In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique sits down with Dr. Brian Rodgers to shed light on CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) — a condition affecting up to 25% of the population. They break down what CIRS actually is, why so many people are undiagnosed, and how it can be triggered by mold, Lyme disease, spider bites, and even COVID or the COVID vaccine.

Juanique and Dr. Rodgers explore how CIRS impacts the gut, brain, mitochondria, and immune system — often showing up as fatigue, anxiety, depression, hormone imbalances, brain fog, and long COVID. They also dive into the 12-step protocol for treatment, with a focus on the first three critical steps: reducing environmental triggers, using the right binders, and treating MARCoNS (nasal bacteria).

The conversation is equal parts science and lived experience, with Juanique sharing her personal journey with CIRS, the overwhelm of starting treatment, and the hope that comes from taking healing step by step.

Key Takeaways

• CIRS is common: Around 20–25% of people carry the gene that can trigger CIRS.
• COVID is a trigger: Both infection and vaccination have been shown to turn on CIRS genes, often presenting as “long COVID.”
• Multi-system impact: CIRS disrupts neuropeptides, hormones, and mitochondria, leading to mood disorders, fatigue, leaky gut, and hormone imbalance.
• Children are affected differently: Kids often show fewer symptoms (headaches, anxiety, chronic infections, bedwetting) but can still carry the condition.
• First 3 steps matter most: Safe environment, binders (like Welchol or cholestyramine), and MARCoNS treatment are non-negotiable for healing.
• Healing takes time: Most patients need 12–24 months to move through the 12-step protocol, with incremental improvements along the way.
• Adjunctive therapies: Tools like eBOO, hyperbaric oxygen, IVs, neurofeedback, and phospholipid therapy can help “jumpstart” depleted bodies.
• Hope is key: Even if progress feels slow, consistent steps lower the body’s toxin load and restore function over time.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Juanique’s experience with CIRS
03:25 – Why so many people are undiagnosed
08:09 – The hidden pandemic of CIRS and COVID as a trigger
10:32 – How CIRS affects the gut, brain, mitochondria, and immune system
15:18 – Children and teenagers with CIRS: symptoms to watch for
20:05 – The overlap between CIRS, MCAS, and histamine intolerance
27:10 – Chronic infections, asthma-like symptoms, and immune dysfunction
31:57 – Step 1: Safe environment and mold remediation
39:04 – Step 2: Binders and reducing the toxin load
43:49 – Step 3: Treating MARCoNS and brain fog relief
48:40 – Why some patients need “bigger tools” to jumpstart healing
53:22 – Steps 4–12: Gut, hormones, neuropeptides, and VIP therapy
58:09 – How long CIRS healing really takes

Links & Resources

• Join the Gutsy Academy! Enroll classes in a week! mygutsyhealth.com/academy
• Free classes, guides & resources: mygutsyhealth.com

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 In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique Grover talks with guest Britt Lefkoe about one of the biggest hidden barriers to healing: your mindset.

So many people spend years cycling through diets, supplements, and protocols, yet still feel stuck in pain and fatigue. Juanique and Britt unpack why this happens, explaining how stress, self-worth, and unaddressed emotions silently block the body’s ability to repair — even when you’re “doing everything right.”

They explore how the nervous system translates mental and emotional patterns into physical symptoms, why unresolved emotions often resurface as illness, and how long-held beliefs may be keeping you sick. You’ll also learn practical tools to retrain your nervous system, shift your mindset, and finally create the conditions your body needs to heal and thrive.

This isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about removing the invisible roadblocks between you and lasting health.

Key Takeaways & Timestamps

• 02:45 – Why mindset is the foundation of healing
• 10:18 – The nervous system’s role in physical symptoms
• 18:33 – How emotions sabotage (or support) your health
• 25:47 – The connection between self-worth and healing progress
• 36:12 – Practical steps to rewire your mindset for lasting change

Ready to do the inner work alongside the physical healing? Join the Gutsy Health Academy for step-by-step guidance on mindset, nutrition, and protocols that actually last. Learn more here.

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In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique Grover and guest Gina Worful unpack why so many healing protocols don’t deliver lasting results—and how to turn things around.

Drawing from their work with the Gutsy Academy, they explore the real reasons people get stuck in their health journey and share practical strategies for breaking free.

