Strong + Unfiltered: Perimenopause, Hormones, Gut Health + Metabolic Optimization

EP 263: It's Not Your Fault, But It Is Your Responsibility: The Truth About Fat Loss, Perimenopause & Your Health 17.08.2026 1t 29min

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 fucking 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

EP. 262: You're Optimizing the Wrong Things: 5 Wellness Trends Giving You a False Sense of Health 10.08.2026 28min

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

EP 261: Peptides, Biohacking & Big Daddy Healthcare: A Completely Unhinged Health Rant 03.08.2026 1t 11min

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

EP. 260: 7 Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer Every Woman Should Know 27.07.2026 25min

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

EP 259: What Your Financial Advisor Isn't Telling You About Retirement, Taxes & Investing 20.07.2026 1t 31min

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

EP. 258: Your Doctor Says It's Normal... But It's Not | 5 Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore 13.07.2026 28min

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

Ep 257: Your Pediatrician Says It's Normal... But Is It? | Mouth Breathing, Tongue Ties, Speech Delays & Childhood Red Flags 06.07.2026 1t 17min

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

EP 256: Why You're Doing Everything Right and Still Not Getting Better 29.06.2026 1t 37min

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

EP 255: Why Your Thyroid Labs Are "Normal" But You Still Feel Like Sh*t | Dr. Amie Hornaman 22.06.2026 1t 15min

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

EP 254: Why Women Stop Trusting Their Bodies (And How to Rebuild That Trust) | Dr. Sonya Jensen 15.06.2026 1t 8min

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

EP 253: Why Women Don't Trust Their Doctors: Hormones, Statins + Medical Gaslighting 08.06.2026 1t 19min

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

EP 252: Your Ovaries Left the Group Chat: Perimenopause, Overtraining + Why You Feel Like Shit 25.05.2026 1t 14min

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

EP 251: The Truth About HRT: Blood Clots, Cancer Risk, Pellets + Perimenopause Symptoms 18.05.2026 49min

Welcome back to Strong + Unfiltered. Today's episode is a solo Q&A all about hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, progesterone, estrogen, blood clot myths, and the massive amount of misinformation women are still being fed about hormones. We're diving into the REAL differences between birth control and bioidentical HRT, what the WHI study actually did (and didn't) show, why some women are safer ON estrogen than off of it, and why "just wait until menopause" is outdated advice that's keeping women suffering unnecessarily. I also break down pellets, PCOS and HRT, cyclic estrogen dosing, how I monitor hormones in practice, and why symptoms like anxiety, rage, fatigue, sleep issues, brain fog, joint pain, and "not feeling like yourself" may absolutely be connected to perimenopause long before your periods disappear. If you've ever been told your labs are "normal" while you feel exhausted, anxious, inflamed, ragey, wide awake at 2am, or completely unlike yourself… this episode is for you. Get your FREE 9 HRT Myths Debunked ebook here Book an Empowered Medicine consult call here Book a Hormone Strategy Session here Enter the GIVEAWAY to win a FREE brick here

EP 250: Doing Everything Right But Not Losing Weight? Here's Why 11.05.2026 36min

If you feel like you're doing everything right… eating "clean," working out constantly, tracking your macros… and still not losing weight, this episode is going to hit. Danielle is breaking down your biggest questions around weight loss resistance, metabolism, under eating, and overtraining, and calling out the habits that are quietly keeping you stuck. We're talking about why chronic dieting, low calorie intake, and doing too much cardio can actually slow progress, and what to do instead if you want real fat loss, better body composition, and a stronger metabolism. You'll learn how to think about reverse dieting, when to use tools like macro tracking or food scales (and when to stop), and why eating more might actually be the thing your body needs. This is your reminder that your metabolism isn't broken… but the way you've been taught to approach weight loss might be. Enter the Brick Giveaway here! Get your Labs Freebie 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

EP249: Are Your "Healthy Habits" a Red Flag? The Truth About Orthorexia + Endurance Training 04.05.2026 56min

Danielle sits down with Becca Murphy to unpack her personal experience with orthorexia, disordered eating, and how "doing all the right things" can quietly spiral into underfueling, overtraining, and hormonal imbalance. We're talking about the sneaky, socially acceptable behaviors that get praised in fitness culture but are actually massive red flags, especially for high-performing women navigating endurance training, weight loss, and metabolic health. From obsessive tracking with apps like MyFitnessPal, to chronic dieting, to using exercise as a coping mechanism, this episode connects the dots between control, trauma, and the way we use "health" to avoid what's really going on underneath. We also break down how low energy availability, RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), and chronic underfueling can show up as fatigue, poor recovery, hormone issues, and stubborn body composition changes. If you've ever felt wired and tired, stuck in rigid routines, anxious about missing a workout, or unsure how to stop tracking calories and macros… this episode is for you. 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 Becca on IG

EP 249: Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones? What Your Conventional Doctor is Missing ft. Dr. Cassie Smith 27.04.2026 1t 2min

In this episode, Danielle sits down with Dr. Cassie Smith, author of Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones, to break down the real connection between gut health, hormones, and why so many women still feel off despite "doing all the right things." They dive into the labs most conventional doctors are missing, why looking at symptoms and your full story matters just as much as your lab results, and how things like poor sleep, chronic stress, and over-scheduling are quietly wrecking your health. If you've been bouncing between gut protocols, hormone fixes, and still don't feel like yourself, this episode will help you connect the dots and understand what's actually missing. 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. Cassie Smith's book here Follow Dr. Cassie on IG

EP 248: You're Not Weight Loss Resistant… You're Just Not Doing This 20.04.2026 16min

In this episode, Danielle breaks down one of the most overused phrases in women's health and weight loss: weight loss resistance. If you feel like you're doing everything right but not losing weight, or you're worried your metabolism or hormones are the problem, this episode is for you. Danielle gets honest about why most women are not actually dealing with true weight loss resistance, and what's really getting in the way of fat loss. She walks through the foundational habits that must be consistent before blaming your hormones, including strength training, calorie intake, daily movement, and protein. You'll also learn when weight loss resistance is real, how to tell if your metabolism has adapted, and when it's time to look deeper at things like hormones, stress, gut health, and sleep. If you're stuck, frustrated, or feel like nothing is working, this episode will help you understand what's missing and what to do next. Get your Labs Freebie here! Join Mindset. Movement. Metabolism here!

EP 247: Your Jaw Might Be Screwing Up Your Pelvis (Also… WTF Is a Hobonichi?) 13.04.2026 1t 17min

This episode is a little different… and honestly, one of our favorites. It's part catching up with my friend Liz Rodriguiz, part going down random rabbit holes, and part accidentally dropping some really solid insights along the way. From airway health to alignment to planners and business… we went everywhere. If you like episodes that feel like you're hanging out with friends but still walk away learning something, this one's 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 Follow Liz on IG

EP 246: Cycle Tracking, Ovulation, and Perimenopause: What Women Should Actually Know 06.04.2026 1t 2min

Understanding your menstrual cycle is one of the most powerful ways to understand your health, yet many women were never taught how their cycle actually works. In this episode, Danielle sits down with a registered nurse and certified fertility educator to talk about fertility awareness, cycle tracking, ovulation, and how these tools can help women better understand their hormones throughout different stages of life. They discuss why ovulation matters far beyond fertility, how fertility awareness methods compare to hormonal birth control, and why accurate hormone testing depends heavily on timing within the cycle. The conversation also explores how tracking changes during perimenopause, signs that hormone replacement therapy may be worth considering, and the reality many women face when their symptoms are dismissed in conventional healthcare settings. You'll also hear practical advice for improving cycle health, what women with consistently healthy cycles tend to do differently, and one surprisingly simple nervous system tool that can make a bigger difference than most people expect. Ashley is a nurse, certified fertility awareness educator, and hormone health coach—and the creator of The Hippie Martha. A birth nerd, hormone junkie, and holistic fairy godmother, she blends strong clinical skills with cycle literacy, pattern recognition, and whole-body assessment to use the menstrual cycle as a powerful detective tool. LINKS: HRT Discovery call Hormone strategy session 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 Ashley on IG

EP 245: Histamine, MCAS, and the Nervous System: Why Your Body Feels Stuck in Fight-or-Flight 30.03.2026 1t 8min

Histamine intolerance and MCAS are being talked about everywhere right now, but most conversations focus on food lists, supplements, and restriction. In this episode, Danielle sits down with a certified functional nutrition practitioner to explore a different perspective, the role of the nervous system in chronic reactivity, inflammation, and histamine-related symptoms. They discuss why some people seem to become more sensitive to foods, environments, and stress as they get older, and how nervous system state may influence everything from histamine release to sleep quality. You'll also hear a deeper conversation about why many healing approaches encourage people to disconnect from their bodies, why that can backfire, and what it actually looks like to help the body feel safe again. If you've been dealing with symptoms that feel random, overwhelming, or impossible to figure out, this episode offers a different framework for understanding what might be happening. Jennifer Parkinson is a Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner. As the founder of EDS Nutritionist, Jennifer specializes in supporting individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) who are struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, gut dysfunction, and daily instability. LINKS: 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 Jen on IG