Core Connections with Erica Ziel

How can moms feel more confident when it comes to their children's health? In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic pediatric expert Dr. Elana Roumell, creator of Med School for Moms, to discuss practical ways parents can support their children's health naturally while reducing fear and overwhelm. We dive into common childhood health concerns including eczema,...

Waking up at 2-4 AM every night? You're not alone—and it may be your body's way of telling you something deeper is going on. In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel explores the common root causes of disrupted sleep, including blood sugar imbalances, hormone changes, gut health challenges, circadian rhythm disruption, stress, and detoxification pathways. You'll learn why sleep...

In this deeply meaningful episode of the Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with energy healer and nervous system practitioner Shari Ingleton of Gold Soul Therapy to discuss emotional healing, women's intuition, nervous system regulation, and the powerful connection between mind, body, heart, and soul. Shari shares her perspective on the "five bodies" — energetic, emotional, spiritual,...

In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Dr. Susan Fox to discuss fertility, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, detoxification, stress, hormone balance, and women's health. Dr. Susan shares how blood flow, nutrition, lifestyle habits, gentle movement, emotional health, and reducing toxic load can all support fertility naturally — whether you're trying to c...

Strength training for women is having a major moment—but are we missing something? In this episode of the Core Connections Podcast, I sit down with Kristin McGee to talk about the evolving fitness landscape for women. We break down the myths around lifting weights, why women don't need to fear getting "bulky," and how strength training can be incredibly empowering. But we also dive into what's oft...

n this episode of Core Connections , I sit down with Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Ariana Juarez to uncover the real truth about skin health—and why your skin is never just a surface issue. Ariana shares her personal journey healing severe melasma and how it led her to a deeper understanding of metabolic health, hormones, and inflammation. We break down why your skin is a reflection...

In this episode of the Core Connections podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Andrea Balzer, functional health practitioner and founder of Counter Culture Health & Wellness, to explore why so many women still feel unwell despite being told their labs are "normal." They dive into: The gap between conventional and functional medicine Why symptoms are signals—not problems How to advocate for your health...

In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast , Erica sits down with Johanna Dahlman , also known as the Alopecia Angel , to talk about hair loss, alopecia, and the root-cause factors that may be contributing to thinning, shedding, and poor hair health. Johanna shares her personal journey with alopecia areata, how that diagnosis led her into a deeper healing path, and what she now sees in women...

In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast , Erica Ziel sits down with Dr. Elena Genik to talk all about thyroid health, including the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism , Hashimoto's vs. Graves' disease , why TSH alone is not enough , and the root-cause factors that may be driving thyroid dysfunction. They discuss the role of gut health, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar...

In this solo episode, Erica breaks down how fascia influences pain—and why  gentle, consistent work often creates better (and longer-lasting) relief than intense release methods. You'll learn why "less is more," how smaller ranges of motion can help your body feel safer, and why diaphragmatic breathing + deep core alignment are foundational for reducing tension, improving posture, and getting out...

Midlife weight loss can feel impossible — especially when you're doing "everything right" and your labs look normal. In this episode, Erica sits down with Shay Pascale to break down what actually drives sustainable body composition in midlife: muscle-centric nutrition, progressive strength training, reverse dieting for under-eaters, gut testing when nothing works, and a balanced conversation about...

If you or your clients leak, feel pelvic pressure, or struggle with back pain during strength training — this conversation is for you. In this Core Connections podcast interview, Erica Ziel sits down with Pilates instructor and powerlifter Lauren Carder to break down why so many movement professionals are unknowingly teaching breath and bracing strategies that drive pressure into the pelvic floor...

Peptides are everywhere — but are they actually safe, effective, and necessary? In this episode of Core Connections, I'm joined by Dr. Kela Smith, functional medicine practitioner and founder of the Hormone Puzzle Society, to break down the truth about peptides. 00:00 Introduction to Holistic Health and Peptides 04:09 Understanding Peptides: The Basics 06:56 The Benefits of BPC 157 and Other Pepti...

