PRETTY WELL - Anti-Aging, Beauty, Balanced Hormones, Inflammation, Gut Health, IBS, Evidence-based

Crohn's and Colitis Impossible To Heal? He Did It Naturally — and Now Helps Thousands Do the Same

How He Reversed Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis — and What It Teaches Us About Healing Anything with Dane Johnson

What if the thing that almost killed you became the reason you truly started living?

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Johnson, founder and CEO of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle and the creator of the SHIELD Program — a holistic system that’s helped thousands of people around the world reverse inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms and rebuild their health, naturally.

Dane’s story reads like a medical miracle — but what makes it powerful is how repeatable it is. After nearly dying from Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, multiple hospitalizations, and a laundry list of failed medications, he turned his healing into a blueprint for anyone with chronic illness who’s ready to stop managing symptoms and start reclaiming their life.

We unpack what he discovered along the way:

🔥 The mindset shift that turned his healing around — and why it starts with what you stop doing, not what you add

🌿 The spiritual, emotional, and physical work required to rebuild the gut from the inside out

🥑 What “low risk, high reward” strategies actually look like for gut healing

⚡️ Why he believes self-empowerment is more important than any supplement, protocol, or lab test

🧠 How the same habits that heal disease also build longevity, vitality, and joy

💡 What the SHIELD framework really means — and how you can start applying it today

This conversation isn’t just about Crohn’s or colitis — it’s about reclaiming power in a world that’s told you to outsource it. If you’ve ever been told your condition is “manageable” but not “reversible,” this episode will give you new hope, a clear plan, and a reason to believe your body isn’t broken — it’s just waiting for the right instructions.

⏰ Timestamps:

02:00 – The early signs of IBD and what doctors got wrong

05:00 – “Common sense medicine”: what Dane noticed that experts missed

07:00 – Root cause vs. root causes: the functional medicine shift

09:30 – Why healing disease and optimizing longevity are the same process

11:00 – The spiritual side of recovery: humility, joy, and rediscovering balance

18:00 – The first step to healing: what to stop doing before adding more

20:00 – Walking toward a smile: how to find joy in discomfort

23:00 – Building your foundation: what Dane’s 90-day “cook everything” rule taught him

27:00 – How to make progress without perfection — and why small wins matter

33:00 – Low-risk, high-reward strategies for gut healing

35:00 – Emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and digestion

36:00 – Vitamin D, magnesium, and foundational nutrient support

38:00 – The real goal: becoming self-empowered over your health

42:00 – The SHIELD Program: what it is and who it’s for

50:00 – Final thoughts: your body isn’t broken — it’s brilliant

✨Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

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If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer: 

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such 

advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.

What Your Face Reveals About Stress, Emotion, and Aging — with Functional Aesthetics Pioneer Cathy Goldstein

What if your face was telling the story of your emotional health — and you could literally retrain it to radiate vitality again?

In this episode, I’m joined by Cathy Goldstein, founder of Tru Energy® Skincare, acupuncturist and one of the early pioneers in functional aesthetics — where fascia, frequency, and emotional energy meet skincare science.

Cathy shares her wild health journey that started with Crohn’s disease and led her to discover what Western medicine misses — the healing system. Now, she helps women (and men!) release emotional stress patterns stored in their faces, retrain their fascia, and use energy medicine to restore collagen, mood, and authentic radiance — no needles, toxins, or downtime required.

We dive into:

⚡️ How emotions get “stuck” in facial muscles and show up as premature aging

🌿 Why your face is a mirror of your emotional patterns, resilience, and even your fascia health

💎 The science of frequencies, biophoton communication, and fascia intelligence (and why it’s not as “woo” as it sounds)

💫 How Cathy’s Tru Energy tools increased collagen production by 25% in just 30 days — and helped women look and feel rejuvenated

🧬 What quantum biology, the lymphatic system, and your skin have in common

🌸 Why aggressive skin treatments (microneedling, harsh peels, etc.) can backfire long-term

💋 The surprising emotional consequences of Botox (and what happens to your empathy when your face can’t move)

✨ Why “how we age” is optional — and how to do it beautifully, consciously, and naturally

This conversation is packed with paradigm-shifting insight about how beauty, biology, and emotional health are more connected than we’ve ever realized. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why do I look more tired than I feel?” — this one’s for you.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Cathy Goldstein: the woman redefining functional aesthetics

02:00 – Her journey from severe Crohn’s to energy medicine and facial healing

04:00 – How stress and emotion literally show up on your face

06:00 – The “emotional meridians” in your facial map (and what they mean)

08:30 – How facial expressions talk directly to your brain and nervous system

10:30 – The limbic loop: how your face and emotions communicate in real time

12:30 – The 30-day collagen study that shocked dermatologists

15:00 – Understanding energy medicine, frequencies, and fascia as information highways

19:00 – How True Energy tools are imprinted with cellular repair frequencies

22:00 – Functional skincare 101: cleansing, hydration, and bioadaptive ingredients

25:00 – Why lymphatic drainage and fascia release are the secret to lifting and sculpting

28:30 – Hidden toxins in “clean” skincare and how to avoid them

31:00 – How to spot marketing gimmicks in skincare labels

33:00 – The truth about microneedling, collagen, and “aggressive” anti-aging

35:00 – The emotional and neurological effects of Botox (you’ll rethink it)

38:00 – How your facial micro-expressions shape your relationships and connection

40:00 – Client transformation stories that’ll blow your mind

42:00 – The Tru Energy body sculpting system (yes, for crepey legs too!)

44:00 – Closing thoughts: beauty as vitality, energy, and authenticity

💥 Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer: 

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such 

advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.

Looking For The Best Gift Ideas? Ultimate Pretty Well 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.

🎄If you’ve ever hit mid-December with that “Wait… who did I forget?” panic, this episode is your new holiday BFF.

Think:

🌿 In This Episode, We Dive Into… 

⭐Takeaway

⏱️ Timestamps

(As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You):

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Vitamin D Supplementation Linked to Dramatic Decrease in Dementia

If you needed one more reason to get outside — this is it.

In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating link between vitamin D levels and dementia risk — and what new research is uncovering about how one simple, inexpensive habit could dramatically reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

I share surprising findings from a major study that tracked over 12,000 adults for a decade — revealing that those who took vitamin D supplements had a 40% lower risk of developing dementia. Yep, forty. Percent.

We’ll also unpack why 90% of U.S. adults are deficient in vitamin D (hint: it’s not just sunscreen), the early signs you might be running low, and the exact steps to fix it safely.

You’ll learn:

🌞 Why vitamin D deficiency is now considered one of the most widespread nutrient deficiencies in the U.S.

🧠 How low vitamin D affects your brain, mood, and long-term dementia risk

💊 How much vitamin D you actually need — and which form works best

🍳 The truth about food sources, sunlight exposure, and supplementation

💡 The best time of day and UV window to optimize natural vitamin D production

⚠️ Common mistakes that keep your levels low (even if you’re taking a supplement)

This episode is equal parts practical and empowering — because dementia prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sunshine, good food, and the right form of vitamin D.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 – The sandwich generation, aging parents, and what sparked this topic

01:00 – The surprising research linking vitamin D supplementation to a 40% lower dementia risk

02:15 – What the study revealed about cognitive health, gender differences, and genetic factors

05:00 – Who’s most at risk for deficiency: skin tone, location, and body composition matter

07:15 – Deficiency symptoms you might be missing: fatigue, anxiety, poor immunity, hair loss, and more

08:45 – The vitamin D–depression connection and what happens in the brain when levels are low

13:15 – Food sources that help (and why they’re not enough on their own)

14:00 – Why vitamin D3 beats D2 — and the ideal dosage range for most adults

15:00 – How to test your vitamin D levels and interpret results the functional medicine way

16:15 – The role of vitamin K2, and who should not combine it with vitamin D

17:30 – Why this one nutrient could be one of the simplest ways to protect your brain and body long-term

💥 Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer: 

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such 

advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.

New Mitochondria Research: The Untold Anti-Aging Hack You Need to Know

⏰ Timestamps:

🔗 Resources & Links:

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Dry Skin, Stiff Joints, Low Energy? This Might Be Why

In this episode, I’m breaking down the real science (and the marketing hype) around hyaluronic acid — or HA for short. From skin elasticity to joint cushioning to why your eyes and gut health depend on it, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to use HA inside and out for better hydration, smoother skin, and less inflammation.

You’ll learn:

⏰ Timestamps:

🔗 Resources & Links:

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👇 If You Like These Podcasts, You’ll Also Love Ours:

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Cold & Flu Immunity Supplements That Work Like Magic (Hint: Get Them Before You Need Them)

Tis the season for sore throats, congestion, and “Wait—am I getting sick?” moments. Not to worry — I’ve got you covered.

In this must-listen episode, I’m sharing the exact cold and flu season toolkit I always have in my cupboard and use for my family, clients, and, honestly, anyone who shows up at my house feeling like they're catching something. 

These are my must-have supplements, essential oils, and natural remedies that stop bugs in their tracks and help you recover faster — all without raiding the pharmacy aisle.

You’ll learn:

If you’re tired of catching every bug that goes around or want a natural plan that actually works, this episode is your winter wellness roadmap.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to reach for when your immune system needs backup — so you can stay healthy, energized, and feel well (pretty well, in fact 😉) all season long.

⏰ Timestamps:

*Nature's Sunshine Seasonal Allergy (excellent for congestion from colds and allergies): https://amzn.to/4oTuHWH

*Herb Pharm Immune Season Spray: https://amzn.to/4hrzCLJ

*doTerra On Guard Essential Oil: https://amzn.to/47DCKAT

*doTerra On Guard Beadlets: https://amzn.to/4hrzR9B

*doTerra Past Tense Tension Blend (great for headaches): https://amzn.to/4hpPezh

👇 If You Like These Podcasts, You’ll Also Love Ours:

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3 Easy Steps to No More Aches and Pains. Fascia Freedom - Part 2

Fascia is your Body’s Communication Superhighway - a continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, organ, nerve, and blood vessel.

Fascia Stores Stress and Emotional Trauma

This is why when we're under chronic stress we develop tension patterns, stiffness, and “burnout posture.”

By addressing fascia, you’re not just stretching — you’re helping to unwind years of stored stress that keeps you feeling reactive, fatigued, or foggy.

Research shows about 40% of chronic musculoskeletal pain may be linked to fascial dysfunction (not just muscle/joint problems).

A 2018 review found chronic inflammation is a key driver of fascia remodeling and densification, directly tying lifestyle factors (diet, stress, toxins) to connective tissue health.

Fascial adhesions can reduce muscle strength by up to 30% in the affected area.

If you’ve ever stretched, massaged, or foam-rolled and still felt stiff, sore, or tense — it’s time to tune in.

In this follow-up to our fascia nutrition deep dive, this episode explores how your daily habits, stress levels, and even emotions are shaping the health of your fascia — and why that matters for everything from pain and inflammation to your energy and mood.

You’ll learn how stress and emotional tension literally change your fascia’s structure, how movement can rehydrate and reset your tissue, and how your nervous system and your fascia are having an ongoing conversation throughout the day.

From morning mobility rituals to breathwork, nervous system regulation, and the truth about “good posture,” I break down the lifestyle side of fascia health — so you can finally stop feeling achy, tired, and inflamed.

00:00 – The lifestyle side of fascia health

If your body feels tight, tense, or tired — it’s not just your muscles, it’s your fascia crying for attention.

👉 Listen now and explore free wellness resources at LisaSmithWellness.com —and be sure to subscribe to the Pretty Well Podcast so you never miss the latest on anti-aging, gut health, and mind-body wellness

💥Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer: 

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.

Sex in Midlife — What Your Doctor Never Told You With Dr. Maria Sophocles

Dryness, Low Desire, Awkward Silence? Let’s Fix Midlife Sex. What if we stopped whispering about midlife sexual health and started talking about it like the real, fixable, medical issue that it is?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maria Sophocles—internationally recognized OB/GYN, menopause expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of Women’s Healthcare of Princeton—to talk about the truth behind midlife vaginal changes, why libido shifts aren’t your fault, and how hormone therapy and non-hormonal treatments can actually help you feel like yourself again (yes, especially down there).

We cover:

This episode packs science, myth-busting, and an invitation to reclaim your body, your pleasure, and your voice in midlife.

No shame. No awkward metaphors. Just real information every woman deserves to know.

✨Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

💥 Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer: 

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.

Eat This, Not That: 7 Foods That Are Driving Your Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation doesn’t always scream—it whispers. In subtle symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and stubborn weight gain. 

In this episode of Pretty Well, I’m breaking down 7 common inflammatory foods that could be quietly working against your health—even some that wear a “health food” disguise. 

We’ll dig into the truth about vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and how they impact everything from your gut to your hormones. You’ll also learn what to eat instead, plus simple anti-inflammatory swaps that don’t involve overhauling your entire life.

If you’re over feeling inflamed and underwhelmed by your energy, this one’s for you. It’s time to kick the silent saboteurs off your plate—and start feeling like yourself again.

Pretty Well Episode #85: The Hateful 8 is Wrecking Your Health. A Must-Listen Interview with Dr. Cate Shanahan

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretty-well-anti-aging-beauty-balanced-hormones-inflammation/id1633253409?i=1000641175763 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3btFmTbhDzdIVhWV02r7k5?si=9ce28a015881419d 

Pretty Well Episode #148: Struggling to Sleep? 10 Biohacks to Fix Your Sleep 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretty-well-anti-aging-beauty-balanced-hormones-inflammation/id1633253409?i=1000700909945 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0AVNBNgSLUKIGSENU8AuCR?si=2ec651250bd646f4

Pretty Well Episode #135: 4 Simple Habits to UpGrade Your Life This Year + A Bonus Sleep Hack https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretty-well-anti-aging-beauty-balanced-hormones-inflammation/id1633253409?i=1000681655629 

Amazon Links: 

*As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You*

Epic Water Filters https://amzn.to/4cqgAmA   

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Supplements https://amzn.to/3RuVSIJ  

Davinci SPMs https://amzn.to/3XQlROj  

✨Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

💥 Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments!

🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week!

Contact Lisa:

Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/

Disclaimer: 

Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine.

The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.