The gut is often called the "second brain" of the body because it's responsible for so much more than digestion. If you've ever struggled with low energy, lack of concentration, or acne, there's a good chance that those symptoms stem from somewhere in your GI tract.

In my conversation with gut health dietitian Jillian Smith, she breaks down exactly what gut health is and highlights common ingredients and lifestyle choices that can trigger imbalances. We talk about the power of functional medicine and different holistic approaches to healing. Jillian also gives insight into her own gut health journey and shares why she's so passionate about helping other people get to the bottom of their chronic digestive issues.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• The most comprehensive gut health test

• Why so many people, especially women, experience gut and digestive issues

• The impact of stress on gut health

• What's different about the functional medicine approach to diagnosing and treating chronic illnesses

• Tips for anyone who struggles with low levels of stomach acid

• Jillian's flexible approach to the whole-food diet

RESOURCES

• Branch Basics

• EO Products

• Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Project

CONNECT WITH JILLIAN

Follow Jillian: @jilliansmith.rd

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow the pod: @thegoodwinsocial

Therapy has been one of the most powerful tools for me at this stage in my life, but even though the stigma of mental health has majorly shifted over the past decade, it's still a pretty taboo subject. I'm joined by licensed therapist Nicole Evans to discuss the benefits of therapy, how to establish and uphold boundaries, and ways to change thought patterns that no longer serve you.

Nicole opens up about her own journey with therapy and how it supported her during a period of deep grief. She notes that while some of her patients come to her during critical life changes, most people are just looking to get to know themselves better and have space to process their emotions. Nicole also illustrates what it looks like to create a new narrative and how therapy can help you live a more authentic life.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Practices that helped Nicole through the grieving process

• The main reasons people in the 30s and 40s are seeking therapy

• What my experience has been like in therapy so far

• Unpacking the root causes of anxiety

• Examples of communicating and maintaining boundaries in your relationships

• How we can model self-expression and self-awareness for the next generation

CONNECT WITH NICOLE

Work with Nicole: @nicoleevanstherapy.com

Follow Nicole on Instagram @nicoleevanstherapy

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow the pod: @thegoodwinsocial

Natalie Draizen and Lindsey Mandara are certified nutrition coaches and personal trainers with a refreshing approach to health and wellness. Like so many women, they struggled with yo-yo dieting, overexercising, and negative body image, but finally experienced a breakthrough when they developed a deeper mind-body connection.

Natalie and Lindsey join me in this episode to unpack diet culture BS and share tips for how to transform your mindset around nutrition and movement. They dive into the deeper 'why' behind their mission and explain how they consistently stay connected to it. Lindsey also talks about her mindful strategy for teaching her kids about intuitive eating and exercise.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• How crucial the mindset piece is when it comes to food and nutrition

• Early influences on body image and eating habits

• Creating sustainable and flexible routines

• Understanding the driving forces behind our beliefs and actions

• The first step to improving your relationship with food

• Breaking the cycle of diet culture with the next generation

CONNECT WITH NATALIE & LINDSEY

Follow Natalie: @natalie.draizen

Follow Lindsey: @sweatlikeamom

Follow Find Your Forma: @findyourforma

Listen to Find Your Forma

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow the pod: @thegoodwinsocial

It's so important to understand what your personal style is and continue to play around with it as new trends emerge, but that process can feel really intimidating and overwhelming. Personal stylist Abigail Valentine joins me on this episode to break down the steps for discovering clothes that make you feel confident and how to build a capsule wardrobe based on those pieces.

Abigail shares her perspective on where to splurge versus save, and also what she thinks about clothing subscriptions like Rent The Runway and Stitch Fix. We talk about how to find the perfect pair of jeans, including Abigail's go-to brands for all body types. Plus, she shares cost-effective hacks for altering and caring for your clothes and accessories.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Abigail's background in costume design

• Common misconceptions about working with a personal stylist

• How to discover and define your personal style

• Tips for incorporating trends without going way outside of your comfort zone

• Items that are worth investing your time and money on

• The elements of a balanced outfit

• Abigail's advice for anyone who struggles with cleaning out their closet

RESOURCES

• Cuts Clothing

• James Perse

• Everlane

• Topstick tape

• Madewell

• Pistola Denim

CONNECT WITH ABIGAIL

Follow Abigail: @abigailvalentine

Follow Joy and the Valentine Co.: @joyandthevalentine

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow the pod: @thegoodwinsocial

Your pelvic floor is responsible for supporting your abdomen and pelvis, bladder and bowel movements, and sexual function, so why isn't it more commonly discussed? I'm joined by pelvic floor therapist Dr. Erin Motola to dive into all the taboo subjects surrounding pelvic floor health, including how to break bad bladder habits, improve your sex life, and confidently recover from pregnancy.

