Integrative Women's Health Podcast

“Most programs teach you the textbook cases. We teach you the real ones.” – Dr. Jessica DrummondThere’s no such thing as a routine menopause client. Every woman brings her own history, from autoimmune disease to migraines, chronic pain, medical gaslighting, and more. That makes midlife care complex. And yet most training programs only cover basic scenarios, which don’t help us in the real world, where things are complex and interconnected.This is exactly where the opportunity lies. By becoming a practitioner who can confidently navigate complexity, you set yourself apart in one of the fastest-growing areas of women’s health. With 6,000 women entering menopause every single day in the U.S. alone, demand is exploding. Midlife women want and deserve providers who can integrate nervous system regulation, functional nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-based coaching into personalized care plans.In this episode, I’m breaking down the three pillars every practitioner needs to thrive in the realm of perimenopause and menopause: in-depth education grounded in the Confidence in Complexity framework, practical business training and career optimization, and weekly expert coaching to keep you supported and accountable. You’ll learn why these skills are essential for both client outcomes and practitioner sustainability, and how to create a practice model that offers flexibility, financial stability, and deep professional fulfillment.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/how-practitioners-become-experts-in-perimenopause-and-menopause-care/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“By addressing my nervous system, which also helped me heal my long COVID, I really healed my sleep.” - Chantal TraubSleep isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation of brain health, nervous system regulation, and the resilience we need to thrive in midlife.So many practitioners arrive in perimenopause already burned out and sleep-deprived from years of on-call shifts, raising kids, caregiving, or simply pushing through exhaustion. By the time we reach midlife, even the most dedicated providers might feel like they’re running on fumes. Restoring your sleep isn’t just about getting more rest. It can completely transform your health and the way you show up for your family, clients, and yourself.Today, I’m joined by Chantal Traub, doula turned perimenopause and menopause coach, and a graduate of our Integrative Women’s Health Institute programs. Chantal shares her journey from decades of burnout and insomnia to finally sleeping 7–10 hours a night and building a career that supports both her health and her family.For health and wellness professionals, Chantal’s story is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to sacrifice our well-being to support our clients and patients. Setting boundaries, prioritizing nervous system regulation, and redesigning your career for flexibility are essential skills for building a sustainable practice that’s flexible, fulfilling, and deeply impactful.In this episode, Chantal and I discuss her path from birth work to menopause coaching, the role of nervous system regulation in overcoming long COVID and chronic insomnia, how she helps clients navigate frozen shoulder, brain fog, and weight gain in midlife, and why curiosity, empathy, and accountability are the most underrated tools in coaching, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/how-to-transform-your-womens-health-practice-to-have-the-flexibility-you-desire-and-get-great-sleep-with-chantal-traub/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“These women aren’t just dealing with an injury. They’re living in a low-estrogen environment that changes everything about healing.”Musculoskeletal pain in midlife is often misdiagnosed. A woman presents with widespread joint pain, poor sleep, and fatigue, and she’s given a stack of prescriptions that never get to the root cause. But in perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen and progesterone fundamentally change how muscles, tendons, and bones repair and recover, and without that context, practitioners can unintentionally overlook one of the most important drivers of their clients’ pain.For us as women’s health practitioners, this is a call to rethink the way we approach musculoskeletal pain in women over 40. Recognizing the hormonal-musculoskeletal connection allows us to shift from chasing symptoms to addressing root causes with confidence.In today’s episode, I’m sharing a case study of a 51-year-old client navigating widespread musculoskeletal pain, poor sleep, osteopenia, and perimenopause. Using our updated MAPS framework and seven-step system from the Perimenopause and Menopause Certificate Program, I break down how to integrate hormone health, nervous system regulation, nutrition, mitochondrial support, and strength training into a comprehensive care plan.I’m sharing why estrogen and progesterone matter for joint and bone health, how to avoid the downward spiral of polypharmacy, practical strategies to help clients recover at a sustainable pace, and how to use integrative tools to help your clients thrive.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/new-approach-to-musculoskeletal-pain-in-menopause-with-dr-jessica-drummond/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Perimenopause can amplify and unmask complex chronic illnesses that were hiding in the background.” – Dr. Jessica DrummondWhen we skip the chronic illness conversation with our midlife clients and patients and go straight to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), we miss helping women feel fully well and stay well into their later years. While HRT can be an important tool, it’s not the whole story.For the majority of women, the perimenopause transition overlaps with complex chronic illnesses like endometriosis, autoimmune disease, or long COVID, that can flare or appear for the first time in midlife. If we only address hormones, we miss the root causes of symptoms. These women need more than quick fixes and generic protocols. They need skilled providers who can integrate functional nutrition, nervous system regulation, personalized coaching, and chronic illness management into a holistic care plan.In this episode, we’re doing things a little differently. I’m being interviewed by my friend, Marnie Glavin of Pelvic Health Support, to discuss why midlife is such an important time for us as women's health and wellness practitioners, the intersection between perimenopause and chronic illness, how we can help clients to develop their longevity plan, the tools and skills required to support this underserved population, and how we can empower women going through the transition.