EP 49.  Have you ever been over-run with feeling like you're supposed to have it all together— all the time? 

Today, we're cutting through the pressure to be perfect and getting real. My next guest is a powerhouse entrepreneur, and wellness advocate known for keeping it real, raw, and totally unfiltered.  Her story is one of resilience and humor, with a huge dose of courage. 

This conversation takes a lot of turns. We unpack everything from corporate burnout, to the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and navigating health challenges along the way.  What IS the secret sauce for finding balance in a world that often expects us to be 'on' all the time?

Angie Lee does not hold back. She opes up about her journey of perfectionism, ADD, the struggles she's faced and what it means to live with authenticity. We get real about learning to embrace a life of fulfillment over perfection, and what it really means to embrace your own version of wellness and joy. 

Angie Lee is a certified nutritionist, entrepreneur, wellness advocate and the dynamic host of 'The Angie Lee Show'. As a college dropout she started her podcast with as potato as a makeshift tripod... and now is a power house podcaster with 15 million downloads and a thriving entrepreneur who build a multi-million dollar CBD brand with her brother. 

This episode will leave you with practical strategies for handling anxiety, managing energy, and embracing authenticity. If you're ready to live fully, take risks and find a grounded path to success, this episode is a must-listen. 

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Get the Nutrition Cheat Sheet: 

The easiest way to lower inflammation and cortisol one bite at a time. 

⇢ Calm your cortisol with  Happy Juice and Save $10

⇢ Get SOUL CBD : getsoul.com

Save 30% with code: DANA

⇢ Stop Faking Fine Episode 42:  Break Free from the Cycle of Self-Sabotage

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Connect with Angie Lee:

⇢ Instagram: @angieleeshow

⇢ Shop SOUL CBD : getsoul.com

Save 30% with code: DANA

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

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Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP48.  Have you ever felt like you're in what feels like an endless battle with your own body? 

Stuck in a cycle of chasing Diets and wondering why your body is not responding the way you desire? Even worse, have you tried a diet that a friend had GREAT RESULTS with, only to leave you feeling less than. 

You're not alone. I've been there, and so has my next guest, Jenn Trepeck. 

In this episode, we dive into how you can truly join forces with your body. This isn’t just about food or exercise; it’s about transforming your mindset and reclaiming your health from the inside out.

Jenn grew up as the “skinny one” in a dieting-obsessed family, she knew how to count weight watchers points as a teenager. Maybe you did too? 

She was stuck in what she calls a “weight management saga” for years. Instead of letting that narrative control her, she took charge of her story.  After learning better nutrition practices herself, she started to make the shift from girl to empowerment and celebrating momentum over motivation. 

Having over a decade of helping her clients to the same, Jenn is on a mission to help women help themselves.  It's time to break free from the confining 'all or nothing' mindset, get a better understanding of the science behind your cravings, and learn how to get your body to work FOR YOU!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Download  The Nutrition Cheat Sheet

⇢  Work with Jenn:  Book a Curiosity Call

—

In this Episode we Cover: 

• Shifting from All-Or-Nothing to Progress-Oriented Thinking. 
• Discover how letting go of perfection helps you stay on track 
• The Science Behind Cravings: Understand the biological and psychological drivers behind cravings, and how to respond in a way that supports your health goals. 
• Empowerment over Guilt: How to break free from guilt and embrace small, consistent changes that lead to long-term success. 

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Connect with Jenn Trepeck:

⇢ Instagram: @jenntrepeck

⇢ Linked In: @jennifertrepeck

⇢ Facebook:  @jennifertrepeck 

⇢ Work with Jenn: Book a Curiosity Call 

⇢ Follow Jenn's Podcast:  Salad with a Side of Fries 

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

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Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP47. Have you ever felt like you're barely holding it together? Waking up every day without the energy or drive to tackle your to-do list, relying on coffee and medications just to ‘barely’ make it  through?  Only to rinse and repeat day-over-day? 

My next guest, Christine Vitiello, shares her story of looking at vibrant, joyful people and wishing she could feel the same but instead she felt trapped in her own body and mind. We dive into her struggle with depression, hormonal imbalances, and relentless exhaustion—and unpack the exact nutrition changes she made to unlock genuine energy, confidence, and true joy.

If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of low energy and low spirits, this episode will open your eyes to a new way forward. We dive into the gut-brain connection, the missing link in mental wellness, why antidepressants often mask the real issues.  Christine shares the specific steps she took to finally break free from that heavy, trapped feeling. 

She now lives with more vitality, an uplifted mood, and a sense of worth she hadn’t felt in years, and she shares all the juicy details! Christine’s journey will equip you with practical tools and powerful strategies to create the life you’re truly longing for.

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Probiotics for Mental Wellness, Save $10 on  Mentabiotics 

⇢ Shop and Save $10 on the supplement  Mood+

⇢ Shop and Save $10 on Happy Juice 

⇢ Head over to IG and DM me the word QUIZ:  @msdanalewis 

⇢ Strain Specific Probiotics for Mental Wellness: 
Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011⁣

Bifidobacterium longum R0175⁣
Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 

⇢ Download the free Nutrition Cheat Sheet

In this episode we cover:

• How unresolved trauma, hormonal imbalances, and stress kept Christine trapped in fight-or-flight mode
• The role of gut health in healing her mood, energy, and weight
• Christine’s experience with antidepressants and why she chose to take a holistic approach to wellness
• The importance of community and movement in her healing journey
• Practical advice for anyone wanting to break free from burnout and invest in their health

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Connect with Christine Vitiello:

⇢ Instagram: @christine.vitiello

⇢ Facebook:

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP 46. Have you ever felt that talk therapy just isn’t cutting it? In this episode, Dr. Christine Baker dives deep into a groundbreaking approach to healing that goes beyond conversation. We unpack why it’s crucial to address the body's physical responses to trauma and stress—not just the emotional aspects.

If you think simply talking about your stress is enough, think again! Discover how tuning into your body’s cues can unlock transformative emotional and physical wellness. 

Dr. Baker arms you with practical, life-changing tools designed to calm your nervous system and regulate stress hormones, especially when life feels chaotic. She shares grounding techniques and simple, actionable practices to help you ease anxiety, soothe your body, and bring peace into your everyday life. 

Whether you're growing through grief, trying to manage everyday stress, or seeking clarity in life's challenges, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the power of nervous system regulation and emotional healing.

Get ready for transformative strategies that will help you reconnect with your body, balance your emotions, and break free from the cycle of stress. Are you ready to embark on this journey to healing? Tune in, take notes, and start applying these life-changing techniques today—your future self will thank you!

As mentioned in this episode:
⇢ Support Your Gut to Calm Your Nervous System with Happy Juice
⇢ Download Dr. Baker’s Nervous System Tracker

⇢ Access Dr. Baker’s Printable & Digital Regulation Cards for Couples 

⇢ Join the Somatic Wellness Collective 

Use code “STOPFAKINGFINE” to save $20 on the monthly membership 

—

Connect with Dr. Christine Baker:

⇢ Instagram: @drcbtherapy

⇢ Work with Dr. Christine Baker: Wayfare Counseling 

Key Takeaways:

• Healing from trauma requires more than mental work; it involves addressing where trauma is stored in the body.
• Grounding and orienting techniques can immediately help calm the nervous system during times of overwhelm.
• Understanding your body’s nervous system responses is key to managing stress and avoiding burnout.
• Gut health plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s stress response and overall well-being.
• It’s important to give yourself grace, especially when dealing with the challenges of trauma and stress.

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP45.  Have you ever walked away from a doctor's visit with "normal" lab results but no real answers? Or maybe you’ve been given a laundry list of foods to eliminate, or a handful of  prescriptions that only leave you feeling overwhelmed?  Get ready to dive into the incredible link between what you eat, how you feel and how  managing stress and inflammation through nutrition can truly transform your life.

In this episode I sit down with registered dietitian and mental wellness coach, Courtney Talbott. We break down the power of the gut-brain connection, why elimination diets are not worth the hype, and why chasing symptoms without looking at the root causes is hindering you from feeling your best. 

Get ready to discover how to nourish your body without the stress and walk away with  practical  tips that will help you feel better today!

Courtney Talbott is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Mental Wellness Coach with a master's degree in clinical nutrition from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in nutrition with a minor in psychology from Cal Poly SLO. She is on a mission to educate and empower women to feel confident navigating nutrition. 

It’s time to start glowing from the inside out—because you deserve to feel your best! 

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Download Your Free Nutrition Cheat Sheet

⇢ Get The Right Fiber and Save $10 with  Mentabiotics

⇢ Learn More about Happy Juice, including Mentabiotics: HERE

⇢ Work with Courtney Talbott: HERE

Connect with Courtney Talbott MS, RD:

⇢ Tik Tok: @wellneswithcourtney

⇢ Instagram: @wellneswithcourtney

⇢ Work with Courtney:  Nourish

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP44. Have you ever felt like you’re living in constant fight or flight, trying to process grief while keeping it all together?

In this deeply moving episode, Erin Blechman shares her powerful journey of loss and resilience after the tragic suicide of her son, Max. She bravely delves into the complex emotions of grief and the unique challenges of losing a child to mental illness. Through her raw and heartfelt story, Erin sheds light on the misunderstood nature of mental illness and the vital importance of open conversations about depression and suicide.

Join us as we uncover the impact of grief on family dynamics and other relationships, as well as the profound healing that comes from actively navigating through the pain. Erin's courageous storytelling offers practical advice for processing complex emotions, finding solace in community, and discovering hope after trauma.

Whether you're personally grappling with grief or supporting a loved one through difficult times, this episode provides powerful tools and inspiration to help you keep moving forward.

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Erin’s Book - MY UNEXPECTED JOURNEY: Reflections After Losing my Son to Suicide

⇢  Grief Support Group for Bereaved Parents

⇢ Download Your Free Nutrition Cheat Sheet

⇢ Support Your Gut + Stress Resilience with Happy Juice

⇢ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

⇢ EP 19 Gut Check: What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Antidepressants

⇢ EP 27 From Burnout to Balance: A Caregivers Path to Combating Anxiety

⇢ EP 32 What Do You Do When Something Bad Happens


In This Episode We Cover:

• The real impact of mental illness and the stigma surrounding it
• Why grief looks different for every family member
• How to actively process grief through action and community
• The importance of faith, anger, and finding hope after trauma
• Practical tips for supporting someone grieving the loss of a child

Connect with Erin Blechman:

⇢ Instagram: @erin.blechman

⇢ Web: Erin Blechman

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP 43. In this episode I sit down with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti, a pharmacist turned functional medicine practitioner, to dive deep into gut health, cortisol management, and how to truly get to the root of your health issues. After over 20 years in the pharmacy world, Dr. Chichilitti made a massive career shift and retired from traditional medicine to focus on what really matters—helping people heal from the inside out.

We chat about the overwhelming stress, inflammation, and nervous system burnout that so many of us face, and how she discovered a better way to support her health. She opens up about her personal journey of being on birth control from a young age, dealing with endometriosis, and spending 16 years on antidepressants. Dr. Kourtney shares the pivotal moment that led her to take control of her own health through holistic practices, focusing on the gut-brain connection, and getting off meds.

If you’re ready to break free from prescriptions, constant exhaustion, and feeling like you’re not in control of your health, this episode is a must-listen!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics:  Happy Juice
save $10 with promo: DANA

⇢ Book a call  with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

Key Takeaways:

-  How gut health impacts everything from mood to inflammation

-  The power of probiotics and the gut-brain connection 

-  Why Traditional Pharmacy is broken 

-  The dangers of low-quality supplements and how to find the right  ones

-  Real talk about birth control, antidepressants, and their long-term side effects. 

-  How stress and cortisol wreck your nervous system- and how to fix it.

-  Actionable steps to start healing from the inside out and build true stress resilience. 

Connect with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

⇢ Book a call with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

⇢ Linked In: Dr KourtneyChichilitti

⇢ Instagram: Dr KourtneyChichilitti

⇢ Book a call with Dr. Kourtney Chichilitti

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP42. You’ve heard it said: you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with. But what if the biggest factor in determining your success was about the stories you tell yourself most often?

Is your mental narrative holding you back from being the person you desire to be?

In this episode, podcastor and author, Elizabeth Benton, shares her journey of struggling with weight and body image and how she overcame it by addressing the underlying stories and beliefs she had about herself. She shares the pivotal moment for change when she learned to confront the deep-rooted stories and beliefs that were shaping her reality.

The stories you tell yourself can either push you forward or keep you stuck, and recognizing them is the first step toward true transformation. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance speed with lasting success, this episode is for you!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Register for Elizabeth's course:  Upgrade

⇢ Download The FREE Healthy Habits Journal: HERE


In This Episode We Cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 05:55 Recognizing and Addressing Stories and Beliefs
• 09:10 The Power of Slowing Down
• 11:58 Understanding Individual Barriers
• 14:09 Breaking Free from Self-Sabotage
• 15:00 Understanding the Frontal Lobe and Autopilot Behavior
• 17:55 The Importance of Slowing Down for Better Decision Making
• 20:50 Speed vs. Sustainability in Achieving Goals
• 24:09 Identifying Willingness vs. Desire for Change
• 26:50 Introducing the Upgrade Course for Lasting Change
• 30:05 Overcoming Personal Struggles and Building Resilience

Connect with Elizabeth Benton:

⇢ Instagram: @ElizabethBenton

⇢ Website: Primal Potential

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP41. Losing a parent at a young age changes you. Ryan Bowles was in college when he got the call his dad had been in an accident. His life is forever marked before and after by that moment. My conversation with Ryan is so dear to my heart because I saw so much of my own grief story in the dynamics he shared. After his father’s death, Ryan took on the role of being a support system to his mother and brother. How the newly appointed eldest man in the home led his family through grief without losing faith is inspiring and enlightening.  You will walk away from this episode with tools and strategies to not only better handle grief yourself but also to show up better for those around you who are suffering. If you need a little nudge letting go of expectations and embracing healing and hope so you can move forward, give this conversation a listen.

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢ Join the Facebook: Good Grief Community

⇢ Good Grief Free Support Guide


In This Episode We Cover:

• 00:00 Ryan’s story of loss
• 06:44 Supporting Loved Ones Through Grief
• 13:19 Coping Mechanisms and Comforting Rituals
• 17:37 Finding Purpose in Loss
• 20:47 Faith and Spirituality in Grief
• 25:46 Seeking Professional Help
• 28:14 Continuing the Connection
• 29:01 Grief and Loss: Personal Experiences
• 30:18 Finding Connection in Shared Loss
• 31:16 The Power of Empathy and Compassion
• 36:16 Blending Families and Finding Blessings
• 39:39 Teaching Resilience and Compassion to Children
• 43:48 Parenting with a Laid-Back Approach
• 48:28 Honoring Loved Ones through Shared Experiences
• 53:06 Building a Supportive Community for Grief

Connect with Ryan Bowles:

⇢ Instagram: @goodgriefhq

⇢ Follow the Good Grief Podcast

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

_____
Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.

EP40. Women spend years in some sort of hormonal flux, from puberty to pregnancy to perimenopause. Understanding the changes is critical to help you manage those years without faking fine. In my conversation with Performance Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Churchill, we dive into menopause and its impact on a woman’s performance. We tackle brain health, better sleep and boundaries!

For women, midlife doesn’t come without sacrifice and loss. Jennifer opens up about being single at this stage and not having a family of her own, and the assumptions of others who thought it was a choice. Her story reminds us of the importance of  empathy, acceptance, and creating a safe space for women to share their experiences.

And just for fun… what does she have to say about editing dreams?? You’ll want to hear this!

As mentioned in this episode:

⇢  Book a call with Jen
Meet with Jennifer for a Shared Vision Session to map out your leadership and life goals.  She will help you define a clear vision to elevate your Mid-Career impact and prime yourself for your healthiest version in MidLife!

⇢ Shop Happy Hormones Pack
Save $10 with code: DANA

⇢ Have a question about the Happy Hormones Pack? 
Text  PODCAST to (434) 360-1525


In This Episode We Cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:16 The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Women's Performance
• 09:06 Brain Health and Long-Term Effects
• 13:31 Improving Sleep for Better Performance
• 16:50 Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace
• 19:30 Empathy and Acceptance
• 20:15 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause
• 22:02 Creating a Safe Space
• 23:26 Appreciating the Journey
• 26:51 Editing Dreams
• 32:11 Boundaries and Self-Care

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Churchill:

⇢ Linked In: @JenniferChurchillLeadership

⇢ Instagram: @DrJenniferChurchill

⇢ Website:  JenniferChurchill.com

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Connect with Dana:

⇢ Support Your Stress Hormone with Probiotics: Happy Juice

⇢ Instagram @msdanalewis

⇢ YouTube @msdanalewis

⇢ LinkedIn @msdanalewis

⇢ Be an INSIDER Get on my e-mail List!

⇢ Website danalewis.com

⇢ Find other episodes: Podcast Directory

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Copyright of Dana Lewis 2024.