5 Days of Wellness - Day 5: The Gut–Hormone Conversation No One Is Actually Having (Yet)

#191 - Home for the Holidays with Dr. Gina Kupchella: The Best Of Functional Medicine, Legacy, and What Actually Heals This episode is a little different — softer, deeper, and honestly one of my favorites. I’m sitting down fireside-style with my dear friend Dr. Gina Kupchella, the physician I passed the baton to at Integrative Wellness Center. It’s the day before Christmas, the coffee is hot, and the conversation goes far beyond protocols and lab markers. We talk about how functional medicine really works when it’s done well, why so many people are frustrated by cookie-cutter care (even in the functional medicine world), and what happens when you finally slow down enough to treat the whole human — not just the diagnosis. This is a conversation about legacy, trust, root-cause healing, and why doing medicine differently isn’t trendy — it’s necessary. We cover gut health, inflammation, anti-aging, hormones, longevity, wearables, sleep, and the quiet magic that happens when a practitioner has time to actually listen. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of appointments, protocols, and next steps that never quite lead to real change — or if you’re curious what functional medicine looks like when it’s practiced with integrity, evidence, and heart — this one will land. In This Episode, We Talk About: 00:02 — How Gina and I first met (and why the timing still gives us chills) 00:07 — What surprised Gina most about stepping into a functional medicine practice 00:12 — The biggest myths about functional medicine — and why they persist 00:18 — Foundational labs vs. advanced testing: where to actually start 00:25 — Gut health, inflammation, and why diet is the most underrated anti-aging tool 00:33 — Longevity buzzwords vs. what truly works (peptides, hormones, and the basics) 00:40 — Bioidentical hormones, women’s health, and reclaiming quality of life midlife 00:46 — Sleep, wearables, and why your body needs deeper rest than you think 00:52 — Legacy, calling, and why this has to be the future of medicine Why This Conversation Matters This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what actually helps. Functional medicine isn’t anti-conventional — it’s completing the picture. It’s asking better questions, spending real time, and understanding that healing isn’t linear, fast, or one-size-fits-all. And maybe most importantly, it’s a reminder that medicine practiced with curiosity, humility, and joy doesn’t just change outcomes — it changes lives. Where to Find Me Instagram: @prettywell_podcast Website: lisasmithwellness.com The Pretty Well Podcast — wherever you listen Where to Find Dr. Gina Kupchella Integrative Wellness Center: https://integrativewc.com/ 🔗 Resources & Links  (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You): ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!   🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!   Disclaimer The content shared on The Pretty Well Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing discussed on this podcast should be considered a substitute for personalized medical care, diagnosis, or treatment from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that no physician–patient or practitioner–client relationship is established. You agree to take full responsibility for your health decisions and to consult with your own healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, lifestyle, or health routine. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guests assume responsibility or liability for any adverse effects, outcomes, injuries, or consequences that may result from the use, application, or reliance upon the information shared in this content. While reasonable efforts are made to provide accurate, evidence-based information, the content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, error-free, or applicable to every individual. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lisa Smith or The Pretty Well Podcast, nor do they represent any organization, company, or agency with which guests may be affiliated. This podcast is intended for private, non-commercial use only.  

✨Hey! This week looks a little different around here — on purpose.   Instead of our usual rhythm, I'm airing five episodes in five days.   Think of it as a mini-series designed especially for you — curated, fun, and binge-worthy. Fewer cliffhangers, more “ohhh… that makes sense.”   Every episode this week features a conversation from a show I've been invited onto as a guest — hosted by smart, generous people you'll genuinely enjoy listening to. Each episode stands on its own. Together, they create momentum. So if you've been listening here and there, this is a great week to lean in.   Start wherever you want — or (best option) listen in order and let the through-line reveal itself.    Either way, I'd love to hear what you think. Happiest and Healthiest Holidays to you and your loved ones. ✨ #190 - The Gut–Hormone Conversation No One Is Actually Having (Yet) Most people think hormone issues start in the ovaries, thyroid, or adrenal glands. They don’t. They start in the gut. In this episode, I’m stepping into the guest seat on Vitality Radio with Jared St. Clair for a deep, practical, wait-why-did-no-one-explain-it-like-this conversation about the gut–hormone axis — and the overlooked role of something called the estrobolome. If you’ve ever dealt with estrogen dominance, stubborn hormone symptoms, thyroid issues that don’t match your labs, or the feeling that your body just isn’t responding to all the “right” things you’re doing… this episode connects the dots. We unpack how gut imbalances quietly recycle hormones that should be leaving your body, why estrogen issues are often gut issues in disguise, and how digestion, detoxification, inflammation, and stress all collide in midlife — especially for women. It’s nerdy in the best way, grounded in physiology (not fear), and refreshingly honest about what actually moves the needle. In This Episode, We Get Into: • What the estrobolome is — and why it matters way more than you’ve been told • How estrogen is supposed to leave your body… and what happens when it doesn’t • Why gut dysbiosis can quietly drive estrogen dominance, PMS, PCOS, and heavy cycles • The surprising connection between gut health and thyroid conversion (T4 → T3) • How leaky gut can increase inflammation and lower testosterone (yes, in women and men) • Why hormone replacement often underperforms when the gut isn’t addressed first • Simple food-based strategies that support hormone clearance — without perfection or extremes Timestamps 00:03 — Why this conversation always comes back to the gut 09:00 — What the estrobolome is (and why it explains so much) 13:00 — Estrogen recycling, beta-glucuronidase, and the “garbage truck” analogy you won’t forget 21:00 — Fiber, inflammation, and why small changes matter more than perfect ones 28:00 — Gut health and thyroid conversion (when labs look fine but you feel awful) 34:00 — Leaky gut, testosterone, and why hormones don’t operate in isolation 41:00 — Where to actually start if this feels overwhelming The Big Takeaway Hormones don’t malfunction in isolation. They respond to the environment inside your body — especially in the gut. Great news, it's fixable. When digestion, detoxification, and inflammation are off, hormones get louder… not because they’re broken, but because they’re stuck in the wrong feedback loop. This episode is about stepping out of symptom-chasing mode and into physiology-first thinking — where the goal isn’t control, restriction, or another protocol… but restoring systems that already know what to do. Where To Find Me 🌿 Website: LisaSmithWellness.com 🎧 Podcast: The Pretty Well Podcast 📸 Instagram: @prettywell_podcast Where To Find Jared 🌿 Website: Vitality Nutrition.com 🎧 Podcast: Vitality Radio 📸 Instagram: @vitalityradio   Disclaimer The content shared on The Pretty Well Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing discussed on this podcast should be considered a substitute for personalized medical care from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. By listening to this podcast, you agree to take personal responsibility for your health decisions and to consult with your own healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, lifestyle, or health routine. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guests assume responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences that may result from the use or application of the information shared in this content. While we aim to provide accurate, evidence-based information, the content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, or applicable to every individual. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lisa Smith or The Pretty Well Podcast, nor do they represent any organization, company, or agency with which guests may be affiliated. This podcast is intended for private, non-commercial use only.

✨Hey! This week looks a little different around here — on purpose.   Instead of our usual rhythm, I'm airing five episodes in five days.   Think of it as a mini-series designed especially for you — curated, fun, and binge-worthy. Fewer cliffhangers, more “ohhh… that makes sense.”   Every episode this week features a conversation from a show I've been invited onto as a guest — hosted by smart, generous people you'll genuinely enjoy listening to. Each episode stands on its own. Together, they create momentum. So if you've been listening here and there, this is a great week to lean in.   Start wherever you want — or (best option) listen in order and let the through-line reveal itself.    Either way, I'd love to hear what you think. Happiest and Healthiest Holidays to you and your loved ones. ✨   #189 - Your Gut Is Running the Whole Shebang (Whether You Realize It or Not) Why leaky gut, low stomach acid, and chronic stress quietly shape your energy, mood, and ability to slow aging There’s a reason gut health keeps coming back into the conversation - the body has a way of forcing the conversation when it’s been ignored long enough. In this episode of Wellness Your Way Podcast, Megan Lyons and I skip the wellness buzzwords and get into the uncomfortable truth: a lot of people aren’t “mysteriously” inflamed, exhausted, anxious, or reactive — their gut has been under chronic stress for years, and it’s finally showing up in symptoms they can’t muscle through anymore. We talk about what leaky gut actually means (and why it’s not a fringe diagnosis), how food sensitivities are often created by stress and inflammation, not something you’re doomed with forever, and why digestion is one of the first systems to shut down when the body feels under pressure. This isn’t a perfect-diet episode. It’s a physiology-first conversation about digestion, immunity, hormones, and why the body stops whispering and starts shouting when no one’s listening. In This Episode, We Cover: 00:02 – Why the gut is more than digestion (hello serotonin, immunity, and your “second brain”) 06:00 – Leaky gut explained without the fear-mongering (and why most people misunderstand it) 11:00 – Food sensitivities: why everything you love suddenly feels reactive 15:30 – The 3 R’s of gut healing: remove, replace, restore 19:45 – Autoimmunity, Hashimoto’s, and the gut connection no one warned you about 24:00 – Low stomach acid: when reflux isn’t what you think it is 28:30 – Candida, sugar cravings, and the symptoms people never connect to the gut 33:30 – What to add in for a healthier microbiome (without chasing perfection) 36:30 – Fecal transplants, postbiotics, and where gut research is actually headed 39:30 – My real-life self-care routine (the non-glamorous version) The Bigger Takeaway Gut health isn’t about obsessing over every bite or eliminating everything you enjoy. It’s about creating an internal environment where digestion works, inflammation calms down, and the nervous system isn’t constantly bracing for impact. When the gut is compromised, the body doesn’t whisper — it compensates… until it can’t. This episode is an invitation to stop treating symptoms in isolation and start looking at the system underneath them. Where To Find Me 🎧 The Pretty Well Podcast — weekly conversations on gut health, hormones, energy, anti-aging, and healing at the root 🌿 LisaSmithWellness.com — articles, resources, and ways to work together ✨ Instagram: @prettywell_podcast Where To Find Megan 🎧 The Wellness Your Way Podcast  🌿 The Lyons Share.org ✨ Instagram: @thelyonsshare   Disclaimer Nothing in this podcast is intended to be medical advice. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your personal physician or qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your physician or another qualified health professional before making changes to your nutrition, supplements, medications, or lifestyle. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guests assume responsibility for possible health consequences of any person following the information discussed in this content. Listeners who are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, or managing a medical condition should consult their healthcare provider before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is intended for private, non-commercial use. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lisa Smith or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, or up to date.

