Essentially You: Empowering You On Your Health & Wellness Journey With Safe, Natural & Effective Solutions

What if the missing piece to your wellness journey wasn’t a supplement or a workout… but light? In this podcast, we’re talking about one of the most underrated tools in health and hormone optimization: red light therapy. Expert in the area, Ari Whitten, joins me to shine light on red light and all the ways it can boost your health and confidence long term. Ari is a bestselling author, a top podcast host, and one of the most trusted voices in the science of energy, mitochondria, and red light therapy. In this episode, we cover: Why red light therapy is a game-changer for women in midlife How it impacts your hormones, sleep, brain, skin, and fat metabolism What most people get completely wrong about red light dosing And how to avoid wasting money on the wrong devices Ari’s here to cut through the wellness noise and deliver the truth—with clarity and science to back it up. Tune in here for a deep dive into all red light therapy can do for you!  Ari Whitten, M.S. Ari Whitten is th

What if those frustrating symptoms you’ve been blaming on aging are actually signs of inflammation you can change?  In this episode, I sit down with expert Dr. Shivani Gupta to unpack how inflammation quietly shows up in perimenopause—and why it’s not something you have to just deal with.  We explore what Ayurvedic medicine is, and how it offers a holistic, intuitive approach to healing inflammation, soothing the gut, and restoring balance as your hormones shift in midlife.  Dr. Shivani offers simple, practical solutions to help your body feel more resilient from the inside out. She also shares how her targeted supplements are designed to support gut ease, hormone balance, and whole-body vitality.  Tune in here to help calm inflammation and feel more at home in your body again! Dr. Shivani Gupta Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner and turmeric researcher who helps women reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and boost energy. Her new book, The Inflammation Code, offers a clear, non-diet plan

Feeling totally unlike yourself in midlife?  Don’t worry– this is a REAL and valid feeling.  In this episode, we dive into the hidden neurological shifts that happen during perimenopause, and how these hormone fluctuations impact your brain, mood, and sense of self.  We explore the mental and emotional realities of this transition— changes that are too often misunderstood or brushed off as something to just deal with.  Rather than pushing through, these brain-based shifts are a clear signal that your body is asking for a new level of support.  I’m breaking down what’s actually happening neurologically and why self-love and proper care matter more than willpower. Tune in here for the most practical ways to support your brain through perimenopause! IN THIS EPISODE How hormone shifts in perimenopause impact you physically and emotionally  Supporting your body in a different way during perimenopause  How perimenopause can be the awakening your body needs  The benefits of my 7- Day Metabol

Aging does NOT have to keep us down. In this episode, join me for a feel-good conversation with the CSO of Berkeley Life– Cathy Eason– all about midlife, hormones, and protecting your heart as you age stronger.  Together, we explore how boosting mitochondrial health and blood flow can radically improve energy, resilience, and overall vitality.  Kathy shares actionable lifestyle strategies to increase nitric oxide production for easing symptoms, plus offers supportive solutions when you need a little extra help during perimenopause and menopause.  We also talk about targeted supplements that support heart health, circulation, mood, sleep, stress response, and neurotransmitters—all in one place.  Tune in here to boost your blood flow, help your heart, and thrive through midlife and beyond!Cathy Eason Cathy Eason is the Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life. She has over 20 years of experience as a functional medicine focused nutritionist, women’s health educator, speaker, and wellness strategist speciali

