Functional Moms Podcast

Functional Moms Podcast

By Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin BruckerAlternative HealthHealth & Fitness
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Functional Moms Podcast episodes

  • 86. How to Burn Fat After 45 and Build Muscle in 2026

    This episode is for you if you’re trying to lose fat and gain muscle in your 40s, 50s or 60s. This is part 2 of one of Functional Moms Podcast most popular episodes ever!

    In episode 50 titled “Fit after 40: Top 3 Tips” we brought you our biggest takeaways from interviewing top weight loss and fitness experts like Dr. Stacy Sims. Today we’re going to give you our biggest learnings from Functional Moms Podcast season 3 setting you up for FAT BURNING AND MUSCLE BUILDING success in 2026.

    If you try any of these tips, SHARE in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

    Episode #50: The Best 3 Strategies for Women after 40: Fat Loss & Muscle Gain (our second most popular episode EVER!)

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LwRWLMlIr8gMb4TrMTp7d?si=e57012927e894361

    SIT Training DEMO:

    https://youtube.com/shorts/7IdEowvBiH8?si=_g1KAotqZiIuwu8Z

    Shop Functional Moms Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands:https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms/store-start

    Shop ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet:https://prolonlife.com/FM

    OTHER FAT LOSS/MUSCLE GAIN EPISODES MENTIONED:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/56tcvFlUJhVRG0aWQImEFZ?si=feG8XHFyRna0KUVIV2Wpxw

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/4R4YaToKrJFWqxUVPDRvsT?si=xstfqS7cRQmlkyTKFF6KqQhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7nl39YC6NJKUzCDFgLe0RH?si=sRmJbBA0Q2qALsdm0wW5NQ

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/0b8QoC6kYnRoc4OPtnekBk?si=X60guH-HQcCpvq5yppSnSA

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sKMwC1OqTYmeZbr2AtH0K?si=44-RjWDXTYiflpeDWVIGdg

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/6C35P5xf3eDjJjA6nlDXgt?si=c7ab9f71748a4d27

    #WeightLossOver40 #FatLossAfter40 #BuildMuscleAfter40 #MenopauseWeightLoss #MidlifeFitness #WomenOver40 #HormoneHealth #FunctionalMomsPodcast #PerimenopauseFitness #HealthyAging #MuscleBuilding #FatBurningTips


    19 min
  • 85. Why Women Over 40 Feel So Stressed and Burned Out (2026 Guide)

    In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we learn quick stress-busting strategies to put ourselves first and set boundaries without guilt.

    Guest Diane Lang is a certified positive psychology coach, speaker, educator and author of 4 books. Her most recent book, Worthy, explores the hidden causes of unworthiness, its deeper implications, and its connection to perfectionism and control.

    We learn:

    • Women over 40 face unique stressors due to hormonal changes and caregiving responsibilities

    • Many women experience an identity crisis in midlife, questioning their life choices

    • Setting boundaries is essential for mental health, yet often comes with guilt

    • Self-care is not selfish, it is necessary for overall well-being

    • True self-care involves meeting basic needs like sleep, nutrition and exercise

    • Routines are vital for maintaining balance and health in daily life

    • How finding purpose in midlife is crucial for fulfillment

    Connect with Diane Lang:

    https://www.instagram.com/dianelangcoaching/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlcounseling

    Shop Functional Moms Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands:

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠

    Thank you for listening, please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SUBSCRIBE to your YouTube channel:

    ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/

    #StressAfter40 #WomenOver40 #BurnoutRecovery #PeoplePleasing 

    #MidlifeWellness #MentalHealthForWomen #SelfCareIsNotSelfish 

    #BoundarySetting #FunctionalMomsPodcast #HealthyAging 

    #HormoneHealth #MidlifeReset #EmotionalWellness #2026Wellness



    37 min
  • 84. How to Lose Menopause Weight and Lower Inflammation Fast with Blair Critch

    Are you struggling with stubborn belly fat after 40? In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we sit down with Blair Critch, health coach and cancer survivor, to uncover how women can lose menopause belly fat, balance hormones, and thrive in midlife. Blair shares how her journey through ovarian cancer led her to discover powerful tools like GLP-1s, peptides, nervous system regulation, and plant-based living.

    Whether you're navigating perimenopause or menopause, this conversation will give you real strategies to reduce inflammation, boost your metabolism, and feel amazing again.