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/navigating-perimenopause-and-complex-chronic-illness-with-dr-jessica-drummond-interviewed-by-marnie-glavin/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Being a holistic practitioner is about focusing on the individual, not protocols.” – Carly NadineSo many of our clients come to us carrying complex histories, whether it’s years of period pain, medical gaslighting, trauma, chronic infections, or a sense of not being heard. By the time they reach midlife, we have to adopt a different approach. True healing requires slowing down, holding space, and co-creating solutions that meet each woman where she is.For practitioners, this is a powerful reminder that we can’t lean solely on labs, supplements, or even functional medicine protocols. We must develop the skills of listening deeply, integrating nervous system regulation, and empowering our clients to take ownership of their healing journey.Today, I’m joined by Carly Nadine McConkey, certified holistic nutritionist, clinical herbalist, and graduate of our Perimenopause and Menopause Certificate Program. Carly shares her journey from being placed on birth control before her first period to becoming a trauma-informed practitioner who blends functional nutrition, herbal medicine, and coaching.In this episode, Carly and I discuss her growth mindset, how she overcame imposter syndrome, the value of group coaching support, why integrative practitioners must be comfortable with both evidence and the unknowns, why we must develop our coaching skills for our clients in perimenopause, our role in educating clients on their treatment options, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let’s innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/the-importance-of-developing-your-coaching-skills-in-functional-nutrition-and-perimenopause-with-carley-nadine/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“My limiting belief told me I was limited in the outpatient world. But the truth is, I was already several steps ahead of most people, and that’s enough.” - Dr. Amanda ThompsonBurnout is everywhere in healthcare right now. Productivity standards are climbing, providers are stretched to their limits, and rural areas in particular are left patching together care with minimal resources. For many practitioners, the dream of doing integrative, patient-centered work is in their grasp, but imposter syndrome keeps them small. This is your call to action because your help is desperately needed.Physical therapists, OTs, dietitians, nurses, and other allied health professionals are uniquely positioned to transform care in rural and underserved areas. By stepping outside the narrow definitions of rehab and embracing coaching, nutrition, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle medicine, we can become the cornerstones of our clients’ health teams. When we lead with active listening and root-cause thinking, we’re not just treating symptoms, we’re empowering whole people.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Amanda Thompson, a physical therapist and women’s health coach who went from rural hospital burnout to founding Rooted Physical Therapy, her thriving ortho-pelvic PT clinic in North Texas. Along her journey, Amanda has overcome her limiting beliefs to build a functional and integrative practice in a rural setting.In this conversation, Amanda and I discuss how her own experiences with fertility struggles, perimenopause, and parenting shaped her clinical approach, how rural practitioners can leverage their “jack of all trades” skills to create lasting impact, the role of active listening in patient care, why pelvic health can’t be siloed from nutrition or mental health, how to reframe imposter syndrome into confidence, and more.If you feel held back by burnout or the fear that you don’t know enough, Amanda’s story is an inspiring blueprint of how to break through. Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/overcoming-impostor-syndrome-to-founding-a-highly-successful-rural-womens-practice-with-dr-amanda-thompson-pt-whc/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“I can’t just treat a knee or a shoulder; if I really want to make progress with people and they're not sleeping well or they're not eating well, I'm not getting anywhere with them.” – Megan WellsTrue healing requires a full-body, holistic approach. Especially in this continuing COVID world, many of our clients come to us struggling with conditions like chronic pain, fatigue, dysautonomia, or autoimmune issues, often all at once. Managing that successfully means nervous system regulation, nutrition, sleep, social support, and helping them define what enjoying life really looks like.This shift in perspective has the potential to transform the field for physical therapists and other practitioners who are already spending more time with their patients and clients. By stepping beyond the narrow scope of rehab, we can become cornerstones of our clients’ health teams. Using the time we have with them week by week, we can help our clients not only improve their knee pain but also their entire quality of life.Today I’m joined by Dr. Megan Wells to talk about expanding the practice of physical therapy and working with people with complex chronic illness. Megan is the founder of Enjoy Life Physical Therapy and a graduate of the Integrative Women’s Health Institute who has expanded her practice in a way that