You’ll hear why mindset is the foundation of sustainable healing, how to read and respond to your body’s unique language, and the role of mindfulness in creating real, lasting change. They also discuss how societal pressures push us away from self-care, the connection between emotions and physical symptoms, and why co-regulation in relationships and parenting can transform not only your health but that of future generations.

If you’ve ever wondered why your healing plan feels like an endless cycle of starts and stops, or why even the “perfect” protocol doesn’t seem to work, this conversation will give you the missing pieces—from understanding your nervous system to redefining self-worth in your healing journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why mindset is the foundation of sustainable healing
• How to interpret the body’s signals to identify root causes
• The role of mindfulness in shifting patterns that block recovery
• How emotions and stress shape physical health
• Why co-regulation in parenting and relationships transforms well-being
• How societal pressures disconnect us from self-care

Key Timestamps:
02:56 – Why mindset determines healing outcomes
05:48 – Learning your body’s unique language
08:22 – The role of mindfulness in recovery
14:17 – The impact of emotions on physical health
42:45 – Co-regulation, parenting, and generational health

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Join the Gutsy Health Academy → mygutsyhealth.com/gutsyhealthacademy

If your healing feels stuck or your protocols never seem to last, the missing piece may not be another diet or supplement—it may be your mindset, nervous system, and emotional health.

The Gutsy Health Academy gives you the tools, structure, and support to finally make healing sustainable. Join today and start creating lasting change.

🔗 Gutsy Health Academy

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In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique Grover is joined by Dr. Brian Rodgers and hormone consultant Tauscha Johanson to unpack what most people misunderstand about hormone health—especially when it comes to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

They dive into the symptoms women often ignore or get gaslit over, explain how BHRT works, and discuss why quality of life—not just lab results—should guide your decisions.

The conversation also highlights how sex hormones don’t function in isolation. If your thyroid, adrenals, or mitochondria are under stress, your hormones will be too. This episode is practical and empowering, especially for women who are tired of hearing “everything looks normal” when they clearly don’t feel normal.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) influence nearly every system in the body
• Why bioidentical hormones are easier to metabolize than synthetic versions
• The role of thyroid, adrenals, liver, and mitochondria in hormone therapy success
• Common symptoms of hormone imbalance: low libido, brain fog, fatigue, mood swings
• Delivery methods compared: pellets, creams, patches, and injections
• Why the Women’s Health Initiative study created fear around HRT—and what newer research shows
• How functional testing provides a deeper look than standard hormone labs
• The “90/10 rule” of healing: why lifestyle still drives the majority of results
• Why BHRT isn’t about vanity but about restoring vitality and quality of life
• The importance of early support—don’t wait until you’re in full burnout

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to hormone health
03:44 – Common signs of hormone imbalance
07:20 – What are bioidentical hormones?
10:32 – Delivery methods: pellets vs creams vs patches
13:49 – Why thyroid health must be addressed first
17:11 – The Women’s Health Initiative study and misconceptions
21:58 – Who is (and isn’t) a good candidate for BHRT
26:35 – Functional testing vs standard hormone panels
30:42 – The 90/10 rule of healing
34:50 – Hormone optimization and quality of life
40:12 – Closing thoughts: how to advocate for your own health

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Enroll in the Gutsy Health Academy – now open! → https://www.mygutsyhealth.com/gutsyhealthacademy

Closing:
If you’re exploring bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) or struggling with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, or low libido, this episode will help you understand what your body truly needs before hormones can work.

Healing starts with the foundations. When your gut, liver, thyroid, adrenals, and mitochondria are supported, BHRT can be an empowering tool—not a band-aid.

Enrollment for the Gutsy Health Academy is now open. If you want a clear, step-by-step roadmap to balance hormones and restore energy, join us today and start your healing journey.

🔗 Gutsy Health Academy

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Thinking about starting hormone therapy? Wondering if testosterone pellets are right for you?

In this episode, Juanique and Dr. Brian Rodgers unpack the real story behind bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—with a specific focus on pellet therapy. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, dealing with low libido, or chasing energy and mood stability, this conversation covers what hormone therapy can and can’t do.

They explain why so many people don’t feel better on pellets, why hormone imbalance symptoms are often misunderstood, and how gut, liver, adrenal, and mitochondrial health play a critical role in getting real results.

