So many photographers and midlife women are told they’re tired, inflamed, or gaining weight because “that’s just getting older.” This episode challenges that narrative.

In this conversation, Kate DeCoste sits down with Ivy Towler — a retired registered nurse, photographer, and functional nutritionist-in-training — to talk about what’s really happening in our bodies during midlife and why curiosity matters more than pushing through.

This episode isn’t about extreme routines or fixing everything overnight. It’s about understanding root causes, recognizing the signs of perimenopause, and making small, sustainable changes that support your health and your work.

If you’ve been feeling off and looking for answers that go deeper than “everything looks normal,” this conversation is for you.

🧠 What We Cover (Timestamps)[

2:15] Why so many midlife symptoms are dismissed as “just getting older”

[5:10] Ivy’s transition from registered nurse to photographer to functional nutrition

[8:30] What functional nutrition really means — and why root cause matters

[11:45] Perimenopause: when it can start and what it actually looks like

[15:20] Common midlife symptoms photographers often ignore

[18:40] Starting with one small, sustainable habit instead of overhauling your life

[22:10] “Exercise snacks” and movement that fits into a real workday

[25:35] The three non-negotiables: sleep, blood sugar, and digestion

[29:10] Why gut health matters more than most women realize

[32:45] Reducing toxins without overwhelm — simple swaps that make a difference

[36:20] Building a new functional nutrition practice and sharing education online

💬 Quotes to Remember

“Be curious about your symptoms, don’t dismiss them.” – Ivy Towler

“Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.” – Ivy Towler

“You don’t have to change everything at once. Small shifts add up.” – Ivy Towler

“Our bodies are always communicating with us, we just have to listen.” – Ivy Towler

📄 Resource Mentioned

Email Subscribers: https://ivy-towler-photography.myflodesk.com/functional-nutrition

Substack: https://substack.com/@ivytowler

IG: Haus of Tùs

Fav Podcasts:

DR MARK HYMAN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-hyman-show/id1382804627

DR STEPHANIE ESTIMA: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-muscle-mobility-metabolism-peri-menopause-with/id1479074542

NATHALIE NIDDAM: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/longevity-with-nathalie-niddam/id1534355704

HUBERMAN LAB: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110

KAYLA BARNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/longevity-optimization-with-kayla-barnes-lentz/id1591130227DAVE

ASPREY: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-human-upgrade-biohacking-for-longevity-performance/id451295014

👋 New Here? If you’re new to The One Behind The Lens and haven’t listened to Season One yet — bookmark it.

🤍 Connect with Kate

📸 Instagram: @katedecoste

🌐 Website: katedecostephotography.com

🎧 Watch or listen here:https://pod.link/1826428370