    What You’ll Learn:

    ✅ How to shrink menopause belly fat naturally

    ✅ What foods to eat and avoid in midlife

    ✅ How biohacking supports longevity

    ✅ Why women feel tired and stressed during menopause

    ✅ Blair’s top 2 tips to lose belly fat fast

    Connect with Blair on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blaircritch2/

    We need your help! Please FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep bringing new episodes your way!

    #MenopauseBellyFat #WeightLossOver40 #MenopauseHealth #MidlifeWellness #HormoneHealth #BellyFatLoss #WomenOver40 #ThriveAfter40 #HealthyAging #MenopauseSupport #MidlifeReset #Perimenopause #MenopauseTips #Peptides #GLP1 #HormoneBalance #2026Wellness #BellyFatSolutions #Biohacking #FunctionalHealth

    42 min
  • 83. How Your Kidney Function Predicts Your Lifespan after 40 with Dr. Neetu Sharma

    This episode is for you if you're struggling with weight gain and tummy fat after 40. We are going to learn how the kidneys play a real role in how we age.

    Dr. Neetu Sharma, otherwise known as the kidney whisperer, helps patients shed unwanted belly fat and unravel their metabolic dysfunction. She is a board certified physician in internal medicine and nephrology as well as functional and metabolic medicine. She is the founder of Zeal Vitality, which empowers patients to reverse disease and extend longevity.

    We learn:

    ✅Kidneys play a crucial role in detoxification and weight management

    ✅GFR is a key indicator of kidney health and why you should pay attention to this on your annual labs

    ✅Belly fat is linked to kidney function and metabolic health

    ✅Hydration is essential for optimal kidney function

    ✅Cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections, but use sugar-free versions

    ✅Electrolyte balance is important, especially for active individuals, but not everyone needs to supplement electrolytes

    ✅Dark urine can indicate dehydration and kidney stress

    ✅Protein intake is safe for healthy kidneys but should be monitored

    ✅Phytonutrients from colorful vegetables support kidney health

    ✅Regular check-ups are vital for monitoring kidney function

    Connect with the Kidney Whisperer:

    https://www.instagram.com/thekidneywhisperer/

    Zeal Vitality YouTube

    Zeal Vitality Facebook

    Shop Functional Moms Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands:

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠

    Thank you for listening, please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    SUBSCRIBE to your YouTube channel:

    ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/

    #kidneyhealth #bellyfat #GFR #metabolichealth #menopause #functionalmedicine





    35 min
  • 82. Fix Gut Issues Naturally: IBS, Crohn’s & Colitis Solutions That Work with Dane Johnson

    Dane Johnson shares how he went from a successful modeling career to suffering with severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease and how he transformed his health with a natural, root-cause approach.If you or a loved one struggles with gut issues such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, IBS, bloating, pain, diarrhea, fatigue, or inflammation, this episode will give you hope and real-world strategies.

    We discuss:

    • Dane’s healing journey from severe IBD

    • The role of community and coaching in recovery

    • How to become the CEO of your own health

    • Why celebrating small wins matters

    • How nutrition drives gut healing

    • The liver’s role in detox and inflammation

    • Why opening drainage pathways is essential

    • How to personalize a healing protocol that works

    ABOUT DANE JOHNSON

    Dane Johnson is the CEO of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle and has helped thousands of patients take back control of their gut health using functional medicine, nutrition, and strategic healing systems.

    Connect with Dane:

    Instagram

    Youtube

    TikTok

    crohnscolitislifestyle.com 

    Link to journal Dane mentioned:

    https://healingjournal.crohnscolitislifestyle.com/

    OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH DANE:

    How Lectins Cause IBD: Dane Johnson & Dr. GundryMetabolic Freedom is the BEST Way to Boost Your Energy | Ben Azadi EP9 ‪@crohnscolitislifestyle‬
    SUFFERING? How I Reversed My Crohn’s, Colitis, & IBD - Dane Johnson
    On The Brink | Dane Johnson | Episode #328
    Thank you for listening! Please FOLLOW FUNCTIONAL MOMS PODCAST on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

    SUBSCRIBE on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKU9wRgOdkAhSzXyrHq2AuQ

    #crohns #colitis #IBS #gutinflammation #guthealth #functionalmedicine

    49 min
  • 81. Teen Health Revolution: How Food & Lifestyle Impact Mood, Skin, Sleep & Stress

    This episode is for you if you're a parent, teacher, or health professional concerned about teens struggling with anxiety, acne, allergies, sleep issues, focus problems, or chronic inflammation.

