Lifestyle School Podcast

Episode Summary: We’ve been sold a version of self-love that sounds like bubble baths, cupcakes, and canceling plans—and while rest and grace are important , they’re not the whole picture. In this episode of Lifestyle School , Hope dives deep into what real self-love looks like in the context of your health, habits, and healing journey. Spoiler: it’s not always soft. Sometimes, it’s gritty. Someti...

🔗 Episode Summary: Is there really such a thing as “the perfect diet”? In this episode of Lifestyle School , I break down why the answer is no — and why that’s actually the best news for your long-term health. We’ll explore five powerful truths to help you stop chasing unrealistic rules and instead build a way of eating that actually works for your body, your season of life, and your goals. This...

📄 Episode Summary: What if stress isn’t the problem—but the way we respond to it is? In this powerful, science-backed episode of Lifestyle School , Hope explores groundbreaking insights from Dr. Elissa Epel’s book The Stress Prescription . You’ll learn why stress isn’t always harmful, how it affects your metabolism and biological aging, and what you can do—starting today—to build resilience. This...

🔍 Episode Summary: In this episode of Lifestyle School, Hope takes an honest, educational look at gastric surgery—what it is, how it works, and what it doesn’t do. Whether you’ve had surgery, love someone who has, or are considering it yourself, this episode will help you understand the long-term risks, the reality of weight regain, and why true, lasting weight loss always comes down to lifestyle...

In this episode of Lifestyle School , Hope dives deep into the neuroscience of doing hard things—and why intentionally leaning into challenge is one of the most powerful ways to rewire your brain for resilience, confidence, and long-term change. We break down the four key brain systems that grow stronger every time you do something difficult on purpose: Neuroplasticity – how your brain adapts and...

Episode Description: You can’t “out-eat” or “out-exercise” poor sleep — and if you’re struggling with weight, blood sugar, or energy crashes, your sleep might be the root cause. In today’s episode, I unpack exactly how sleep impacts your metabolism, why when you sleep matters as much as how much you sleep, and the practical steps you can take to align your sleep for optimal metabolic health. In Th...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Lifestyle School podcast, Hope breaks down what GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy actually do in the body—and what most people aren’t being told. These drugs can be powerful tools in supporting weight loss and blood sugar regulation, but without foundational lifestyle changes, the long-term consequences are often overlooked. You’ll learn how GLP-1s a...

📝 Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we break down the critical difference between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and how their balance can make or break your metabolic health. Most people unknowingly consume way too many omega-6s and not nearly enough omega-3s, leading to chronic inflammation, weight gain, insulin resistance, brain fog, and fatigue. But the good news? This is fixable. Hope ex...

In this powerful episode of Lifestyle School , Hope dives into the metabolic shifts that happen during pregnancy—especially the role of hyperinsulinemia (chronically high insulin levels) and how it affects both mom and baby long after delivery. You’ll learn why insulin resistance is a normal adaptation in pregnancy—but how, for many women, it becomes a hidden metabolic storm that disrupts fat loss...

Episode Description: Most people are stuck not because they lack willpower—but because they’re living under lies they’ve never questioned. In this episode, Hope Plack explores how your internal dialogue and limiting beliefs shape your health journey more than you realize. Drawing from the work of identity expert Jamie Winship , Hope introduces two transformative questions that can break through se...

🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode of Lifestyle School , we’re diving into one of the most overlooked—but critical—pieces of the weight-loss and metabolic health puzzle: digestion . If you're bloated, tired, gaining weight, or stuck despite eating healthy, your digestive system may be quietly sabotaging your progress. We break down how low stomach acid, gallbladder dysfunction, and long-term PPI...

✨ Episode Summary: In this episode of Lifestyle School , Hope dives deep into one of the most overlooked yet powerful hormones affecting your weight, energy, and metabolic health: cortisol . You’ll learn the role cortisol plays in a healthy body, what causes it to spiral out of rhythm, how it hijacks insulin and blood sugar, and why long-term stress—or even a short course of prednisone —can compl...

