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Ready to take control of your health without feeling overwhelmed? Join Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz, two internal medicine physicians, as they break down easy, science based lifestyle changes that really work. Whether it’s tweaking your nutrition, getting more active, sleeping better, or reducing stress, this podcast makes it simple. With bite-sized, practical tips and relatable advice, you'll learn how small, everyday habits can lead to big results. Tune in each week for a healthier, happier you!
Kentucky's Lifestyle Medicine Podcast - Bringing Better Health to the Bluegrass
67 Episodes
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Send a text In this episode, we sit down with precision medicine physician Dr. Meghan Jones to explore how personalized health data can guide lifestyle decisions. Dr. Jones explains what happens during a precision medicine evaluation and the types of data that are analyzed—from genetic testing to metabolic markers and wearable data. We discuss what your genes can reveal about things like insulin sensitivity, optimal eating patterns, cardiovascular risk, and even dementia risk. But perhaps the...
Send a text Exercise isn’t just about burning calories — it’s about building capacity for the decades ahead. In this episode, we sit down with cardiologist Dr. Kelly Waespe to talk about exercise as medicine for the heart — and for longevity. We break down the specific benefits of Zone 2 training, HIIT, and resistance training, and how each one uniquely strengthens your cardiovascular system. We talk about: The powerful link between VO₂ max and longevityHeart rate variability and ...
Send a text Heart disease is largely preventable — so why aren’t we preventing it? Dr. Kim Williams, Chair of Medicine at UofL and former President of the American College of Cardiology, joins us to discuss why lifestyle must be the foundation of cardiovascular care. From nutrition and plant-based eating to exercise, sleep, and stress, he explains how daily habits shape long-term outcomes. Dr. Williams explains why: Nutrition isn’t optional in heart prevention — it’s centralA plant-forward di...
Send a text If you’ve ever picked up your phone without knowing why—or felt more drained after “relaxing” with a screen—this episode is for you. We live in a world of constant pings, scrolling, and screens—but what is that doing to our brains, our emotions, and our sense of control? In this episode of The Starting Gate, we’re joined by digital wellness specialist Dr. Mary Donohue to explore how nonstop screen exposure is reshaping the way we think, feel, and cope. We talk about how digital ov...
Send a text What does it look like when lifestyle medicine works in real life? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Schuetz interviews her patient, Kam, whose journey through lifestyle medicine led to a 50-pound weight loss, fewer medications, and a life filled with more energy, movement, and confidence. Kam shares how she learned to truly understand nutrition, not just follow a guide, how she gradually built physical activity into her life through Pilates and weight training, and how she learned...
Send a text In this episode, we talk with a physician whose frustration with the health of Kentuckians — and the way our healthcare system responds to it — became the catalyst for real change. Instead of accepting a system that often waits until patients are critically ill, she began searching for solutions that focus on prevention and early intervention. That journey led to the creation of Prevent Scripts, an innovative app designed to identify disease risk and support true behavior change t...
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz pause to reflect on the past year of The Starting Gate—and the clear themes that came up again and again, no matter the guest or topic. From nutrition to mental health, menopause to dementia prevention, one message stood out: sustainable health is built through small, realistic habit changes—not massive life overhauls. Our guests consistently emphasized working changes into your existing routine to support long-term success. ...
Send a text The holiday season can make healthy habits feel overwhelming. In this episode, we share 12 realistic, low-pressure habits designed to help you get through the holidays without striving for perfection. From prioritizing protein and fiber, staying hydrated, protecting sleep, and moving your body—even for 10 minutes—to navigating social events and holiday treats with less stress, these habits focus on consistency, flexibility, and sustainability. Designed for busy days, s...
Send a text In this episode, integrative sports medicine physician Dr. Srikanth Nithyanandam reminds us that injuries don’t just happen to a body part — they happen to a whole person. He shares how healing accelerates when we address mindset, sleep, nutrition, and the fears that hold us back. We also dig into integrative modalities, including the theory behind energy medicine and acupuncture and how it compares to dry needling. Most importantly, he shows how staying connected to...