    In 2005, the New England Journal of Medicine made a shocking prediction: our children might have shorter lifespans than us. Fast forward to 2025—nearly 1 in 2 kids now has a chronic condition. But it’s not too late to change course.

    In today’s powerful episode, we’re joined by teen siblings Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim Ansari — hosts of The Holistic Kids’ Show and co-authors of the NEW book “The Teen Health Revolution” — who share their personal journey to eating healthier and turning the tide on chronic conditions, mental health, and lifestyle struggles in teens.

    What You’ll Learn:

  • ✅Why ultra-processed foods are making kids sick (and how to break free)
    ✅How real, colorful foods support the body, brain, skin, and mood

    ✅Why changing teen eating habits takes time — and patience
    The harmful side effects of social media on teen well-being

    ✅The role of nature, mindfulness, and gratitude in mental health
    ✅How habit stacking makes healthy routines stick
    Buy The Book – The Teen Health Revolution:

    • AMAZON

    • BARNES AND NOBLE

      Connect with The Teen Health Revolution:

    • https://www.instagram.com/holistickidsshow/

    • https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticMomMD

    • https://www.tiktok.com/tag/theholistickidsshow

    • theteenhealthrevolution.com

    You May Also Like:

    Child Health at Risk: The Role of Ultra-Processed Food

    Shop Functional Moms Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands:

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms

    Thank you for listening, please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. SUBSCRIBE to your YouTube channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/


    #TeenHealth #ProcessedFood #MentalHealth #SkinHealth #HealthyHabits #AnxietyHelp #ParentingTips #HolisticHealth #KidsNutrition #MindBodySoul #ChronicIllness #GenZWellness #HealthyTeens #RealFoodRevolution

    33 min
  • 80. Struggling to Lose Weight? Try the 90-30-50 Method in 2026 with Courtney Kassis

    This episode is for YOU if you’re struggling with weight loss during perimenopause and postmenopause. We are going to learn a real food framework that’s helped thousands of women lose weight, balance hormones, and stop starting over!

    Our guest today is Courtney Kassis, a registered dietitian, twin mom and creator of the 90-30-50 Method. After struggling with Hashimoto’s and feeling stuck despite doing everything “right”, she stopped obsessing over calories and started fueling her body with nutrients that support metabolism and fat-burning. 

    Courtney’s method helped her lose 55 pounds postpartum, put her autoimmune symptoms into remission and now she teaches thousands of women how to break free from diet culture and finally feel strong, energized and in control!

    We learn:

    • The 90-30-50 method focuses on protein, fiber and healthy fats

    • Protein intake is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and metabolism

    • Blood sugar imbalances can lead to weight gain and other health issues

    • Fasting can be beneficial but should be approached mindfully

    • Tracking protein and fiber intake can help achieve weight loss goals

    • Consistency is key in any weight loss journey, not perfectionism!

    • Alcohol can disrupt fat burning and lead to unhealthy eating habits

    Connect with Courtney on Instagram and YouTube:

    https://www.instagram.com/dietitianwithtwins/

    https://www.youtube.com/@dietitianwithtwins

    YOU MAY ENJOY:

    Functional Moms Podcast Protein Product Review Videos:

    Earth Chimp Protein Powder Review

    Protein Seltzer & Bar Review

    #WeightLossOver40 #MenopauseWeightLoss #HormoneHealth #MidlifeWellness #FunctionalMomsPodcast

    35 min
  • 79. Fasting, Sleep & Alcohol: How They Impact HRV and Stress Levels with Dr. Torkil Færø

    Did you know your heart rate can reveal how stressed—or how healthy—you really are?

    In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Torkil Færø, physician, author of The Pulse Cure, and HRV expert, to explore how tracking your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) can help you reduce stress, sleep better, and live longer.

    After losing his father at 73, Dr. Torkil transformed his own lifestyle—losing 40 pounds, optimizing sleep, and breaking daily alcohol habits. He discovered that HRV is like a speedometer for your body, showing exactly how your choices—like food timing, fasting, and alcohol—affect your nervous system.

    If you’re ready to take control of your stress, longevity, and sleep, this episode will teach you how to use HRV data to guide your health decisions.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • What Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is and how it reveals stress levels
    • How alcohol, sleep, and fasting affect HRV and recovery
    • Why “alcohol is liquid stress” — and how it sabotages your health
    • How to optimize your HRV for longevity and energy
    • Why HRV is the single best health metric to track in 2026

    Connect with Dr. Torkil Færø:

    • 📖 The Pulse Cure → Buy on Amazon
    • 🌐 Website → thepulsecure.com
    • 📱 Instagram → @doc.torkil
  • FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more conversations on longevity, stress, and functional health.

