The Flourishing Life Podcast

You leave your appointment with new labs, a hormone plan and a list of supplements. You know exactly what to do. So why aren't you doing it?In this episode, Jackie sits down with Heather Meek. Heather is the founder of thebestYOU, a whole-woman health and behavior-change coaching practice for women 40 and over. Heather works in the space between knowing and doing. She helps busy, capable women fit their health plans into real life: the dog rolled in the mud, the kids have practice, and work emails started at 6 a.m.They talk about why more information often makes change harder. They cover the three hidden roadblocks Heather sees in almost every client, and why she won't use the word "non-negotiable." Heather explains why she teaches women to "return" instead of "restart." Jackie shares, very openly, what it felt like to put off her own hormone pellets for three weeks.Heather has more than 28 years in the health and fitness industry. That includes over 20 years as a Master Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor at Life Time Fitness. In 2020 she founded thebestYOU, a virtual coaching practice that works with women across the country on:weight lossstrength and metabolismhormones and perimenopausestress and mental claritynervous system healthHer credentials include:Degree in Exercise Science and Organizational CommunicationsNASM Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Specialist, Senior Fitness Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist and Behavior Change SpecialistInstitute of Fitness & Behavior Change, Levels 1 and 2Certified Peri/Post Menopause Coach, trained by Dr. Stacy SimsHeather is a wife, a mom of three, a golden retriever lover and a "lake girl at heart." She sees her coaching as a calling.Personal information beats more information. The question isn't "what works?" It's "what works for my body, schedule and season?"Find your blocker. Is it perfectionism, people pleasing or caretaking? Name the one that comes up most for you, then simplify around it.Start with something you enjoy. Pick one small thing that makes your heart smile. Caring for yourself for five minutes builds the capacity for everything else.Return, don't restart. A GPS doesn't send you home after a wrong turn. It reroutes. Aim for less time between returns, not a longer streak.Capture your symptoms. Write down the "small" things, like night sweats, headaches or poor sleep, and bring them to your practitioner.Be honest with your care team. Tell them what you're actually doing, what you're afraid of and what you're struggling with.Seasons change. Something that didn't work 10 years ago might work now.Set realistic timelines. Without a GLP-1, expect about ¼ to 1 lb a week. A new set point takes 9–12 months to settle. It doesn't have to be miserable along the way.Ask the 97-year-old question. If you can't see yourself doing it at 97, it's probably not the right plan."A flourishing life looks like God at the center, great friends around you, feeling good in your own skin, and being able to laugh every single day." (Heather)Website: heathermeek.comFree Whole Woman Health Assessment (12 questions, results by email): heathermeek.com/assessmentBook a free private consultation: heathermeek.com/private-consultationInstagram: @heathermeekofficialFacebook: Heather MeekWant help finding out what's really going on in your body, and a plan built for you? Reach out to the Flourish team to schedule a visit.If this episode helped you, subscribe, leave a review and share it with a friend who needs to hear it. 💛This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health plan.

What if influence was never meant to be about getting more attention—but about stewarding what God has already placed in your hands?In this episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie sits down with Molly Gomez, former television news anchor and ESPN sideline reporter turned Signature Story Strategist, international speaker, and founder of Signature Story Co.Molly shares her journey from television news to helping faith-driven women uncover the stories that shape who they are, build trust, and communicate with greater clarity and conviction. She opens up about being fired—a moment she now sees as a blessing—and how God used that season to redirect her toward the work she was truly called to do.Jackie and Molly dive into the tension so many women feel between wanting to make an impact and feeling pressure to perform. They talk about what happens when our identity becomes tied to achievement, attention, social media metrics, or the approval of others—and why influence carries a responsibility to continually check our heart posture.They also explore one of the biggest things holding women back from using their voice: worthiness. Too often, women discount their experiences, assume their story isn't important enough, or allow past wounds and insecurities to keep them quiet. Molly challenges us to recognize that our stories don't have to be dramatic to matter. The experiences God has walked us through may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.This conversation is a powerful reminder that your voice matters, your story has purpose, and influence is something to steward—not chase.Molly's transition from television news and ESPN to becoming a Signature Story StrategistWhy being fired became one of the greatest blessings in Molly's careerSeparating your identity from your performanceWhat it means to be secure in your identity in ChristHow to examine your motives when pursuing growth or influenceThe pressure social media creates to constantly perform and produceWhy leadership is ultimately about serving othersThe responsibility that comes with having influenceWhy so many women struggle with feeling worthy enough to use their voiceHow early experiences can shape the way we see ourselvesThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who will challenge and encourage youWhy storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and connectionHow vulnerability can create deeper, more authentic relationshipsWhy your story matters—even if it feels small or ordinaryWhat it looks like to live a truly flourishing life rooted in simplicity, depth, faith, and purposeLearn more about Molly, her work, The Seven Story System™, and Signature Story Co. through her website and social platforms @themollygomezThe Flourishing Life Podcast is about helping you flourish in every area of your life—physically, mentally, spiritually, and purposefully. Through meaningful conversations with experts, leaders, and people walking boldly in their calling, Jackie and Tad explore what it looks like to become who God created you to be.For who God created you to be.

Peptides are suddenly everywhere. They're being talked about for everything from gut health and injury recovery to metabolism, skin, hair, cognition, body composition, and healthy aging.But what exactly are peptides? How do they work? And how do you separate exciting emerging therapies from the hype?In this episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie and Tad break down the rapidly evolving world of peptide therapy and explain what patients need to understand before considering peptides as part of their health journey.Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can act as signaling molecules in the body. Rather than looking at them as a replacement for foundational health habits, Jackie and Tad discuss how certain peptides are being explored or used as tools alongside a strong health foundation.They walk through several of the peptides generating attention right now—including BPC-157, KPV, thymosin peptides, GHK-Cu, MOTS-c, cognitive peptides, growth-hormone-releasing peptides, GLP-1s, and GIP-related therapies—and discuss why people are interested in them, where the research stands, and why responsible use and appropriate medical oversight matter.Most importantly, Jackie and Tad discuss a principle that applies to nearly every area of health optimization: there is no shortcut around the foundations.Peptides may be exciting, but they don't replace nutrition, movement, sleep, metabolic health, hormone balance, or the other fundamentals that help the body function well.What peptides actually are and how they function in the bodyWhy peptides have become such a major topic in health and wellnessHow peptides differ from simply replacing something the body is missingThe changing regulatory and research landscape surrounding peptide therapyWhy more isn't necessarily better when it comes to peptide therapyThe importance of monitoring, appropriate dosing, and medical guidanceWhy peptides should complement—not replace—a healthy lifestyleOne of the most important parts of this episode isn't about any single peptide.It's about the way medicine is changing.Patients have more access to health information than ever before. They're researching treatments, listening to podcasts, reading studies, and coming into appointments asking informed questions about therapies they may have discovered on their own.Jackie and Tad discuss why the answer shouldn't simply be to dismiss those questions—but to have thoughtful conversations about what we know, what we don't know, potential risks, and whether a therapy makes sense for the individual patient.Peptide research continues to evolve, and not every peptide has the same level of evidence, regulatory status, or safety data. That's exactly why education and appropriate medical oversight matter.There's an important message Jackie and Tad return to throughout this conversation:You can't peptide your way out of poor foundations.Nutrition matters.Movement matters.Sleep matters.Stress matters.Hormones, nutrients, metabolic health, and the environment you're asking your body to function in all matter.Peptides may offer another tool to consider, but they're not meant to replace the daily habits and foundational work that support long-term health.If you've been hearing about BPC-157, GHK-Cu, MOTS-c, growth hormone peptides, GLP-1s, or peptide therapy in general and wondering “What is all of this?”—this episode is your place to start.The Flourishing Life Podcast is about helping you flourish in every area of your life—physically, mentally, spiritually, and purposefully. Jackie and Tad bring practical health education, meaningful conversations, and a foundational approach to wellness to help you become who God created you to be.For who God created you to be.

In this episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie sits down with optometrist and practice owner Dr. Mindy Torres of Salt & Light Eye Care to explore the powerful connection between eye health, hormones, inflammation, and whole-body wellness.Far too often, women are told that burning eyes, blurred vision, fatigue, or dryness are simply "part of aging." But what if your eyes are actually revealing clues about what's happening throughout your entire body?Together, Jackie and Dr. Mindy discuss why hormones are essential for healthy eyes, how menopause and perimenopause can dramatically impact vision, and why treating symptoms without addressing the root cause often leaves patients frustrated.The conversation also takes an honest look at today's healthcare system, insurance-driven medicine, and the importance of empowering patients to become active participants in their own health journey.Most importantly, they share how their faith in Christ shapes the way they care for patients—providing not only excellent medical care but hope and healing as well.Why dry eye is often more than just an eye problemThe surprising connection between hormones and visionHow menopause and perimenopause affect eye healthWhy inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and hormone deficiencies often overlapWhat your eye exam can reveal about your overall healthThe difference between "normal" lab values and truly optimal healthWhy many patients continue to have symptoms despite being told their labs are "normal"How insurance-driven healthcare impacts patient care and provider decision-makingPractical habits that support healthy eyes, including hydration, sleep, nutrition, protein intake, and screen habitsWhy whole-body, foundational medicine produces better long-term outcomesHow faith influences the way both Jackie and Dr. Mindy practice medicine✨ Your eyes are one of the few organs that allow providers to directly observe blood vessels and nerve tissue, making them an incredible window into overall health.✨ Hormones help nourish and protect many organs—including your eyes. As hormone levels decline, symptoms such as dry eye, inflammation, and vision changes become increasingly common.✨ "Normal" lab values don't always mean your body is functioning optimally. Listening to symptoms matters.✨ Lasting healing happens when we look beyond isolated symptoms and support the body's foundation.✨ Patients deserve time, education, and partnership—not simply a diagnosis and prescription.Salt & Light Eye Care & Aesthetics🌐 SaltAndLightEyeCare.com📱 Follow Dr. Mindy on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for eye health education and encouragement.If you're struggling with hormone symptoms, fatigue, inflammation, or simply don't feel like yourself—even after being told your labs are "normal"—our team would love to help you uncover the root cause and create a personalized plan for healing.🌿 Learn more at Flourish Medical + Wellness.If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that their symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. Every share helps us continue our mission of bringing hope, education, and foundational healing to more people.

Five years ago, Flourish Medical + Wellness began with a calling, a leap of faith, and absolutely no idea where God would lead us.In this special anniversary episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Tad and Jackie look back on the incredible journey of building Flourish from the ground up—from seeing their first patients in a small clinic in Prior Lake to growing a team, moving into a new space, caring for thousands of patients, launching a podcast, opening The Flourish Collective, stepping onto larger stages, and continuing to expand the mission of Flourish.But this episode is about much more than business growth.Tad and Jackie share the real, behind-the-scenes story of the last five years: the moments of uncertainty, unexpected loss, Tad’s serious car accident just days before opening the new clinic, long nights, growing pains, incredible team members, faithful patients, and the unmistakable ways God provided the right people, opportunities, protection, and direction at exactly the right time.They also reflect on the foundation that has remained unchanged since day one: listening to patients, treating the whole person, pursuing meaningful results, and creating a different kind of healthcare experience—one rooted in relationships, foundational medicine, faith, and the belief that people deserve better answers for their health.As Flourish celebrates five years, Jackie and Tad also look toward the future, including new opportunities to give back, expand education, mentor and train other medical providers, and equip practitioners across the country with the clinical frameworks and foundational approach to medicine that God has spent years developing through Flourish.This episode is a celebration of five years—but even more, it is a testimony of what can happen when you say yes before you know exactly where God is leading.In this episode, we discuss:How God called Jackie to start Flourish Medical + WellnessStarting a medical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic with no business backgroundThe people God strategically placed along the wayTad’s decision to leave a stable career and join Flourish full-timeThe rapid growth of the clinic and the incredible team behind itLosing Jackie’s father just weeks before moving into the new clinicTad’s serious car accident days before the clinic was scheduled to openBuilding the new Flourish location on a foundation of prayer and faithThe launch of The Flourishing Life Podcast, The Flourish Collective, and Flourish Insight NightsStepping onto larger stages and educating other healthcare providersThe responsibility to use growth and success to serve others and give backJackie’s growing calling to teach other medical providers The Flourish MethodWhat the next five years of Flourish may holdTo every patient who has trusted us with your health, every team member who has helped carry this mission, every person who has prayed for us, supported us, referred a friend, listened to the podcast, attended an event, or simply encouraged us along the way—thank you.We are incredibly grateful for the last five years.And as we look toward the future, one thing remains certain: we will keep showing up, keep listening, keep serving, and keep following wherever God leads next.Here’s to five years of Flourish—and to everything still to come.

In this special Men’s Health Month episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie and Tad are joined by returning guest, Pastor Zeus Vital, for a powerful and honest conversation about what it means to be a man in today’s culture. Together, they tackle the challenges modern men are facing—from distraction and comparison to isolation, burnout, and a loss of purpose—and explore how faith, physical health, and intentional living are deeply connected.This episode is a call for men to reject passivity and embrace biblical masculinity: leading with courage, serving with humility, caring for their bodies as God’s temple, and showing up fully for the people they love. The conversation also addresses why so many men silently struggle with exhaustion, emotional numbness, addictions, and disconnection, and offers practical encouragement for taking the next step toward healing and flourishing.In This Episode:The crisis of masculinity and what biblical manhood really looks likeWhy so many men struggle with purpose and comparisonThe impact of distraction, technology, and hustle culture on men’s healthHow spiritual health influences mental, physical, and relational well-beingWhy men often ignore symptoms and wait too long to ask for helpThe importance of brotherhood, mentorship, and communityWhy strong men of integrity are essential for families and societyPractical habits that help men thrive spiritually, mentally, and physicallyHow caring for your body increases your capacity to serve others and fulfill your God-given purposeKey Takeaway:You were not created to merely survive, cope, or stay distracted. You were created to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and become the man God designed you to be. Flourishing starts by intentionally stewarding your faith, your health, and your relationships—one choice at a time.For more information about foundational medicine, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity-focused care:Website: ⁠Flourish Medical + Wellness⁠Socials: flourishmedicalwellnessFollow along for educational content, podcast updates, and upcoming events.

In this month's episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie and Tad tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in healthcare today: the difference between being normal and being healthy.From hormone myths and outdated medical advice to stress, blood sugar, and environmental toxins, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and encourages listeners to become informed advocates for their own health.The discussion begins with practical summer wellness strategies, including the benefits of morning sunlight, movement, grounding, and creating a sustainable seasonal health plan. Jackie and Tad then dive into a powerful conversation about laboratory testing, explaining why "normal" lab values often represent the average American—not necessarily optimal health. They also unpack a real patient story involving outdated hormone recommendations that many women are still hearing today, including myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy and testosterone use in women. The episode explores newer research supporting long-term hormone optimization and healthy aging. Additional topics include:Why morning sunlight is one of the most powerful free health tools availableGrounding: science versus skepticismThe connection between stress, cortisol, and blood sugar regulationHow continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are helping patients better understand their metabolic healthWhy treating lab numbers alone can miss the bigger pictureThe importance of individualized medicine versus one-size-fits-all recommendationsKey takeaways from the ECO Conference, including advances in cognitive health, longevity medicine, peptides, and nervous system regulationThe surprising reality of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and environmental toxin exposure in the United StatesPractical men's health strategies for optimizing energy, metabolism, and hormone health naturallyThroughout the episode, Jackie and Tad emphasize a core Flourish principle: health isn't about chasing perfect lab numbers—it's about helping your body function the way it was designed to function. True wellness comes from building a strong foundation through nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and personalized care."Normal does not automatically mean healthy."Many people are told their labs are normal while still struggling with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, hormone symptoms, anxiety, or declining health. Understanding what your numbers actually mean—and how they fit into the bigger picture of your health—is critical to achieving lasting wellness. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."3 John 1:2For more information about foundational medicine, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity-focused care:Website: Flourish Medical + WellnessSocials: flourishmedicalwellnessFollow along for educational content, podcast updates, and upcoming events.

In this powerful and deeply faith-filled episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie sits down with women’s health expert and functional medicine physician Dr. Tabatha Barber — known online as @gutsydoctabatha — for a conversation that will encourage, challenge, and inspire you.Dr. Tabatha vulnerably shares her incredible story of going from a teenage pregnancy and traumatic birth experience to becoming a successful OB/GYN surgeon… only to find herself completely burnt out, unhealthy, exhausted, and disconnected from the life God was calling her to live. After a life-changing health crisis and spiritual awakening, she shifted from conventional medicine into root-cause healing, functional medicine, and faith-centered wellness.Together, Jackie and Dr. Tabatha discuss:The hidden root causes behind hormone imbalance, fatigue, inflammation, and chronic illnessWhy gut health and nervous system regulation are foundational to healingThe connection between stress, adrenal dysfunction, and symptomatic perimenopause/menopauseThe importance of mindset renewal and healing emotionally & spiritually — not just physicallyWhy women are more overwhelmed and hormonally depleted than ever beforeThe danger of “infobesity” in the wellness worldHow faith, surrender, and purpose transformed both of their healing journeysThe beauty of women supporting women in health and healingDr. Tabatha also shares exciting details about her upcoming fall tour with Candace Cameron Bure and how God opened doors in ways she never expected.This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, practical health insight, and reminders that true healing involves mind, body, and spirit. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, stuck, inflamed, anxious, disconnected, or simply “not like yourself,” this conversation is for you.About Dr. Tabatha-Dr. Tabatha Barber is a former OB/GYN surgeon turned functional medicine physician, speaker, educator, podcast host, and founder of Fast to Faith. After years in conventional medicine and her own personal health struggles with burnout, Hashimoto’s, IBS, depression, and chronic inflammation, Dr. Tabatha transformed her approach to women’s healthcare by focusing on root-cause healing and whole-person wellness.Today, she helps women heal through functional medicine, hormone balancing, gut health optimization, fasting education, nervous system restoration, and faith-centered health coaching. She is passionate about empowering women to understand their bodies, reclaim their health, and live fully aligned with God’s purpose for their lives.Instagram: @gutsydoctabathaWebsite: DrTabatha.comFast to Faith: FastToFaith.comPodcast: Fast to Faith PodcastFacebook: Dr. Tabatha Barber on FacebookDr. Tabatha will be joining Candace Cameron Bure this fall for an exciting multi-city women’s tour focused on faith, wellness, encouragement, and living fully. Get your ticket today!“You have to stop carrying things God never asked you to carry.” — Dr. Tabatha Barber