Erin walks us through proper breathing techniques and other exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and bring more awareness into that area of the body. She also shares advice for how to take care of your pelvic floor before and after giving birth, and lets us know exactly how she's been strengthening and lengthening her pelvic floor during her pregnancy.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• The anatomy of the pelvic floor and it's three main functions

• Signs of a weak or overactive pelvic floor

• The link between constipation and an overactive pelvic floor

• Tools to release tension in your pelvic floor and reduce pain during sex

• What Erin covers in her 6-week postpartum guide

CONNECT WITH ERIN

Follow Erin on TikTok: @the_pelvic_floor_pt

Follow Erin on Instagram: @the_pelvic_floor_pt

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow the pod: @thegoodwinsocial

I'm joined by Kristen Doutsas, a licensed aesthetician and acne specialist with over 20 years of experience. Kristen and her team at Liberation Acne Clinic have been a crucial part of my journey with healing my adult acne and understanding how to take care of my skin as I age.

In our conversation, we cover everything from the food you should avoid if you're acne-prone, Kristen's thoughts on hormonal birth control, and how she's navigating perimenopause. Most dermatologists and aestheticians gloss over how to nourish your skin from within, but Kristen offers so much wisdom on how to achieve the glowy look you've always dreamed of 一 regardless of your age and genetics.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Kristen's struggle with cystic acne in her teens and early twenties

• Misconceptions and myths about acne

• Specific foods and supplements that can trigger symptoms in acne-prone skin

• Kristen's morning and nighttime skincare routine for flawless skin

• What to look out for on the labels and ingredient lists when shopping for skincare products

• How Kristen is navigating life after ending her 18-year relationship

RESOURCES & PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

• Examine

• Nordic Naturals

• Omegavia

• Cryocup

• Face Reality Skincare

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN

Learn more about Liberation Acne Clinic: liberationacneclinic.com

Follow Kristen: @kikipieinthesky

Follow Liberation Acne Clinic: @liberateyourskin

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow the pod: @thegoodwinsocial

Brooke Graves is the CEO of Kaleidoscope Juice, a business that she started working at as an employee, which eventually led to her buying it out as sole owner. Brooke is the epitome of your passion turning into your business. She has a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition and creates the recipes for all Kaleidoscope Juices with a strong intention to enhance human health and improve physical ailments such as inflammation, pain, bloating and more. Not to mention, her products are delicious!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• How Brooke became an employee-turned-business owner

• The benefits of the clean ingredients in Kaleidoscope Juice products

• Why it's so important to include fruits and vegetables into your daily routine as you age

• How food allergies actually develop

• Brooke's thoughts on organic versus non-organic

RESOURCES

• Shop Kaleidoscope Juice for pickup HERE

• Get cold-pressed juice shipped to you by emailing Kirsti

CONNECT WITH BROOKE

Follow Brooke: @brooke.m.graves

Follow Kaleidoscope Juice: @kaleidoscopejuice

Learn more about Kaleidoscope Juice HERE

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow on Instagram: @thegoodwinsocial

Melissa Pruett is the founder of Melt By Melissa––probably the most sought after brow magician in Scottsdale. She was an instant dream guest for me to have on the podcast. I, myself, am really becoming intentional about my own journey of self-discovery, and Melissa is one of the biggest inspirations to me as I seek this out. She is such an advocate for continuous growth, so she and I not only dive into her professional journey and how she has grown her business, but also how she herself has grown as an individual throughout her life.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• How Melissa scaled her business from a one-woman-show to now, two locations

• The importance of creating a memorable customer experience

• The connection between your personal growth to your professional growth

• Pivotal moments in her life that have led her to the success she has had today

• The effectiveness of the practice of visualization

• Details about the spiritual journey Melissa has been on

• How your inner circle impacts your ability to create

RESOURCES

• Book your next appointment at Melt By Melissa HERE

• Shop her skincare line HERE

CONNECT WITH MELISSA

Follow Melissa: @melissapruett24

Follow Melt By Melissa: @meltbymelissa

CONNECT WITH LEX

Follow on Instagram: @thegoodwinsocial