empowers her clients through a root-cause model that considers nervous system regulation at its core.In this episode, Megan and I discuss how physical therapy is evolving to address complex chronic illnesses in women, why we need an integrative, holistic approach, Megan’s journey from traditional physical therapy, the importance of patient-centered care, how we can empower clients to make sustainable changes, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/how-integrative-womens-health-education-can-help-your-physical-therapy-patients-enjoy-life-more-with-dr-megan-wells/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Mental health and physical health can’t be separated.” – Julie CardozaFor many women, the first signs of perimenopause aren’t hot flashes or irregular cycles; they’re mental health changes like anxiety, burnout, irritability, and brain fog. In the conventional medical system, these symptoms are often treated in isolation, without anyone connecting the dots between hormonal shifts, nervous system regulation, and the overall health picture. This is where mental health professionals have a huge opportunity to step in and make a difference.By asking the right questions and being willing to listen without rushing to “fix,” you can uncover the physiological changes that may be contributing to your clients’ mental and emotional symptoms. The reality is that up to 85% of women in midlife are also dealing with other chronic conditions like pain, fatigue, dysautonomia, or gut issues, all of which can impact mental health. Understanding these mind-body connections is key to providing effective, compassionate, and comprehensive care.Today, I’m joined by Julie Cardoza, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, a Polyvagal Theory Specialist, and a graduate of our Perimenopause and Menopause Coaching program. Julie integrates trauma-informed mental health care with holistic menopause support, helping clients feel truly heard while taking a holistic approach to their health.In this episode, Julie and I discuss the intersection of mental health and women’s health during perimenopause and menopause, the importance of integrating hormonal health knowledge into clinical practice, recognizing mind-body connections, providing holistic, trauma-informed care, Julie’s RADIANT framework, why we need more interdisciplinary collaboration, how we can better support women navigating their midlife transitions, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/why-we-need-more-perimenopause-professionals-in-mental-health-with-julie-cardoza-ms-lmft-and-iwhi-graduate/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“When we are so restricted and tied to all the things we have to do, we're not actually supporting longevity.” - Andrea NakayamaHealth practitioners and clients are often looking for the same thing: the “right” tools and protocols for women in perimenopause and beyond. Social media tells women they should be taking hormones, eating lots of protein, and powerlifting, and the conversation gets reduced to macros, lab numbers, and one-size-fits-all solutions while ignoring the emotional, physiological, and cultural shifts that happen in midlife. The result? Clients feel like they’re doing everything “right” and still not getting better.If we want to support our clients’ longevity and quality of life, we have to shift this way of thinking. To truly support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond, we need a framework that is centered around personalized care. One that considers conventional medical interventions as part of a bigger whole that involves all the systems of the body. Longevity isn’t just about living longer, it’s about living with meaning, connection, and joy.Today, I’m joined by Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator Andrea Nakayama. Andrea is a brilliant thinker, and I love how she puts things structurally into alignment to help with clinical decision-making and giving structure to challenging conversations.In this conversation, Andrea and I explore the unique challenges women face in midlife and beyond, why there’s no one-size-fits-all protocol for perimenopause and post-menopause, the role of hormone therapy, how Andrea applies the functional medicine matrix, why our clients need personalized, trauma-informed, and holistic approaches, why we need to pay attention to nervous system regulation, redefining identity and purpose as we age, how we can support our clients on their health and longevity journeys, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/whats-missing-from-the-conversation-on-longevity-with-andrea-nakayama/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“One rich relationship is more valuable than a hundred casual connections.” - Selena SooAs health and wellness professionals, our work is built on connection. Whether it's with our clients, referral partners, or fellow practitioners, relationships are at the core of everything we do. Unfortunately, when it comes to growing our businesses, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on growing our networks instead of deepening them.Rich relationships aren’t about being everywhere or knowing the most influential people. They’re about surrounding yourself with people who energize you, believe in your work, and genuinely want to see you succeed. When you’re clear on who those people are and how to intentionally and authentically nurture those connections, building your network becomes much more sustainable.Today I’m joined by Selena Soo, a long-time friend of mine who is an expert in marketing and public relations. Her real superpower is building relationships, both business and personal. We all go through seasons in our lives where we don't have time to keep up our relationships and lose track of people. Selena is here to help us understand how to navigate these seasons and build a network that’s rooted in generosity.In this episode, Selena and I discuss practical frameworks for cultivating meaningful, supportive connections both business and personal, the keys to building an authentic network, how to confidently ask for support, the mindset shifts needed to develop abundant, aligned relationships, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/rich-relationships-how-to-create-a-million-dollar-network-authentically-with-selena-soo/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

*This episode is sponsored by Osteoboost*“The most important thing for fractures is to prevent them.” - Laura YeciesOsteoporotic fractures are one of the biggest threats to women’s quality of life as we age, and as practitioners, we’re in the perfect position to help our clients take action before it’s too late. Where cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, dementia and hip fractures steal their quality of life. Prevention doesn’t start at 65, it starts in midlife or earlier.Bone loss can happen silently for years, especially in women with low estrogen, a family history of osteoporosis, or even after a single COVID infection. By the time a client is diagnosed, the window for prevention is already closing. This is why it’s so critical for practitioners to understand all the tools available, from strength training and nutrition to innovative tech that targets bone density and quality.Today, I’m excited to be joined by Laura Yecies, CEO of Osteoboost, to explore an FDA-approved vibration therapy device designed to strengthen bones and help prevent fractures. We discuss the science behind Osteoboost, its role in a holistic protocol that incorporates nutrition, strength training, and hormone support, and why it’s never too early to start supporting your bone health.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/innovations-in-osteoporosis-care-with-ceo-of-osteoboost-laura-yecies/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“It’s important to take a holistic approach to a person’s fertility.” – Liane MocciaOur clients’ fertility journeys are about much more than getting pregnant. They’re navigating stress, nervous system imbalances, environmental toxins, and often a healthcare system that doesn’t consider these factors. On top of that, many times the focus is solely on the female partner, despite the fact that male fertility plays a significant role in pregnancy success and healthy outcomes.As functional and integrative health and wellness practitioners, we have the opportunity to support our clients with a broader range of tools to not only help them conceive but also have a healthy pregnancy, an easier delivery, and a smooth postpartum recovery period.Today, I’m joined by Liane Moccia, a Registered Clinical Herbalist who specializes in fertility and preconception planning. Herbalism is a valuable and accessible tool that complements nutrition and lifestyle medicine, taking their effectiveness to the next level. Liane works with clients to combine herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes with a clear plan to help optimize their fertility.In this conversation, Liane and I discuss how to use herbs to support menstrual health and optimize fertility for both partners, what it looks like to nurture clients through pregnancy and postpartum, insights on male factor infertility, how to integrate herbal recommendations safely, why personalizing protocols is key to success, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let’s innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/herbalism-for-fertility-for-women-and-men-with-liane-moccia/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

[TRIGGER WARNING: Sensitive topics, including suicide]“Our thoughts drive our nervous system, and when you’re in a sympathetic state, it’s very difficult to achieve true healing.” - Dr. Christina BjorndalDiet and lifestyle are crucial elements of our overall health and well-being, but we have to consider that they’re part of a larger puzzle.  While you can help your clients make significant progress by focusing solely on the physical level, real, lasting change only comes when you start to incorporate the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.Fewer and fewer people have the support and resources they need to be able to recover from mental health struggles. As health and wellness professionals, this is where we can really be of service. We need to start leaning into creating spaces for human connection. It's an essential part of medicine. By holding space and allowing your clients to feel, you are a form of medicine for them.Today, I’m joined by naturopathic physician Dr. Christina Bjorndal to further explore the connection between mind-body medicine and mental health. Dr. Bjorndal not only works with patients with mental health diagnoses, but she has also dealt with severe mental health challenges herself, which ultimately led her to discover the power of a holistic approach to healing.In this conversation, Dr. Bjorndal and I discuss her journey from corporate executive to naturopathic physician, the severe mental health challenges she faced, integrating mind, body, and spirit in healing, the power of community and recognizing love, how to start taking small steps in recovery, the role of movement and human connection in overcoming depression, why we need holistic approaches to supporting mental health and well-being, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/how-to-support-your-clients-with-depression-and-anxiety-with-dr-christina-bjorndal/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

For many women, perimenopause comes with confusing symptoms that can’t seem to be explained and changes to your body that can feel like you’re losing control. Right now, only 4-6% of women in the US are receiving adequate medical menopause care, leaving the vast majority unsupported and confused about what’s happening with their bodies.This is where today’s guest, Stephanie Shaw, found herself in early perimenopause. When a series of worrying symptoms led to multiple ER and specialist visits, massive medical bills, and no solution, she realized she had to take control of her health journey. That was the start of her shift into becoming a passionate menopause advocate, speaker, and podcast producer, who is now supporting women in the menopause transition and beyond.In this conversation, Stephanie and I discuss the difficulties women face with navigating menopause in conventional medicine, challenges that women of color experience disproportionately, the critical role of care coordination, how health coaches can help clients step into the role of leading their health team, the power of layering sustainable changes over time, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/hello-hot-flash-with-stephanie-shaw/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“A health coach is somebody who truly hears you and can help you navigate through this increasingly complex medical system.” - Dr. Sandra ScheinbaumHealth coaches can’t replace medical doctors. When it comes to acute care, you need a doctor, not a coach. But what happens when you get discharged? For many patients, a health crisis comes with the need to make lifestyle changes to shift the underlying causes of their conditions. Unfortunately, research shows that people struggle with taking one medication consistently, much less implementing long-term changes.That’s where health coaches are critical. They don't diagnose or treat patients but instead focus on empowering clients to initiate and sustain the necessary shifts to achieve overall well-being and reach their life goals. Having that type of relationship and support can be very therapeutic.Today, I’m introducing you to Sandra Scheinbaum, the founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. Sandra and I have a very similar mission of integrating health coaching with the traditional healthcare system, and she just published a brand new book called Your Health Coach Will See You Now. Sandy has a special interest in implementing health coaching within primary care, and she’s doing a lot of advocacy work to make it happen.In today’s episode, Sandra and I discuss the vital role of health coaches in the modern healthcare landscape, how health coaches can help to support clients in the face of physician shortages, Sandra’s journey into health coach training, how coaches empower clients to make sustainable changes, evolving ways that health coaches can integrate into the existing models of healthcare services, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/your-health-coach-will-see-you-now-with-dr-sandra-scheinbaum-ph-d/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“People make choices and they pay for what they value.” - Rachel Braun ScherlAs practitioners, it often feels like we’re being pulled in many different directions. You're seeing clients, managing operations, creating content, and still wondering how to reach more people and make your practice sustainable without burning out. At the same time, the conventional healthcare system continues to miss the whole picture with women’s health, leaving individual providers and patients to fill in the gaps.While both the medical and business worlds continue to undervalue women's health, there’s a strong business case for building these practices, whether it’s primary care, one-on-one health coaching, or larger companies thinking about apps and products. The key is that whichever path we choose, we need to approach our women’s health practices not just with compassion but with strategy. That means tracking outcomes, measuring what matters, and learning how to communicate the value of integrative care in a crowded and often confusing market.Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Rachel Braun Scherl, who has over 30 years of experience as a business builder and marketing strategist. She approaches this with an MBA mindset that can be game-changing when you’re thinking about growing your women’s health business. From supporting solo practices to advising venture-backed startups, Rachel helps practitioners and founders think like business owners.In today’s episode, Rachel and I discuss how to integrate business strategies with clinical expertise, understanding target audiences, the importance of tracking patient outcomes, trends in women’s health, the impact of telehealth, the need for holistic, personalized care, empowering women through education and data-driven approaches, what is needed to support sustainable growth and improved patient outcomes, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/what-market-trends-in-womens-health-do-you-need-to-know-with-rachel-braun-scherl/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Many women don't have the information they need to understand what's going on with their hormones.” - Kate WellsWhile the conversation around menopause and hormone therapy has progressed significantly in recent years, many women remain unaware of their options and lack access to practitioners who can guide them through these transitions. When you add the fact that many of the symptoms associated with these hormone changes are still highly stigmatized, it’s no wonder women are left feeling isolated and uncertain.The good news is that more practitioners and companies are changing the way they approach women's health. Expanding their focus beyond efficacy, they’re building a more engaging and empowering experience for their customers.Today, I’m excited to introduce you to someone who’s doing just that - menopause advocate and self-proclaimed biochem nerd, Kate Wells. Recognizing the need for more education on and access to hormone therapies, Kate and Kirsti Hegg founded Parlor Games. Being a clinician and a businesswoman can be hard, and Kate has been able to successfully meld the two and pursue a new purpose, starting in midlife.In this conversation, Kate and I discuss why so many women are finding themselves on a new path after 50, her journey in creating accessible hormone products, the challenges of educating women about hormonal health, the significance of community support, what to think about when choosing over-the-counter hormone therapies, why practitioner guidance is important, common misconceptions about estrogen, why Kate is passionate about the educational aspect of Parlor