The Starting Gate

Send us Fan Mail Tired of crossing your legs when you sneeze? Struggling with constipation, back pain, or discomfort during intercourse or exercise?  Your pelvic floor could be the problem—and the solution.  In this episode, we sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Kelsey Karnes to break down what happens when the pelvic floor is too weak or too tight, how these issues affect daily life, a...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re joined by OBGYN Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson for an in-depth discussion on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We break down why PCOS occurs, the wide range of symptoms women may experience, and the long-term health effects of this condition. We also explore its strong connection to metabolic health and dive into lifestyle strategies that can make a difference. Plus, we t...

Send us Fan Mail Menopause can bring a wave of changes—hot flashes, sleep issues, brain fog and yes, frustrating weight gain. But why does this happen, and what can you do about it?   In this episode, we sit down with menopause expert Dr. Deidra Beshear to answer these questions and more.   We break down what to expect in perimenopause and menopause, how treatments have changed over the years, and...

Send us Fan Mail What does your cholesterol panel really tell you about your health? In this episode, we take a detailed look at cholesterol’s function, how to make sense of your numbers, and which extra tests may be helpful—or just a waste of money. Plus, we explore the bigger picture of metabolic health and its impact on your heart.  If you want to take control of your heart health and make sens...

Send us Fan Mail High blood pressure affects millions, but it’s often misunderstood. Nephrologist Dr. Katie Donaldson, an expert in resistant hypertension, joins us to unpack the dangers of uncontrolled hypertension, from cardiovascular complications to kidney disease. We explore the best ways to monitor BP at home, how lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference, and key insights on medications—in...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, cardiologist Dr. John Kotter joins us to discuss how you can take control of your heart health. We explore cardiovascular risk calculators, the thought process behind prescribing medication, and the role of screening tools like coronary calcium scores and vascular ultrasounds. Discover how to personalize your heart health journey and understand what doctors consi...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or caught in an endless cycle of anxiety? In this episode, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Degler helps us untangle the difference between stress, anxiety, and simply being overbooked. We discuss how to identify what’s really draining you, practical steps to reclaim your time, and tools to stop worry spirals before they take over. If you’re ready to make y...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered if that post-workout soreness is normal or a sign of something more serious? Physical therapist Sarah Martin, owner of Move Smart, joins us to talk about how to listen to your body, when to see a PT, and how to stay active—even if you’re recovering from an injury. Plus, we cover key strategies to prevent injuries as you build strength and fitness. Move Smart @movesma...

Send us Fan Mail Are the winter blues getting you down?  In this episode, psychiatrist Dr. Leslie Aslam joins us to explore the science behind seasonal depression and why the colder months can affect our mood. We discuss the benefits of light therapy, the importance of staying socially connected, and the proven impact of exercise and nutrition on mental health. Plus, Dr. Aslam shares practical tip...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we explore how staying physically active can transform your well-being as you age. Physical therapist Dustin Jones, founder of Stronger Life Gym, joins us to discuss how training and movement help people over 55 build strength, boost confidence, and live life to the fullest. Whether you're already active or just starting, this conversation proves it...

Send us Fan Mail  Join us this week as we welcome Beth Kronenberg , nutritionist, health coach, and founder of Kitchen Shift . Beth shares her expert advice on getting started with nutrition changes and how small, consistent steps lead to lasting health. We also dive into how sleep, stress, and daily routines affect your health more than you might think, and practical tips for cooking for one, fre...

Send us Fan Mail Tired of resolutions that fizzle out by February? We’re here to change that. This week, we’re exploring the psychology behind goal-setting, how to stay motivated, and why tracking progress is crucial. Stick around for tips you can implement today and details about our new Resolution Reset course designed to help you master your 2024 goals. If you find this episode helpful and are...

Send us Fan Mail Tired of last-minute meals and unhealthy choices? Join us as we chat with Collins Youngblood, owner of LeanFeast, about the power of meal prep. From planning and prepping to making it work for your lifestyle, Collins offers expert advice and easy-to-follow tips that will help you take control of your nutrition and feel your best. Find Collins: LeanFeast.com @LeanFeastLexington the...

Send us Fan Mail The holidays can be a whirlwind of stress and chaos, but what if the secret to staying sane is as simple as moving your body? In this episode, we’re joined by personal trainer and gym owner Matt Veigl to explore the transformative power of exercise for managing holiday stress and staying healthy. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym-goer, Matt’s tips and insights will...

Send us Fan Mail The holidays can be a magical time—but they can also feel overwhelming with endless to-do lists, family obligations, and the pressure to make everything perfect. In this episode, we unpack how to prioritize what truly matters during the holidays and let go of the rest. From setting realistic expectations to finding joy in small moments, we share practical strategies to help you cr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Marshall, a seasoned registered dietitian, to answer the burning questions about nutrition, weight loss, and realistic approaches to healthier living. Lauren shares the most common questions her patients ask, the obstacles they face on their wellness journeys, and her top tips for achieving sustainable weight loss. If you've ever felt...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gina Labovitz, a pediatrician dedicated to improving children’s health through better nutrition. We explore how food additives and dyes can impact kids, and why missing key micronutrients might contribute to behavioral changes. Dr. Labovitz offers simple, actionable ways to guide kids toward real, nourishing foods and reduce processed...

Send us Fan Mail In this foundational episode of The Starting Gate , we’re simplifying good nutrition to help you confidently navigate the often-confusing world of food labels and ingredients. We kick things off by defining ultra-processed foods—what they are, why they’re so common, and how to cut back on them in favor of whole, nutrient-rich options. You’ll learn how to read nutrition labels like...

Send us Fan Mail In this foundational episode of The Starting Gate , we’re simplifying good nutrition to help you confidently navigate the often-confusing world of food labels and ingredients. We kick things off by defining ultra-processed foods—what they are, why they’re so common, and how to cut back on them in favor of whole, nutrient-rich options. You’ll learn how to read nutrition labels like...

Send us Fan Mail In our first episode of The Starting Gate , we share the story behind our careers as primary care physicians and why we made the shift from traditional internal medicine to lifestyle medicine. After years of prescribing medications, we realized that true, lasting health comes from addressing the root causes of chronic disease—nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, and social...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Starting Gate , we explore the foundation of lifestyle medicine—the six pillars that are essential to long-term health and well-being. From nutrition and fitness to managing stress and improving sleep, we break down each pillar and explain why it’s crucial for preventing and reversing chronic disease. We also guide you through a simple self-reflection exerci...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Starting Gate , we dive into the science of habits and how the habit loop can be your secret weapon for better health. We’ll break down each of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, social connections, and avoiding risky substances—and offer small, easy-to-implement habit changes for each. Whether it’s adding more...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Starting Gate , we tackle the common setbacks and roadblocks that often arise when trying to adopt new habits. From busy schedules to lack of motivation, we’ll discuss the barriers that can make change feel difficult—why setbacks are part of the process and how to overcome them. We’ll discuss the importance of being patient with yourself and focusing on prog...