The Starting Gate

Send us Fan Mail After learning the science behind insulin resistance and diabetes in Part 1 with Dr. Makhija, Drs. Kitty Dotson and Sarah Schuetz return to discuss how to put that knowledge into practice. In this practical follow-up episode, we share realistic strategies for improving blood sugar control through everyday habits. From building meals that support stable glucose levels to finding si...

Send us Fan Mail Diabetes doesn't develop overnight. In this episode, we sit down with endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine physician Chhaya Makhija to unpack the science behind insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. We explore what insulin resistance actually is, how it develops over time, and why so many people are affected without realizing it. Dr. Makhija explains the powerful role lif...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with psychiatrist and eating disorder specialist Dr. Erin Knopf for a deeply thoughtful conversation about the realities of eating disorders, diet culture, and our relationship with food. We discuss why you cannot tell by looking at someone whether they have an eating disorder and how these conditions affect people of all genders, body sizes, and backg...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Alison Gustafson, director of the Food as Health Alliance at the University of Kentucky to explore the growing “Food as Medicine” movement—and what the research actually shows so far. We break down the different approaches being studied, including medically tailored meals, produce boxes, grocery prescriptions, and farmers market prescriptions. Ali...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Hinton, certified wellness coach, owner of 859 WELL, and Director of Health Promotion at Centre College, to explore the unique challenges facing today’s young adults. Ashley works closely with college students, helping them navigate stress, build healthier coping strategies, and develop a more balanced relationship with food through intuiti...

Send us Fan Mail What can we learn from people who stay active, competitive, and engaged as they age? In this episode, Dustin Jones, DPT, joins us to share powerful lessons from master’s athletes—individuals who don’t just exercise, but stay in the game for life. We talk about how social connection, self-efficacy, and a willingness to adapt—not quit—keep them moving through injuries, life changes,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with precision medicine physician Dr. Meghan Jones to explore how personalized health data can guide lifestyle decisions. Dr. Jones explains what happens during a precision medicine evaluation and the types of data that are analyzed—from genetic testing to metabolic markers and wearable data. We discuss what your genes can reveal about things like insu...

Send us Fan Mail Exercise isn’t just about burning calories — it’s about building capacity for the decades ahead.  In this episode, we sit down with cardiologist Dr. Kelly Waespe to talk about exercise as medicine for the heart — and for longevity. We break down the specific benefits of Zone 2 training, HIIT, and resistance training, and how each one uniquely strengthens your cardiovascular system...

Send us Fan Mail Heart disease is largely preventable — so why aren’t we preventing it? Dr. Kim Williams, Chair of Medicine at UofL and former President of the American College of Cardiology, joins us to discuss why lifestyle must be the foundation of cardiovascular care. From nutrition and plant-based eating to exercise, sleep, and stress, he explains how daily habits shape long-term outcomes. Dr...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever picked up your phone without knowing why—or felt more drained after “relaxing” with a screen—this episode is for you. We live in a world of constant pings, scrolling, and screens—but what is that doing to our brains, our emotions, and our sense of control? In this episode of The Starting Gate , we’re joined by digital wellness specialist Dr. Mary Donohue to explore...

Send us Fan Mail  What does it look like when lifestyle medicine works in real life? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Schuetz interviews her patient, Kam, whose journey through lifestyle medicine led to a 50-pound weight loss, fewer medications, and a life filled with more energy, movement, and confidence. Kam shares how she learned to truly understand nutrition, not just follow a guide, how she gradual...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we talk with a physician whose frustration with the health of Kentuckians — and the way our healthcare system responds to it — became the catalyst for real change. Instead of accepting a system that often waits until patients are critically ill, she began searching for solutions that focus on prevention and early intervention. That journey led to the creation of P...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz pause to reflect on the past year of The Starting Gate —and the clear themes that came up again and again, no matter the guest or topic. From nutrition to mental health, menopause to dementia prevention, one message stood out: sustainable health is built through small, realistic habit changes—not massive life overhauls. Our g...

Send us Fan Mail The holiday season can make healthy habits feel overwhelming. In this episode, we share 12 realistic, low-pressure habits designed to help you get through the holidays without striving for perfection. From prioritizing protein and fiber, staying hydrated, protecting sleep, and moving your body—even for 10 minutes—to navigating social events and holiday treats with less stress, the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, integrative sports medicine physician Dr. Srikanth Nithyanandam reminds us that injuries don’t just happen to a body part — they happen to a whole person. He shares how healing accelerates when we address mindset, sleep, nutrition, and the fears that hold us back.   We also dig into integrative modalities, including the theory behind energy medicine and acupunctur...

Send us Fan Mail Chronic pain can feel isolating, frustrating, and exhausting — especially when no one can see what you’re going through.  In this episode of The Starting Gate , we sit down with physical therapist Andrea Moore, an expert in helping people who feel stuck in long-term pain. Whether your pain began with an old injury that never fully resolved, or you’ve lived with pain for years with...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Jackson of Jacked Nutrition to talk about  the mindset shifts that make healthy habits stick. Jessica shares her journey into nutrition and coaching and we discuss why an all-or-nothing approach often leads to burnout. We explore how reframing failure as an opportunity to learn can keep you motivated and moving forward, even during busy se...

Send us Fan Mail Obesity is complex—and it’s not a willpower problem. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith joins us to break down what really drives the obesity epidemic. We discuss the modern food environment, food addiction, food noise, stress, GLP-1 medications, and how surgery fits into the modern obesity treatment landscape.  We'll unpack why body composition—not just pounds lost—matters, ex...

Send us Fan Mail Movement is one of the most powerful ways to thrive through menopause—but it’s not just about finding the “right” workout. It’s about defining what you want your life to look like in the years ahead and making choices that support that vision. In this episode, we talk with two experts who help women reconnect with themselves, stay true to their goals, and bring more movement into...

Send us Fan Mail Midlife can be a confusing time for many women when it comes to sexual identity, desire, and connection. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Juliana Hauser, PhD—sex therapist and author of A New Position on Sex : A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity. Dr. Hauser shares how to enact and activate agency —not just in your sex life, but in every aspect of your...

Send us Fan Mail Breast cancer rates are rising, especially among younger women—but why is this happening, and what can you do to protect your health? In this episode, breast cancer surgeon Dr. Veronica Jones answers the most common questions women have about breast cancer. We talk through risk factors, genetic testing, and what dense breast tissue really means. Dr. Jones also explains what happen...

Send us Fan Mail Perimenopause is often the most confusing stage of the menopause transition, with shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and a mix of symptoms that can feel unpredictable. In this episode, board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society–certified physician Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson breaks down what really happens during perimenopause. We discuss the most common symptoms, how oral contracep...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Degler helps us unravel the complicated relationship between hormones, mood, and life stress during perimenopause and menopause. Many women wonder: is my anxiety or irritability a result of overscheduling and constant demands, or is it a hormonal shift? Dr. Degler explains how to recognize the difference, and we discuss the role of hormon...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert to unpack the connection between hormones, metabolism, and nutrition in perimenopause and menopause. We explore why your body can feel so stubborn during this stage of life—why the same diet and exercise you’ve always done may suddenly stop working, or even lead to weight gain. Amanda explains how hormonal chan...

Send us Fan Mail Dementia can be a devastating diagnosis for patients and families, and treatment options remain limited. But there is good news—prevention is possible. In this episode of The Starting Gate , we explore how lifestyle choices in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and delay cognitive decline. From nutrition and exercise to sleep and social connection, the evidence...