habits” (like humming or breathwork) build resilience Why we get stuck in patterns and how fasting can shift them The spiral of personal evolution—and how to find your “X marks the spot” How to know when it’s time to stop fasting and start rebuilding 👩‍⚕️ About Cate Stillman: Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic medicine expert, bestselling author, and founder of Club Thrive and the Wellness Pro Academy. With over two decades of experience helping individuals and communities thrive, Cate’s work blends ancestral wisdom with modern behavior science to support personal evolution, habit formation, and true well-being. Her teachings emphasize body integrity, resilience-building, and purpose-driven living. Author of : PRIMAL HABITS: https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx Uninflamed: https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2  Body Thrive: https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 Master of YOU: https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Alive, Dead, or Dumb? 01:17 – Hunger, Desire & the Fear of Conflict 03:00 – How Smell Predicts Longevity 05:00 – Ama: What Happens When You’re “Overfed” 07:00 – Using Hunger to Awaken Insight 09:30 – Small Adversity Habits that Change Everything 12:00 – The Spiral of Evolution: Root to Rise 15:00 – What Are You Willing to Fight For? 18:00 – Fasting Boundaries: When to Rebuild 21:00 – Letting Go as a Parent and Partner 24:00 – Misinformation, Conviction & Business Messaging 27:00 – Trauma Release & Scar Tissue: Body-Based Healing 29:00 – Tuning In: What Do You Really Want Next?   🗣️ Listener Challenge: Before you hit play, ask yourself: What am I really hungry for? After the episode, drop a review or DM us your answer—we’d love to hear your clarity breakthrough. 💡 Like what you heard? 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone you know is ready to evolve.  

In this soulful conversation, Cate Stillman sits down with Toni Shelaske, a holistic pet wellness expert and regenerative business leader, to explore the powerful intersection of animal health, intuition, grief, and conscious entrepreneurship. Toni shares her journey of building a values-aligned pet wellness business while navigating the challenges of leadership, motherhood, and inner trust. Together, Cate and Toni unpack what it means to serve from the heart, honor the body’s wisdom, and evolve as entrepreneurs and humans. Whether you're a wellness entrepreneur, pet parent, or seeker on the healing path, this episode offers grounded inspiration and real-life insights.   💡 Key Takeaways How intuition plays a central role in animal and human care What conscious leadership looks like in a service-based business The value of slowing down, grieving, and showing up fully Letting go of “doing more” and leaning into presence Why co-evolution with your community matters more than perfection 🔗 Resources & Mentions Pet Wellness Center → https://www.anicira.org Cate’s Membership & Courses → https://clubthrive.global Book: Letting Go by David R. Hawkins 👩‍💼 About Cate Stillman Cate is the founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. As an Ayurvedic practitioner and thought leader, she guides wellness pros to step into their power through aligned habits, leadership, and nervous system integrity. Website: https://www.yogahealer.com Instagram: Cate's Instagram 🎧 Tune in now and discover how wellness, leadership, and love can be lived out loud—through pets, purpose, and presence.  

🌀 In this Ask Cate episode, Cate Stillman dives deep into the profound tension between Primal Ayurveda and the modern habits that dominate our daily lives. What happens when our body's ancient intelligence collides with today’s hyper-paced routines? Cate explores how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom can help us reclaim health, vitality, and spiritual alignment—even in a world that's lost touch with nature's rhythms.   💡 What You’ll Discover: What Primal Ayurveda means in a modern world How modern lifestyle habits disrupt our circadian and digestive cycles Steps to realign your habits with your innate body wisdom The role of breath, presence, and simplicity in healing How to integrate Ayurvedic principles into family and community life Whether you're on a healing journey or looking to deepen your alignment with nature, this episode offers practical takeaways and deep insight into the path of conscious evolution.   🔗 Resources & Links Body Thrive Book → https://www.yogahealer.com/body-thrive/ Club Thrive Membership → https://clubthrive.global Yogahealer Blog & Free Tools → https://www.yogahealer.com 👩‍💻 About Cate Stillman Cate is an internationally recognized Ayurvedic practitioner, habit evolution mentor, and founder of Yogahealer. She's the author of Body Thrive and Master of You and has guided thousands toward vibrant health and intentional living for over two decades. 🎧 Tune in now to explore the paradox—and power—of living primally in the modern age.  