You can ALWAYS get stronger, no matter your age.  In this episode, I’m joined by muscle-centric medicine expert Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to reframe how you think about your health—starting with muscle.  Life gets busy and chaotic, especially when you’re juggling kids, work, and everything in between. So Dr. Lyon breaks down how to simplify your focus and double down on what truly moves the needle for your health.  At the center of it all? Skeletal muscle– the key driver of metabolic health, strength, and resilience as we age. She explains why protecting and building muscle isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about safeguarding your heart, brain, and long-term vitality.  We’re here to remind you that strength training is really about training for your future self, and it can be easier than you may think. Ready to boost your strength and confidence in midlife? This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Curious how to drink less alcohol, but still make your drinks fun?  Join me in this episode for a refreshing conversation with mocktail expert and holistic nutritionist Blair Horton, who’s on a mission to transform your drinks into a feel-good ritual of self-care. We dive into her new book, Everyday Elixirs, packed with thoughtfully crafted, seasonal, and functional recipes for mocktails and other beverages. Think immunity-boosting citrus, digestion-loving botanicals, anti-inflammatory herbs, and flavors so good you won’t miss the booze! Blair’s philosophy is simple: wellness should be joyful, accessible, and delicious. She walks us through how swapping or reducing alcohol doesn’t have to feel like deprivation—it can actually feel like an upgrade.  Whether you’re winding down after a long day, hosting friends, or proactively supporting your health, Blair shows how a thoughtfully made mocktail can help you feel like the best version of you.  Tune in here! Blair Horton Blair Horton is a holistic nutritio

Feel like hangovers are hitting harder than ever lately?  In this episode, I’m unpacking why alcohol hits differently in perimenopause—and why that glass of wine you used to tolerate now leaves you feeling off for days.  Even long after drinking, alcohol is still disrupting your brain chemistry, slowing your metabolism, and amplifying inflammation throughout your body.  And as women’s alcohol consumption has quietly increased in recent years, understanding these hidden physiological shifts has never been more important.  That’s why I’m breaking down what’s really happening to your body with each sip, especially during midlife hormonal changes.  But don’t worry, I share my top tips for you to detox from alcohol successfully, curb cravings, and feel in charge of your body again. Tune in here to change your relationship with alcohol and feel more like yourself!  IN THIS EPISODE Why alcohol feels like it hits harder in midlife What a detox from alcohol can look like for you  The facts behind a

Ever feel a quiet kind of panic creeping up in midlife? The feeling that even though you’re showing up for everything, you feel empty inside?  This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to live with this feeling forever… better yet, it’s absolutely reversible.  We’re diving into how lifestyle medicine and cellular energy (hello, mitochondria!) are at the epicenter of how you feel, think, and show up every day.  You’ll learn why those mood shifts, energy crashes, and feelings of overwhelm actually make sense — and more importantly, what to do about them.  Then, we’re going back to the basics as I’m sharing my top 10 foundational lifestyle adjustments to help you rebuild energy and vitality without extreme plans or pressure.  If you’re ready to feel like yourself again, start with one simple change and press play — your midlife health reset begins here!  IN THIS EPISODE Navigating the drastic changes in ALL aspects during midlife  What those little powerhouses– the mitochondria– real

Believe it or not, but there is as much cardiovascular risk associated with smoking as there is with the drop in estrogen in perimenopause and menopause.  But don’t worry–  I’ve brought the hilarious, talented, and brilliant Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj onto the podcast to dive into why midlife is a uniquely important—and often overlooked—window for cardiometabolic health, and what you can do about it.  In this entertaining episode, Dr. Bhojraj breaks down why the drop in estrogen matters just as much as traditional risk factors and why so many women’s concerns are missed in conventional care.  We also reframe hormone therapy not as symptom management, but as a powerful tool for optimization, longevity, and long-term heart and metabolic health.  With humor and clarity, this conversation reminds you that you don’t need to overhaul your entire life —small, strategic changes truly add up. Tune in here to learn how to simply and efficiently boost your health, starting with your heart!  Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj Dr. Sanjay

You don’t have to overhaul your life with your New Year's Resolutions. Small habits, when done consistently, can completely change your health trajectory– changing your LIFE.  In today’s episode, I’m flipping the script on midlife health—because you don’t need another restrictive plan or pressure-filled protocol to feel better.  Instead, I’m sharing my top five simple yet powerful habits that can truly shift your energy, metabolism, and mindset in midlife.  These are realistic, supportive practices designed to meet you where you are, not demand more discipline or perfection.  You’ll also hear how you can build real momentum alongside thousands of women in my FREE 7-day Metabolism & Hormone Jumpstart Challenge. In just one week, you can reignite your energy, reset your metabolism, and start feeling like yourself again—without willpower battles or crash diets.  Tune in here for a science-backed, supportive reset that actually works! IN THIS EPISODE Overcoming the post-holiday season fatigue and burnou