✨Hey! This week looks a little different around here — on purpose.   Instead of our usual rhythm, I'm airing five episodes in five days.   Think of it as a mini-series designed especially for you — curated, fun, and binge-worthy. Fewer cliffhangers, more “ohhh… that makes sense.”   Every episode this week features a conversation from a show I've been invited onto as a guest — hosted by smart, generous people you'll genuinely enjoy listening to. Each episode stands on its own. Together, they create momentum. So if you've been listening here and there, this is a great week to lean in.   Start wherever you want — or (best option) listen in order and let the through-line reveal itself.    Either way, I'd love to hear what you think. Happiest and Healthiest Holidays to you and your loved ones. ✨   #188 - Another Wellness Product? Why The Health Industry May Be Making You Sicker It’s a subtle shift, but at some point, health stops being a goal — and becomes something you start chasing. There’s a moment when wellness stops being something you pursue with curiosity and becomes something you’re striving for — constantly, urgently, and never quite catching. More tracking. More fixing. More rules. More pressure to get-it-right... all under the promise that this will finally be the thing that makes you feel better. Except instead of feeling better, you feel more tired, more inflamed, and more frustrated with your body than ever. In this episode, I join Tiffany Sauder on the Life of And Podcast for a provocative conversation — one that questions the very foundation of modern wellness culture. We talk about how constant protocols, tracking, optimizing, and “fixing” can quietly dysregulate the nervous system, why women are especially vulnerable to this cycle, and how healing often requires less input, not more. We don't need to consume more information from experts or influencers.  This episode is not about stacking habits. It’s about interrupting the stress loop that keeps people cycling through plans, practitioners, and promises — without ever feeling truly well. And it gives you the conditions your body's waiting for in order to truly heal. What We Cover (with Timestamps) [00:02] — The moment that changed everything How a childhood conversation about cancer prevention sparked my path into functional medicine — and why prevention is always the quieter power move. [00:08] — Where to start when functional medicine feels overwhelming Why you don’t need every test, every protocol, or every supplement — and how decision fatigue keeps people stuck. [00:12] — The 2–3 labs that actually give you clarity Gut testing, metabolic markers, and why running all the tests at once is often a waste of money (and energy). [00:16] — Why people fall off “healthy habits” (and it’s not laziness) The identity traps, self-talk patterns, and nervous system overload that quietly sabotage consistency. [00:19] — Food freedom without the spiral Why perfection is a myth, how to stop self-shaming after one off-plan meal, and the mindset shift that creates long-term health. [00:22] — Real-life swaps that actually work From almond-flour cookies to club soda in a wine glass — how small shifts keep you socially connected and feeling good in your body. [00:30] — How to fuel a tired body on a demanding day Protein-anchored mornings, blood sugar stability, simple movement breaks, and a nervous-system reset you can do in under two minutes. The Real Conversation We’re Having This episode is not asking you to believe in a new system. It’s asking you to question the one you’ve been swimming in. If your health journey feels like a constant state of monitoring, correcting, restricting, or upgrading — your body may not be confused. It may be overstimulated. Healing doesn’t happen when the body feels watched, rushed, or perpetually unfinished. It happens when the nervous system finally gets the message that it’s safe to stand down. This conversation is an invitation to stop chasing the next protocol and start creating the conditions where healing can actually occur. No pressure. No perfection. Just physiology, honesty, and a much calmer way forward.   Where to Find Me 🎧 The Pretty Well Podcast — weekly conversations on gut health, hormones, energy, anti-aging, and healing at the root 🌿 LisaSmithWellness.com — articles, resources, and ways to work together ✨ Instagram: @prettywell_podcast   Where to Find Tiffany 🎧 The Life of And Podcast 🌿 TiffanySauder.com ✨Instagram: lifeof_and   Disclaimer The content shared on The Pretty Well Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing discussed on this podcast should be considered a substitute for personalized medical care from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. By listening to this podcast, you agree to take personal responsibility for your health decisions and to consult with your own healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, lifestyle, or health routine. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guests assume responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences that may result from the use or application of the information shared in this content. While we aim to provide accurate, evidence-based information, the content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, or applicable to every individual. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lisa Smith or The Pretty Well Podcast, nor do they represent any organization, company, or agency with which guests may be affiliated. This podcast is intended for private, non-commercial use only.