Send a text Chronic pain can feel isolating, frustrating, and exhausting — especially when no one can see what you’re going through. In this episode of The Starting Gate, we sit down with physical therapist Andrea Moore, an expert in helping people who feel stuck in long-term pain. Whether your pain began with an old injury that never fully resolved, or you’ve lived with pain for years without a clear diagnosis, Andrea explains why this happens — and what you can do about it. We break d...
Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Jackson of Jacked Nutrition to talk about the mindset shifts that make healthy habits stick. Jessica shares her journey into nutrition and coaching and we discuss why an all-or-nothing approach often leads to burnout. We explore how reframing failure as an opportunity to learn can keep you motivated and moving forward, even during busy seasons. Jessica also explains the power of creating your daily “base camp”—simple, consistent habi...
Send a text Obesity is complex—and it’s not a willpower problem. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith joins us to break down what really drives the obesity epidemic. We discuss the modern food environment, food addiction, food noise, stress, GLP-1 medications, and how surgery fits into the modern obesity treatment landscape. We'll unpack why body composition—not just pounds lost—matters, explore how to choose the right tools, and why long-term success always comes back to lifestyle and habi...
Send a text Movement is one of the most powerful ways to thrive through menopause—but it’s not just about finding the “right” workout. It’s about defining what you want your life to look like in the years ahead and making choices that support that vision. In this episode, we talk with two experts who help women reconnect with themselves, stay true to their goals, and bring more movement into everyday life in ways that feel realistic and energizing. Whether it’s lifting weights, yoga, or sneak...
Send a text Midlife can be a confusing time for many women when it comes to sexual identity, desire, and connection. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Juliana Hauser, PhD—sex therapist and author of A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity. Dr. Hauser shares how to enact and activate agency—not just in your sex life, but in every aspect of your life. We explore her “sexercises,” designed to help women self-reflect, self-audit, and reconnect with ...
Send a text Breast cancer rates are rising, especially among younger women—but why is this happening, and what can you do to protect your health? In this episode, breast cancer surgeon Dr. Veronica Jones answers the most common questions women have about breast cancer. We talk through risk factors, genetic testing, and what dense breast tissue really means. Dr. Jones also explains what happens when a mammogram comes back abnormal, how breast cancer is diagnosed, and what treatment looks like ...
Send a text Perimenopause is often the most confusing stage of the menopause transition, with shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and a mix of symptoms that can feel unpredictable. In this episode, board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society–certified physician Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson breaks down what really happens during perimenopause. We discuss the most common symptoms, how oral contraceptives and IUDs can change your experience, and who may benefit from starting hormone therapy early. Th...
Send a text In this episode, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Degler helps us unravel the complicated relationship between hormones, mood, and life stress during perimenopause and menopause. Many women wonder: is my anxiety or irritability a result of overscheduling and constant demands, or is it a hormonal shift? Dr. Degler explains how to recognize the difference, and we discuss the role of hormone therapy and antidepressants in managing these symptoms. Together, we explore how to build strong sup...
Send a text In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert to unpack the connection between hormones, metabolism, and nutrition in perimenopause and menopause. We explore why your body can feel so stubborn during this stage of life—why the same diet and exercise you’ve always done may suddenly stop working, or even lead to weight gain. Amanda explains how hormonal changes drive insulin resistance and increase risk for metabolic syndrome, what nutrients are most importa...
Send a text Dementia can be a devastating diagnosis for patients and families, and treatment options remain limited. But there is good news—prevention is possible. In this episode of The Starting Gate, we explore how lifestyle choices in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and delay cognitive decline. From nutrition and exercise to sleep and social connection, the evidence is clear: these habits are far more powerful than any supplement on the market. Dementia may not ...
Send a text In this episode, stroke neurologist Dr. Theresa Sevilis joins us to break down what really happens in the brain during a stroke, who is at risk, and how recovery can unfold. Dr. Sevilis also emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic conditions like hypertension that raise stroke risk, and how everyday choices—like choosing vegetables over fast food or staying active—can lower your chances of having a stroke. We explore the crucial role lifestyle plays in he...
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