Advertise on podcast: Strong + Unfiltered: Perimenopause, Hormones, Gut Health + Hormone Optimization

What if the things you're doing in the name of being "healthy"—eating less, training harder, tracking everything, staying lean—are actually making you less healthy?   In this solo episode, I'm sharing my own experience with under-eating, over-exercising, orthorexia, and what it took for me to realize that what looked like discipline from the outside was taking a serious toll on my body. We're talking about the signs of under-fueling women often miss, including constantly thinking about food, waking during the night, changes in weight and digestion, poor recovery, thyroid changes, mood changes, and menstrual cycle dysfunction.   I also break down why simply having a period doesn't automatically mean you're adequately fueled—and why eating more can sometimes be exactly what your metabolism, hormones, and body have been asking for.   If you're doing everything "right" but your body seems to be fighting you harder and harder, this episode might make you rethink what healthy actually looks like.   Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Join Mindset.Movement.Metabolism here  Unconventional Collaborative Website Join Unconventional Collab here  Brooke's website  Brooke's IG

What if your workouts aren't working anymore because you're doing too much—not too little? In this episode, I'm joined by strength coach Gini Grimsley for an unfiltered conversation about overtraining, under-fueling, recovery, strength training, and the former-athlete mentality that keeps high-achieving women pushing harder when their bodies are begging them to back the f**k off. We talk about why women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond can't necessarily train like they did at 20, especially while juggling careers, families, stress, and changing hormones. We dig into endurance training, HYROX, CrossFit, group fitness, strength training, chronic soreness, fatigue on rest days, and the difference between training for health versus sacrificing health for performance. We also unpack the psychology behind exercise—the need to compete, body image, external validation, and what happens when being "the athlete" becomes part of your identity.   If you're working out constantly, eating less, recovering poorly, and wondering why your body isn't responding anymore, this episode might make you rethink what "working harder" actually means.   Learn more about working with Danielle  Shop Danielle's masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow Danielle on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Follow Gini on IG

In this episode, we dive deep into the messy reality of women's midlife healthcare and tear down the wall of misinformation surrounding perimenopause, birth control, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Danielle + is joined by Alise Greenfield licensed nurse practitioner of over a decade and together they break down how conventional medicine fails women by pushing antidepressants and birth control for hormonal shifts, while calling out functional medicine for oversimplifying perimenopause as "estrogen dominance" or scaring women away from medication.  From the dangers of unmonitored med spa hormone pellets to the overlap of postpartum recovery in your late 30s, this conversation uncovers what is really going on behind the scenes in women's health. We also bust the most common HRT myths holding women back from feeling their best—including cancer fears, arbitrary 10-year caps, and the misconception that you have to wait until your periods completely stop to seek care. Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Alise's IG: @thenewengland_hormone_np Alise's website: www.alisegreenfield.com

What if the reason you're not getting results isn't because your hormones are broken, your metabolism is damaged, or you haven't found the right supplement yet? In this episode, Danielle sits down with nutrition coach and founder of 4 Weeks to the Beach, Aram Grigorian, for a brutally honest conversation about fat loss, GLP-1 medications, perimenopause, body image, chronic dieting, strength training, and personal responsibility. They unpack when GLP-1s can be a powerful tool versus an irresponsible shortcut, the risks of rapid weight loss and under-eating, and why women in perimenopause are especially vulnerable to supplement, peptide, and "meno-belly" marketing. Danielle and Aram also tackle the difference between fault and responsibility, why extreme dieting doesn't create sustainable results, when food tracking becomes obsessive, and why your training and nutrition need to fit the season of life you're actually in. Because the uncomfortable truth is that most people don't need another hack, meal plan, or supplement. They need the right information, the right support, and enough consistency to let the boring shit actually work. And sometimes... you just need to put the f*****g beef in the pan.   Learn more about working with Danielle  Join Mindset. Movement. Metabolism Shop Danielle's masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow Danielle on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Learn more about working with Aram Follow Aram on IG

Somewhere along the way, wellness became more about buying things than building health. In this episode, Danielle challenges five of today's most popular wellness trends and explains why doing something that's marketed as "healthy" doesn't automatically mean it's improving your health. This isn't about bashing wellness or saying these tools never have a place. It's about learning how to think critically, separate evidence from marketing, and focus on the habits that actually move the needle. If you've ever wondered whether you're building real health—or just getting really good at wellness—this episode is for you. Learn more about working with Danielle  Shop Danielle's masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow Danielle on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG

Ever feel like we've completely lost the plot when it comes to health? Same. In this episode, Danielle is joined by her bestie and business manager, Jess Wallace, for one of their most unfiltered conversations yet. What starts as a discussion about hormone therapy quickly spirals into infertility, medical gaslighting, women's healthcare, peptides, biohacking, training, recovery, social media, parenting, sunlight, screens, stress, and why we've somehow convinced ourselves that health has to be complicated. The common thread? We're chasing expensive shortcuts while ignoring the fundamentals that actually move the needle. Fair warning: there's sarcasm, plenty of swearing, a few completely unplanned rabbit holes, and probably something that'll make you laugh, nod your head, or yell "THANK YOU" at your speakers.   Learn more about working with Danielle  Shop Danielle's masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow Danielle on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Come to Patagonia with Jess and Danielle  Follow Jess on IG

Most women know the warning signs of breast cancer. Far fewer know what ovarian cancer can actually look like—and that's a problem. In this episode, Danielle shares the seven early signs of ovarian cancer every woman should know, why they're so often mistaken for everyday health issues, and how to recognize when a symptom deserves more than a quick explanation or reassurance. She also discusses why ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early, what a proper medical evaluation may include, and why paying attention to changes in your body matters. This episode isn't about creating fear—it's about creating awareness. You'll also learn how to advocate for yourself, what questions to ask if your symptoms aren't improving, and how to have productive conversations with your healthcare provider. Because when it comes to your health, trusting your instincts and seeking answers can make all the difference.   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not establish a patient-provider relationship with Danielle Kepics, PA-C, or any of her businesses. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, diet, exercise, or treatment plan. Never disregard or delay medical care based on information shared in this podcast.   Learn more about working with Danielle  Shop Danielle's masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow Danielle on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG

Money is a lot like your health—everyone has an opinion, the internet is full of questionable advice, and bad guidance can cost you years. In this episode, Danielle sits down with financial advisor Marcus Corvino to break down the financial myths, red flags, and costly mistakes that keep people from building real wealth. Together they unpack what actually makes a trustworthy financial advisor, why some investment products are oversold, and how smart tax planning can potentially save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Whether you're a business owner, healthcare professional, employee with a 401(k), or simply wondering if you're on the right financial path, this episode gives you practical, easy-to-understand strategies to help you make better decisions with your money. You'll learn the difference between term life and whole life insurance, why disability insurance is one of the most overlooked financial tools available, how Roth conversions work, common retirement planning mistakes, and why building wealth isn't nearly as complicated as social media makes it seem. If you've ever wondered whether you're asking the right questions—or if your financial advisor is asking you the right questions—this episode is for you Learn more about working with Danielle  Shop Danielle's masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow Danielle on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Marcus Consult www.wscoachingandconsulting.com

Danielle is breaking down five of the biggest things women are told are "normal" that deserve a much closer look. She dives into chronic fatigue, perimenopause, thyroid health, IBS, gut health, painful sex, pelvic floor dysfunction, and why so many women continue struggling despite being told that everything looks fine.   We dive into why a "normal" ferritin, vitamin D, B12, or thyroid result doesn't always mean you're thriving, why comprehensive lab testing matters, and why symptoms should never be ignored simply because they fall within a laboratory reference range.   One of the biggest frustrations Danielle hears every single week is women feeling dismissed by the healthcare system. Whether you're looking for answers about hormone imbalance, perimenopause, thyroid dysfunction, chronic bloating, IBS symptoms, low energy, or painful sex, you deserve a provider who listens, investigates, and is willing to say, "I don't know—let's figure it out together." This episode is about helping you advocate for yourself, ask better questions, and remember that you—not anyone else—are the CEO of your own health.   empoweredmedicine.co consult for empowered medicine

Your child snores, breathes through their mouth, gets constant ear infections, wets the bed, struggles with speech, or everyone keeps telling you they'll "grow out of it." What if those aren't random childhood quirks at all? In this episode, I sit down with speech-language pathologist and myofunctional therapist Kate Kurzhal SLP, myofunctional therapist and Passionate AF Mom to unpack the signs of airway dysfunction, oral development issues, tongue ties, sleep-disordered breathing, developmental milestones, and why so many parents are told everything is "normal" when it may not be. Whether you're raising toddlers or school-aged kids, this conversation will completely change the way you look at your child's sleep, breathing, feeding, behavior, and long-term health.   Learn more about working with me Learn more about HRT services Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Kate's Instagram   Kate's Facebook   Kate's Website

What if the reason you're not getting better isn't because you're missing the right supplement, hormone, or protocol—but because you're applying the right tool to the wrong physiology? In this episode, Danielle sits down with Dr. Eric Balcavage to discuss state-based medicine, resilient physiology, and why so many people are stuck despite "doing all the right things." Together they unpack the difference between health optimization and lab optimization, why normal or even optimal labs don't always mean you're healthy, and how chronic stress, under-fueling, over-exercising, poor sleep, and an overloaded nervous system can keep you trapped in a cycle of symptoms. You'll learn why carbohydrates aren't the enemy, why more supplements aren't always the answer, how to identify whether you're resilient, strained, or overloaded, and why the goal isn't perfect lab work—it's building a body that can adapt, recover, and thrive. If you've been chasing answers, collecting supplements, optimizing every marker, and still don't feel like yourself, this conversation is a must-listen.   Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  https://drericbalcavage.com/hill#form https://drericbalcavage.com/ www.drericbalcavage.com FB: drericbalcavage IG: @drericbalcavage YT: @askdreric

If you've been told your thyroid is "normal" because your TSH came back in range, but you're still exhausted, gaining weight, losing hair, struggling with brain fog, or feeling like a completely different person... this episode is for you. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Amie Hornaman, better known as "The Thyroid Fixer," for an unfiltered conversation about everything conventional medicine often gets wrong about thyroid health. We dive into why TSH isn't enough, the importance of Free T3 and Reverse T3, Hashimoto's, gluten, birth control, metabolic adaptation, over-exercising, under-eating, and why so many women are told they're fine when they clearly are not. We also tackle GLP-1 medications, body positivity, thyroid optimization, and why your symptoms deserve more attention than a single lab value. Whether you're dealing with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, stubborn weight gain, hormone issues, or you've simply been dismissed by the healthcare system, this episode will give you a different way to think about your thyroid and your health.   Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Get Dr. Amie Hornaman's book and resources here  Follow Dr. Amie on IG

This week, I'm joined by naturopathic doctor and women's health expert Dr. Sonya Jensen for a conversation about the growing disconnect between women and their bodies, and what it's costing us. We dive into everything from medical gaslighting and birth control to nervous system regulation, intergenerational trauma, intuition, and why so many women have lost trust in themselves. We discuss how our culture teaches women to push through exhaustion, ignore symptoms, and outsource their health decisions, often at the expense of long-term wellbeing. We also explore the impact of hormonal birth control on young women, why periods are an important sign of health, how trauma can influence hormone function, and why healing often requires more than just supplements and lab work. This conversation is equal parts science, lived experience, and a reminder that your body is often communicating exactly what it needs, if we're willing to listen. Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Follow Dr. Sonya on IG

If you've ever left a doctor's appointment thinking, "That answered exactly none of my questions," this episode is for you. This week, I'm joined by fellow physician assistant and functional medicine practitioner Shelly Satizabal for a candid conversation about perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control, statins, medical gaslighting, and women's health. We discuss why so many women are told they're "too young" for perimenopause, why symptoms get dismissed despite "normal" labs, and how women continue to fall through the cracks of a healthcare system that historically wasn't designed around female physiology. We also dive into hormones, cholesterol, statins, women's health research, and why asking questions shouldn't make you a difficult patient. If you've ever felt unheard, brushed off, or like nobody is interested in finding the root cause of your symptoms, this conversation is for you.   Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Learn More About Shelly here Follow Shelly on IG

Welcome back to Strong + Unfiltered. This episode turned into a spicy little reality check about perimenopause, overtraining, body recomposition, endurance culture, nervous system overload, and the internet making women think they're doomed in midlife. We're talking about why your habits matter more than your hormones, why some women are running themselves into the ground emotionally and physically, and why HRT is not magic fairy dust you throw onto a metabolic dumpster fire.   We also get into body recomposition in your 40s, what actually worked for me over the last 16 weeks, why I intentionally stopped running, how much protein women actually need, the importance of sleep + recovery, and the role stress, histamine, and nervous system dysregulation play in how you feel.   And yes… we somehow also ended up ranting about marathon culture during pregnancy, social media support, avocado-induced histamine chaos, and why some endurance athletes respectfully need therapy.   Enter the Brick Giveaway here!  Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Follow Jess on IG