In this episode, I sit down with my friend Maddie Rice, and we get real about what it’s like being college seniors. We talk about juggling classes, fitness, and personal growth while still trying to actually enjoy this season of life. We share our intentions for the rest of the year, figuring out balance, and why self-care has become so important for us. We also dive into body image struggles, leaning on community, and learning to embrace the uncertainty that comes with this stage of life. More than anything, we talk about the importance of finding what works for us as individuals, staying flexible with our goals, and how much meaningful friendships matter along the way.

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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Maddie's IG:

https://www.instagram.com/maddie.ricee?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ejB0ejhtNHhsZTN5

Today I was fortunate to sit down with Shasta Van Sickle, a dedicated physician associate with over 15 years of experience in functional medicine. Shasta shares her unique journey from orthopedic surgery to a holistic approach, focusing on the root causes of health issues. This episode dives into the critical role of hormones, birth control, PCOS,  challenges women face in healthcare, and the misconceptions surrounding functional medicine. Shasta has personally helped me tremendously with my gut and hormonal health in a short amount of time. Listen now to discover how Shasta's insights can empower you on your health journey.

Book an Appointment with Shasta at Remedi Health:

https://www.remedi.care/provider/shasta-van-sickle-pa-c 

Call: 720-557-9363 

Books Mentioned in the Episode:

Hormone Havoc: https://www.amazon.com/Hormone-Havoc-Dispelling-Misconceptions-Hormones/dp/1961074125 

The Lady’s Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness:

https://www.audible.com/ep/mytitle?asin=0525496181&source_code=GO1PP30DTRIAL54703142491H0 

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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Today I open up about my journey with gut and hormonal health—from repeated antibiotics in college, to misdiagnoses, birth control struggles, hormone havoc, and discovering Hashimoto’s. I share how years of stomach issues, anxiety, and hormone imbalances were all connected, and why advocating for yourself in the healthcare system matters. Thankfully, functional medicine finally connected the dots and I am on a path to healing. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or stuck with “band-aid” solutions, this episode is for you. It’s not all in your head, you deserve to get to the root cause and heal properly and permanently.

In this episode, I’m getting real about the dark sides of self-growth no one warns us about to prevent you from falling down the rabbit holes I have. From turning healthy boundaries into brick walls, to attributing happiness to success, I share the lessons I learned the hard way about finding balance, protecting your peace, and actually enjoying the process. I share personal stories about losing connection with the people I love, tying my worth to productivity, and creating a rigid life that left no room for joy or spontaneity. If you’ve ever wondered why your self-growth journey feels exhausting, lonely, or like a constant “optimization” race, this episode will give you the perspective shift you need — to slow down, reconnect, and build a version of growth that actually feels good. While self-growth isn't always easy or comfortable, it shouldn't leave you feeling isolated and in a worse head space than before. Whether you're in the depths of your self-growth journey or just starting, this episode is here to remind you that you're not alone, growth isn't linear, and true fulfillment comes from within.

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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Remedi Health: https://www.remedi.care/services?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21043837814&gbraid=0AAAAA9UTn0NSkkRtYuBbQjzjk_DumIisI&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzOvEBhDVARIsADHfJJSEOs0YlpxEglr6_sBF64xAnZYQrIEUM9GXAhlzR6qbI_J2o3GsV7AaApI1EALw_wcB

Today I'm joined by Lilly VanAlsburg and we discuss the complexities of friendships and dating in your 20s, and share personal experiences and insights. We explore red flags and green flags in relationships, the challenges of long-distance dating, the impact of cheating, and so much more. Making and keeping friends in your 20's can be difficult when everyone is in different places and on their own timelines. This conversation touches on the importance of maintaining friendships post-college, the role of social media and dating apps in modern relationships, and the emotional journey of healing after a breakup. We encourage you to reach out to friends and put yourself out there during life transitions. If you're feeling lost or alone in college or post-grad, this episode is for you.

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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Lilly's IG:

https://www.instagram.com/lilly.vanalsburg?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=azF4d3FwODlocTU=

In this final part of the macronutrient series, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood and feared nutrients: fat

From hormone health and brain function to satiety and energy, dietary fats are essential, and under-eating them can do more harm than you think. In this episode, I share my personal experience with overcoming my fear and restriction of fat. We get into the science behind different types of fats (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, omega-3s and omega-6s), and what to actually look for in your diet and supplements.

Whether you’re working on hormone balance, struggling with hunger or mood, or just trying to understand what “healthy fats” even are, this episode will help you fuel your body with confidence and clarity.

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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In this episode, we dive into the concept of hyper-independence, especially as it shows up in young adulthood. I break down how to recognize when “protecting your peace” crosses into emotional isolation, and explore the root causes—like trust issues, societal expectations, and past wounds. I also open up about my own experience with hyper-independence and share practical tools to help you move toward healing. Join me as we challenge the idea that strength means doing it all alone—and learn how vulnerability can be the first step toward deeper, more authentic connection.

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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In this episode, I reflect on my recent abroad trip and share insights about my experiences in Sevilla, Rome, Portugal, and Paris. From the positives to the things that are a work in progress, this trip was full of life lessons and key to personal growth. I discuss my ongoing journey with nutrition, fitness, and mental health while being out of routine, and emphasize the importance of being present and enjoying the small things. I learned so much about other cultures and about myself and I can't wait to share it with you!

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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Today we discuss how to differentiate between stress and anxiety, and how to cope. If you find yourself constantly stuck in the productivity guilt loop and feel as if you're never doing enough, join the club. It's time to get off the hamster wheel and reconnect with your inner child this summer!

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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This week we welcome Cassidy Storts, Registered Dietitian back on the pod to discuss current nutrition trends. From intermittent fasting, to juice cleanses, to the carnivore diet, and so much more. There's so much to learn and takeaway from this episode! If you're looking to connect with a Registered Dietitian, Cassidy is an amazing resource: https://dohertynutrition.com/cassidy-storts/

Personal IG: @macileejones

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Podcast IG: @myverbaljournal.letschat

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