Ready for a judgment-free conversation about GLP-1 agonists and what they can truly offer midlife women seeking better energy, metabolic health, and longevity? In this podcast, hormone and nutrition expert Ashley Koff joins me to break down the noise and misinformation around GLP-1s, reframing them as one possible tool—not a magic fix—within a much bigger picture of whole-body health.  Ashley shares how to advocate for yourself as an empowered patient, ask better questions, and partner more effectively with your healthcare provider with confidence.  We also dive into why nutrition and lifestyle are essential foundations for optimizing hormones, whether you’re using GLP-1s or not. Most importantly, we emphasize listening to your body and making informed choices that support long-term vitality.  If you’re curious about GLP-1s and want clear, compassionate guidance for midlife health, this is a must-listen episode! Ashley Koff, RD Ashley Koff is the founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP), the Nutrit

Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a time of massive change.  Because it IS! And with physical and hormonal changes comes the need for a big upgrade to your exercise and wellness routine. That’s why I’ve brought expert Brian Keane onto the podcast to offer insight on optimally evolving your healthy habits to move with you through this wonderful season of life.  We dive into why restriction or an all-or-nothing approach to exercise can completely backfire in perimenopause and what to focus on instead for strength, energy, and longevity.  Brian also shares the most overlooked opportunities for building sustainable, effective wellness habits in midlife.  If you’re ready to lean into this powerful season of life with confidence (and less frustration), this episode is for you! Tune in now.  Brian Keane Brian Keane is a 3x bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, sports nutritionist, and the host of the top podcast, The Brian Keane Podcast. Brian has been a featured speaker at p

At the end of a busy year, you’re probably feeling like you’ve been running on empty while pouring into everyone else.  So in this reflective episode, I invite you to pause and look back on 2025 with honesty and compassion for yourself. Together, we address the exhaustion so many midlife women are carrying and create space for a much-needed reset after a full and demanding year.  You’ll be guided through what truly worked in 2025, what you’re ready to release, and what you want to consciously carry forward as you turn the page.  With a focus on discernment, alignment, and intention—hallmarks of the perimenopausal journey—this episode offers 12 powerful reflection questions to help you find clarity on all you’ve gone through this year.   Tune in to honor how far you’ve come and step into 2026 with renewed confidence and purpose! IN THIS EPISODE Taking what I’ve learned in 2025 into the new year  Discovering what you want to call on in 2026  The benefits of taking time for reflection activit

Feeling totally drained amidst the holiday chaos?  In this episode, I’ll be sharing with you my five practical, no-fluff tips to help you boost your energy and stay grounded during one of the busiest seasons of the year.  Because here’s the truth: burnout does not have to be your baseline, even when your plate is overflowing.  These simple, doable habits are designed to support your hormones, protect your sanity, and help you feel more present—starting right now.  Even better, they’re meant to build momentum that carries you beyond the holidays and straight into 2026 feeling stronger and more energized than ever.  Tune in here for a refreshing reset and real-life strategies you can actually stick with this season and beyond! IN THIS EPISODE My top ways to avoid the holiday burnout  Energy boosting habits for a healthier holiday  Starting your morning routine with an evening routine  How to liven up your daily water intake Supporting yourself with metabolically healthy meals 

Perimenopause and menopause should be a time of possibility—not of decline.  Here to help me dive into this topic is renowned women’s health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd, who shares how this powerful transition invites us to look inward and decide how we want to show up physically, emotionally, and metabolically as we age.  We explore the real hormonal changes happening in midlife and why this season can actually put you back in the driver’s seat of your health and wellbeing.  You’ll hear a refreshing, science-backed perspective on aging that challenges the old narrative, leaving you feeling confident and strong. Plus, you’ll hear our top non-negotiables and lifestyle recommendations to help you feel like your best self.  If you’re ready to redefine what midlife and longevity can look like for you, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to thrive through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond! Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG Dr. Jessica Shepherd is a board-certified OB/GYN, Chief Medical Officer of Hers,