SummaryIn this episode, Jackie and Tad Tewes discuss women's health, focusing on insulin resistance, hormonal changes with age, detox strategies, and recent patient success stories. They explore practical approaches to managing health during midlife and highlight the importance of personalized care. Key TopicsInsulin resistance and hormonal changes with ageStrategies for managing blood sugar and body compositionDetox and toxin testing in health optimizationImpact of menopause on metabolism and weightPersonalized medicine in women's healthCheck out The Flourish Collective for the best, most effective wellness products we use every day with our patients.⁠⁠https://shop.flourishmedicalwellness.com/⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Women's Health Month01:46 Understanding Insulin Resistance in Women06:39 Strategies for Managing Insulin Resistance10:57 Case Studies: Success Stories in Women's Health18:50 Toxin Testing and Its Impact on Health22:01 Weight Loss Success Stories25:11 Breast Cancer Screening Options28:25 Challenges with Estrogen Availability33:36 Supplement of the Month: DIM and VH BalanceWebsite - flourishmedicalwellness.comIG - flourishmedicalwellness

SummaryGuest: Pastor Rob KetterlingEpisode Topic: Faith, leadership, financial stewardship, generosity, health, and living an abundant lifeIn this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Jackie and Tad sit down with Pastor Rob Ketterling, lead pastor of River Valley Church, to talk about the intersection of spiritual health, financial stewardship, leadership, generosity, resilience, and physical wellness.Pastor Rob shares the incredible story behind the founding and growth of River Valley Church—from humble beginnings, financial uncertainty, and miraculous provision, to becoming a church with a global Kingdom impact. He opens up about the lessons God taught him through seasons of adversity, thefaith required to lead in uncertainty, and why generosity is not just about money, but about living a life fully surrendered to God.The conversation also explores the connection between physical health and leadership, how taking care of your body affects your calling, and why abundant living means having overflow in every area of life.This episode is full of wisdom, honesty, encouragement, and practical truth for anyone navigating leadership, faith, purpose, stewardship, or personal growth.In this episode, we discuss:Pastor Rob’s story and how River Valley Church beganLearning to trust God through financial uncertainty and miraclesHow adversity shapes faith and leadershipThe heart behind Kingdom BuildersWhat it means to live blessed to be a blessingThe story and vision behind sending 500 missionariesPhysical health, stewardship, and why leaders must care for themselvesThe connection between abundance, overflow, and impactLeadership growth, mentoring, coaching, and lifelong learningNavigating truth, culture, and social media with biblical convictionLoving people in all directions while staying anchored in the KingdomKey takeaways:Faith often grows in the tension of uncertainty.Some of the greatest breakthroughs come when obedience is required before the outcome is visible.Stewardship is spiritual.Whether it is finances, health, leadership, or influence, everything we have belongs to God and should be used for His purposes.Generosity multiplies.What feels small in our hands can have eternal impact when surrendered to God.Health matters for calling.Caring for your body is not vanity—it is stewardship. When leaders are healthier, they have more energy, clarity, and capacity to serve others.Leadership requires growth.To continue leading well, we must remain teachable, humble, and willing to keep growing.You do not have to do the math—just do your part.God’s economy does not work like ours. Obedience matters more than trying to control outcomes.About our guest:Pastor Rob Ketterling is the lead pastor of River Valley Church, a multi-campus church based in Minnesota with a heart for local and global missions. He is passionate about helping people know God, grow in community, discover their purpose, andmake an eternal difference. Through the vision of Kingdom Builders, River Valley has mobilized extraordinary generosity to impact communities locally, globally, and future generations.Connect with River Valley Church:To learn more about River Valley Church or Kingdom Builders, visit: rivervalley.org