What does it mean to live in sync with our primal instincts — especially as parents and healers? In this episode of Thrive with Cate, Cate Stillman is joined by Mama Lynne Talifer, a mother of three and primal wellness coach. Together, they dive deep into how families can embrace primal Ayurvedic living — from cryotherapy and urine therapy to intuitive fasting and seasonal detoxing. You’ll hear powerful stories from Lynne’s life on a farm, raising kids who embrace instinctual healing, and finding freedom from food trauma. Cate and Lynne unpack the connection between ancient Ayurveda, modern wellness habits, and reclaiming the body’s natural intelligence — not just for ourselves, but for future generations. This raw, honest, and inspiring episode invites you to challenge cultural norms around health and discover what happens when we truly live as nature intended. What You’ll Learn: How primal healing shows up in kids through natural cold exposure and detox The science and experience of urine therapy as a powerful, instinctual medicine Intermittent fasting & ancestral healing to release food trauma Why parenting without guilt creates healthier, more self-aware children How to integrate seasonal detoxing into family life The deeper wisdom of Ayurveda before the Vedas: Primal Ayurveda Connect with Cate: Website: www.yogahealer.com Instagram: @yogahealer Facebook: Yogahealer Author of: PRIMAL HABITS: https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx Uninflamed: https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2 Body Thrive: https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 Master of YOU: https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn   Guest: Mama Lynne Talifer Mama Lynne is a primal wellness coach from Canada, blending traditional Ayurveda, seasonal living, and intuitive healing practices in her work with families. She’s passionate about helping others reconnect with nature’s wisdom through real, lived experience.  

In this powerful episode of Thrive with Cate, host Cate Stillman is joined by Becca Nelson, a practicing death doula, and Andrea Murphy, a licensed funeral director and spiritual caregiver, to discuss the often-avoided topic of death. Together, they explore what it means to consciously midwife death, reclaim agency and ritual, and create a meaningful dying process. Drawing on personal stories, professional experience, and cultural insights, the episode invites listeners to reimagine the end of life with grace and awareness. What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In  The parallels between birth and death—and how midwifery practices inform end-of-life care. What voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED) is, and how it can offer agency in dying. Why modern consumer culture has stripped death of meaning and how to reclaim ritual. How yoga, meditation, and primal habits help prepare for a good death. Creating death literacy through conversation, community, and threshold choirs.   Highlights Agency in Death: Cate and Becca reflect on how institutional systems often disempower the dying and how families can reclaim decision-making power. Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED): Andrea shares a compelling firsthand account of supporting someone through a conscious, drug-free death. Cultural Loss and Communal Rituals: The conversation delves into how consumerism has displaced community-based death rituals and the power of reviving those traditions. Preparation Through Practice: From fasting and yoga to breathwork and ceremony, guests highlight how spiritual and physical practices can prepare us for death. Notable Quotes    "When we come together to support someone, a field of energy opens up that allows for deep inner shifts." – Cate Stillman "She was one hundred percent present at the moment of her dying—and that blew my mind." – Andrea Murphy on witnessing a conscious death "We've been conditioned to deny death. And when systems take over, they often rob us—and the dying—of agency and ritual." – Becca Nelson "In our dying, we teach others how death can be." – Andrea Murphy   Cate Stillman: Website: https://catestillman.com/ Facebook: /cate.stillman Instagram: /yogahealer Yogahealer: https://yogahealer.com/ ClubThrive.Global: https://clubthrive.global/ Wellness Pro Academy: https://wellnesspro.academy/   Author of: PRIMAL HABITS: https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx Uninflamed: https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2 Body Thrive: https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 Master of YOU: https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn

In this illuminating episode of Thrive with Cate, Ayurvedic expert and bestselling author Kate O'Donnell returns to the show to explore the transformative power of seasonal detox through the lens of Ayurveda. Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her beloved Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook, Kate shares practical strategies, personal insights, and the deeper spiritual wisdom behind aligning with nature’s rhythms—especially during the potent spring transition. What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In ⏱ Why spring is the ideal time for detox and how Ayurveda views seasonal cleansing ⏱ The emotional and spiritual layers of cleansing—not just the physical ⏱ Common mistakes in modern detox culture vs. traditional Ayurvedic wisdom ⏱ How Kate prepares for her own spring detox and the importance of rest ⏱ Integrating detox into your lifestyle: rituals, recipes, and mindset shifts Highlights Kate reflects on the 10-year journey of Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook and how it continues to support thousands. Why detoxing isn't just about food—it’s about emotions, energy, and consciousness. The role of slowing down and tuning in to what your body really needs during spring. Key Ayurvedic principles for building a seasonal rhythm aligned with your environment. Notable Quotes 🗣️ "The purpose of detox isn’t to be better—it’s to remember who you already are." — Kate O'Donnell 🗣️ "People often miss the rest piece. Detox is not a doing process—it's a receiving one." — Kate O'Donnell 🗣️ "We need to create the space for insight to emerge, and that happens when we stop digesting so much—physically and mentally." — Cate Stillman 🗣️ "Spring cleaning is ancient—it’s cellular. It’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve and preparing for a lighter way of living." — Kate O'Donnell Cate Stillman Explore Wellness Pro Academy Discover wellness in 2025 through Thrive with Cate Founder of Yogahealer, ClubThrive.Global, and Wellness Pro Academy Author of PRIMAL HABITS, Uninflamed,  Body Thrive, Master of YOU, and more!