If you're eating well, exercising consistently, and still struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight, and burnout — this episode is for you. In this episode of Core Connections, Erica Ziel sits down with Monika Eva, Hormone Nutritionist, to unpack the hidden reasons women feel stuck despite doing everything "right." We dive into cortisol dysregulation (especially low cortisol), mineral depletion, gu...

04:30 - Understand what your pelvic floor actually is 08:42 Myth Busting: Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Issues 10:28 The Kegel Controversy 15:02 The Importance of Breath in Pelvic Health 21:58 Hip Tightness and Its Connection to the Pelvic Floor 25:25 Learning a New Language: Pelvic Floor Awareness ✨ In this episode, you'll learn: • Why incontinence is common but not normal • What the pelvic floo...

Learn how nervous system regulation impacts energy, pain, posture, stress, pregnancy, and healing. Erica Ziel interviews Dr. Veronica Schiltz on gentle, nervous system–focused chiropractic care and long-term wellness. 00:00 – Welcome & why nervous system regulation matters more than ever 03:30 – What nervous system–focused chiropractic care really means 07:45 – How chronic stress, pregnancy, and l...

Infertility is on the rise, and it's becoming a crisis that affects more couples than ever before. In this eye-opening episode of the Core Connections podcast, I sat down with Dr. Stephanie Gray to discuss her 10-year infertility journey and the hidden factors that conventional medicine often misses. Dr. Gray, who runs a hormone replacement therapy clinic, shares her deeply personal story and prof...

Modern life asks a lot of women—our energy, our attention, our nervous systems. In this episode of my  Core Connections Podcast , I share a high-level but deeply practical approach to building a healthier lifestyle by starting where it matters most: nervous system regulation. From movement and breath to sleep, nutrition, and detoxification, this conversation invites you to rethink health through a...

I'm THRILLED to have today's guest back on the podcast!   I sat down with Holly Bertone—certified health coach, speaker, and author—to dive into the truth about lasting weight loss.   This isn't just an episode about shedding pounds; it's about breaking free from diet culture, understanding the root causes of emotional eating, and creating sustainable habits with science, self-awareness, and empow...

The journey through pregnancy and postpartum recovery is deeply personal for me…My career is dedicated to helping prenatal and postpartum women heal their bodies and feel empowered.   I KNEW the pain and dysfunction many believed were inevitable during this time didn't have to happen—and that's what drives me to educate and support women on this transformative journey!   I had the pleasure of sitt...

She's worked on creating life-changing educational tools (think: homeopathy curriculum for moms).   Paola Brown , a passionate advocate for natural health and generational wellness, has found success with homeopathy because of one singular philosophy: true health starts in the home.   Homeopathy uses highly diluted natural substances to trigger the body's innate ability to heal itself. It focuses...

Have you ever had something, someone, or even just a conversation light a FIRE in you?   It's as if every nerve in your being is telling you, 'Hey, this might be the missing piece you've been looking for that you need to try now—okay?'   Well, as a functional medicine practitioner, the insight and transformation that feeling can bring is pure magic.   So, if you're ready to be part of a conversati...

Welcome to your deep dive into body alignment.   Oh yes, today, this conversation starts with the feet, but more importantly…   It explores how everything in the body is integrated, working together to create stability and power.   (Can you tell that I lo(ooo)ve talking about functional movement?)   Joining me today is none other than  Dr. Emily Splichal , a podiatrist and movement specialist with...

Ready to learn what I've been up to, how it impacts you, and what it means for the future of fitness as I share personal insights from my podcast break? GOOD.   As exciting, raw, and eye-opening as these conversations can be, I record them so you can learn from the lessons I had to teach myself—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.   In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes o...

Movement Observation: Tight hamstrings are often a result of weakness, not strength.   Lemme explain—better yet—lemme give you an example…   When you get done with a long run or walk, your hamstrings feel incredibly tight. You might think it's because they're strong, but oftentimes this tightness is due to weakness in the hamstrings, which are compensating to keep your pelvis stable and your body...