✨Hey! This week looks a little different around here — on purpose.   Instead of our usual rhythm, I'm airing five episodes in five days.   Think of it as a mini-series designed especially for you — curated, fun, and binge-worthy. Fewer cliffhangers, more “ohhh… that makes sense.”   Every episode this week features a conversation from a show I've been invited onto as a guest — hosted by smart, generous people you'll genuinely enjoy listening to. Each episode stands on its own. Together, they create momentum. So if you've been listening here and there, this is a great week to lean in.   Start wherever you want — or (best option) listen in order and let the through-line reveal itself.    Either way, I'd love to hear what you think. Happiest and Healthiest Holidays to you and your loved ones. ✨   #187 - Stop Trying So Hard: “Doing Everything Right” Is Keeping You Stuck Your body can’t heal in survival mode — no matter how clean your diet is. What if the reason you don’t feel amazing is NOT because you’re inconsistent, unmotivated, or doing it wrong? If you’ve tried “all the right things” and your health still feels off—tired, achy, foggy, or like you're aging too fast—this episode is for you. What if it’s because wellness culture keeps handing you high-effort solutions to your health complaints — and your nervous system is quietly waving a white flag?  In this conversation on Charis Chats, I join Charis Santillie for a refreshingly sane take on health: why feeling better doesn’t require a total life overhaul, why tiny habits outperform dramatic protocols, and how stress, blood sugar, gut health, hormones, and mindset are far more intertwined than most advice admits. This episode is for you if you want to feel clearer, more grounded, and more energized — without turning your life into a full-time self-improvement project. If you’ve done the dietary shifts, supplements, yoga classes and still feel off… this one will stop you mid-scroll. Long exhale. What We Cover (with Timestamps) [00:02] — Why most people fail at wellness before they even start Not because they lack discipline — but because they’re trying to change everything at once. We talk about why your nervous system hates that plan. [00:08] — My unconventional path into functional medicine The childhood moment that shaped my obsession with prevention — and why waiting for a diagnosis is a terrible health strategy. [00:12] — The easiest health upgrades almost everyone can tolerate Why adding beats restricting, how morning habits set your physiology for the day, and where people overcomplicate this fast. [00:15] — MCT oil, brain fuel, and using it without wrecking your gut What it actually does, who benefits most, and why more is not better (your digestive system agrees). [00:22] — Beets, blood flow, and why circulation matters more than you think Nitric oxide, brain health, aging, and the simple daily support most people overlook. [00:26] — Habit stacking: the science-backed shortcut to consistency Why motivation is unreliable, how your brain actually forms habits, and how tiny wins build momentum without burnout. [00:31] — Your body is always listening (this part isn’t woo) How thoughts, identity, and repetition shape physiology — and why your subconscious is far more literal than you think. [00:40] — Gluten, inflammation, and the ‘small’ symptoms people ignore Skin issues, fatigue, bloating, brain fog — why these aren’t random, and what your body may be asking for. [00:55] — The mindset shift that creates lasting health Why consistency quietly beats intensity every time — and how small daily choices compound into real change. The Big Takeaway You don’t need a stricter routine. You don’t need more supplements. And you definitely don’t need to be harder on yourself. You need simpler inputs, smarter habits, and a nervous system that feels safe enough to heal. This episode is your reminder that sustainable health is built quietly — through small, repeatable choices that actually fit your life. Press play. Your future self will thank you.   Where to Find Me 🎧 The Pretty Well Podcast — weekly conversations on gut health, hormones, energy, anti-aging, and healing at the root 🌿 LisaSmithWellness.com — articles, resources, and ways to work together ✨ Instagram: @prettywell_podcast   Where to Find Charis 🎧 Charis Chats Podcast 🌿Charis Your Life.com ✨ Instagram: @charisyourlife   Disclaimer The content shared on The Pretty Well Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing discussed on this podcast should be considered a substitute for personalized medical care from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. By listening to this podcast, you agree to take personal responsibility for your health decisions and to consult with your own healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, lifestyle, or health routine. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guests assume responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences that may result from the use or application of the information shared in this content. While we aim to provide accurate, evidence-based information, the content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, or applicable to every individual. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lisa Smith or The Pretty Well Podcast, nor do they represent any organization, company, or agency with which guests may be affiliated. This podcast is intended for private, non-commercial use only.

