The BeingBrigid Show: Top Science-Backed Women’s Health Podcast for Hormones, Inflammation, Gut Health & More

If your afternoon crashes and cravings are calling the shots, your blood sugar—not your willpower—might be driving the show. In this episode, Brigid breaks down how daily spikes and crashes in blood sugar sabotage energy, hormone health, sleep, and body composition—and the simple, science-backed meal tweaks that will stabilize your day without going low-carb.What You’ll Learn In This EpisodeWhy blood sugar balance matters for energy, hormones, sleep, and longevityThe “roller coaster” effect—and how healthy foods can still spike glucoseWomen’s health: perimenopause/menopause, PCOS, postpartum & insulin sensitivityThe insulin “school bus” analogy you’ll never forgetReal-life fixes: plate-building, protein goals, fiber, and post-meal movementHow CGMs, cravings, and consistency fit into functional nutritionQuick wins to improve inflammation, cravings, and sleep quality—fastTimestamps00:03 – Intro: Why blood sugar is a women’s health power lever02:12 – The “roller coaster” & how common foods trigger spikes04:39 – Hormones, perimenopause/menopause & insulin resistance06:51 – Fatigue stats, cravings, and energy dips explained07:30 – Real client wins: labs, perimenopause symptoms, sleep09:09 – Blood Sugar 101: glucose, insulin & metabolic health11:29 – The insulin “school bus” analogy13:48 – Pregnancy, postpartum, gestational diabetes—what shifts20:55 – Beyond carb counting: functional nutrition for type 1 & type 223:17 – GLP-1s, HRT & why food-first strategies matter27:53 – Weight & body composition: insulin as a fat-storing hormone36:57 – Your plan: whole foods, protein, fiber, three meals44:00 – What’s Included in the 7-Day Blood Sugar Reset46:21 – How to join the Blood Sugar ResetNext Steps & LinksReady to get off the blood sugar roller coaster? Try the 7-Day Blood Sugar Reset for practical meal plans, dietitian coaching, and accountability to improve energy, mood, cravings, and sleep.Join the Blood Sugar Reset here Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

What if healthcare focused less on treating disease and more on creating health? In this powerful conversation, Brigid sits down with Dr. Toby Cosgrove, visionary former CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, to unpack the bold decisions he made that changed healthcare—from banning smoking and removing McDonald’s from hospital cafeterias to pioneering functional medicine on a global stage. Dr. Cosgrove shares his insights on why nutrition, prevention, and innovation (including AI) are essential to transforming healthcare.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Dr. Cosgrove banned smoking and soda from Cleveland Clinic campusesThe backlash (and eventual success) of these groundbreaking health initiativesHow nutrition, obesity, and chronic disease are linkedThe pivotal role of functional medicine in the future of careHow AI could change the practice of medicine and patient outcomesTimestamps04:41 – Dr. Cosgrove’s vision: shifting from “sickness” to “health” care06:39 – Banning smoking at the Cleveland Clinic & backlash10:38 – Removing soda and McDonald’s from hospital cafeterias11:52 – The politics of sugar and its parallels to tobacco26:35 – Bringing nutrition into medical education33:11 – Founding the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine38:54 – Why doctors resist change & the potential of AI in healthcare43:06 – The future role of dietitians, health coaches & food prescriptionsNext Steps + ResourcesWatch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

Do your sugar cravings feel out of control? You’re not alone—and you don’t just need more willpower. In this episode of The BeingBrigid Show, registered dietitian Brigid Titgemeier reveals the three biggest myths about sugar cravings, the nine most common root causes, and three proven strategies to help you finally break free. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t stop thinking about sugar or carbs, this episode will change how you see cravings—and help you reclaim your energy, balance, and confidence.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Willpower is NOT the solution for sugar cravingsThe 9 root causes that fuel cravings (including blood sugar, stress, gut health & more)3 science-backed strategies to reduce cravings and restore balanceHow the Blood Sugar Reset has helped 25,000+ women feel in control againTimestamps00:04 – Why your cravings feel out of control06:52 – 3 myths about cravings11:29 – 9 root causes of sugar cravings25:33 – 3 science-backed strategies to overcome cravings32:39 – How to start applying these tools in your daily lifeLinks & Resources Join The Blood Sugar Reset here: thebloodsugarreset.com  Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

From PMS to perimenopause to post-menopause, your hormones shape every decade of your life—so why aren’t we taught how to support them? In this episode, Brigid breaks down the hormone pyramid and shows how functional nutrition and lifestyle shifts can calm stress, balance blood sugar, and ease symptoms from PMS to perimenopause and post-menopause. If you’ve been told “your labs look normal” but you don’t feel normal, this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn In This Episode:The “hormone pyramid” and why cortisol + insulin control the restHow blood sugar, insulin resistance, and PCOS tie into cycle issues and fertilityThe truth about HRT—when it helps and why basics still matterThyroid dysfunction (TSH vs full panels) and why it’s missed—especially postpartumNutrition that stabilizes blood sugar (protein, fiber, healthy fats)The hidden stressors: under-eating, over-caffeinating, poor sleep, intense workoutsEndocrine disruptors (plastics, fragrance, PFAS) and simple swaps that helpHow to apply Food is Medicine for women’s health across life transitionsTimestamps:00:03 – Intro: Brigid’s mission, why hormones matter for women’s health02:22 – Monthly cycle ebbs/flows & common PMS symptoms04:46 – Real-life hormone timeline: fertility → postpartum → perimenopause → menopause07:03 – HRT: benefits, myths & why it’s not the whole answer11:44 – The Hormone Pyramid: cortisol & insulin → thyroid → sex hormones14:06 – Cortisol: stress pattern, symptoms, and real-world story18:37 – Insulin, blood sugar, PCOS & inflammation21:04 – Thyroid (T3/T4, antibodies) & why TSH alone misses issues23:29 – Sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone28:00 – The “basics” that move the needle: nutrition, sleep, stress, movement30:14 – Nutrient repletion (prenatal/postpartum, B vitamins, magnesium, choline)34:46 – Stress load, stimulants (alcohol, caffeine, sugar) & balance37:01 – Endocrine disruptors 101 + practical swaps44:01 – Recap & next stepsIf this episode resonated, share it with a friend and leave a review—it truly helps more women find functional nutrition support for hormone health, blood sugar, and thyroid balance.Links &  Resources:Watch the full episode on YouTubeBrigid’s WebsiteBrigid’s Instagram

In this episode of The BeingBrigid Show, Brigid sits down with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, gastroenterologist, bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and Plant Powered Plus, to dive into the gut microbiome, inflammation, and nutrition. Learn why gut health is the epicenter of human health and how to heal digestion, balance blood sugar, and lower chronic inflammation.What You’ll Learn:What the gut microbiome is & why it mattersHow chronic inflammation drives fatigue, brain fog & diseaseNutrition as the key driver of digestive healthWhy elimination diets should be short-term, not foreverThe link between the microbiome & blood sugarTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro + background on Dr. B 02:00 – What the gut microbiome really is 07:00 – Nutrition and digestive health in IBD, Crohn’s & colitis 14:00 – The role of chronic inflammation in fatigue, brain fog & disease 21:00 – Why doctors often dismiss nutrition (and what needs to change) 36:00 – Elimination diets: when they help and when they harm 53:00 – Gut microbiome + blood sugar research from Zoe 1:14:00 – Plant Powered Plus & practical takeawaysResources & Links:Brigid’s Website: https://beingbrigid.com/ Brigid’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingbrigid/ Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’ Website: https://theguthealthmd.com/ Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’ Books: https://theguthealthmd.com/books/ 

Why are women following health advice that was never designed for them? In this episode of The BeingBrigid Show, Brigid and longevity expert Kayla Barnes-Lentz expose why “one-size-fits-all” protocols fail women—and what you can do differently.  Learn how stress, environmental toxins, and fasting affect women differently than men—and discover biohacking tools that actually work with your body, not against it.What You’ll Learn In This Episode:Why women respond differently to stress, fasting, and exercise than menKey basics for female longevity: sleep, strength training, and balanced nutritionHow environmental toxins accelerate ovarian aging and hormone imbalancesBiohacking tools that support fertility, hormones, and long-term healthThe future of women’s health and how to advocate for your biologyTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro & friendship in women’s health space 05:00 – Why women need their own protocols 15:00 – Stress, hormones & thyroid health 22:00 – Foundational basics: sleep, exercise, nutrition 34:00 – HIIT training, cycle syncing, and female stress response 40:00 – Environmental toxins & detox strategies 43:00 – Red light, sauna, and other biohacks for ovarian aging 53:00 – Different stages of women’s health: fertility, perimenopause, menopause 01:02:00 – Stress reduction, parenting, and longevity mindsetHealth is the foundation of greatness. Take small steps toward your own longevity today.Resources & Links:Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beingbrigidBrigid’s Website: https://beingbrigid.com/ Brigid’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingbrigid/ Kayla’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylabarnesKayla’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KaylaBarnesLentzKayla’s Website: https://www.kaylabarnes.com/

Over the past 14 months, Brigid Titgemeier has been navigating one of the most challenging yet transformative health journeys of her life: losing 50 pounds after two pregnancies back-to-back — without counting calories. In this raw and honest episode of The BeingBrigid Show, she takes you behind the scenes of her postpartum weight loss experience, sharing the highs, lows, and the powerful lessons she’s learned about women’s health, body composition, hormone health, and the role of nutrition in recovery.After gaining 40 pounds during each pregnancy and facing the physical toll of only having a three-month gap between pregnancies, Brigid opens up about the slower-than-expected progress, the pressure to “bounce back,” and why she’s committed to a long-term, sustainable approach. She dives into how building muscle, protecting bone health, and supporting hormonal balance during postpartum sets the stage for healthier aging and an easier transition into perimenopause and menopause.This episode goes beyond the number on the scale — it’s a real-life example of using functional medicine principles, women’s nutrition strategies, and mindset shifts to create lasting health changes that work in real life.What You’ll Learn:Why quick weight loss after pregnancy isn’t always the healthiest goal.The connection between postpartum recovery, hormone health, and long-term wellness.How functional medicine nutrition supports metabolism and prevents yo-yo dieting.The role of muscle mass and bone density in women’s health after 30.Why patience, consistency, and self-compassion are essential in any transformation.The value of a personal “health audit” to find small changes that create big results.Timestamps:[00:02] – Why this postpartum journey has been harder than expected[03:04] – The “weight loss illusion” and how diet culture misleads women[07:38] – Breaking the myth of the quick postpartum bounce-back[09:52] – Preparing for perimenopause/menopause with strong nutrition foundations[14:14] – Modeling healthy habits for kids without diet obsession[16:30] – Letting go of overnight success pressure[20:09] – Adapting priorities during life transitions[24:21] – How a “health audit” can reveal hidden opportunities for improvement[33:07] – Dialing in exercise, portions, and gut health for better results[38:32] – The mindset shift that changes everythingResources & Links: Join Our Next Blood Sugar Reset for FREE — Leave a review on Apple or Spotify, screenshot it, and upload it here: beingbrigid.com/reviewWatch the full episode on YouTube here:Connect with Brigid: Website | Instagram

"Ever wonder what the heck functional medicine actually is?"When two passionate advocates for women’s health sit down together, you know the conversation will be both eye-opening and practical. In this episode of The BeingBrigid Show, Brigid Titgemeier is joined by Dr. Julie Foucher — a family medicine physician trained in functional medicine and a leading voice in women’s nutrition and hormone health.Together, they unpack how women can better understand and support their bodies through every life stage, from menstruation to perimenopause and menopause. You’ll hear how functional medicine offers a more complete, root-cause approach to symptoms that are too often dismissed in traditional healthcare. Dr. Foucher shares her clinical insights on hormone testing, nutrition strategies, and lifestyle interventions that can improve energy, mood, fertility, and long-term health.This conversation is equal parts science and practical application — the kind that leaves you feeling empowered to take ownership of your well-being.What You’ll Learn:How functional medicine changes the way women’s health is approached.The role of nutrition in hormone balance, metabolic health, and longevity.Why women in perimenopause/menopause need more personalized care.Functional lab tests worth discussing with your provider.Lifestyle changes that can optimize hormone health at any age.Timestamps:[00:02] – Welcome Dr. Julie Foucher and her journey into functional medicine[05:10] – Why women’s health is underserved in traditional medical training[11:35] – Hormone health and the power of early detection through testing[18:47] – Nutrition strategies for perimenopause and menopause[24:15] – Stress, sleep, and the hormone connection[31:22] – When to consider functional lab testing[38:40] – Creating a holistic care plan for long-term women’s health[44:55] – Dr. Foucher’s biggest advice for advocating for your healthResources & Links: Join Our Next Blood Sugar Reset for FREE — Leave a review on Apple or Spotify, screenshot it, and upload it here: beingbrigid.com/reviewWatch the full episode on YouTube here:Connect with Brigid: Website | Instagram

What every woman needs to know about hormones and nutrition during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond!In this episode of The BeingBrigid Show, Brigid Titgemeier dives deep into one of the most critical — yet often overlooked — transitions in women’s health: perimenopause and menopause. Using insights from a recent FDA roundtable with leading OB-GYNs, urologists, and other physicians, she breaks down the misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), highlights life-changing research, and connects the dots between hormonal shifts, nutrition, and long-term health.From bone density and brain health to cardiovascular risk and the gut microbiome, this conversation blends medical insights with Brigid’s decade of experience helping thousands of women through functional medicine nutrition strategies. Whether you’re in your 30s thinking proactively, in the thick of symptoms, or post-menopause and looking to optimize your health, this episode offers the tools and encouragement you need.What You’ll Learn:Why decades of fear around hormone replacement therapy are being challenged — and what new research reveals.The link between the menopause transition and higher risks for Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.How nutrition and lifestyle changes can support bone density, hormone balance, and metabolic health.The role of sleep, stress management, and reducing environmental toxins in women’s nutrition and hormone health.Why gut health is deeply connected to estrogen levels and menopause symptoms.How to take a proactive, functional medicine approach to healthy aging.Timestamps:[00:08] — Why perimenopause and menopause are critical stages in women’s health and why they deserve more attention.[02:19] — Breaking down the flawed 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study and its impact on hormone therapy misconceptions.[07:07] — How menopause impacts brain health and the role of HRT in reducing Alzheimer’s and dementia risk.[08:31] — The shocking bone density loss that occurs in the 5–7 years around perimenopause — and how to protect yourself.[12:42] — When perimenopause really starts and why most doctors get little to no menopause education.[16:26] — Environmental toxins as hormone disruptors — and how to reduce exposure.[18:24] — New research on nutrition interventions for menopause-related mood, metabolic, and cardiovascular health.[21:01] — The power of fiber, gut microbiome diversity, and short-chain fatty acids for hormone health.[29:49] — The holistic approach: combining HRT, nutrition, and lifestyle changes for optimal women’s health.[33:19] — Final message: Women don’t have to accept being dismissed — you can and should advocate for your health.Resources & Links: Join Our Next Blood Sugar Reset for FREE — Leave a review on Apple or Spotify, screenshot it, and upload it here: beingbrigid.com/reviewWatch the full episode on YouTube here:Connect with Brigid: Website | Instagram

What if you could live into your 90s with strong muscles, sharp memory, and the energyto outpace people decades younger? In this inspiring episode of The BeingBrigid Show, I sit down with my 92-year-old grandfather — a man who still swam, hiked, and drove cross-country into his 90s.In this episode, Grandpa shares the lifelong habits behind his longevity and vitality, including:Staying active—through swimming, walking, gardening, push‐ups, and moreSpending time in nature to de-stress and stay mentally sharpKeeping the brain active via reading, puzzles, and curiosityEmbracing joy and not sweating the small stuff with powerful compartmentalizationEating a vibrant, produce-rich diet, minimizing processed foods while still enjoying lifeWisely using supplements to support healthPrioritizing safety—like using stair railings and staying hydratedLiving by his mantra: “Life is not a dress rehearsal,” and making every day countTimestamps:[00:00] – Grandpa shares how he feels about his health at 92 and the importance of staying active.[06:50] – Why building healthy habits in your 40s and 50s sets the stage for aging well.[14:26] – His morning routine: making the bed, stretching, counter push-ups, and coffee on the porch.[18:25] – Choosing lifestyle changes over unnecessary medications.[29:49] – The 5 longevity tips that have shaped his health.Resources & Links: Join Our Next Blood Sugar Reset for FREE — Leave a review on Apple or Spotify, screenshot it, and upload it here: beingbrigid.com/reviewWatch the full episode on YouTube here:Connect with Brigid: Website | Instagram

If you’ve ever been dismissed in a doctor’s office, told “there’s nothing you can do,” or felt confused by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode of The BeingBrigid Show will feel like a deep exhale. Brigid Titgemeier, MS, RDN, LD, IFNCP — a board-certified functional medicine dietitian who has helped tens of thousands of women — opens up about her personal healing journey, her years at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, and the lessons that have shaped her mission to transform women’s health. In this powerful, science-meets-storytelling episode, Brigid shares 5 core lessons every woman should know to improve energy, balance hormones, and prevent chronic disease: 1. Healing Is Possible – Even when you’ve been told it’s not, your body has the innate ability to repair when given the right inputs. 2. Everything Is Connected – Symptoms don’t exist in isolation; your hormones, gut, blood sugar, and inflammation all influence each other. 3. Women Deserve Better – Why women’s health cannot simply be based on research done on men, and the unique needs across life stages like perimenopause and menopause. 4. Food Is Information for Your Cells – How nutrition changes gene expression, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy aging. 5. No One Is Coming to Save You – Why you must be your own health advocate and take proactive steps now. You’ll Learn: The role of functional medicine in reversing chronic symptoms. How women can protect their bone density, muscle mass, and hormones as they age. Practical strategies to reduce inflammation and balance blood sugar. The difference between “eating healthy” and “eating intentionally” for optimal function. Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome & Mission of The BeingBrigid Show [04:50] Lesson #1 – Healing Is Possible [18:17] Lesson #2 – Everything Is Connected [24:29] Lesson #3 – Women Deserve Better [33:20] Lesson #4 – Food Is Information [39:50] Lesson #5 – No One Is Coming to Save You Resources & Links: Join Our Next Blood Sugar Reset for FREE — Leave a review on Apple or Spotify, screenshot it, and upload it here: beingbrigid.com/reviewWatch the full episode on YouTube here:Connect with Brigid: Website | Instagram

The BeingBrigid Podcast is where women over 35 get real answers—not quick fixes—about their health. Hosted by Functional Medicine Dietitian Brigid Titgemeier, this show breaks down complex topics like perimenopause, blood sugar, inflammation, and thyroid health into clear, science-backed strategies that actually work. Expect expert interviews, real transformation stories, and practical tools that help you feel like yourself again.