When the Migraine Isn’t the Worst Part

So many women living with chronic migraines share the same story. They’re doing everything right. They eat clean, exercise, follow their doctor’s advice… yet the migraines keep coming. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a deeply inspiring conversation about what really happens when you stop chasing quick fixes and start understanding what’s going on beneath the pain. You’ll meet Marie, a woman who once spent half her life in migraine pain (4 to 5 days every week!) despite being healthy, active, and determined to get better. Her transformation began when she stopped trying random tactics and instead joined the Freedom From Migraines Method®, a comprehensive program that connects all the missing pieces of migraine recovery. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why “healthy habits” aren’t always enough when you don’t understand your migraine’s root cause How inflammation, hormones, and nervous system stress can silently keep migraines active What makes the Freedom From Migraines Method® different from one-size-fits-all therapies The mindset shift that helped Marie move from feeling helpless to feeling in control again How understanding your body’s unique patterns is the real key to long-term relief Marie’s transformation started with one simple step: taking her migraine assessment and having it reviewed by a Migraine Freedom Expert. That’s exactly where your journey begins, too. 👉 Book Your Migraine Breakthrough Call Here On this call, we will review your assessment, uncover what’s really driving your migraines, and map out a personalized next-step plan so you can finally move toward lasting relief. Don’t wait for your next migraine to bring you to your knees. Take the first step toward freedom today.   Resources & Links Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.   

Tried everything for migraines - meds, diets, gadgets - but still struggling? You’re not alone. Most women I work with feel like they’ve “done it all” when it comes to their migraines. From medications and Botox to elimination diets and gadgets, maybe you’ve found a little relief here and there, but nothing that truly lasts. It’s not that you’re not trying hard enough. It’s that you’ve never had all three parts of your inflammation network addressed at the same time. That’s the missing piece. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my 3-step process for calming your inflammation network, decoding your genetics, and finally achieving lasting migraine freedom. What the inflammation network really is, and how it keeps your body stuck in survival mode. How to uncover the Six Keys of inflammation (electrolytes, nutrition, mindset, toxicity, circadian rhythm, movement). The hidden chronic drivers, like autoimmune issues, gut imbalances, hidden allergies, or medication overuse headaches, that keep your system in overdrive. How decoding your genetics reveals the way your body processes nutrients, balances hormones, and clears toxins. Why you may have tried one or two pieces of this puzzle before, but never had all three areas working together. Migraines don’t persist because you’re doing something wrong. They persist because you’ve only been tackling one slice of the puzzle. When we calm all three areas: Inducers, Chronic Drivers, and Genetics, the system quiets down.  And when the system quiets down? Migraines lose their grip.   Resources & Links Join me for a free live training: Why Every Pill, Diet, and Gadget Stops Working—And The #1 Root Cause No One Told You About 📅 October 8th at 6:30 pm ET 🔗 Save your seat here Don’t give up hope. Migraine freedom is possible—and I’ll show you how   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

We spend so much time analyzing migraine symptoms — tracking every twinge, researching why pain moves from one side of the head to the other, trying another pill, another article, another “fix.” But have you ever stopped to look at the emotional toll migraines are taking on your life? In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden cost of migraines: the anxiety, depression, numbness, anger, and skepticism that weigh you down just as much as the pain itself. I’ll walk you through: Why it’s natural to obsess over pain — and why that obsession keeps you stuck How the constant stress of “fight or flight” fuels chronic inflammation (and migraines) The real stories of women who thought mindfulness “wasn’t their jam” — and what shifted for them Why society’s push-through mentality is making you sicker, not stronger How emotional health connects directly to sleep, energy, and even your physical pain Migraines don’t just live in your head — they live in your whole body. And until you address the emotional exhaustion, you’ll keep fighting an uphill battle. Inside the Freedom From Migraines Method®, we don’t skip this step. With a mindfulness coach and a dedicated NeuroRewire course, you’ll finally have the tools to calm your stress response and lower the inflammation driving your pain.   Resources & Links Learn more about the Freedom From Migraines Method® → Click here! Learn more about the webinar → Sign up here!   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.

