61. A Natural Birth Control Method: Cycle Tracking with Chanana McGarry

Your boating, stomach aches and other symptoms aren’t inconveniences to silence, they’re signals worth listening to. When we constantly manage symptoms without asking why they’re happening, we can end up stuck in a cycle of temporary solutions without addressing what’s driving the problem.I’m joined by Laura Grubb of Laura Grubb Wellness, a nurse practitioner turned functional health practitioner. We’re talking about why women can get stuck bouncing from provider to provider without answers, why a diagnosis doesn’t necessarily equal healing, and how symptoms can act as your body’s “check engine light.”This conversation is for women who know something feels off, have been told their labs are “normal,” or are tired of simply managing symptoms and want to better understand what their bodies are communicating.In this episode: Why symptoms can be your body’s “check engine light” Laura’s journey from conventional medicine to functional health How acne led Laura to investigate her internal health Why gut health can impact hormones, skin, energy, and immunity The problem with using food sensitivity tests as a Band-Aid Why eliminating more and more foods can create its own problems Why a diagnosis doesn’t necessarily equal healing How to stop letting a diagnosis become your identity Why bloating is a symptom worth investigating How to find a practitioner who listens, investigates, and looks at the whole picture Why functional practitioners may not accept insurance Why it’s never too late to address symptoms and pursue better health Connect with Laura: Website: https://www.lauragrubbwellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauragrubbwellness/Freebie: https://lauragrubbwellness.myflodesk.com/guthealingroadmapHormone Insights:STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Connect with me:Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching⁠⁠ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Your skin may be telling you far more about how you’re living than how old you are. In this episode, Brandee sits down with Yolanda Russo of Beauty on Command to unpack a different approach to aging. One that focuses on supporting your skin from the inside out rather than relying solely on creams, gadgets, Botox, or fillers.Yolanda breaks down her N-O-P-E method and explains how everyday habits like slouching over your phone, holding facial expressions, over-exfoliating, and not getting enough rest can show up on your face. They also discuss skincare routines, red light therapy, facial massage and yoga, and why more isn’t always better when it comes to products and beauty gadgets.This conversation is for anyone who is tired of the anti-aging narrative and wants to think differently about supporting their skin as they age.In this episode:Why your skin may be reflecting stress, depletion, and everyday habitsYolanda’s N-O-P-E methodWhy posture and phone habits can affect the appearance of your face and neckWhat to know before trying facial yoga, massage, or skincare gadgetsWhy simplifying your skincare routine may be more helpful than constantly adding productsYolanda’s perspective on Botox, fillers, and the anti-aging industryHow everyday expressions and repeated habits can contribute to visible lines and wrinklesWhy Yolanda believes pro-aging is about taking agency over your health and habitsConnect with Yolanda: Website: https://beautyoncommand.cc/workshopsFreebie: https://beautyoncommand.com/nopeConnect with me:Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching⁠⁠ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Your body is constantly communicating with you, but most women were never taught how to understand the signals. In this episode, Brandee sits down with Chanana McGarry of Womb Literacy to break down the fertility awareness method and how it differs from period-tracking apps and the rhythm method. Chanana shares her personal journey after two unplanned pregnancies and explains why properly learning fertility awareness is so different from simply guessing based on cycle dates. They discuss how cervical fluid and basal body temperature can provide information about what's happening throughout the cycle, including signs of ovulation and changes in the luteal phase. The conversation also explores the gaps in medical education around fertility awareness and why having more information can help women make informed decisions about their bodies and contraception.STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠In this episode:Why fertility awareness is different from the rhythm method and period-tracking appsHow cervical fluid changes throughout the menstrual cycleWhat basal body temperature can reveal about ovulationWhy cervical mucus is a powerful sign of what's happening in your bodyHow tracking can help you recognize patterns and changes in your hormonal healthWhy fertility awareness isn't only about getting pregnantHow cycle tracking can provide valuable context when testing hormonesThe importance of informed consent when choosing contraceptionWhy natural birth control doesn't have to mean guessing or counting daysHow understanding your body can create more confidence and ownership in your reproductive healthConnect with Chanana:Website: https://www.wombliteracy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wombliteracynow/Freebie | Learn the Top Three Things 9 Out of 10 Women I Work With Wish Someone Had Told Them Sooner: https://www.wombliteracy.com/sexed Connect with me:STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching⁠⁠ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Your career should support your life—not consume it. When success comes at the expense of your health, relationships, and peace of mind, it's time to redefine what achievement really looks like.In this episode of Healthy Buzz, Brandee sits down with holistic career coach Karishma Wadhwani to explore the powerful connection between career, identity, and overall well-being. After spending 15 years climbing the corporate ladder before becoming an entrepreneur, Karishma shares why hustle culture keeps so many high-achieving women stuck in burnout and how outdated beliefs around work can quietly sabotage our health.Together, they discuss why your job title isn't your identity, how to create healthier boundaries at work and at home, and why intentional career growth should support your nervous system—not overwhelm it. Whether you're navigating burnout, considering a career pivot, searching for a new role, or simply trying to find better balance, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on building success without sacrificing yourself. In this episode:Why your job is only one part of your overall life—not your identity How hustle culture contributes to chronic stress and burnout The importance of aligning your career with your current season of life Why "setting expectations" can feel more empowering than setting boundaries How to communicate effectively with your boss, partner, and support system Why taking time to pause can actually improve long-term success The connection between career satisfaction, nervous system health, and overall wellness How fear and old conditioning can keep you stuck in unhealthy work patterns Practical mindset shifts to help you build a sustainable career Connect with Karishma:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.holistic.careercoach/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holisticcareercoachkarishmawadhwani/ https://www.facebook.com/karishma.wadhwani/Freebie: https://stan.store/karishmawadhwani/p/2026-job-search-blueprint-in-30-daysConnect with me:STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching⁠⁠ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Women have been taught that healing means eating less, cutting out more foods, and following increasingly restrictive diets. The truth is, those well-intentioned food rules may be doing far more harm than good.In this episode of Healthy Buzz, I sit down with functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner and certified holistic nutritionist Rita Utterback to unpack the hidden consequences of elimination diets, diet culture, and food fear—especially for women navigating PCOS, endometriosis, Hashimoto's, and chronic digestive issues.Drawing from both her personal experience with endometriosis and her work with clients, Rita shares how years of restrictive eating left her with worsening gut health, depleted beneficial bacteria, and an unhealthy relationship with food. Together, we discuss why true healing requires looking beyond food restrictions and addressing the deeper root causes of digestive dysfunction, hormone imbalances, stress, and nervous system regulation.If you've been overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice or feel like you're constantly chasing the next diet that promises to "fix" your hormones, this episode is for you.In this episode: Why eliminating more foods isn't always the answer to healing PCOS, endometriosis, and gut issues How restrictive diets can damage your gut microbiome and increase food sensitivities Why stress, under-eating, and nervous system dysregulation often drive digestive symptoms The truth about Low FODMAP, keto, carnivore, and other popular elimination diets Why SIBO is a symptom—not the root cause—and what often gets overlooked How under-eating impacts metabolism, thyroid function, hormones, and gut health Why healing your relationship with food is essential for physical healing The role beneficial gut bacteria play in hormone balance, immunity, and nutrient absorption How to safely begin reintroducing foods and rebuild trust in your body Why personalized nutrition will always outperform one-size-fits-all diet adviceConnect with RitaWebsite: https://www.radiatewithrita.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiatewithrita/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiatewithritaPodcast: https://www.radiatewithrita.com/podcastFree Resource | Gut & Hormone Root Cause Scorecard: https://www.radiatewithrita.com/rootcausescorecardConnect with me:STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching⁠⁠ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Grief has been heavy in my world lately — I recently lost my sweet dog Van, my constant shadow in this office. Since so many of you are carrying your own losses too, I'm re-airing episode 3, Unpacking Grief and Finding Your Way Forward, with my dear friend and grief coach. Wherever you are in your grief, this one's for you. Grief is universal—but often deeply isolating. In this episode, I sit down with Certified Grief Educator Tamara Kubacki, founder of Listening to Grief, to explore the many layers of loss—and why learning to grieve openly can be one of the most healing things we do.Tamara shares her personal story of losing both parents and her sister, how that shaped her understanding of grief, and the tools she now uses to support others through one-on-one coaching and communal experiences like her popular grief walks.Through her work, Tamara provides empathetic, storytelling-based grief coaching and creates events that bring people together to grieve in natural and creative spaces. Her work has been featured in The Seattle Times and West Seattle Blog, and she actively collaborates with artists, yoga instructors, herbalists, and more to destigmatize grief and make it less lonely. STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Work With Me: ⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coachingIn this episode:Why grief is misunderstood (and why our brains resist loss)How grief shows up in everyday tasks and routinesThe difference between grief coaching and therapyHelpful tools for regulating your nervous system through griefWhy platitudes like “everything happens for a reason” can be harmfulHow to truly support a grieving friend (and what not to say)Why grief isn’t just about death—and what else can trigger itHow crying can be healing and how to let it happen without shame This episode is a beautiful reminder that your grief is valid, whether you’ve lost a person, a pet, a place, or a part of yourself. You don’t have to go through it alone. Connect with Tamara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listeningtogrief Website: listeningtogrief.comTamara's Top 10 Grief Books: listeningtogrief.com/top-ten-books Connect with me:Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Work with me: ⁠⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching⁠⁠Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Perimenopause isn't confusing because your body is failing—it's confusing because women have been left to piece together answers on their own. In this episode, Brandee sits down with Megan Bird, founder of Uplift Menopause Coaching and co-host of the Coming of Rage podcast, for an honest conversation about navigating perimenopause without the overwhelm. Together, they unpack why so many women feel dismissed by the healthcare system, how social media can both help and hurt, and why education, self-advocacy, and community are essential during this stage of life.Megan shares her own journey through perimenopause, what led her to become a menopause coach, and how finding evidence-based education completely changed the way she viewed her symptoms.If you've been wondering whether what you're experiencing is "normal," feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, or searching for a more compassionate approach to midlife health, this episode will leave you feeling informed, validated, and far less alone.STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Work With Me: ⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching What You'll Learn Why perimenopause is rarely a one-size-fits-all experience How to filter through the overwhelming amount of menopause information online The importance of building a healthcare team that truly listens Why hormone therapy can be a helpful tool—but not a magic solution How community, self-advocacy, and self-compassion can transform the perimenopause journeyConnect with Megan: Website: https://www.upliftmenopausecoaching.com/Website: https://www.comingofrage.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comingofrage_podcast/Podcast: https://www.comingofrage.com/episodes Connect with me:Website: https://beecollectivewellness.comFollow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

We often chase symptoms, the pain, the flare-up, and try to silence them with medication, surgery, or a standard round of physical therapy. But what if the real work is looking at the fire underneath the alarm?In this episode of Healthy Buzz, Brandee sits down with Dr. Tara Morrison, doctor of physical therapy and creator of Somatic Pelvic Care, to explore why traditional pelvic floor therapy doesn't always create lasting results. Together, they unpack the powerful connection between the pelvic floor, nervous system regulation, blood sugar balance, lymphatic health, emotional wellbeing, and the body's ability to heal.Dr. Tara explains why symptoms like urinary leakage, constipation, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and low libido are often signs of deeper imbalances—not problems to simply "fix" with exercises alone. She shares how survival patterns, chronic stress, trauma, and even blood sugar instability can influence pelvic floor function, and why slowing down to reconnect with your body may be the missing piece so many women have been searching for.This conversation is for any woman who's been told her symptoms are "normal," has tried multiple treatments without lasting relief, or wants a more holistic understanding of pelvic health that addresses the whole person—not just the muscles.In This Episode:Why traditional pelvic floor therapy often falls shortThe connection between the nervous system and chronic pelvic tensionHow urinary leakage, constipation, and pelvic pain can share the same root causesWhy blood sugar balance matters for hormones, healing, and pelvic healthThe surprising link between stress, libido, and the pelvic floorHow somatic awareness helps the body heal beyond exercises aloneWhy foundational habits like movement, sleep, hydration, and sunlight still matter mostSmall, sustainable changes that create meaningful progress without overwhelmDo you want to optimize blood sugar and achieve optimal hormone health?Join Brandee’s Blood Sugar Savvy course. Use code BUZZ to save $30 at https://beecollectivewellness.com/blood-sugar-savvyConnect with Tara: Website: https://sacredbloompelviccare.