S03E53. The Year Everything Fell Apart (And How We’re Starting Fresh in 2026)

Living with IBS, Crohn’s, or colitis can feel incredibly isolating, especially when you’re doing “all the right things” and still not getting answers. In this episode of Keep It Clear, Katie and Cris sit down with Dane Johnson, holistic nutritionist and founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, to talk about what actually keeps gut symptoms stuck for so many people. Dane shares his own near-death experience with Crohn’s and colitis, how years of medications and conflicting diagnoses pushed him to look deeper, and why healing often requires strategy, patience, and the right support, not more restriction. If you’ve been dismissed, overwhelmed, or told this is “just how it is,” this conversation will feel deeply validating.--In this episode, we get into:The real differences between IBS and IBD, and why so many people are mislabelled or under-investigatedDane’s personal story with severe Crohn’s and colitis, including multiple diagnoses and nearly losing his life in his twentiesHow hidden triggers like viral reactivation, mold exposure, and infections can keep inflammation turned onWhy constantly changing diets and supplements creates confusion instead of clarity, and how sequencing changes everythingWhy progress is often quiet before it’s visible, and how building a personalized plan helps you respond to setbacks without panic--Connect with DaneInstagram | @danejohnson1 +  @crohnscolitis_lifestyle Website | https://crohnscolitislifestyle.com/--Let's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

Adult acne can feel extra defeating when you’ve been dealing with it for years and nothing seems to work. In this Client Spotlight episode, Haley shares her long history with PCOS, cystic acne, and birth control, and how committing to one full year of healing completely changed her relationship with her body. After years of prescriptions, restrictive diets, and feeling dismissed, she finally stopped chasing quick fixes and started addressing what was actually driving her symptoms. If you’re feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure what else to try, this conversation will feel incredibly validating.In this episode, we get into:Why adult acne after birth control often shows up years later, not overnight.What changed when Haley gave herself a full year to focus on healing instead of rushing results.How using a Hair Trace Mineral Analysis (HTMA) uncovered root imbalances that bloodwork never flagged.The emotional side of acne recovery, food fear, flares, anxiety, and learning to trust her body again.The unexpected wins that came before clear skin, from digestion and energy to hair regrowth.Let's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

Get ready for a brutally honest deep dive into the year that tried to take Cris and Katie out, and how they clawed their way back with transparency, support, and a whole lot of dark humour. This episode isn’t a polished recap; it’s the real behind-the-scenes of pregnancy loss, burnout, online bullying, perimenopause, ankle injuries, and the kind of stress that forces you to rebuild everything from the inside out.If you’ve ever had a year where life stacked challenge after challenge, where your nervous system waved the white flag, or where you questioned who you were becoming, this conversation is going to feel like someone finally said the quiet parts out loud.In this episode, you’ll find out:Why 2025 felt less like a “rebuild” and more like a full identity shake-up.The surprising fertility findings that explained Katie’s back-to-back losses.What was actually said in the online bullying thread (and why it cut so deep).The moment Katie’s mental health fully collapsed and what finally helped.The conversation where Cris lost it… and how it changed their friendshipThe health signs Cris couldn’t ignore anymore (aka the ones Katie was waiting for her to admit).The business pivots and failed ventures that forced a complete reset.Share this episode with a friend who checks her horoscope and her skincare routine. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women discover how self-awareness (and a little astrology) can transform their skin.Let's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

What if aging wasn’t something you just had to accept? Dr. Joy Kong joins to unpack the fascinating world of regenerative medicine and how stem cells are changing the way we heal, recover, and age. From reversing chronic pain to boosting energy and collagen production, she explains how the body can actually rebuild itself when given the right support.We talk about the science behind anti-aging, what makes stem cell therapy so powerful, and why regeneration may be the future of feeling young, strong, and vibrant. Whether you’re curious about exosomes, ozone, or longevity in general, this conversation will leave you rethinking what’s possible for your health.In this episode, you’ll learn:What regenerative medicine really is and how it supports the body’s natural healing.How stem cells can help with pain, inflammation, and faster recovery.The connection between stem cells, mitochondria, and anti-aging.Real-life success stories that show what’s possible with regeneration.How to prep your body to get the best results from stem cell therapy.Check Out Dr. Joy KongDr. Joy’s InstragramDr. Joy’s YouTube ChannelDr. Joy’s Practice Chara HealthShare this episode with a friend who checks her horoscope and her skincare routine. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women discover how self-awareness (and a little astrology) can transform their skin.Let's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

Ever wonder why your BFF swears by green juice while you need carbs and cozy naps to feel human? Turns out, your zodiac sign might have something to do with it. In this episode, we’re mixing a little woo with a lot of wellness to explore how astrology can reveal your unique healing style — especially when it comes to your skin.We chat about how your sign influences your stress, your self-care, and even your breakouts (yes, cosmic acne is a thing). Whether you’re a fiery Aries who pushes too hard or a sensitive Pisces who soaks up everyone else’s energy, you’ll learn how to support your body in a way that actually feels aligned.In this episode, you’ll learn:What your zodiac sign reveals about your healing and self-care style.How astrology can help you understand your stress and skin triggers.The emotional connection between personality patterns and acne.Why self-awareness is the secret to clearer skin and calmer energy.Fun, simple ways to align your skincare and wellness habits with your sign.We share our signs, Enneagrams, and Human Design (and how it all ties into our healing journeys).Share this episode with a friend who checks her horoscope and her skincare routine. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women discover how self-awareness (and a little astrology) can transform their skin.Let's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

If your period has you canceling plans, living off chocolate, and wondering if this is just how it’s supposed to be — spoiler alert, it’s not. Dr. Erin Ellis joins to spill the hormone tea on what a normal cycle should look like and why feeling miserable every month isn’t something you have to just “deal with.”We’re talking cramps, moods, birth control, and all the juicy details your high school health class definitely skipped. You’ll walk away knowing how to decode your period symptoms, balance your hormones naturally, and finally stop dreading that time of the month.In this episode, you’ll learn:What your period is really trying to tell you about your hormones.The biggest reasons your cycle feels off (and how to fix them).How birth control can affect your body long after you stop taking it.Foods and habits that make your flow way easier to live with.How to sync your life with your cycle for better energy, moods, and skin.Share this episode with a friend who swears her period hates her. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women learn how to work with their hormones, not against them.Check Out Dr. Erin EllisInstagram: @dr.erinellisWebsite: Hope Natural HealthPodcast: Hope Natural HealthLet's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

Acne costs more than just clear skin. It drains your time, your energy, and your confidence, and the emotional toll can be heavier than any breakout. In this episode, we’re getting real about the hidden cost of acne and how to take your power back.From endless product testing and late-night Googling to skipped plans and self-doubt, we talk about what acne really steals and how to rebuild your confidence while you heal. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, stop the comparison trap, and start showing up for your skin with compassion instead of frustration.In this episode, you’ll learn:The emotional and financial cost of chasing clear skin.How to stop burnout from constant acne “fixing.”Why mindset matters just as much as minerals and gut health.How to rebuild trust with your body after years of trying everything.The daily habits that help you heal from the inside out — mentally and physically.Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder that their worth isn’t tied to their skin. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women find hope, healing, and confidence on their clear skin journey.What We Mentioned:Book | A Happy Pocket Full of Money by D C GikandiAcne-Friendly Makeup & SkincareLet's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

Perimenopause doesn’t have to feel like chaos. Hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder joins to share how to balance your body, boost your energy, and feel like yourself again during the rollercoaster of perimenopause. From mood swings and hot flashes to metabolism and sleep, she explains what’s really happening behind the scenes and how to support your hormones naturally.You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to work with your body instead of fighting it. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this conversation will help you step into this new chapter feeling more empowered, energized, and confident in your skin.In this episode, you’ll learn:What’s really happening in your hormones during perimenopause.The biggest mistakes women make when trying to “balance” hormones.How blood sugar, sleep, and stress all impact your cycle and mood.Simple daily habits that support metabolism and muscle through midlife.Why this phase can actually be a powerful reset for your health and mindset.Share this episode with a friend who’s navigating hormone changes too. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women feel empowered through perimenopause.Check Out Dr. Mariza SynderInstagram: @drmariza Website: https://drmariza.com/Book Bonus Page with a Perimenopause Toolkit ($500 value): https://drmariza.com/bookLet's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

From hiding behind concealer to walking out the door makeup-free, Peggy’s skin story is one you’ll want to hear. After years of struggling with painful cystic acne, endless products, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, Peggy joined The Clear Skin Solution. She completely transformed her skin and her confidence in just six months.She shares how shifting her mindset, supporting her body’s detox pathways, and trusting the process helped her clear her skin naturally without restrictive diets or harsh prescriptions. This is the kind of acne transformation that reminds you healing is possible when you stop guessing and start listening to your body.In this episode, you’ll learn:The root causes behind Peggy’s cystic acne (and what finally worked).How healing her gut and minerals helped transform her skin.The mindset shift that made the biggest difference in her results.What her daily habits look like now for clear, confident skin.Encouragement for anyone who feels stuck in their acne journey.Share this episode with a friend who’s ready for her own acne comeback story. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women learn that true healing goes deeper than skincare.Let's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css

Your mouth might just be the missing piece in your clear skin journey. The oral microbiome (the tiny ecosystem living in your mouth) sets the tone for your gut health, hormones, and acne. Biological dentist Dr. Toni Engram joins to share how fluoride, mouthwash, and even your toothpaste could be throwing off your microbiome and keeping your skin stuck in breakout mode.If you’ve been healing your gut but still seeing acne, this conversation is your lightbulb moment. From gum inflammation and bacterial balance to the oral care swaps that actually support clear skin, you’ll learn how a healthy mouth really can mean a happy gut and glowing skin.In this episode, you’ll learn:How the oral microbiome impacts gut health, hormones, and acne.The hidden connection between gum inflammation and chronic breakouts.Why traditional mouthwash and toothpaste can disrupt your skin’s healing.How to switch to non-toxic oral care that supports the skin-gut connection.Everyday habits that keep your microbiome balanced for long-term glow.Share this episode with a friend who’s done all the gut work but hasn’t thought about her mouth yet. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women uncover the mouth-gut-skin connection.Check Out Dr. Toni EngramInstagram: @drtoniengramWebsite: https://www.flourish.dental/FluorideAlert.orgLet's ConnectApply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. After being fully booked for months, Cris has opened a rare window to work 1:1 with new clients inside The Clear Skin Solution. If you’ve been wanting her guidance through your acne journey, this is the last week that space is open. 👉 Learn more at katiestewartwellness.com/css