✨Hey! This week looks a little different around here — on purpose.   Instead of our usual rhythm, I'm airing five episodes in five days.   Think of it as a mini-series designed especially for you — curated, fun, and binge-worthy. Fewer cliffhangers, more “ohhh… that makes sense.”   Every episode this week features a conversation from a show I've been invited onto as a guest — hosted by smart, generous people you'll genuinely enjoy listening to. Each episode stands on its own. Together, they create momentum. So if you've been listening here and there, this is a great week to lean in.   Start wherever you want — or (best option) listen in order and let the through-line reveal itself.    Either way, I'd love to hear what you think. Happiest and Healthiest Holidays to you and your loved ones. ✨   #186 - This Episode Will Rewire How You Think About Your Gut, Hormones, and Anti-Aging What if your symptoms aren’t random—and your body isn’t failing you at all? Healing doesn’t fail. Strategies do. What if exhaustion, gut issues, hormone chaos, and skin flares are actually intelligent signals you’ve been taught to ignore? In this episode, I’m stepping into the guest seat on Well Done with Kat Vong—and we go deep. Not surface-level wellness tips. Not another “eat clean and sleep more” conversation. We’re talking about what actually drives chronic symptoms like gut issues, hormone chaos, exhaustion, skin flares, and that quiet sense that your body just isn’t cooperating anymore. We unpack why stress is often the root driver, how gut health quietly controls your hormones, why perimenopause deserves way more proactive attention, and the wildly underrated role your identity and subconscious play in healing. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” and still not getting better—this one will stop you mid-scroll. What We Cover (with Timestamps) [00:02:00] — Why stress isn’t just a factor… it’s often the driver Chronic stress doesn’t just make you tired—it literally creates inflammation, raises cortisol, and pokes holes in your gut lining. This is where a lot of healing conversations need to start. [00:03:30] — My personal health journey (and why it changed everything) From growing up inspired by a surgeon grandfather to developing Hashimoto’s myself—why lived experience matters as much as credentials. [00:06:30] — The real root cause of autoimmune conditions We break down the “three-legged stool” of autoimmunity: genetics, leaky gut, and a trigger—and why stress often pulls the trigger. [00:10:30] — Why conventional medicine often stops short The problem with “a pill for an ill,” and what happens when we treat symptoms without asking why the body adapted that way in the first place. [00:16:30] — Gut symptoms you should never ignore Bloating, migraines, fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix, brain fog, bowel changes—what’s normal vs. what’s a check-engine light. [00:19:30] — How stress physically damages the gut This is where everything connects: cortisol, inflammation, leaky gut, blood sugar, hormones—and why I’ve completely changed how I prioritize stress in healing. [00:22:30] — Deep stress vs. trauma (and how the body stores both) Why you don’t have to feel stressed for your body to still be carrying it—and how emotions live in tissues. [00:25:30] — How we actually heal leaky gut (the practical framework) Lifestyle + nutrition + targeted supplements—and why no single supplement will fix what lifestyle is still breaking. [00:27:30] — The key nutrients that rebuild the gut lining Collagen, glutamine, zinc, soothing herbs—and how food and supplements work together. [00:28:30] — Perimenopause signs most women are taught to ignore Mood changes, cycle shifts, irritability, fatigue, heavy periods—why these aren’t “just aging” and what to look at now, not later. [00:31:00] — Bioidentical hormone replacement explained (without the fear-mongering) What it is, why it’s different, and how balanced hormones protect your brain, bones, and heart. [00:34:30] — The gut–hormone connection no one talks about Meet the estrobolome: how gut bacteria regulate estrogen—and why dysbiosis fuels estrogen dominance. [00:37:00] — Simple gut upgrades that support hormone balance Probiotics, prebiotics, food sensitivities, and why whole foods matter more than perfection. [00:41:30] — Identity, subconscious programming, and healing Why healing stalls when we identify as our diagnosis—and how shifting identity changes biology. [00:44:30] — Visualization + emotion: the missing link Why mindset isn’t about positive thinking—it’s about retraining the subconscious during the most programmable moments of the day. [00:50:30] — Letting go of the ‘how’ and ‘when’ Why detachment accelerates healing and obsession slows it down. [00:54:30] — My top daily lifestyle priorities for better health Stress awareness, gut cleanup, whole foods, reducing ultra-processed foods, and tuning into your body’s signals. [00:58:30] — Artificial sweeteners, gut damage, and smarter swaps What to avoid, what’s okay, and why your sneezing, bloating, or fatigue after meals isn’t random. Big Takeaways You’ll Still Be Thinking About Tomorrow • Stress is not a side character—it’s often the lead villain • Healing the gut often unlocks hormone balance • Perimenopause is a window for prevention, not something to suffer through • The subconscious doesn’t argue—it executes • What you repeatedly tell your body, it believes Where to Find Me 🎧 The Pretty Well Podcast — weekly conversations on gut health, hormones, energy, anti-aging, and healing at the root 🌿 LisaSmithWellness.com — articles, resources, and ways to work together ✨ Instagram: @prettywell_podcast   Where to Find Kat 🎧 The Well Done Podcast ✨ Instagram: @thewelldonepod   If this episode made something click for you, send it to a friend who’s “doing everything right” and still not feeling well. Healing doesn’t require perfection—it requires alignment. Your body isn’t broken. It’s responding.   Disclaimer The content shared on The Pretty Well Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing discussed on this podcast should be considered a substitute for personalized medical care from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. By listening to this podcast, you agree to take personal responsibility for your health decisions and to consult with your own healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, medications, lifestyle, or health routine. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guests assume responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences that may result from the use or application of the information shared in this content. While we aim to provide accurate, evidence-based information, the content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, or applicable to every individual. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lisa Smith or The Pretty Well Podcast, nor do they represent any organization, company, or agency with which guests may be affiliated. This podcast is intended for private, non-commercial use only.