If you’ve tried everything for migraines—medications, diets, massages—yet nothing seems to change, you’re not imagining it. That cycle of trial-and-error is exactly what keeps so many women stuck. In this episode, I’m sharing Lisa’s story. Her migraines became chronic almost every day during perimenopause, leaving her exhausted and frustrated. But when she found the Freedom From Migraines Method®, everything shifted. By addressing the root causes—chronic inflammation and a dysregulated nervous system—Lisa broke free from daily pain and reclaimed her life. If you’ve been doing “all the right things” but still feel stuck, Lisa’s story will show you what’s possible when you move beyond symptom-chasing and start lowering your migraine threshold. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why migraines aren’t caused by one thing, but by many small stressors that push you past your threshold How calming your nervous system and reducing hidden triggers lowers daily pain The simple steps Lisa used to stop living with chronic migraines and reclaim her energy Why structure and support matter more than trial-and-error fixes How you can start mapping out your own migraine threshold today Your migraines don’t define you—and with the right approach, freedom is closer than you think.   Resources:  Free Inflammation Guide What if your migraines are really your body’s alarm system stuck on repeat? Hormones, gut issues, food, genetics, and stress all fuel inflammation that keeps you in pain. Download The 6 Inflammation Pathways Fueling Your Migraine Pain to uncover your triggers and take the first step toward freedom. Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Group New to this journey? Start here. Join our free community of women who truly get it, and are walking the path to pain-free living with you.   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

If you’ve ever felt like you’re managing migraines with band-aid fixes - pills, Botox, or quick solutions - you’re not imagining it. That’s the standard advice most women receive. But the truth is, your gut holds one of the most overlooked root causes of migraine chaos. In this empowering episode, I’m bringing together everything we’ve covered in the Gut Health Series to show you how real, lasting breakthroughs happen when you finally support your gut. From clearer skin and better sleep to balanced moods and fewer migraines, the ripple effects go far beyond digestion. And to make it real, I’m sharing Beth’s story. She went from feeling exhausted, battling constipation and diarrhea, and living with relentless migraines… to becoming migraine-free and thriving. Not by chance, but by following a system that helped her rebuild her health step by step. If you’ve been doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, this episode will help you see what’s been missing and how to finally create change that lasts. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why gut balance is the foundation for lowering your migraine threshold How simple daily actions - like hydration, food swaps, and detox support - add up to transformation The importance of structure and support so you don’t waste years in trial-and-error Real-life success stories from women who reclaimed their lives through the Freedom From Migraines Method® How to take the next step with your own Gut Health Action Plan Because migraines don’t get better by chance. They get better by change.   Resources:  Beth’s Story Meet Beth and hear her story firsthand. In this YouTube video, she shares how she finally found freedom from migraines, despite nothing else working. Freedom From Migraines Method® Membership Get ongoing expert support, education, and step-by-step guidance to help you eliminate migraines at the root cause. Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Group New to this journey? Start here. Join our free community of women who truly get it, and are walking the path to pain-free living with you. Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by doing all the “right things” and still living under the weight of migraines, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode of the Gut Series, I’m pulling back the curtain on why quick fixes don’t deliver lasting relief, and what actually does. Social media is flooded with powders, potions, and “miracle” supplements, but real transformation comes from addressing the basics that support your gut day after day. And that’s exactly what you’ll learn today. I’m walking you through three simple, sustainable habits that one of our Freedom From Migraines Method® members, Beth, used to transform her gut health and loosen migraine’s grip on her life. These aren’t flashy. They’re not complicated. But they work.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Why short-term hacks don’t create lasting migraine freedom How to hydrate smarter (and why it’s more than just “drink more water”) The surprising power of castor oil packs to calm inflammation Why cutting back on ultra-processed foods gives your gut the reset it’s been begging for The lifestyle factors, like sleep and stress, that make or break your healing Healing your gut isn’t about doing everything all at once. It’s about stacking small wins that add up to lasting change.   Resources:  Ready for more support?  If this Gut Series has been helpful, imagine what five focused days could do for you. Join us for the 5 Days to Migraine Freedom™ Virtual Retreat: 📅 September 8–12, 2025 🌐 A powerful online experience where you’ll learn practical, lasting tools to finally break free from migraine pain ✨ Elevate your results + receive access to the LIVE Workshop, The Electrolyte Solutions, with a VIP pass for just $45 👉 Click here to reserve your spot today! Your healing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or lonely. Let’s take this next step together.   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

If you’ve ever brushed off bloating, constipation, or “bathroom struggles” as just part of life… this episode is going to change how you see your gut and your migraines forever. So many women accept going to the bathroom only a few times a week, needing endless wipes, or feeling constantly gassy as normal. However, these are actually signs that your body isn’t functioning properly. And those signals may be fueling your migraines more than you realize. In this eye-opening episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why gut health is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) levers in the journey to migraine freedom. After helping thousands of women through the Freedom From Migraines Method®, I’ve seen again and again how healing digestion changes everything.   In this episode, you’ll learn: What healthy bowel habits really look like (and why most women have been told the wrong thing) The three biggest culprits behind poor gut health - toxins, stress, and lifestyle habits - and how they trigger migraines Why emotional stress and “holding it all in” can inflame your gut as much as your food choices The everyday tweaks that can turn your bathroom habits into a secret weapon for healing Beth’s inspiring story of going from “doctor says it’s fine” constipation to daily elimination and a migraine-free life If you’ve been searching for the missing link in your healing, it might be time to start with your gut. This episode will give you the clarity and practical steps to start transforming both your digestion and your migraines.   Resources:  Join the 5 Days to Migraine Freedom™ Virtual Retreat Want more support as you put this into action? Join me for the 5 Days to Migraine Freedom™ Virtual Retreat, happening September 8–12. Over five days, I’ll guide you through simple, practical tools and life-changing insights so you can finally start breaking free from migraine pain.  Reserve your spot here!   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.

Over the next four weeks, we’re diving into a connection most people never think about: the link between your gut health and migraines. If you’ve ever shrugged off constipation, bloating, or “just not going regularly” as normal, this series will be an eye-opener. Your gut is your body’s highway for removing toxins. When it’s backed up or out of balance, the “traffic jam” can set off a cascade of inflammation that triggers migraines. In the first episode of this series, I’ll walk you through: Why your bathroom habits are a telltale sign of what’s happening in your gut What’s normal when it comes to elimination (spoiler: it’s not 3 wipes and a rabbit pellet) How gut dysfunction could be fueling your migraine attacks Simple signs your stool is sending you every day, and how to read them 👉 By the end of this four-week series, you’ll understand the gut–migraine connection like never before and know exactly what steps to take to support migraine freedom. Tune in to part one today!   Resources:  ✨ Ready to stop chasing quick fixes? Join me for Disconnect from the Pain, Reconnect with Life: A Virtual Retreat to Reset, happening the week of September 8th.  From the comfort of your home, you’ll learn research-backed steps to lower inflammation, ease chronic pain, and finally start living migraine-free. Register here! Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/ Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

Last week, I had a conversation that really stuck with me. A woman was excitedly telling me about the thousands she’s saving for her dream trip abroad… yet minutes earlier, she admitted she wasn’t willing to invest in support for her chronic migraines, PCOS, gut issues, or exhaustion because it felt like “too much right now.” This is a pattern I see all the time, and one I lived by myself. We’ll spend freely on phones, vacations, and daily “little” expenses, yet hesitate when it comes to truly investing in our health. But the hidden costs of not addressing the root cause of our symptoms add up fast financially, physically, and emotionally. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about: The “hidden health tab” you might be paying for without even realizing it Why small, constant health spending can easily surpass the cost of real solutions How cultural conditioning and quick-fix thinking keep us from long-term health investment The research showing how migraine support can save you thousands in lost productivity and medical costs How to reframe health spending as an investment in your future, not an optional splurge If you’ve been putting your health on the back burner because it doesn’t feel urgent, or because you’ve convinced yourself it’s “too much”, this episode will challenge how you see your budget, your priorities, and your future self.   Resources:  Ready to stop the cycle of symptom management and finally get to the root cause of your migraines?  The Freedom From Migraines Method® Membership is your step-by-step path to long-term relief, deeper healing, and a life that’s no longer controlled by migraine attacks. Click here to join and start your migraine freedom journey today. Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

In today’s Q&A episode, I’m answering a powerful question from Marie, who wrote in to share that after a head injury, her doctor told her she’ll always have migraines. She’s tried medication after medication with no real relief and doesn’t know what to do next. Marie, if you’re listening, you are not alone. And if you’ve ever been told something similar, this episode is for you. Just because you’ve been told there’s no hope doesn’t make it true. I’m not here to dismiss doctors, but most traditional practitioners aren’t trained in nutrition or functional medicine, and that can leave huge gaps when it comes to chronic conditions like migraines.   In this episode, I’m sharing: Why Western and Eastern medicine both matter—but need to be used differently What an inflammatory network breakdown is (and how it ties into chronic migraines) Why even a 30–50% improvement in your migraines could completely change your life And how all-or-nothing thinking might be holding you back from real progress I’ve seen it happen too many times to count: women who thought they were “stuck” with migraines find relief, sometimes dramatic, sometimes gradual, but always worth it. So let me ask you: What would 15 pain-free days a month mean to you? Because that’s not out of reach. In fact, it might just be the beginning. Resources: Ready for Support? Whether your migraines started after a head injury or the root cause just isn’t clear yet - click here to learn more about the Freedom From Migraines® Membership. Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/ Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.