Games, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/what-are-bioidentical-hormones-with-kate-wells/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Until we address our entire environment and culture, I think we're going to keep seeing complex chronic illnesses on the rise.” - Shefaly RavulaOverall health begins in the gut, and many of our clients dealing with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain also struggle with gut health challenges that can significantly impact their quality of life. Optimizing their gut health requires us to expand our focus beyond diet and take a root cause approach that explores emotional and physiological factors, like nervous system regulation, environmental toxins, and movement.As health coaches, we’re in the best position to help our clients navigate their health challenges with a whole-body approach. We can empower patients in ways conventional GI often misses, like reconnecting with food and transforming it from a source of fear into a source of joy and nourishment. Shifts like this not only result in better nutrition but also support the nervous system and nurture the emotional aspects essential for long-term healing.Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Shefaly Ravula, a physician assistant specializing in gut health. For those of us in women’s pelvic health, it’s important for us to connect with colleagues in GI health, like Shefaly, who has a unique approach that integrates her conventional background with functional medicine, culinary medicine, and herbal medicine.In this conversation, Shefaly and I discuss the critical link between gut health and overall health, the overlap for many clients between conditions like endometriosis and gut imbalances, Shefaly’s journey into functional medicine, why a personalized approach to gut healing is crucial, the importance of nutrition and stress management, why a positive relationship with food matters, strategies for combining medical, emotional, and lifestyle factors to achieve overall wellness, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/functional-medicine-precision-health-culinary-nutrition-with-shefaly-ravula-pa-c/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“About 24% of the population has susceptible genetics for chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).” - Jenny JohnsonHealth and illness are not binary. A healthy person can become sick in no time, and vice versa. Ultimately, health is a continuum on which, no matter how you’re feeling, there are small steps you can take to improve. The foundations of health are not supplements and medications, although they have their place. Rather, it’s the things like mindfulness, movement, nutrition, and sleep that we rarely give the weight they deserve.Making the necessary changes to strengthen this foundation can be overwhelming, and navigating the process of getting healthy from complex chronic illness is difficult and often distances our clients from their goals and their vision for their lives. As coaches, we have the capacity to step into a role with them where we can be the person on their health team who gives them the hope they need on their recovery journey.Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Jenny Johnson, a fellow physical therapist and health coach who has special expertise in CIRS. If you like working with complexity, this is a really interesting subspecialty. Jenny has a unique and essential role in the environmental health space that I think you’ll find inspiring.In this conversation, Jenny and I discuss chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), risk factors and triggers, how it affects families, Jenny’s experience with CIRS, reducing your exposure to biotoxins, the role of functional medicine, practical strategies for managing CIRS, why lifestyle factors are critical even when genetic predispositions exist, the value of community support, the need for proactive health measures, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/unraveling-cirs-mold-inflammation-and-the-path-to-recovery-with-jenny-johnson/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Weight loss resistance is never isolated. You never just have weight loss resistance and everything else is great.” - Dr. Phyllis PobeeFor those of us dealing with the combination of hormonal changes postpartum or in perimenopause periods alongside chronic illnesses such as endometriosis or MCAS, our bodies, and especially our mitochondrial health, are under a heavy burden. When you layer that with genetic predispositions and vulnerabilities, that’s almost like having to dig yourself out of a hole that’s twice as deep.Chances are, the problem isn’t that you’re not doing enough movement or not restricting your diets enough. Many of us and our clients really struggle with feeling the need to do more and go harder. This is one of the reasons why genetic testing can be so supportive. Understanding your genetics gives you a framework to support your body in the way that works best for you, mitigate any vulnerabilities that may exist, and get to a state of metabolic health.Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Dr. Phyllis Pobee, the author of Lean Genes. Dr. Phyllis is a triple-board-certified expert in weight loss medicine, family medicine, and aesthetic medicine and a leading authority in science-backed weight loss. She has an interesting way of approaching weight loss that factors in individual genetics and support based on the patient’s unique history and needs.In this conversation, Dr. Phyllis and I discuss her weight loss journey, the role of genetics in weight loss and metabolic health, the challenges women face with weight loss postpartum and during perimenopause, why genetic testing is a gamechanger, how addressing genetic predispositions can make a significant difference, the impact of stress on metabolic health, what it looks like to achieve sustainable health and weight management, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/lean-genes-how-understanding-genetics-is-key-to-metabolic-health-and-healthy-weight-with-dr-phyllis-pobee/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).