#185 - Why Your Diet Keeps Failing (and What Actually Works Instead) with Adi Wyshogrod, RD Stop Dieting, Start Healing: Rewiring Your Relationship with Food with Adi Wyshogrod, RD What if your “food problem” isn’t actually about food at all? In this episode, I sit down with Adi Wyshogrod, registered dietitian and co-founder of Everlong, a national telehealth nutrition counseling company that’s completely rewriting how people experience nutrition care. Instead of handing out another meal plan or macro chart, Adi and her team help people uncover why they eat the way they do — and how to finally build habits that stick through every season of life. We talk about how behavioral nutrition is changing the game — blending psychology, emotional intelligence, and evidence-based dietetics — so people can stop “starting over” every Monday and start creating real, lasting change. You’ll learn: 🍽️ Why most people’s struggles with food began long before their first diet 🧠 How early experiences shape our beliefs around eating, willpower, and self-worth ❤️ The difference between nutritional counseling and behavioral nutrition (and why it matters) 📆 Why sustainable change takes 6–12 months — and why that’s actually the best news ever 💡 How to rebuild self-trust around food after decades of guilt or yo-yo dieting 💰 How Everlong makes it easier than ever — virtual sessions, often 100% covered by insurance ✨ The single reframe that can break years of “good vs. bad” food thinking If you’ve ever felt like you “know what to do” but can’t seem to make it stick — this episode will hit home. It’s part science, part soul work… and 100 percent doable.  ⏰ Timestamps 01:00 – Adi’s personal story: teenage weight loss, psychology, and why food isn’t the problem 03:00 – From diet culture to behavior change — the birth of Everlong 04:30 – Why understanding emotion is the missing link in nutrition counseling 06:00 – Unlearning shame: how to rewire beliefs about food and body 10:00 – How Everlong trains dietitians to go beyond macros and meal plans 13:30 – Navigating life’s messy seasons without losing your progress 16:00 – Breaking guilt cycles: why it’s never too late to start again 17:30 – Top limiting beliefs that keep people stuck (and how to reframe them) 19:00 – The self-care mindset shift that changes everything 20:00 – How insurance-covered virtual care removes financial barriers 23:00 – Macros, mindset, and what calorie counting gets wrong 26:30 – Why “I was bad this week” thinking keeps you stuck 28:00 – The future of nutrition: behavioral health meets dietetics   🔗 Resources & Links  (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You): Everlong website: https://geteverlong.com/ 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! 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.

#184 - Crohn's and Colitis Impossible To Heal? He Did It Naturally — and Now Helps Thousands Do the Same   How He Reversed Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis — and What It Teaches Us About Healing Anything with Dane Johnson What if the thing that almost killed you became the reason you truly started living? In this episode, I sit down with Dane Johnson, founder and CEO of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle and the creator of the SHIELD Program — a holistic system that’s helped thousands of people around the world reverse inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms and rebuild their health, naturally. Dane’s story reads like a medical miracle — but what makes it powerful is how repeatable it is. After nearly dying from Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, multiple hospitalizations, and a laundry list of failed medications, he turned his healing into a blueprint for anyone with chronic illness who’s ready to stop managing symptoms and start reclaiming their life. We unpack what he discovered along the way: 🔥 The mindset shift that turned his healing around — and why it starts with what you stop doing, not what you add 🌿 The spiritual, emotional, and physical work required to rebuild the gut from the inside out 🥑 What “low risk, high reward” strategies actually look like for gut healing ⚡️ Why he believes self-empowerment is more important than any supplement, protocol, or lab test 🧠 How the same habits that heal disease also build longevity, vitality, and joy 💡 What the SHIELD framework really means — and how you can start applying it today This conversation isn’t just about Crohn’s or colitis — it’s about reclaiming power in a world that’s told you to outsource it. If you’ve ever been told your condition is “manageable” but not “reversible,” this episode will give you new hope, a clear plan, and a reason to believe your body isn’t broken — it’s just waiting for the right instructions.   ⏰ Timestamps: 02:00 – The early signs of IBD and what doctors got wrong 05:00 – “Common sense medicine”: what Dane noticed that experts missed 07:00 – Root cause vs. root causes: the functional medicine shift 09:30 – Why healing disease and optimizing longevity are the same process 11:00 – The spiritual side of recovery: humility, joy, and rediscovering balance 18:00 – The first step to healing: what to stop doing before adding more 20:00 – Walking toward a smile: how to find joy in discomfort 23:00 – Building your foundation: what Dane’s 90-day “cook everything” rule taught him 27:00 – How to make progress without perfection — and why small wins matter 33:00 – Low-risk, high-reward strategies for gut healing 35:00 – Emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and digestion 36:00 – Vitamin D, magnesium, and foundational nutrient support 38:00 – The real goal: becoming self-empowered over your health 42:00 – The SHIELD Program: what it is and who it’s for 50:00 – Final thoughts: your body isn’t broken — it’s brilliant 🔗 Resources & Links  (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You): Dane Johnson’s website: https://crohnscolitislifestyle.com/   SHEILD Program: https://crohnscolitislifestyle.mykajabi.com/shieldprogram?el=website  Seed oil card to take to restaurants: https://www.seedoilcard.co/products/seed-oil-card    ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! 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.

