Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself

By Christa BieglerAlternative Health Health & Fitness Nutrition

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Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself episodes

October 05 #473 Motivation, Toxic Positivity and Processing Anger with Brad Bizjack
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⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focus
🚨🚀 FREE 5-DAY SUCCESS ACCELERATOR: Brad’s free 5-day challenge starts October 19. Put what you learned in this episode into action!
http://www.bradbizjack.com/a/2148328314/SoWiGkU5
🎯 WHAT’S YOUR UNIQUE SUCCESS ARCHETYPE? Take Brad’s free 60-second assessment to uncover subconscious patterns that may be holding you back from your goals.
http://www.bradbizjack.com/a/2148328317/SoWiGkU5
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re kicking off ADHD month with returning guest Brad Bizjack to talk about motivation, identity, and what can keep us stuck even when we know what we want to do. We get into why motivation often comes after action, the difference between pushing yourself and feeling pulled toward something, and how the stories we believe about ourselves can shape our behavior.
We also unpack toxic positivity and what happens when we avoid uncomfortable emotions like anger and anxiety. Brad shares a practical framework for processing emotions instead of stuffing them down, plus we talk about burnout, recharging your battery, and the difference between doing something that truly fills your cup and simply checking out or escaping.
✅Check out Brad's pervious episode, #423 Achievement Without Fulfillment and Perfectionism
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧠 Why motivation often comes after action
🔄 How identity and beliefs influence behavior
🧲 Push motivation vs. pull motivation
👏 Why rewarding the action matters
🔥 Processing anger and other uncomfortable emotions
🧩 The RULER framework for working through emotions
🔋 Recharging your battery vs. escaping
ABOUT GUEST:
Brad Bizjack is a personal development expert, mindset strategist, coach, inspirational speaker, and podcast host with over 10 years of coaching experience. His mission is to help people maximize their life, master their mindset, and elevate their relationships and career to the next level and beyond. Brad is happily married to his beautiful wife, Janiece. They reside in Western Illinois in their lake house and have a daughter named Lillian and a dog named Oliver.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.bradbizjack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradbizjack/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewire-your-mind-w-brad-bizjack/id1435519731
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
✨Grab Cortisol Reset here: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-a
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
59 min
September 28 #472 How to not hate your closet and loving what you wear with style mentor Gillian Jakob Kieser
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re switching things up and having a little fun with personal style. I’m talking with style coach Gillian Jakob Kieser about why figuring out what actually feels like you goes way beyond knowing your colors, following trends, or buying the pieces someone says everyone needs in their closet.
Gillian walks me through the six style archetypes and we get into my own mix of natural, dramatic, and gamine. We also talk about why your style can change through different seasons of life, what your closet can teach you about yourself, and how understanding what you actually like can make getting dressed and shopping a whole lot easier (and more fun).
FREEBIE: Gillian's Style Archetype Quiz - https://www.gillianjakobkieser.com/quiz
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
👗 Why personal style is about more than fashion
🎨 Why knowing your colors isn’t enough
✨ The six style archetypes and what they mean
🧩 Finding your unique blend of archetypes
🔎 What your closet can teach you
🛍️ Shopping with less guesswork
👚 Building a wardrobe for your actual life
💫 Making getting dressed easier and more fun
ABOUT GUEST:
Gillian Jakob Kieser (KEESER) is a style coach here to serve the women who have felt left behind by traditional style advice. She goes beyond 'fashion' and doesn't believe there are any 6 pieces everyone must own. She shows you celebrate your true self, quiet the clothing noise, and teaches you how to match your outsides to your insides. Using concrete tools and frameworks, Gillian makes style understandable and enjoyable for EVERYONE, whether you’re “good at fashion” or not.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianjakobkieser
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
46 min
September 23 #471 Herbal Support for Perimenopause with Kari Natwick, RD
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Kari Natwick to talk about how herbs can support women throughout the perimenopause transition.
We talk about why some women struggle more through perimenopause than others, how changing hormones can amplify stress on underlying systems, and why herbal support may look different depending on where you are in the transition. Kari shares herbs for hot flashes, sleep, mood, libido, and nervous system support, plus where herbs fit alongside HRT.
Check out Kari's other episode, #299 Mind-Body Connection for Chronic Gut Issues: https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/12938540
🌿 WISE WOMAN ERA: Kari's 12-week group program for navigating perimenopause with support around hormones, nutrition, gut health, the nervous system, and herbal medicine: https://www.gutbrainrd.com/wise-woman
🎁 FREE PRIVATE PODCAST: Go deeper into perimenopause myths and the roles of hormones, gut health, the nervous system, nutrition, and herbal medicine: https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/f8c39ba9-f4cb-437d-815f-545bfb93a51b/signup
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🌿 How herbs can support perimenopause
🌱 Vitex for early perimenopause
🫖 Nourishing herbs for minerals & vitality
🧠 Nervines for stress, mood & sleep
🔥 Herbal support for hot flashes & night sweats
💊 How herbs fit alongside HRT
ABOUT GUEST:
Kari Natwick, RDN, LD, IFNCP, is an Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Kari Natwick Nutrition | Gut Brain RD. She helps women navigate perimenopause by uncovering the biological story behind their symptoms and connecting gut health, the nervous system, metabolism, hormones, and the realities of modern life.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.gutbrainrd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutbrainrd
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
1 hr 1 min
September 16 #470 Why Your Skin Ages "Overnight" in Perimenopause with Dr. Rey Hamidi
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rey Hamidi to unpack why skin can seem to age so quickly in midlife and what shifting hormones have to do with it.
We talk about how declining estrogen and progesterone can affect collagen, elastin, pigmentation, acne, dryness, sensitivity, and sagging. Dr. Rey also explains why supporting your skin barrier should come before adding actives, which skincare ingredients she prioritizes, how sleep and other internal factors affect aging skin, and when treatments like microneedling or lasers may make sense.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧬 How hormones affect aging skin
✨ Why skin can seem to age overnight
🧴 How to support your skin barrier
🫧 Why over-exfoliating can backfire
💧 Which skincare actives to prioritize
😴 How sleep & stress impact your skin
💆‍♀️ When microneedling & lasers may help
ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Rey Hamidi is a board certified dermatologist, founder and CEO of Derm Media, Inc and creator of Ageless Alchemy, a digital program for women in midlife navigating signs of aging. She still practices dermatology part time in Southern California, where she lives with her husband and 2 children. Dr. Rey is passionate about helping women in midlife feel like themselves again, even amidst the hormone chaos of perimenopause and menopause.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Work with Dr. Rey + Freebies: https://www.doctorrey.com/work-with-me
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrReyHamidi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_rey_hamidi
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_rey_hamidi
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
47 min
September 09 #469 Is it perimenopause or something else? Testing, stages and fatigue with Dr. Carrie Jones
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones, who is back to break down what actually happens to our hormones during the perimenopause transition and why symptoms aren't always as straightforward as they seem.
We talk about the stages of perimenopause, early symptoms, hormone testing, and why fatigue or changing hormones may be related to perimenopause, something else, or both. Carrie also explains how declining estrogen can affect insulin resistance, body composition, belly fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure, plus how to know when HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense, why HRT isn't one size fits all, and the foundational pieces that still matter throughout the transition.
Check out Carrie's other episode, #93 Hormone Testing & Stress Hormones - https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/2394305
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧬 The different stages of perimenopause
😴 Why fatigue isn't always just a hormone issue
🧪 What FSH, estrogen & progesterone testing can tell you
🍎 Why body composition & belly fat can change
🩸 How estrogen impacts glucose, insulin & cardiovascular health
💊 When HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense
🧠 Why foundations still matter with or without HRT
FREE PERIMENOPAUSE EBOOK:
Not sure which stage of perimenopause you're in? Grab Carrie's free guide here: https://www.drcarriejones.com/stages
ABOUT GUEST:
Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author and educator on women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones” in functional medicine, Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed a two-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH), became one of the first to be board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test), the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health (a Fullscript Company) and served on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council. She regularly consults and educates for several women’s health, supplement, and lab-focused companies. Dr. Jones co-hosted the highly popular Root Cause Medicine Podcast, which has over 10 million downloads and now hosts her own podcast, Hello Hormones.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.drcarriejones.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejones
Podcast: Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones find on Apple or Spotify
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
52 min
September 02 #468 Patches, Pellets & Progesterone: A Complete Guide to HRT Options with Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're diving into our September focus on perimenopause with Jennifer Gularson, who is back to break down the different hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options available during perimenopause and menopause.
We talk about estrogen patches, progesterone, testosterone, creams, gels, and pellets, including how they work, why one option may be a better fit than another, and what to consider when starting HRT. Jennifer also explains hormone testing, why she often introduces hormones one at a time, and how treatment may change as you move through the menopause transition.
Check out Jennifer's other episode, #453 Low libido, testosterone, estrogen and HRT - https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/19164554
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧬 The different forms of estrogen, progesterone & testosterone
🩹 How estrogen patches, gels & oral options compare
🌙 Immediate vs. sustained-release progesterone
🌸 When HRT may be considered during perimenopause
🧪 Testing and adjusting hormones over time
⚖️ Pros & cons of hormone pellets
💗 Why vaginal estrogen may still be helpful with HRT
ABOUT GUEST:
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP is a board-certified Physician Assistant and functional medicine practitioner specializing in perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, and women’s midlife health. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she focuses on personalized, science-based care to support longevity, metabolic health, and overall wellness for women navigating hormonal changes.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.yourbestlifewithjennifer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifergularson/
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
59 min
August 26 #467 Practical Guide to Environmental Mold and Biotoxins with Jenna De Kok, MS, RD
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I'm joined again by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to continue our conversation about CIRS and mold, this time focusing on the health of your home.
After navigating multiple mold exposures herself, Jenna has learned firsthand how overwhelming the environmental side of healing can feel. We talk about what she wishes she had known earlier, including proper mold removal, small particle cleaning, HVAC maintenance, humidity, and when an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may be helpful. We also discuss practical ways to support a healthier home without feeling like you have to figure everything out overnight.
Check out Jenna's CIRS story here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/19623415
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🏠 What to do when you find mold or water damage
🧹 Why small particle cleaning matters after mold exposure
🧼 Why killing mold isn't the same as removing it
💨 HVAC maintenance, airflow & indoor air quality
💧 Why monitoring humidity can help prevent mold growth
🔎 When an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may help
🌱 Taking practical steps without letting mold overwhelm you
ABOUT GUEST:
Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslyjenna/
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
57 min
August 19 #466 Affordable Mold Testing Is Finally Here with Ariana Thacker of MoldCo
Send us Fan Mail
MOLDCO DISCOUNT:
Use code LESSSTRESSED20 for 20% off the Complete Panel and Home Dust Test. Find those tests here https://www.moldco.com/testing.
Mold exposure can feel like an expensive and overwhelming rabbit hole, especially when symptoms span multiple systems and conventional testing keeps coming back normal. This week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Ariana Thacker of MoldCo to talk about making mold and CIRS testing and treatment more accessible and less overwhelming. We cover the symptoms and environmental clues that may point toward mold exposure, MoldCo’s $56 starter blood panel, home and genetic testing, and why some people are more susceptible than others. Ariana also walks us through their simplified approach to the Shoemaker Protocol, including prescription binders, nasal sprays, and VIP, and shares an important reminder for anyone navigating mold illness: there are solutions, and people do get better.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🦠 Common signs and symptoms of mold exposure
🧪 Affordable blood, home, and genetic testing options
🏠 HERTSMI vs. ERMI testing
🧬 Why some people are more susceptible to mold
💊 MoldCo’s detox, clear, and repair approach
🌿 Using symptoms to track recovery
💡 There are solutions for mold-related illness
ABOUT GUEST:
Ariana Thacker is the founder and CEO of MoldCo, a healthcare technology platform focused on identifying and treating mold toxicity. With a background in chemical engineering and experience as a venture capitalist, she co-founded Conscience VC, investing in early-stage, science-driven startups. Her personal health journey with mold inspired MoldCo, where she combines technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight to improve care for overlooked conditions. Ariana is dedicated to advancing patient-centered, data-driven solutions and continues to support innovative companies shaping the future of health and technology.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.moldco.com/
Testing: https://www.moldco.com/products
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themoldcompany
Free Questionnaire: https://access.moldco.com/signs
MoldCo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moldco/
Ariana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianadthacker/
Dr. Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mcmahon-b97191357/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoldcompany/
Ariana's X: https://x.com/m0ldilocks
MoldCo's X: https://x.com/themoldcompany
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
48 min
August 12#465 When It's Not "Just Anxiety”: Diagnosing CIRS with Jenna De Kok, MS, RD
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to share the deeply personal journey she and her husband have been on with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). After multiple exposures to water-damaged buildings, they both began experiencing unexplained symptoms, with Jenna developing debilitating panic attacks, severe insomnia, neurological symptoms, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite being told by multiple healthcare providers that it was "just anxiety," she continued searching for answers until she finally received a CIRS diagnosis. We also discuss what CIRS is, how it differs from mold illness, why environmental testing matters, and the role of the Shoemaker Protocol in recovery.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Common neurological symptoms of CIRS
The difference between CIRS and mold illness
Trusting your body when answers don't add up
Why environmental testing matters
Finding the right tools for your healing journey
ABOUT GUEST:
Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslyjenna/
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
50 min
August 05 #464 Origin of Functional Medicine, Post-CV Immune Resilience, Mast Cells, Inflammaging and Fatty Acids with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, PhD
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In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Dr. Jeffrey Bland for a conversation about the evolution of functional medicine and what we're continuing to learn about immune resilience. We explore why "immune boosting" isn't the goal, how the gut microbiome influences inflammation throughout the body, and why mast cells, the 4R gut restoration protocol, and post-COVID immune changes are important pieces of the immune health puzzle. We also discuss inflammaging (chronic inflammation associated with aging) and how nutrition and lifestyle choices can help support resilience and healthy aging.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Why immune resilience matters more than immune boosting
• How the gut microbiome influences inflammation
• The role of mast cells in immune health
• How the 4R protocol supports gut health
• Understanding inflammaging and healthy aging
• Nutrition and lifestyle strategies to build resilience
ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Jeffrey Bland is a world-renowned nutritional medicine expert and is widely considered the "Father of Functional Medicine." A trained biochemist, he has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and the bestselling book The Disease Delusion. He co-founded the Institute for Functional Medicine and the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute and is the founder of Big Bold Health, where his work focuses on immune rejuvenation through nutrition, lifestyle, and regenerative health.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://jeffreybland.com/
Website: https://bigboldhealth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreybland/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeffreyBlandPhD
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off!
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Quick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Cortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
58 min

About Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself

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Welcome to the Less Stressed Life. If you’re here, I bet we have a few things in common. We’re both in pursuit of a Less Stressed Life. But we don’t have it all figured out quite yet. We’re moms…