What we cover in this episode:
• What bioidentical hormone pellets are and how they work
• Testosterone therapy for women—who it’s for and when it backfires
• Common HRT mistakes that lead to estrogen dominance and symptom flares
• How to support detox pathways before starting hormone therapy
• Why gut and liver function determine how your body handles hormones
• The difference between symptom relief and true hormone balance
• DIM, methylation, and why your hormones might be getting recycled
• When pellets work—and what to fix first if they don’t

Timestamps:
• 03:00 – Hormone pellet basics: how they’re made and how long they last
• 06:30 – Jumping into HRT too early: what most people get wrong
• 14:00 – Detox, DIM, and liver support: how to prep the body
• 22:30 – Women and testosterone: the case for and against
• 29:00 – Recirculation risks: why symptoms flare post-pellet
• 35:00 – How to fix hormone issues from the ground up
• 45:00 – Final thoughts: test properly, follow the order of healing

Key phrases this episode touches on:

• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for women
• Hormone imbalance symptoms
• Estrogen dominance and perimenopause
• Testosterone therapy for energy and libido
• Detox before hormone therapy
• Root cause approaches to HRT
• Hormone pellets pros and cons

This episode is essential if you’re considering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), weighing the pros and cons of hormone pellet therapy, or wondering if testosterone therapy for women is the right step for you. You’ll learn why symptoms like low energy, mood swings, and estrogen dominance can’t be fixed with pellets alone—and what to do instead for real, lasting hormone balance.

Resources & Links:

• Book a consult with Dr. Rodgers at Provo Health: 801-691-1765
• Join the final live cohort of Gutsy Health Academy: https://www.mygutsyhealth.com/gutsyhealthacademy

Related episodes to listen to next:

• Sex Hormone: Sex Hormones: The Final Layer in the Order of Healing with Dr. Rodgers
• Thyroid Health Series (Part 1 & 2)

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In this episode, Juanique and Dr. Rodgers unpack Step 7 in the Order of Healing—sex hormones—and explain why they should never be the starting point in your healing journey. If you’ve been struggling with low libido, weight gain, poor sleep, mood swings, or brain fog, this conversation helps you understand why those symptoms are often rooted in deeper dysfunction.

They walk through how mindset, gut health, liver function, adrenals, thyroid, and mitochondrial energy all impact your hormone balance. Juanique also shares new insights about breast implant illness and its connection to thyroid dysfunction, and they both emphasize how dangerous it is to treat hormones in isolation.

Timestamps:
02:30 – Gutsy Health Academy update: last live cohort launching in August
07:00 – Why sex hormones are the last stop in the healing process
09:00 – The cortisol-steal and how chronic stress robs your sex hormones
10:30 – Sleep and hormone production: the toxic feedback loop
13:30 – SIRS and its impact on mitochondrial energy and hormone production
16:10 – Gut health, estrogen metabolism, and why dysbiosis messes with everything
20:00 – Why bioidentical hormone therapy works for some—and fails for others
24:30 – DIM, liver detox, and estrogen clearance explained
28:00 – Adrenals, thyroid, and sex hormones: the hormone trifecta
34:00 – Breast implant illness and a new theory about thyroid dysfunction
39:00 – Hormones and relationship health: it’s not just about libido
44:00 – Juanique’s personal story: supporting her dad’s recovery with testosterone
47:00 – Preview of next episode: hormone types, detox, lifestyle tips, and pellet therapy

What You’ll Learn:

• Why sex hormone issues usually start with deeper dysfunction upstream
• How stress and cortisol disrupt sex hormone production
• The role of the gut and liver in estrogen metabolism
• How mitochondrial energy impacts your ability to produce hormones
• Why hormone replacement often fails without whole-body support
• The possible connection between breast implant illness and thyroid dysfunction
• How to safely and effectively explore bioidentical hormone therapy
• The difference between symptom treatment and true hormonal balance

Quotes:

“Hormones are the sprinkles on top of life—but if the cake underneath is collapsing, the sprinkles won’t help.”
“If your hormones are out of balance, it’s not about throwing more in—it’s about asking why they’re out of balance in the first place.”
“Breast implants might be the toxin that’s pushing your thyroid over the edge.”

Resources & Mentions:

• Gutsy Health Academy Enrollment (opens August 1st)
• Call Provo Health to book with Dr. Rodgers: 801-691-1765
• Want a second opinion on your labs or hormones? Virtual consults available
• Book mentioned: DIM for Estrogen Balance 
• Previous episodes: Thyroid Part 1 & 2, Adrenals, Mitochondria, Gut Health (listen for full Order of Healing series)

Next Episode Tease:
Next week, Juanique and Dr. Rodgers go deep into Hormones 101: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, LH, FSH, and how to support them through bioidentical therapy, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation.

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In this powerful continuation of our thyroid series, Juanique is joined by Dr. Rodgers from Provo Health for a no-nonsense look at what’s really going on behind thyroid dysfunction. If you’ve been told your TSH is “normal” but still feel exhausted, anxious, or stuck in chronic illness cycles, this episode is for you.

This conversation goes deeper than the typical surface-level thyroid advice. Juanique and Dr. Rodgers unpack the complex web of underlying issues like Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, undiagnosed autoimmune activity, thyroid nodules, environmental stressors, and the systemic medical blind spots keeping so many people from healing.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why standard thyroid tests are incomplete and often misleading
• How to ask your doctor for the right labs and how to interpret them
• What thyroid nodules actually mean and whether they can be reversed
• The connection between leaky gut, gluten, and autoimmune thyroid conditions
• Natural support strategies including low-dose naltrexone, supplements, and diet
• When it’s time to collaborate with a functional medicine doctor
• Why you must become the expert of your own body

Juanique also shares a personal story from her own healing journey, revealing how past trauma and health anxiety intersected—and how compassionate care can make all the difference.

Resources mentioned:

• Enrollment for the Gutsy Academy opens August 1. This is the final year Juanique will coach live.
• Dr. Rodgers is accepting new patients at Provo Health – call 801-691-1765 to book.
• Recommended supplement: Thyroid Support by Just Ingredients
• Book reference: Curing Hyperthyroidism Naturally by Dr. Eric Osansky

For more resources and support on becoming your own self-healing advocate, visit MyGutsyHealth.com.

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In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique returns with a deep dive into thyroid health, joined by Dr. Brian Rodgers, Provo Health’s resident expert on hormones and CIRS. Together they unpack why thyroid symptoms often stem from deeper issues like gut and liver function, adrenal health, nutrient deficiencies, and stress.

Juanique also shares her personal story of navigating Graves’ disease without medication, while Dr. Rodgers explains the physiology of thyroid hormones, what labs really reveal, and why most conventional approaches fall short.

This conversation lays the groundwork for understanding your body’s hormonal symphony—especially if you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but still feel exhausted, foggy, or stuck.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why TSH alone doesn’t give the full picture of thyroid function
• How stress, cortisol, and estrogen dominance block hormone conversion
• The role of nutrient deficiencies in thyroid dysfunction
• Why so many women struggle with thyroid health—and what’s really going on
• How CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) can stall healing
• Why mitochondrial energy production depends on thyroid signaling
• How overtraining and crash dieting backfire on metabolism
• Why reverse T3 may be the missing test in thyroid panels

Key Timestamps:
02:00 – Parenting, burnout, and why Juanique paused podcasting
08:00 – The Gutsy Academy relaunch: final live cohort
13:00 – Juanique’s Graves’ disease story and recovery path
17:00 – Breaking down TSH, T4, T3, and reverse T3
21:00 – Why gut and liver health matter more than just your thyroid
31:00 – How cortisol and estrogen dominance block T3 conversion
35:00 – Mitochondria, T3, and why you’re so tired
36:00 – What CIRS is and why it explains “non-responders”
44:00 – Reverse T3 explained and why meds might not be working
48:00 – Overtraining, under-eating, and metabolic slowdown
51:00 – Why hormones are a symphony, not a switch

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Take the Gut Symptom Checker Quiz
• Enroll in the Gutsy Health Academy – Final live cohort begins September
• Schedule a consult with Dr. Rodgers at Provo Health → Call 801-691-1765

If you’ve been told your thyroid labs look “normal” but you still feel exhausted, foggy, or stuck, this episode will help you see the bigger picture. Thyroid health depends on gut, liver, adrenal, and mitochondrial function—and when one part of the system is off, the whole thing is off.

Enrollment for the final live cohort of the Gutsy Health Academy is now open. Join today for a step-by-step roadmap to restore your energy, balance your hormones, and reclaim your health.

🔗 Gutsy Health Academy

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Feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest? Wondering if adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalance, or chronic stressare draining your health?

In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Juanique sits down with Dr. Brian Rodgers to unpack the hidden connections between your adrenals, thyroid, mitochondria, and overall energy—and why most doctors completely miss adrenal burnout.

You’ll discover why adrenal recovery is essential for lasting hormone balance, how mitochondrial and gut health set the stage for adrenal healing, and why functional medicine approaches adrenal fatigue in a way conventional doctors don’t.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How the HPA axis controls stress, cortisol, and energy
• Why mitochondria must be restored before adrenal recovery can succeed
• How gut health and nutrient absorption impact energy and healing
• The three stages of adrenal burnout and how to recognize them
• Why chronic stress, stimulants, and over-exercising make burnout worse
• How functional medicine treats adrenal fatigue differently from conventional care
• What CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) is and how it blocks recovery

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Why adrenal health is step five in the healing process
05:00 – Juanique’s personal adrenal burnout journey
10:00 – The HPA axis and hormone signaling explained
20:00 – Why mitochondrial health must come before adrenal recovery
25:00 – Gut health, inflammation, and nutrient absorption
35:00 – What CIRS is and how it hijacks healing
40:00 – The three stages of adrenal fatigue
50:00 – Why caffeine, stimulants, and over-exercising backfire
01:00:00 – How to start rebuilding adrenal function

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Join the Gutsy Health Academy → https://www.mygutsyhealth.com/academywaitlist
• Book a consult or learn more at Provo Health → 801-691-1765 or provohealth.com
• Follow Juanique on Instagram → @gutsy_mom

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In this episode of the Gutsy Health Podcast, Dr. Rodgers and Juanique Grover unpack the powerful connection between liver health and hormone balance—and why true healing starts far upstream.

They explain the Order of Healing (mindset → mitochondria → gut → liver → hormones) and why treating hormone issues without addressing liver health often leads to deeper imbalances. You’ll learn how CIRS impacts mitochondrial and hormone function, why the liver is essential for hormone detoxification, and how sugar, insulin resistance, and gallbladder dysfunction all tie into the picture.

Dr. Rodgers and Juanique also discuss why traditional lab ranges often miss signs of liver stress, why cholesterol is an overlooked marker of liver health, and how supporting your liver lays the foundation for restoring energy, brain function, fertility, and overall vitality.

Helpful Links

• Take the Root Cause Quiz to uncover hidden imbalances.
• Explore the Liver Reset Program to deeply support liver health.
• Free Detox Class: https://www.mygutsyhealth.com/detox
• To book with Dr. Rodgers, email [email protected]

Key Takeaways

• Hormones are a symphony; imbalance creates dysfunction.
• True healing order: mindset → mitochondria → gut → liver → hormones.
• The liver is essential for detoxifying and converting hormones.
• CIRS severely disrupts mitochondrial energy and hormone balance.
• Signs of liver dysfunction: fatigue, mood swings, skin issues, heavy periods, brain fog.
• Proper nutrient absorption is critical for liver and hormone health.
• Cholesterol (made in the liver) is the backbone for hormone production.
• High LDL and insulin resistance often signal liver distress.
• High fructose consumption (especially from processed foods) damages liver function.
• Gallbladder health is critical for fat digestion and hormonal support.
• Post-gallbladder removal: ox bile supplementation is important.
• Healing liver and gut health leads to natural hormone balance — without relying solely on bioidentical hormones.
• Optimal lab ranges (not just "normal") are key for assessing liver and hormone health.

Chapters

00:00 — The Symphony of Hormones
03:01 — Understanding the Order of Healing
06:10 — The Role of the Liver in Hormone Health
09:02 — Cholesterol, Hormones, and Liver Function
12:06 — CIRS and Its Impact on Hormones
14:56 — Symptoms of Liver and Hormone Dysfunction
17:57 — The Importance of Balance in Hormone Treatment
23:08 — Understanding Liver Enzymes and GGT
26:04 — The Role of Insulin and Cholesterol in Liver Health
30:48 — The Impact of Sugar and Fructose on Liver Function
35:10 — Recognizing Liver Stress and Functionality
37:39 — Gallbladder Health and Its Importance
46:01 — Balancing Hormones for Optimal Health

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