    #HeartRateVariability #HRVTracking #StressManagement #Longevity #FunctionalMomsPodcast #ThePulseCure #DrTorkilFaero #WearableHealth #Biohacking #SleepOptimization #MenopauseHealth

    46 min
  • 78. Menopause & Eye Health: Dry Eyes, Blurry Vision & What You Can Do with Dr. Neda Gioia

    Are your eyes feeling dry or blurry during perimenopause or menopause? You’re not alone—and this episode is for YOU.

    In this Episode of Functional Moms Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Neda Gioia, a nationally board-certified optometrist in both nutrition and functional medicine, to explore how hormonal changes impact women’s eye health during midlife.

    Dr. Neda shares game-changing insights on:

    --Why dry eyes, blurry vision, and macular degeneration become more common in women over 40

    --How menopause hormones influence eye tissue and tear production

    --The best nutrients and dietary strategies to support your vision

    --Which eye symptoms shouldn't be ignored—and when to see an eye doctor

    --How to prep for your next eye exam for better outcomes

    --Whether blue light glasses really work

    --Why sun exposure, diet, and lifestyle directly impact your long-term eye health

    Learn how to protect your eyes naturally—through food, lifestyle, and proactive care.

    RECOMMENDED EYE HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS (as mentioned in the episode, always check with your doctor first before adding supplements!):

    1- blink NutriTears by Bausch and Lomb for dry eye support

    2- Nordic Naturals- Pro-Omega 2000-Great for dry eye, macular support and overall eye health

    3-Metagenics: PhytoMulti Multivitamin - with or without iron. Great multivitamin that includes specific carotenoids called Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are foundational for eye health!

    4-Vitamin D/K- dosing dependent on needs-Helps reduce systemic inflammation which is linked to ocular inflammation!

    5-AREDS 2 formula for macular degeneration support- various brands- this includes the foundational evidence based formula (lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, copper, vitamin C, and vitamin E)About Our Guest:

    Dr. Neda Gioia is the founder of Integrative Vision, a cutting-edge optometry practice blending clinical eye care with functional medicine. She’s also the immediate past president of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society.

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    --Hormones affect your eyes more than you think

    --Dry eye symptoms: not just dryness—think tearing and blurriness too

    --Nutrients like omega-3s, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D are crucial for eye health

    --Cataracts, glaucoma, and AMD can be slowed with lifestyle strategies

    --Red light therapy is emerging as a promising tool for vision care

    --Mediterranean-style eating supports healthy aging and eye protection

    Connect with Dr. Neda Gioia:

    Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drnedagioia/⁠

    Website:https://integrativevision.com/



    https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast


    58 min
  • 77. How to Prepare for Surgery: Nutrition, Prehab & Faster Recovery Tips with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt

    This episode is for you if you’re having surgery or if you have a loved one undergoing surgery soon. We are going to learn how to optimize health prior to surgery for better recovery and better outcomes! Approximately 15 million Americans undergo some type of surgery each year, according to the American College of Surgeons.

    Rebecca Knackstedt is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in implant-based and microsurgical breast reconstruction. She is currently an Assistant Professor in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at Duke University. 

    Rebecca completed her MD/PhD at Medical University of South Carolina where her PhD thesis focused on Vitamin D and inflammation. She pursued an integrated plastic surgery residency and microsurgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic during which she also became certified in Functional Medicine. Her research interests are prehabilitation for breast cancer, particularly for women undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    We learn:

    • Prehabilitation is essential for optimizing health before surgery

    • Surgeons often lack training in nutrition and pre-surgical care

    • Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery and healing post-surgery

    • Alcohol consumption can negatively impact surgical outcomes

    • Protein intake is vital for healing after surgery

    • Patients should be proactive in preparing for their surgical consultations

    • Vitamin D levels are often overlooked but should be monitored carefully

    • Muscle strength is predictive of surgical recovery outcomes

    • Avoid Boost as a nutrition supplement post-surgery

    • Sleep hygiene is important for overall health and recovery

    Connect with Dr. Knackstedt:

    https://www.instagram.com/surgical_recovery/

    https://www.youtube.com/@Surgical_Recovery⁠

    #surgeryrecovery #recovery #surgerylife #health #surgicalaftercare #rehabilitation #physiotherapy  #physicaltherapy




    35 min

About Functional Moms Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG!

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