Advertise on podcast: The Joyful Health Show: A Non-Diet Wellness Podcast for Christians

Dr. Dusty Hess, a doctor of functional medicine and founder of Upstream Health, joins the show to explain why your symptoms aren't a moral failure, but messages worth listening to. We talk about moving past symptom chasing and learning to read the biofeedback signals God built into your body, and why conventional and functional medicine should work together instead of competing. In this episode: Why a symptom is "evidence that the body is working hard," not proof that something is wrong with you The 4 signals worth paying attention to Learning what "right" looks like first, instead of only hunting for what's wrong We'll also discuss the difference between health care and sick care and how to navigate the functional medicine vs. western medicine world.  Our hope is that you can walk away from this episode with a bit more knowledge and a lot more peace, knowing that God made you on purpose, for a purpose, fearfully and wonderfully designed.  "A symptom is evidence that the body is working hard." — Dr. Dusty Hess Helpful timestamps:04:30 Avoiding Health Idols09:50 Healthcare Versus Sick Care15:18 Costly Protocols and Basics17:37 Symptoms Grace and Stewardship21:56 Four Biofeedback Basics22:39 Sleep And Daily Rhythm24:12 Energy And Capacity Check25:37 Digestion And Elimination28:46 Stress Recovery And Baseline31:18 Keep It Simple And Track Patterns 👉 Work with Dr. Hess at Upstream Health If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Brushing your teeth may sound like common sense, but did you know that timing really matters? Did you know that you shouldn't brush your teeth right after you drink coffee? After I had this exact conversation after tennis with my friend and dentist, Eleanor Patterson, I knew she had to come on the podcast and explain more. In this episode, we not only chat about the science of dentistry, but the heart behind good care.  Here's what we'll cover:  What actually causes cavities (it's not sugar) The one food to pair with wine that keeps your teeth healthier  What to look for in a worthwhile dentist  I know that many people dread going to the dentist for various reasons. My hope is that through this conversation, Eleanor will shine the light of Christ as a dentist who truly cares about her patients. Let's raise the standard for you to find a provider who can do the same. May you leave this episode feeling confident to shine not only through your smile, but whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16  Helpful timestamps: 02:24 Coffee Brushing Myth 05:08 What Cavities Really Are  10:01 Timing Meals vs Sipping  12:42 Kids Teeth and School Snacks  18:36 Wine and your teeth  23:56 Grace Not Shame Care  32:23 Corporate vs Private Practices 🦷 Find Eleanor at https://pattersonandcodentalcare.com/ If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

As a fitness instructor for 20 years now, I've seen a lot. The fitness industry ebbs and flows on the pendulum from aerobics to weight lifting to everything in between. Today, I want to highlight what I see working well, and 10 things we can look out for to improve upon.  Here's what I'll cover:  The popular fitness mindset that may be the #1 reason you keep quitting The random YouTube workout trend: why it's inefficient and what to do instead Busting the fear of getting bulky and the catch 22 of other results-based programs  As always, my hope is that we can return to our original design, discover how God made us to move, and to continue pursuing Jesus as we walk with God both literally and spiritually. Because in the end, God won't ask you how many push-ups you can do but how much He loves you.  "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Time Stamps:06:07 Movement as Worship07:29 No Pain no gain?13:51 Prioritize your routine16:47 Reinventing the wheel 20:36 Doing Random Youtube Videos22:03 Skipping Strength24:28 Recovery and Fueling27:18 Form and Full Range28:42 Push Your Potential32:21 Get Help Starting 🎧 Start with joyful movement habit worksheets If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I share a sample of my newest book, Freedom from Food Fixation: A 21-Day Intuitive Eating Devotional for Christian Women. I wrote this to help you rest from the food rules, reconnect with your body, and renew your trust in your Maker.  You were meant to think about more than food, so let's get free!  Through daily biblical encouragement, practical reflection, and intuitive eating principles, you'll learn how to quiet the mental noise around food so you can focus on Jesus instead of be fixated on food. This book will help you: Recognize the subtle ways diet culture has shaped your thoughts about food and your body Replace guilt, shame, and food rules with biblical wisdom Find freedom from food obsession so you can pursue the abundant life God desires for you Whether you've struggled with chronic dieting, emotional eating, food guilt, or body image, this devotional is here to help you walk towards greater freedom and better health with the Lord your God.   🎧 Get the new book here ✅ Click here for a quiz and group guide If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In today's episode, I interview Claire Boyce and Travis Bond from Upward Sports/Upward Running and the Kinda Fast podcast about running, identity, and keeping Jesus at the center of fitness—especially when injury interrupts training.    If you're a faith-driven runner or fitness enthusiast who feels discouraged by injuries or even too intimidated to start, this episode is for you.    What we'll cover:  Imposter syndrome and defining what it means to be a runner Practical ways to avoid making fitness an idol Lessons from recurring injuries Rekindling a love for running and embracing all paces My hope is that you'll walk away with a fresh perspective on running, faith, and what "winning" means to you on your fitness journey.  "Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Helpful time stamps: 00:53 What Is Upward Running 02:51 How They Joined Upward 05:01 Adult Running and Community 06:57 Runner Identity Mindset 10:12 Injuries and Training Smarter 13:00 When Running Becomes an Idol 16:22 Practical Ways to Keep Balance 23:31 Training Plans and Defining Wins 🏃‍♀️ Check out Upward Running here 🎧 Listen to the Kinda Fast Podcast ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I interview Leanna Crawford, award-winning contemporary Christian singer-songwriter. We talk through her journey from a small farm town to Nashville, how she battles comparison, and how she stays healthy and grounded in the Lord on the go. If you've ever felt worn down by comparison or struggled to carve out time to keep yourself healthy and connect to God in a busy season, this is the episode for you! Leanna pulls back the curtain and shows us a glimpse of what she does to prioritize wellness on tour. I know this conversation will inspire you too! Here's what we cover: How she battles comparison by "singing for an audience of one" and remembering there's room at the table for everyone Leanna's morning routine for staying grounded, even on the road The no-gym, no-excuses way Leanna aims to stay fit on tour (it's less rigid than you think) How she battles depression and anxiety with a supportive community We want you to walk away knowing that you don't have to choose between chasing your calling and staying grounded in the Lord. Whatever season or schedule you're in, remember that God's got you, and you've got this! "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3, ESV Helpful Timestamps: 4:02 Beating Comparison 9:05 Daily Time With God 14:09 Road Rhythms and Prayer Walks 18:32 Staying Healthy on Tour 23:08 Hope Through Community 🎧 Listen to Leanna's new album here ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I interview Meryl Herr, researcher, consultant, and author of When Work Hurts. We talk through how work stress impacts our bodies, minds, and spiritual well-being. If you're like us and have ever felt worn out by work but didn't feel validated enough to express it or that you had to simply push through, it's time we address the hidden hurt behind our work, what God says, and what we can do about it. Here’s what we cover: Meryl’s personal story of ambition, disappointment, and navigating career expectations  What “work hurt” actually is—and how it affects us through burnout, GI distress, headaches, and spiritual disillusionment What the Bible says about work and work hurt Practical steps to process work hurt, seek support, and move forward with hope and wisdom We want you to walk away knowing that it's okay for work to hurt, but you don't have to bury it. Hold space for that pain in prayer, partner with God in His Kingdom work, and let's go forward with greater resilience together. "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 Helpful Timestamps:  05:11 Health Impacts of Work Hurt05:35 What Counts as Work09:51 God's Design for Work and Rest13:47 Untangling Work Hurt16:40 Journaling and Support18:43 Building Resilience19:24 Calling Beyond Your Job22:17 Holding Onto Hope ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image Chapter here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Summer is supposed to be easy breezy, right? But as women, we typically take on the burden of new schedules and circus-level logistics, all while trying to maintain our own health. In today's episode of the Joyful Health Show, I share my ideas for a stress-free summer for YOU, Christian women!  Here's what I'll share: My story of burnout and what I did in response How to prioritize instead of agonize A 20-minute summer morning that will get you going I want you to walk away feeling light-hearted about the summer ahead, excited about what God has in store and equipped for whatever comes.  "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 Helpful Timestamps: 00:13 Why Summer Feels Hard07:37 Let Go Of Expectations15:45 Keystone Health Habits26:18 The 20 Minute Morning 👉🏽 Head here to get my 4-week Bible study Rest and Rise  ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image Chapter here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I interview Hope Cook, PA and life coach, about her book Healing Clinician Burnout: How to Revive Your Life and Career. If you're feeling apathetic, cynical, or experience a sense of resentment around work, this conversation is for you.  Here's what we cover:  Hope and Kasey's stories of burnout, including dreading work and fantasizing about being injured Burnout stats, symptoms, and the impact of overloaded schedules and chronic comparison Practical tools to recognize and move through burnout We want you to walk away knowing that burnout is not a personal failure, but a wake-up call to listen in and change course. There is always hope!  "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." —Jesus, Matthew 11:28 Helpful Timestamps:  01:30 Why Burnout Matters05:57 Burnout By the Numbers07:24 Why We’re So Overloaded10:43 Signs and Symptoms15:07 Body Compass and Truth17:21 Bag Barter Better20:26 Cocoon Prep Action23:38 Find Value Beyond Work 👉🏽 Head here to get Hope's book Healing Clinician Burnout  ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image Chapter here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I interview Ericka Anderson about her book Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith. Alcohol is a tricky subject in any Christian circle: how much is too much? Can we drink alcohol intuitively? Here's what we cover:  The differences between biblical references to alcohol and modern day consumption Red flags for your own relationship with alcohol Sober curious: what it is and how to practice it Our hope is that this conversation would help you reconsider your habits with alcohol and reset your mind to think and drink responsibly. We want you not only to ask yourself "how close to the line can I get?" but rather, "how much life do I want to live?" We want you to be filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Jesus, who gives you life to the full!  "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 Helpful Timestamps:  04:06 Health Wake Up Calls05:23 Bible and Modern Drinking12:30 Social Anxiety and Sobriety20:06 What Sober Curious Means27:46 Key Takeaway and Nudge 👉🏽 Head here to get Ericka's 10 Tools for Finding Freedom with Alcohol ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show! Give back and help someone else cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”  If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. Let's keep setting others free to ditch the guilt and pursue joyful health, by grace!  ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image Chapter here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I interview Chantia Sturman, licensed marriage and family therapist and body image coach. She has a course called course Darling, Arise, designed to help moms raise daughters with confidence in their bodies and peace around food. The ultimate question we get to chat about is: How can I raise a daughter who honors God with her body without passing on the body shame I’ve carried? We'll discuss: Starting with your own story  How to respond when your child "feels fat" How to build up your daughter's identity beyond looks Practicing discernment around peers and media Our hope is for you to release perfectionism and increase your dependence on Jesus. Start where you are, with the daughter you have, and continue seeking God's wisdom for your relationships. "And having taken the hand of the child, He says to her, 'Talitha, koum!' which is translated, 'Little girl, I say to you, arise!'" Mark 5:41 Helpful Timestamps: 08:01 Start With Mom’s Beliefs09:12 Biblical View of Body13:04 Resources and Reinforcement15:08 Calling Out True Traits15:34 Reframing Sensitivity 16:46 Boundaries For Big Personalities17:48 Discernment In Media19:28 Fear Of Passing It On20:10 Grace Over Perfection22:18 Body Neutrality And Surrender 👉🏽 Head here to get Chantia's course for moms here.  ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  “I really enjoyed this episode” – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. I’m so thankful for you! ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image Chapter here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I interview Florencia Moynihan, a nutritional therapy practitioner and founder of The Catholic Nutritionist. We discuss her book "Made Good: Overcoming the Lies that Keep Women at War with Their Bodies." Together, we'll explore how women are sold the lie that worth is found in being thinner, prettier, or more productive, and how that leaves so many of us exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from our bodies. We'll discuss: Florencia's shift from using food to control her body to allowing food to nourish herself How God can use anything (including social media) for good The confusion between the "body" and the "flesh" in Christian theology and a right understanding of the two Practical ways to start believing that you, too, are made good  Our hope is for you to see the lies for what they are and start trusting God and the body He gave you for better health and life in Christ: "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day." Genesis 1:31 Helpful Timestamps: 03:09 Why We Believe Body Lies08:40 Social Media and Intuitive Eating10:59 Where Women Get Entangled13:54 What Will Make Me Good16:54 Body vs Flesh Theology19:49 Practical Steps Toward Healing25:39 One Takeaway to Remember30:55 Where to Find Florencia and Book 👉🏽 Head here to get Florencia's book Made Good on Amazon ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  “I really enjoyed this episode” – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. I’m so thankful for you! ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image Chapter here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Joyful Health Show, I talk with registered dietician, nutritionist, and certified eating disorder specialist Liesel Maddox about GLP-1s. Are they a magic pill for weight loss, and what are the concerns around taking these medications? We are answering your questions, and as always, striving to bring you a grace-centered discussion on conversations that matter.  We'll discuss: What are GLP-1s and how do they work? Can we safely use them to lose 10-15lbs? Can you take a GLP-1 indefinitely? We believe you are free in Christ to make informed decisions about your health. May this episode serve to give you more fuel for prayer as you consider the role of GLP-1s in your life. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:17-19 Let's break it down: 05:51 What are GLP-1s?12:36 Side Effects and Malnutrition Risks16:50 Can Vitamins Replace Food20:21 Stopping the Drug and Regain32:10 Peptide Therapy Explained37:17 Christian Discernment Framework41:36 Healing Food Noise50:44 Prayer And Sendoff 👉🏽 Head here to get Liesel's 5 Tips to Improve Your Nutrition Without Dieting ✅ Click here for the full blog post with more resources.  “I really enjoyed this episode” – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. I’m so thankful for you! ☀️ Get your free 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image Chapter here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting and get healthy the joyful way with our signature course Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Welcome to Two-Minute Tuesdays, where you'll hear a non-diet devotional to help you fight the regular pressures of diet culture by resting in God's grace and following His joy.  If you want these sent to your inbox daily for only $10, you can sign up at joyfulhealth.co/devo.  “I really enjoyed this episode” – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. I’m so thankful for you! ☀️ Get your free chapter for my 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting with our signature course 👉🏽 Submit your own question for the podcast here Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Welcome to Two-Minute Tuesdays, where you'll hear a non-diet devotional to help you fight the regular pressures of diet culture by resting in God's grace and following His joy.  If you want these sent to your inbox daily for only $10, you can sign up at joyfulhealth.co/devo.  “I really enjoyed this episode” – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — cut through the weeds of wellness culture and discover joyful health, by grace. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode and timely announcements. I’m so thankful for you! ☀️ Get your free chapter for my 5-Week Bible Study on Body Image here 🎉 Find freedom from dieting with our signature course 👉🏽 Submit your own question for the podcast here Connect with me: joyfulhealth.co | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube