Just Think: The Podcast

Ever had something physically wrong but your doctor had no answers, and you felt lost, unsure of what to do or where to go?

We hear this ALL THE TIME.

And so many times, the origins of disease seem to be in the gut.

The advice most people get about gut health is backwards: suppress symptoms, hope for the best, and never ask why your body is breaking down in the first place. Dr. Ben Schwartz, a naturopathic doctor and chiropractor at Benton Integrative where he uses root-cause medicine to help patients work through complex gut, autoimmune, metabolic, and hormone issues, joins us to explain why so many chronic issues - from GERD and bloating to autoimmune disease, SIBO, and mysterious “everything looks normal” symptoms - trace back to the gut, the nervous system, and the daily habits that quietly keep you sick.

This conversation gets real about what happens when medicine treats the fire alarm instead of the fire. Holly shares her own years-long ordeal with silent reflux, panic attacks, chest pain, and a frustrating cycle of specialists who weren’t talking to each other. Dr. Ben breaks down why that story is so common, why proton pump inhibitors can be a dangerous long-term crutch, and why leaky gut isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a breakdown in the barrier that protects your whole body.

In this episode we cover...

• why gut health is often the starting point for chronic illness
• how leaky gut, dysbiosis, and SIBO actually work in plain English
• the connection between the gut and autoimmune disease
• how stress, sleep, sunlight, movement, and food shape your biology
• why “quick fix” medicine often misses the root cause
• how to know whether you need testing, retesting, and a more individualized plan

Dr. Ben also shares the visual, no-jargon explanation patients need to finally understand what’s happening inside their bodies - and why repair takes time, not hacks. Amy, Holly, Kristen, and Amy’s own experience as a patient all reinforce the same message: sustainable health comes from awareness, discipline, and a willingness to do the boring basics consistently.If you’re tired of band-aid solutions, overwhelmed by conflicting health advice, or wondering whether your gut symptoms are connected to something bigger, this episode gives you hope and a practical starting point. Perfect for anyone ready to stop guessing and start getting answers.

www.bentonintegrative.com. Mention the podcast for a discount!

www.joincrowdhealth.com Use code JUSTTHINK for your discount off your first three months!

What happens when midlife, empty nesting, and hormone chaos hit all at once? Holly Brewer opens up about the season that pushed her to launch 2nd Half Sisterhood, a space and community for women over 40 who want honesty, hope, and practical help-- without the noise.

Holly is a longtime voice on Just Think the Podcast and the force behind 2nd Half Sisterhood which soft-launched into the social media space this spring but will officially launch this fall as a growing space for women navigating midlife, motherhood, and everything that comes after 40.

Her perspective is equal parts practical, faith-filled, and fiercely honest--perfect for women in midlife, for moms and anyone who is craving a smarter, kinder conversation about shifting hormones, parenting roles, identity, relationships, etc. Holly wanted to provide a place where women could come as they are to find encouragement, inspiration, empowerment and the support they need to make the second half of their lives at least as enjoyable as the first.

Because it can be!

Join us as Holly, Kristen and Amy share their own perspectives about this season of life and how the 2nd Half Sisterhood is here for you--coming SOON!

Website: www.2ndhalfsisterhood.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2ndhalfsisterhood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/2nd-Half-Sisterhood

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@2ndhalfsisterhood

• 1:34— Introduction to Second Half Sisterhood
• 2:25— Midlife, hormones, and the “second half” of life
• 3:02— Holly explains the catalyst for starting the brand
• 4:21— Losing the business, burnout, and transition
• 6:20— Grief, hormones, and emotional overload
• 7:17— Mission of Second Half Sisterhood
• 9:01— Community, hope, and simplifying the noise
• 10:29— Protein pressure and midlife overwhelm
• 11:03— Real talk about not being happy all the time
• 14:15— Nervous system dysregulation and perimenopause
• 15:13— Frustration with menopause and fairness
• 16:07— Mindset shift and getting help
• 17:17— Turning pain into empowerment
• 20:20— Watching parents age while kids leave home
• 22:34— The value of community and support systems
• 25:51— Being intentional about friendships
• 27:16— Rebuilding friendship life in the second half
• 30:13— Grief of kids leaving home
• 31:11— Parenting teens, college kids, and adult children
• 37:24— The emotional weight of an emptying house
• 42:25— Parenting older kids with mutual respect
• 44:47— Transitioning from parent-child to friendship
• 47:31— Silence, emptiness, and missing their presence
• 48:17— Choosing what is ahead over what is behind

Peptides seem to be all the rage these days, especially the GLP1s and their use for weight loss, But peptides have been used for decades (hello, insulin--it's a peptide!), with seemingly more uses being discovered all the time for things like healing, sleep, muscle preservation, hydration, anti-inflammation, etc.

But are they SAFE?

We want to know the risks vs. the benefits, why they work, how they work, and if we could benefit from them...what is the safest way to use them? Do we have to have them injected? Can we take them orally?

So we asked two renowned experts on bioactive precision peptides, Dr. Mark Bartlett & Dr. Alan Jones, about the new discoveries regarding peptides derived from nature--from. plants like fava beans, which can be taken orally as a GLP1. Do they really work? If so, how? And how do they work in comparison to brands like Wegovy and Ozempic?

We dive into all of this and more in an episode designed to help you find what is right--and SAFE--for you!

RESOURCES:

The Peptide PhD's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-peptide-phds-podcast/id1846205928

Make Wellness: Bioactive Precision Peptides: https://meet.makewellness.com/peptide-science?referral=amyludwig

More info on Peptides derived from nature: https://www.previewpeptides.com/optin1741835853330

JoinCrowdHealth.org discount code JUSTTHINK.

www.BentonIntegrative.com, mention our Podcast for a discount.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 1:46 — What peptides are and why they matter
• 4:45 — Kristen explains how she got interested
• 8:04 — GLP-1s and the difference between synthetic and natural peptides
• 9:33 — Basic science: how peptides work in the body
• 15:49 — Why modern life affects hunger, weight, and health
• 20:45 — Why nature-inspired peptides are gaining attention
• 26:26 — How natural peptides survive digestion
• 28:26 — Muscle health and sarcopenia
• 31:33 — Peptides for recovery, inflammation, and longevity
• 35:02 — The importance of muscle and sleep
• 43:19 — How peptide products are researched and chosen
• 50:14 — Why dose and quality matter
• 55:11 — Closing thoughts and caution around peptides
• 56:10 — Where to find the guests

Staying happily married & raising a family with grounded, happy children is not easy! It takes consistent effort, sacrifice, service...and leadership from a solid partnership. And there comes a time when we all could use some help, guidance and support to achieve this. That's the Pfanner's mission: to help turn marriages into extraoardinary teams.

We interviewed Tom Pfanner about his original mission to reconnect sons to their fathers and strengthen their relationship in Episode 165. Today, Tom's wife, Megan, has come alongside him to help couples build deep trust, connection and co-leadership and partnership in the home.

This conversation is for couples who feel stuck, parents who want a healthier home, and anyone who knows there has to be a better way than constant friction, resentment, rebellion and guesswork. Tom and Megan’s message is simple but urgent: you do not have to wait until things fall apart to get help.If you want a marriage that works better, healthier relationships with your children, a family that feels more aligned, and a clearer sense of who you are in your home, this episode will challenge and encourage you in all the right ways.

Resources:

To connect with the Pfanners:

https://dadswholead.com/couples-leadership-retreat

www.JoinCrowdHealth.com, use code JUST THINK for a discounted membership.

www.bentonintegrative.com, mention JUST THINK for your discount.

Ever feel overwhelmed by health headlines and wonder what's really true? The media loves to sensationalize, but Dr. Ben is here to set the record straight. We are si tired of fear-mongering headlines and want real, science-backed info, so we dive into everything — hantavirus on cruise ships, the mysterious rise of alpha-gal allergies, and why we should be cautious with big pharma's latest elixirs.

The truth? Most of these threats are highly unlikely to impact you personally—so don’t hit that panic button yet.

The key? Focus on your root health — a strong immune system, good gut health, and informed choices. Your body is resilient and designed to thrive when supported—not scared into submission.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on health headlines 02:37 - The real scoop on hantavirus transmission and risk 05:32 - Will hantavirus or Ebola become a pandemic? Dr. Ben’s epidemiology insights 08:36 - The return of Ebola headlines and travel restrictions 12:49 - The Netflix “poop cruise” and viral fear narratives 16:21 - The rise of alpha-gal syndrome and tick-borne allergies 22:14 - Debunking conspiracy theories on Lyme disease and bioweapons 26:55 - Off-label use of antihistamines for PMS and hormonal issues 33:41 - The gut-brain axis, histamine, and hormone interplay 36:25 - Stress, cortisol, and visceral fat's role in aging 40:33 - Fiber’s benefits for microbiome, blood sugar, and hormone health 43:00 - The controversy around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and long-term safety 55:53 - The new classification of PCOS to PMOS and hormonal health in women 60:00 - Practical steps: sleep, root cause focus, and cautious supplement use

Resources & Links:

• Benton Integrative
• Alpha-Gal Syndrome overview
• WonderSide Insect Repellent
• www.crowdhealth.comConnect with Dr. Ben Schwartz:
• LinkedIn
• Website

Are we parents really doing enough to protect our kids — or are we just trusting what we’re told?

If you’ve ever questioned vaccine safety or felt unsure about the real risks, you are not alone. We were told the science was settled—until we looked closer, and it was abundantly clear that we’re missing long-term data on vaccines, a fact that should concern every parent. And you may wonder, "What if the stories parents share—like reactions and health shifts right after vaccines—are signals we’re not paying enough attention to?"

You have questions, and we have been searching for the answers. And that's why we wanted to chat with pediatrician Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh and talk about his new book, "Between a Shot and a Hard Place" We appreciate his research and measured advice for parents who desperately want answers, who know it is past time for honest conversations and real research regarding not just what vaccines are supposed to do but what they might be doing.

Want to know more so that you can help provide a healthy life for your children and make decisions based on evidence and facts, not fear? Listen in.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Episode introduction: Vaccine truth and societal trust

3:13 - Dr. Warsh’s journey from Western to integrative medicine

5:09 - Frustration with censorship and censorship of vaccine debates

6:07 - COVID pandemic's impact on vaccine discussions

7:01 - The importance of research and asking questions

8:00 - Practicing medicine in California: navigating exemptions

9:15 - The importance of parental questions and safety concerns

11:20 - The unstudied question: vaccines and autism link

12:35 - Risks, benefits, and the importance of individualized choices

15:36 - Long-term effects and chronic disease considerations

16:48 - The necessity for transparent, ongoing research

17:40 - The concept of herd immunity and social responsibility

18:34 - Changes in vaccine schedules since 1986 and their implications

19:55 - Recognizing reactions: warnings and signs to consider

23:45 - Addressing fears: Measles, media influence, and actual risks

28:11 - The importance of informed parental choices and doctor-patient dialogue

29:49 - The reality of vaccine reactions and the need for personalized approaches

33:18 - The impact of messaging, propaganda, and societal narratives

36:52 - Ethical dilemmas, mandates, and the slippery slope of vaccine policy

39:55 - Balancing public health with individual rights

44:16 - Transparency about vaccine safety, efficacy, and long-term data gaps

47:46 - Rising autism rates and potential environmental factors

50:17 - The need to study unvaccinated children for better understanding

54:03 - Navigating vaccine policies in restrictive states like California

56:36 - Observations of health in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated children

58:08 - The controversy around research funding and scientific bias

62:32 - The future of personalized, risk-based vaccination strategies

Resources & Links:

• Book: Between a Shot and a Hard Place
• Dr. Joel Gator Warsh on Substack
• Dr. Joel Gator Warsh on Instagram

GLP1s are all the rage, yet the side effects can be dangerous, including sarcopenia (muscle loss) are not always understood or even addressed, so in this episode we help you understand that muscle health MATTERS, far more than you likely know. Because your muscles are "the organ of longevity", the secret to aging well, living well, getting and staying lean, and maintaining vitality is to preserve and build your muscles.

AND this can be done without expensive injections, dangerous side effects, or--great news--expensive gym memberships!

Dr. Alan Jones is a health sciences PhD and former pharma executive turned highly credentialed expert in muscle health and longevity, and he shares the science we ALL need to know, including...

1. how simple daily movements can redefine your health span and are your best ally in preventing frailty, chronic disease, fat gain, and even cognitive decline.
2. how losing muscle does not have to be an inevitable part of aging., Each of us has the power right now to transform our bodies, our brains, AND our lifespan.
3. how powerful signals—called myokines—improve everything from bone density to mental clarity.
4. how resistance training, high-protein diets, and even simple "exercise snacks" can revitalize your health at any age..
5. how natural, safe alternatives to GLP1s like bioactive peptides ARE available....and affordable.

If you want to live longer, healthier, and more independently...

If you want to think more clearly and eliminate brain fog...

If you want to lose weight and get stronger... listen now!

Timestamps

04:25 - The epidemic of muscle loss and social media noise

05:50 - Hollywood's atrophic trend and social norms shift

06:12 - Scientific insights from Dr. Alan Jones’ background

08:00 - Dr. Jones' switch from pharma to muscle health advocacy

13:10 - Defining sarcopenia and its types 14:55 - How medications like statins impair muscle health

15:49 - Consequences of muscle loss: frailty and chronic disease

16:14 - Sedentary lifestyles vs. active roots

17:24 - Debunking the myth that aging causes inevitable muscle atrophy

18:24 - How exercise and diet influence muscle and metabolism

19:41 - Myokines explained: myostatin and beneficial muscle-secreted compounds

20:37 - The neuroprotective role of BDNF and organ crosstalk

21:53 - How muscles communicate with bones, liver, and heart

25:50 - Practical resistance exercises and "exercise snacks"

30:00 - The power of intentional movement and everyday activity

32:12 - Strength training benefits for appearance and health

34:05 - Muscle’s influence on fat burning and metabolic health

34:15 - Muscle’s role in preventing osteoporosis via myokines

36:20 - Organ crosstalk and cellular communication complexity

39:00 - Dangers of improper use of GLP-1 drugs and alternative solutions

44:14 - How resistance training impacts aging signs and facial aging

45:07 - The anti-aging effects of muscle training

49:23 - Risks of rapid weight loss on drugs like Ozempic

54:49 - The importance of proper peptide use and natural options

66:43 - How bioactive peptides and food sources support muscle and health

69:28 - The critical role of sleep timing and quality in aging

Resources:

Bioactive Peptides: https://meet.makewellness.com/peptide-science?referral=amyludwig

Feeling overwhelmed but don't know why? Your nervous system might be the hidden culprit. Dr. Ben Schwartz, our personal doctor, joins us for this episode to share what you need to know about calming it down

The nervous system controls everything from your stress levels to your digestion and even your pain. When we're stuck in survival mode, no amount of sleep, food, or supplements will truly help until we address this underlying regulation. It’s powerful—more powerful than any pill—because it’s wired to override the system when needed. And your mind plays a huge role here, but so does your body. Movement, deep breathing, grounding—these are free, simple ways to shift into the parasympathetic state that promotes healing. And we know-- Your body wants to heal. It’s just waiting for you to give it the right environment. Dr. Ben shares how.

• 1:21- Discussion on the nervous system and its regulation
• 2:03- Dr. Ben explains the nervous system's role
• 3:35- Importance of mindset in health
• 4:12- Visualization and health improvement
• 6:18- Discussion on victim mindset and accountability
• 9:05- Movement as a method to calm the nervous system
• 10:12- The nervous system's impact on body chemistry
• 12:07- The American lifestyle and its effects on the nervous system
• 14:19- Balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic states
• 17:24- Importance of addressing the nervous system first
• 19:06- Stress, sleep, and weight loss connection
• 22:20- Primal instincts and stress response
• 25:43- Gut health and nervous system regulation
• 35:44- Free methods for nervous system regulation
• 44:54- Advice for parents on helping children regulate their nervous systems
• 50:22- Leading by example for children
• 54:14- The role of faith in managing stress and anxiety

In this episode we welcome Dr. Carly Egoavil and Dr. Rachel Marynowski from Kale Blossom to discuss a wide range of topics centered around empowering women's and children's health with a holistic approach. Discover their journey from medical school to becoming a holistic doctor and a chiropractor, to raising their families together as neighbors, to creating a thriving online platform known as Kale Blossom. The conversation delves into an array of topics like the Gardasil vaccine and the vaccine schedule in general, rising infertility rates, the impact of birth control, alternative approaches to mammograms and colonoscopies. the role of diet and lifestyle in preventing disease, and the launch of their app, Nook, for low-tox living. This episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice that you do NOT want to miss!

We've been waiting for YEARS to bring you this conversation--let's talk about our PETS!!

In this episode, we sit down with renowned holistic veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan, founder of Naturally Healthy Pets, to talk about what every pet parent deserves to know about protecting the long-term health and vitality of their animals. AND we bring in another special guest, Holly's sister, Anna, who connected us with Dr. Judy, someone she calls one of her medical heroes and someone who truly changed her life (and her pet's!). She shares her story....

So why are we seeing such dramatic rises in cancer, allergies, autoimmune conditions, and chronic disease in our pets? And what can informed pet owners actually do about it?

Dr. Morgan shares practical insights into the everyday decisions that may be impacting your pet’s health—from the foods we feed them to the medications and preventatives they receive throughout their lives. We discuss topics many pet owners are beginning to question, including:

• The growing concerns around over-vaccination

• How to identify dog foods that may be harming your pet’s health

• The potential risks and benefits of flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives

• Parasites and how to think about prevention more holistically

• Why veterinary care has become so expensive—and how pet owners can take a more proactive role in their animals’ wellness

Dr. Morgan brings decades of veterinary experience along with a passion for helping pet parents think differently about prevention, nutrition, and natural approaches to care.

If you love your pets and want them to live longer, healthier lives, this episode will give you plenty to think about—and practical steps you can start taking today.

RESOURCES:

www.drjudymorgan.com

Use code JUSTTHINK50 for 50% off Dr. Judy's books!

Instagram: @drjudymorgan @justthinkpodcast

CrowdHealth Discount Code: JUSTTHINK

Benton Integrative: www.bentonintegrative.com