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaramorrison/Connect with me:Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

Your body isn't working against you—it's working to protect you. If you've been eating well, exercising consistently, taking the supplements, and still struggling with stubborn weight, fatigue, thyroid symptoms, or gut issues, this conversation will completely shift the way you think about healing. In this episode, Brandee sits down with integrative health practitioner, Pranic energy healer, and spiritual life coach Jasmine Harnden to explore why nervous system regulation is often the missing piece in women's health. After reversing her own Hashimoto's naturally, Jasmine now helps burned-out, high-achieving women uncover the deeper physiological and emotional factors driving symptoms like hormone imbalances, weight loss resistance, chronic fatigue, and digestive issues. Together, they dive into why "normal" lab work doesn't always mean optimal health, how chronic stress changes the way your body stores fat, and why healing isn't about doing more—it's about helping your body finally feel safe enough to heal. They also discuss functional lab testing, unresolved trauma, detoxification, and why a truly root-cause approach requires looking beyond food and supplements alone.STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Work With Me: ⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching In This Episode:Jasmine's personal journey of reversing Hashimoto's through root-cause healingWhy nervous system dysregulation can block weight loss and hormone balanceThe connection between chronic stress, thyroid health, gut function, and fatigueWhy "normal" blood work doesn't always mean everything is functioning optimallyWhy healing isn't just about food and supplementsThe role unresolved trauma can play in physical symptomsWhy healing is rarely linear—and what to expect along the wayPractical ways to begin supporting your nervous system without adding more stress Connect with Jasmine:Website: www.theluminoussoul.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminous.soul.healing/Transform Your Wellness Journey with My Free Weight Loss & Wellness Journal: https://jasmine-s-site-7d75.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/wellness-journal-weight-lossConnect with me:Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

That nightly glass of wine may be doing far more than helping you unwind. Did you know that alcohol impacts your hormones, gut health, blood sugar, sleep, mood, and cravings in ways many women never realize?In Part 5 of the Hormone Disconnect Series, Brandee sits down with Dr. Brooke Scheller, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, Certified Nutrition Specialist, author of How to Eat to Change How You Drink, and creator of the Functional Sobriety approach.  Dr. Brooke explains how alcohol influences hormone balance, increases cortisol, disrupts the gut microbiome, alters blood sugar regulation, and fuels cravings that can feel impossible to control. She also breaks down the biology behind the infamous 5 PM urge to drink and shares practical nutrition strategies that can help reduce cravings naturally. Whether you're sober-curious, questioning your relationship with alcohol, or simply trying to optimize your health, this episode offers a science-backed, judgment-free perspective on what happens when you take a closer look at alcohol's role in your life. STOP GUESSING & START ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT LABS:⁠⁠www.beecollectivewellness.com/hormone-lab-guide ⁠Work With Me: ⁠https://beecollectivewellness.com/nutrition-coaching In This Episode: How alcohol impacts hormone balance beyond just estrogen Why alcohol increases cortisol and contributes to chronic stress The connection between alcohol, gut health, and hormone metabolism How blood sugar swings drive cravings, mood changes, and anxiety The science behind the 5 PM "wine o'clock" craving Why alcohol often masks nervous system dysregulation The overlap between alcohol use, dopamine, and ADHD How nutrition can support alcohol reduction and recovery Navigating social situations when you're drinking less Why sober curiosity is growing and what it can teach you Connect with Dr Brooke: Website: www.functionalsobriety.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrookescheller/Book Website: www.functionalsobriety.com/bookAmazon: How to Eat to Change How You Drink: https://a.co/d/6hjCXTEConnect with me:Website: https://beecollectivewellness.com Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com