Perimenopause and menopause can bring surprising changes to your brain—making multitasking even harder and emotional overwhelm way more real. That’s why in this episode, women’s health expert Dr. Aviva Romm joins us to break down what’s really happening cognitively in midlife and how these shifts can be a normal, navigable transition.  Together, we’re debunking common perimenopause myths and unpacking how sleep, nutrition, exercise, and daily lifestyle choices can dramatically support your brain power and emotional resilience.  Dr. Romm shares her top practical tools that will help you feel clear, focused, and confident as your body evolves in midlife.  Ready to thrive—not just survive—through midlife and beyond? Tune in now and discover how to support your brain and body so you can step into this next chapter feeling your best! Aviva Romm, MD Dr. Aviva Romm is a Yale-trained family physician, midwife, and herbalist who’s been a leading voice in women’s, maternal, and environmental health for over 35 y

The immune system is a MASSIVE key to your overall health. So what can you do to best support it and truly THRIVE at any age?  In this episode, pioneering functional medicine expert Dr. Jeffrey Bland joins me to explore how immune system rejuvenation can be a game-changer for long-term health. We dive into the idea that food truly is medicine, and how targeted nutrition (while minimizing ultra-processed foods) can help the immune system recover AND strengthen.  Dr. Bland shares exciting insights on immuno-rejuvenation and spotlights an ancient yet “new” superfood—Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat—that’s paving the way for the future of nutrition and longevity. Together, we unpack how chronic stress, inflammation, and poor nutrition quietly tax the body over time, increasing disease risk, and what you can do to interrupt that cycle.  Ready for real healing to occur? Tune into this episode for realistic, practical lifestyle strategies for sleep, stress, and nourishment to help you feel stronger, more resilient,

I’m one of millions of women specifically trying to parent themselves while parenting children… and it can be seriously exhausting. And when childhood trauma still comes back to haunt us in midlife and beyond, life can feel impossible.  That’s why I’ve invited trauma expert Anna Runkle on for this powerful episode to help unpack why so many midlife women are still impacted by old trauma, and how that buried stress shows up in our bodies.  We dive into the hidden ways trauma can lead us to isolate, dysregulate our nervous system, and disrupt key hormones like cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin.  Anna and I break down how this cascade of stress and deregulation can spark inflammation, oxidative stress, blood-sugar swings, and even contribute to autoimmune issues that so many women face.  But most importantly, Anna shares simple, compassionate tools to help regulate your nervous system and finally begin healing the deeper patterns driving overwhelm in midlife.  Ready to feel more grounded in this season of l

Feel like you’re just not yourself mentally in midlife? Trust me, you are absolutely not crazy for wondering what’s going on in your brain.  In this episode, hormone expert Dr. Carrie Jones joins me to unpack the very real brain changes and hormone fluctuations that make midlife feel like a rollercoaster. Dr. Carrie brings refreshing honesty about giving herself grace on the days when her brain simply says “no” and how that compassion is essential for all of us navigating this season of life.  We dive into the midlife “reckoning,” when so many women realize it’s time to reevaluate who they are, what they want, and say goodbye to what no longer serves them.  Together, we explore why midlife can leave you feeling out of whack, how hormones drive these shifts, and what you can do to support your brain with more clarity and ease.  Tune in to feel validated and empowered as you move through this transformative stage of life! Carrie Jones ND, FABNE, MPH Dr. Carrie Jones is an internationally recognized speak

80% of migraine sufferers are women. And I hear way too many women say their doctors brush off their complaints of headaches and migraines, giving no real, lasting solutions.  So that ends here!  I’ve invited the brilliant Dr. Meg Mill on the podcast to unpack the real connection between hormones, histamine, and headaches, especially as it relates to midlife hormonal changes.  You’ll learn the first practical steps—like: balancing blood sugar reducing oxidative stress spotting symptom patterns simplifying food eliminations and choosing the right supplements  —to finally get ahead of chronic migraines. This conversation is all about giving you the clarity, tools, and confidence to support your body instead of suffering in silence.  Tune in to discover the migraine solutions every woman deserves! Dr. Meg Mill Dr. Meg Mill is a leading women's health expert, Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience