Straight Up With Steph

By Stephanie Botts

Your podcast for real tips on healthy posture, healthy habits, and a healthy life!

... more

· Health & Fitness

5

1414 ratings

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FAQs about Straight Up With Steph:

How many episodes does Straight Up With Steph have?

The podcast currently has 82 episodes available.

Straight Up With Steph episodes:

January 02, 2026Ep 81: Muscle, Metabolism & Perimenopause: What Women Need to Know
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined again by registered dietitian and perimenopause expert Laura Berger for a deeper dive into muscle, metabolism, fat loss, and the biggest mistakes women are making with nutrition and training—especially in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
We unpack why muscle truly is the organ of longevity, why women are not “bulking up” from strength training, and how hormonal shifts during perimenopause change the way we need to eat and exercise. Laura also breaks down why calorie counting, macro tracking, and “eating less” often backfire—and what to focus on instead if you want sustainable fat loss and long-term health.
We also tackle a hot topic that many women are curious (and conflicted) about: GLP-1 medications. Laura explains when they may be appropriate, when they’re likely doing more harm than good, and why preserving lean muscle is non-negotiable for aging well.
In this episode, we cover:
Why muscle is critical for longevity, metabolism, and hormone health
The myth of women “bulking up” from lifting weights
Strength training vs yoga & Pilates—and why most women need a blend
What functional strength training actually looks like
Why protein alone doesn’t build muscle without the right stimulus
How meal timing and protein distribution change in perimenopause
The biggest problems with calorie counting and macro tracking
What GLP-1 medications do—and what most people aren’t being told
How to start the new year strong without all-or-nothing thinking

Ep 79: Why Your Old Diets Don’t Work Anymore: The Real Reason Women Gain Weight
About Laura

Connect with Laura:
Instagram and TikTok: @theperimenopausediet
Website
Free Masterclass
Easy Sheet Pan Recipe
Easy Smoothie Recipe

To watch on YouTube, click here
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.
🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
1h 2min
December 19, 2025 Ep 80: Early Signs of Hearing Loss You’re Ignoring — And How They Affect Your Brain
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, hearing instrument specialist Madison joins me to unpack the surprisingly deep connection between hearing, cognition, memory, balance, and longevity.
We talk about why hearing loss sneaks up on people, the common early signs that get ignored, and how untreated hearing loss dramatically increases the risk of dementia, falls, and social withdrawal. Madison also explains why dental clinicians are especially vulnerable to high-frequency noise exposure and the right way to use hearing protection.
You’ll learn:
✔️ How the auditory system feeds the brain
✔️ Why background noise is exhausting
✔️ When noise becomes dangerous (real decibel numbers!)
✔️ Why hearing aids are not “just for old people”
✔️ The difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder
✔️ The research linking hearing loss and dementia
✔️ How to protect your hearing — at work, at the gym, and at concerts
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in loud places, relied on captions, or struggled in restaurants, this episode will make so much sense

About Madison

Connect with Madison:
@madisonlistens on Instagram
Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/dFRvJcm6KKQ?si=_cZXHGjITFnaQaZI
Website
To watch on YouTube, click here
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.
🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
47min
December 12, 2025Ep 79: Why Your Old Diets Don’t Work Anymore: The Real Reason Women Gain Weight
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by registered dietitian and creator of The Perimenopause Diet, Laura Berger, for a deeply validating and eye-opening conversation about body changes in your 30s and 40s, perimenopause, weight fluctuations, insulin resistance, and why traditional “eat less, move more” advice stops working during this chapter of life.
Laura breaks down:
Why fat gain and “fluffiness” can happen even when diet and exercise haven’t changed
How declining estrogen, stress, sleep, and insulin resistance interact
What most women misunderstand about intermittent fasting
Why strength training is non-negotiable and how to do it correctly
The real reason women feel out of control around food (hint: it’s not willpower)
How to structure meals to stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, and improve sleep
Holiday eating strategies that don’t derail progress or trigger guilt
This episode is full of reassurance, clarity, and truly empowering education for women navigating midlife shifts. If you’ve been feeling frustrated, confused, or stuck in your body…this one will feel like a breath of relief.
👉 Listen now and connect with Laura’s programs + masterclass in the show notes!

About Laura

Connect with Laura:
Instagram and TikTok: @theperimenopausediet
Website
Free Masterclass

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
1h 5min
December 05, 2025Ep 78: Hair Myths Debunked: What Actually Works for Healthy Hair Growth
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with clinical trichologist Dorian White to talk about all things hair and scalp health. We cover everything from tight hairstyles and traction alopecia to the science behind scalp care, proper shampoo techniques, and what really causes hair loss.
You’ll learn:
The real difference between scalp serums and oils
How to properly wash your hair for optimal scalp health
Why you might be losing hair at your temples or crown
The truth about supplements like biotin and collagen
Science-backed ingredients that actually help with regrowth
Dorian’s top tips for maintaining healthy hair as hormones shift

This conversation is full of myth-busting advice, practical tips, and reassurance for anyone struggling with hair changes or loss.

About Dori

Connect with Dori:
@dorian_marie_hair on instagram and titktok
To watch on YouTube, click here
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.
🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
1h
November 28, 2025Ep 77: Top Ergonomic Mistakes Dental Clinicians Must Stop Making
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m diving into the most common ergonomic mistakes dental clinicians make — and the exact corrections that will help you start the new year with less pain, better posture, and more confidence in the operatory.
This solo episode breaks down years of assessment experience and everything I personally struggled with early in my career—the same habits that led me straight into chronic pain. If you want to feel better in 2025, these are the habits to stop today.
In this episode, I cover:
The #1 posture mistake fueling neck and back pain
Why the wrong clock positions are wrecking your body
The exact height your patient’s mouth should be
How death-gripping your instruments leads to injury
Why circulation is everything (and what instantly improves it)
Microbreaks, movement, standing, walking & blood flow
Out-of-operatory habits: sleep, diet, protein, inflammation & exercise

If you want to start feeling better, working safer, and building a body that lasts throughout your career, this episode is your roadmap.

To watch on YouTube, click here
Links for mentioned resources:
Free Posture Mini-Course
Ergo Courses + Monthly Club Membership
Microbreak Download
Corrective Exercise Specialist (for clinicians)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
37min
November 14, 2025Ep 76: Is Dental Marketing a Scam?
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Gary Bird, founder and CEO of SMC National, to talk all things marketing in dentistry.
Gary shares eye-opening insights on where dental practices lose potential patients, how to track what’s actually working, and all about AI being used in marketing.
We cover:
The #1 marketing metric most practices ignore (and how it’s costing you new patients)
Why 35% of dental calls go unanswered — and what that means for your ROI
The real difference between good marketing and good operations
The truth about AI marketing, social media, and the future of practice growth
Gary’s candid takes will make you rethink how your front desk, systems, and social strategy all connect to practice profitability.

About Gary

Connect with Gary:
https://www.facebook.com/smcnationalinc
https://www.instagram.com/smcnational/ https://www.youtube.com/user/SMCNational/videos
Trackable App
To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
51min
November 07, 2025Ep 75: Tired of Patients Not Understanding Their Treatment? Here’s How AI Can Help
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Sofie, a dental hygienist who transitioned from clinical care to the world of dental technology and AI. Now working at Overjet, Sofie shares her journey from the operatory to dental sales, what it’s like being the only clinician on her team, and how AI is transforming patient communication, diagnosis, and insurance efficiency in dentistry.
We talk about:
Sofie’s transition from hygiene to dental tech and sales
How Overjet helps clinicians present treatment and improve case acceptance
Common misconceptions about AI in dentistry
How Overjet supports both providers and insurance communication
Why clinicians should stay curious about opportunities beyond the operatory
🦷 Whether you’re a dental clinician curious about career transitions or a practice looking to streamline efficiency and accuracy, this episode gives you a real-world look at how AI can elevate your workflow.
This episode is sponsored by Overjet:
Overjet helps dental professionals elevate patient care, streamline diagnostics, and simplify insurance communication with advanced AI technology.
👉 Learn more about Overjet

About Sofie

Connect with Sofie:
Book a Demo
Book A Discovery Call with Sofie
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn
To watch on YouTube, click here
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
42min
October 31, 2025Ep 74: Thriving in Your First Years as a Dental Hygienist
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph — part two of my two-part series with Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, co-founder of Hygiene Edge — we dive into what life looks like after dental hygiene school.
From first-day nerves to finding the right office fit, we cover everything new grads wish someone had told them before starting. Whether you’re just entering private practice or a few years in and still finding your rhythm, this one’s packed with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement.
We discuss:
What to expect in your first year as a new grad
How to find an office that supports you (and your ergonomics!)
Building confidence and learning to ask for help
Managing time, burnout, and the steep learning curve
Why your education doesn’t stop at graduation
The importance of networking, continuing education, and staying curious
If you’re a new grad, this one’s for you!
To watch on Youtube, click here
Episodes mentioned in this podcast:
Top Tips on Thriving in Dental Hygiene School

About Melia

Connect with Melia:
@hygieneedge
@meliardh
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
47min
October 24, 2025Ep 73: Top Tips on Thriving in Dental Hygiene School
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, co-founder of Hygiene Edge, to talk all things dental hygiene students. From dealing with perfectionism to navigating stress and keeping perspective, Melia shares her top five tips to help students not just survive, but thrive in hygiene school.
We discuss:
How to handle self-doubt and negativity while in school
The importance of kindness and professionalism with instructors
Top 5 student tips that make a big difference
The value of honesty, networking, and reading your syllabus!
Using video learning and social media wisely in dental hygiene education
Why learning never stops once you graduate
💡 Whether you’re in school, teaching, or supporting a student, this one’s packed with relatable insight and encouragement.

About Melia

Connect with Melia:
@hygieneedge
@meliardh

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.
🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
45min
October 17, 2025Ep 72: The Drink That Prevents Cavities: SmileSip
Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Misty Mattingly, RDH—Chief Dental Hygiene Officer, innovator, and host of Hygiene Happy Hour—to talk about innovation in dentistry and her latest project, SmileSip, the fluoride-free drink that’s reshaping preventive oral care.
We discuss:
How innovation and technology are helping dentistry “catch up” with the science
The science behind SmileSip and how it supports oral and gut health
The role of xylitol and prebiotics in reducing plaque and neutralizing pH
How SmileSip helps with dry mouth, halitosis, oral irritation, and erosion
The SmileSip affiliate “SIPPster” program for hygienists
Using SmileSip for kids, military, and mobile dentistry outreach

To watch on YouTube, click here

About Misty

Connect with Misty:
Instagram: @hygienehappyhr @mistyangel72
Podcast: Hygiene Happy Hour
Website: mistymattingly.com
SmileSip: SmileSipUSA.com
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup
...more
46min

FAQs about Straight Up With Steph:

How many episodes does Straight Up With Steph have?

The podcast currently has 82 episodes available.

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