🎧 Episode Summary: If you’ve hit a wall on your health or weight loss journey, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode, Hope shares the four steps to help you realign and start moving forward again. These aren't about calorie counting or strict meal plans—they’re about tuning back into yourself, evaluating what’s really going on, making a plan, and prioritizing what matters most....

Episode Description: What if the real reason behind your fatigue, weight gain, hormone imbalance, or chronic symptoms isn’t a bunch of different problems—but one root issue? In today’s episode of Lifestyle School , we’re breaking down what metabolic health actually is, why it matters, and how it affects every single cell and system in your body. From blood sugar to hormones to brain fog to belly f...

🎙Episode Summary: High-protein diets are everywhere—but are they actually helping you lose body fat? Or could they be making things worse, especially if you're dealing with insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction? In this episode of Lifestyle School , I’m breaking down the truth about protein: where the current guidelines came from, how much your body really needs, what happens when you overea...

📋 Episode Summary: In this episode of Lifestyle School , we’re diving deep into dopamine — the brain’s reward chemical — and how it may be silently sabotaging your health journey. From constant cravings and low motivation to mental fog and burnout, dopamine dysregulation could be the reason you feel stuck. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can reset your dopamine system and...

Episode Description: Did you know magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body? From energy production to stress relief, magnesium is the ultimate multitasker — yet most people aren’t getting enough. In this episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about magnesium: ✅ Why magnesium is crucial for energy, stress, and metabolic health ✅ Surprising signs you mig...

Episode Summary: For decades, we've been told that salt is the villain behind high blood pressure and heart disease. But what if salt has been wrongfully accused? In this episode, I dive into the fascinating — and frustrating — story of how salt took the blame for what sugar was actually doing to our bodies. We'll explore: How flawed science in the 1970s led to salt’s demonization. The shocking co...

Show Notes: The Truth About Modern Wheat: What You Need to Know Episode Summary: In this episode of Lifestyle School , we’re diving deep into the hidden truth about modern wheat. From the evolution of wheat to pesticide use and the controversial legal battles around glyphosate, we explore how these changes are impacting our health—and what you can do about it. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅...

Lifestyle School Podcast Show Notes 🎙️ Podcast Episode 10: Body Fat: The Good, The Bad, and How to Optimize It Episode Summary: Body fat—it’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of health and weight loss. We’re constantly told to "burn fat" or "lose weight," but what if I told you that not all fat is bad and that your fat is actually an essential, metabolically active organ ? In today’s episode,...

Lifestyle School Podcast – Episode 9: The Calorie Counting Myth—Why It’s Not the Whole Story Episode Summary: For years, we’ve been told that weight loss is just a matter of calories in versus calories out . But if calorie counting is the key to success, why do so many people struggle to lose weight, hit frustrating plateaus, or regain the weight after dieting? In today’s episode, we’re breaking d...

Episode Summary: Ever wonder how your body actually responds to the food you eat? Do the popular glucose hacks —like eating protein first, walking after meals, or drinking vinegar— really work? I put them to the test. For 30 days , I wore a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and tracked exactly how my blood sugar reacted to different foods, exercise, and small lifestyle changes. And what I learned c...

Feeling constantly hungry, struggling with cravings, or unable to lose weight no matter what you do? Insulin resistance might be the reason. In this episode, I break down: ✔️ What insulin resistance is and how it develops ✔️ Why it makes you hungrier, store more fat, and crave sugar ✔️ How fasting and meal timing can lower insulin and reset metabolism ✔️ The simple shifts you can make today to imp...

Episode Summary: Have you ever felt constantly hungry , even after eating? Do you feel like your body is stuck at a higher weight, no matter what you do? The problem might not be your willpower—it could be leptin resistance. Leptin is the hormone that tells your brain when you have enough stored energy. When it’s working properly, it keeps hunger in check and helps your metabolism function efficie...

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most common challenges when it comes to weight loss and health: hunger. Does hunger feel like it’s running your life? Have you ever wondered if it’s truly under your control? The truth is, hunger is about so much more than an empty stomach—it’s driven by hormones, habits, and how we fuel our bodies. In today’s conversation, I’ll explain the science behind...