#183 - Your Face is Talking — Here’s What It’s Saying About Stress and Aging and How To Fix It What Your Face Reveals About Stress, Emotion, and Aging — with Functional Aesthetics Pioneer Cathy Goldstein What if your face was telling the story of your emotional health — and you could literally retrain it to radiate vitality again? In this episode, I’m joined by Cathy Goldstein, founder of Tru Energy® Skincare, acupuncturist and one of the early pioneers in functional aesthetics — where fascia, frequency, and emotional energy meet skincare science. Cathy shares her wild health journey that started with Crohn’s disease and led her to discover what Western medicine misses — the healing system. Now, she helps women (and men!) release emotional stress patterns stored in their faces, retrain their fascia, and use energy medicine to restore collagen, mood, and authentic radiance — no needles, toxins, or downtime required. We dive into: ⚡️ How emotions get “stuck” in facial muscles and show up as premature aging 🌿 Why your face is a mirror of your emotional patterns, resilience, and even your fascia health 💎 The science of frequencies, biophoton communication, and fascia intelligence (and why it’s not as “woo” as it sounds) 💫 How Cathy’s Tru Energy tools increased collagen production by 25% in just 30 days — and helped women look and feel rejuvenated 🧬 What quantum biology, the lymphatic system, and your skin have in common 🌸 Why aggressive skin treatments (microneedling, harsh peels, etc.) can backfire long-term 💋 The surprising emotional consequences of Botox (and what happens to your empathy when your face can’t move) ✨ Why “how we age” is optional — and how to do it beautifully, consciously, and naturally This conversation is packed with paradigm-shifting insight about how beauty, biology, and emotional health are more connected than we’ve ever realized. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why do I look more tired than I feel?” — this one’s for you. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Cathy Goldstein: the woman redefining functional aesthetics 02:00 – Her journey from severe Crohn’s to energy medicine and facial healing 04:00 – How stress and emotion literally show up on your face 06:00 – The “emotional meridians” in your facial map (and what they mean) 08:30 – How facial expressions talk directly to your brain and nervous system 10:30 – The limbic loop: how your face and emotions communicate in real time 12:30 – The 30-day collagen study that shocked dermatologists 15:00 – Understanding energy medicine, frequencies, and fascia as information highways 19:00 – How True Energy tools are imprinted with cellular repair frequencies 22:00 – Functional skincare 101: cleansing, hydration, and bioadaptive ingredients 25:00 – Why lymphatic drainage and fascia release are the secret to lifting and sculpting 28:30 – Hidden toxins in “clean” skincare and how to avoid them 31:00 – How to spot marketing gimmicks in skincare labels 33:00 – The truth about microneedling, collagen, and “aggressive” anti-aging 35:00 – The emotional and neurological effects of Botox (you’ll rethink it) 38:00 – How your facial micro-expressions shape your relationships and connection 40:00 – Client transformation stories that’ll blow your mind 42:00 – The Tru Energy body sculpting system (yes, for crepey legs too!) 44:00 – Closing thoughts: beauty as vitality, energy, and authenticity 🔗 Resources & Links:  Pretty Well Special for Tru Energy Skincare: https://truenergyskincare.com/you Tru Energy Skincare Website: https://truenergyskincare.com/    💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! 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.

#182 - Looking For The Best Gift Ideas? Ultimate Pretty Well 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. 🎄If you’ve ever hit mid-December with that “Wait… who did I forget?” panic, this episode is your new holiday BFF. Today, I’m sharing my Ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide — packed with wellness upgrades, beauty favorites, nervous-system soothers, clean-living staples, and thoughtful gifts that don’t feel generic or last-minute. Every item on this list is something I’ve personally used, gifted, or fallen in love with… and every single one supports the glowier-skin, calmer-nervous-system, healthier-hormones lifestyle we’re about around here. Think: ✨ toxin-free beauty ✨ anti-aging essentials ✨ sleep upgrades ✨ nervous system resets ✨ everyday things that feel luxurious ✨ crunchy-girl-approved home swaps ✨ gifts people won’t regift or pretend to love Grab your peppermint mocha, your matcha, or your favorite tea — and let’s make holiday gifting fun again. 🌿 In This Episode, We Dive Into…  ✨ The clean-beauty swaps that actually move the needle on glow, texture, hydration, and long-term skin health ✨ The everyday upgrades that protect your hormones, support detox pathways, and keep inflammation low during the busiest time of year ✨ Nervous system–soothing tools that calm stress in minutes, help you sleep deeper, and make your home feel like a sanctuary instead of a cortisol lab ✨ The wellness essentials that make routines easier, healthier, and actually… enjoyable (yes, even during holiday chaos) ✨ The much-loved gifts that help regulate your emotions, reconnect with yourself, and stay grounded when everyone else is spiraling ✨ Crunchy-girl-approved home swaps that reduce toxins, elevate your space, and make daily life feel more elevated ✨ Upgrades for your morning and nighttime rituals that support hormones, skin, gut health, and energy ✨ Thoughtful gifts that feel personal, uplifting, and genuinely useful—not random stuff that ends up in a drawer ✨ And a few surprising wellness gems that make life smoother, calmer, glowier, and way less stressful ⭐Takeaway Every single gift on this list is more than a product — it’s a moment. A moment of beauty. Of calm. Of feeling cared for. Of choosing the healthier, cleaner, more grounded version of yourself. Whether you gift these to people you love—or slip some under the tree for yourself—each one is meant to make everyday life feel smoother, cleaner, glowier, and a little more magical. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to the Ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide 02:00 — The filtered showerhead that saves your hair + skin 03:30 — My favorite seaweed-based skincare brand 05:00 — Dry brushing 101: glow, lymph, circulation 06:30 — Tiny luxuries: lip balm, under-eye patches, and more 08:00 — Makeup erasers + hair wraps you’ll thank yourself for 10:00 — Hair clips, safety hazards, and the cutest flat claws 11:30 — Clean fragrances I actually wear 13:00 — Sleep upgrades: sunrise clocks + magnesium lotion 15:00 — Reflexology tools that ground your entire nervous system 17:00 — The weighted eye pillow every anxious girl needs 18:00 — Dish soap that doubles as aromatherapy 19:00 — Non-toxic foaming hand soaps for crunchy girl heaven 20:00 — The $10 kitchen upgrade you didn’t know you needed 21:00 — The 5-minute journal that changes your mindset 22:00 — Immune support blends that smell like the holidays 23:00 — The rattan diffuser for clean, cozy vibes 24:00 — The personal safety alarm I gift to every woman I love 🔗 Resources & Links (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You): Jolie Filtered Showerhead https://amzn.to/4o87fDX  OSEA Bodycare Set https://amzn.to/4plrAqB  OSEA Body Butter https://amzn.to/49n2eUx  Goop Dry Brush https://amzn.to/3X5b41W  Goop Tinted Lip Balm https://amzn.to/43Au8sv  Terez & Honor Under Eye Patches https://amzn.to/3LOI8J5  Makeup Eraser 7-Day Set https://amzn.to/49tVjsG  Waffle Weave Microfiber Hair Wraps https://amzn.to/3K2Ox2O  Kitsch Flat Claw Clips https://amzn.to/4oPRFyj  DIME Perfume Sampler https://amzn.to/3LLKmcg  DIME Lovely Sweet Dreams Perfume https://amzn.to/4o6g15s  Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock https://amzn.to/4pckEvU  Life-Flo Magnesium Lotion https://amzn.to/4pioqUm  TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager https://amzn.to/3KcEcRV  Weighted Eye Pillow https://amzn.to/43CRnlG  Sapadilla Dish Soap https://amzn.to/3XpjRvT  Sapadilla Hand Soap https://amzn.to/49XDDWv  Moon Valley Organics Foaming Hand Soap https://amzn.to/3XCQdmF  Gorgeous Glass Foaming Soap Dispenser https://amzn.to/3MbpHhG  Portable Electric Travel Kettle https://amzn.to/3JU6G2P  Handbook For Today Journal https://amzn.to/4a0wy7y  doTERRA On Guard Essential Oil Blend https://amzn.to/47VknGs  Rattan Essential Oil Diffuser https://amzn.to/4r2JdNr  She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm https://amzn.to/4i9p7wR  Bonus! Tavi Grip Socks for Pilates, Yoga, Barre, Exercise  Fashion Crew Grip Socks  https://amzn.to/4i5wky4  2-Pack Ankle Grip Socks https://amzn.to/3X5eeTm      ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! 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.