The Starting Gate

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Obesity is complex—and it’s not a willpower problem. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith joins us to break down what really drives the obesity epidemic. We discuss the modern food environment, food addiction, food noise, stress, GLP-1 medications, and how surgery fits into the modern obesity treatment landscape.  We'll unpack why body composition—not just pounds lost—matters, explore how to choose the right tools, and why long-term success always comes back to lifestyle and habit change.

Find Dr. Eric Smith

Kentucky Bariatric Institute

@doctorericsmith_

tik tok: doctorericsmith

thestartinggatepodcast.com

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The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

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Movement is one of the most powerful ways to thrive through menopause—but it’s not just about finding the “right” workout. It’s about defining what you want your life to look like in the years ahead and making choices that support that vision. In this episode, we talk with two experts who help women reconnect with themselves, stay true to their goals, and bring more movement into everyday life in ways that feel realistic and energizing. Whether it’s lifting weights, yoga, or sneaking in short bursts of activity, this episode will inspire you to see movement as a way to create the life you want—one step at a time. 

Find Lisa King:

email her directly:  [email protected]. 

Lisa King Yoga

Find her on Facebook-Lisa King Yoga

Find her on Instagram- Lisa King the Menopause Yogi

Find Laura Coombs:

LauraPCoombs.com

Find her book: Of Course Your Knees Hurt

thestartinggatepodcast.com

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The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

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Midlife can be a confusing time for many women when it comes to sexual identity, desire, and connection. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Juliana Hauser, PhD—sex therapist and author of A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity.

Dr. Hauser shares how to enact and activate agency—not just in your sex life, but in every aspect of your life. We explore her “sexercises,” designed to help women self-reflect, self-audit, and reconnect with their bodies and desires in powerful new ways.

We also talk about cultivating body compassion, shifting your mind away from the endless to-do list to make space for connection, and understanding the physical changes that occur with hormones in midlife. Plus, we cover the benefits of tools like vaginal estrogen and pelvic floor physical therapy to support sexual wellness and comfort.

This conversation is an invitation to reclaim your pleasure, confidence, and connection—both with yourself and with those you love. 

Find Dr. Juliana Hauser:

website: dr-juliana.com

@drjulianahauser

Get her new book on Amazon: A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

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Breast cancer rates are rising, especially among younger women—but why is this happening, and what can you do to protect your health? In this episode, breast cancer surgeon Dr. Veronica Jones answers the most common questions women have about breast cancer. We talk through risk factors, genetic testing, and what dense breast tissue really means. Dr. Jones also explains what happens when a mammogram comes back abnormal, how breast cancer is diagnosed, and what treatment looks like today. If you’ve ever felt confused or anxious about breast cancer screening, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.

Find Dr. Veronica Jones at the UK Markey Cancer Center

Estimate your Breast Cancer Risk with the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment model

Learn more with these Breast Cancer Resources:

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Susan G. Komen

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

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The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

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Perimenopause is often the most confusing stage of the menopause transition, with shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and a mix of symptoms that can feel unpredictable. In this episode, board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society–certified physician Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson breaks down what really happens during perimenopause. We discuss the most common symptoms, how oral contraceptives and IUDs can change your experience, and who may benefit from starting hormone therapy early.

This episode really goes into the details of what’s happening with your hormones—and why those changes cause the symptoms so many women experience. Dr. Elkinson also explains the different routes of hormone administration, the role of testosterone, and clears up common hormone misconceptions.

If you want to truly understand what’s happening in your body and feel more confident advocating for yourself with your healthcare providers, this is a must-listen episode.

Find Dr. Elkinson:

Bluegrass Gynecology and Wellness

For more information on Menopause:

The Menopause Society and MenoNotes

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

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The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

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In this episode, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Degler helps us unravel the complicated relationship between hormones, mood, and life stress during perimenopause and menopause. Many women wonder: is my anxiety or irritability a result of overscheduling and constant demands, or is it a hormonal shift? Dr. Degler explains how to recognize the difference, and we discuss the role of hormone therapy and antidepressants in managing these symptoms. Together, we explore how to build strong support systems, lean on humor, and shift your mindset to see menopause not as an ending, but as a new chapter full of possibilities.

Find Dr. Degler:

JenniferDegler.com

Resources from Dr. Degler:
Take the MENO-D questionnaire to screen for perimenopausal depression.

Link to the FEMM app for tracking symptoms.

CBT and Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Perimenopausal Women

3 Free Mindfulness Tools

Articles:

Perimenopausal depression – an under-recognised entity - PMC

Development and validation of a new rating scale for perimenopausal depression—the Meno-D  

SSRIs vs HT in treating perimenopausal depression 

JOIN Dr. Degler at Empower Your 'Pause:

-Live in-person event at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 

-Also available as live webinar on Nov 1, 2025 with option to watch replay video at your convenience. 

-Also available as online video course on Thinkific.com 

Helping Your Stressed Out Brain Chill Out: Worry and Anxiety Management Techniques

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert to unpack the connection between hormones, metabolism, and nutrition in perimenopause and menopause. We explore why your body can feel so stubborn during this stage of life—why the same diet and exercise you’ve always done may suddenly stop working, or even lead to weight gain. Amanda explains how hormonal changes drive insulin resistance and increase risk for metabolic syndrome, what nutrients are most important to support bone and muscle health, and why overcomplicating nutrition is the biggest trap midlife women fall into. We also tackle common social media myths and the key mindset shift: stop collecting information and start putting change into action.

Find Amanda Nighbert:

Learn more about Amanda and her LEAN program

Follow on Instagram: @amandanighbertrd

Amanda's You Tube Channel

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us Fan Mail

Dementia can be a devastating diagnosis for patients and families, and treatment options remain limited. But there is good news—prevention is possible. In this episode of The Starting Gate, we explore how lifestyle choices in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and delay cognitive decline. From nutrition and exercise to sleep and social connection, the evidence is clear: these habits are far more powerful than any supplement on the market.  Dementia may not show symptoms until later life, but the groundwork is laid decades earlier. Join us as we uncover why lifestyle medicine offers the strongest defense against cognitive decline, and how the steps you take today can help you enjoy a sharper, healthier mind for years to come.   

 Midlife habits lay the foundation for lifelong brain health !

Alzheimer's Association- Brain Health

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

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The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us Fan Mail

 In this episode, stroke neurologist Dr. Theresa Sevilis joins us to break down what really happens in the brain during a stroke, who is at risk, and how recovery can unfold.  Dr. Sevilis also emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic conditions like hypertension that raise stroke risk, and how everyday choices—like choosing vegetables over fast food or staying active—can lower your chances of having a stroke.  We explore the crucial role lifestyle plays in healing—why sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management matter as much as medications for creating the environment the brain needs to rewire and form new connections.  We also discuss the importance of family and social support, the effects of alcohol and marijuana on stroke risk, and why strokes are increasingly being seen in younger patients. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand stroke prevention and recovery more deeply. 

Find Dr. Sevilis at TeleSpecialists

Resources

American Stroke Association

Canadian Stroke Best Practices

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

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The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us Fan Mail

Migraines aren’t “just bad headaches” — they’re a disease that can be life-altering.  In this episode, we sit down with headache neurologist Dr. Jaclyn Duvall to explore the world of tension headaches and migraines.  We discuss what causes them, common triggers like food, sleep, and posture, and how to know when over-the-counter medications are enough — and when it’s time to see a doctor.  We also cover social media myths, supplements that may help, and the importance of getting proper treatment.  We also clear up common misconceptions — like why so-called “sinus headaches” often turn out to be migraines.  

Don’t miss this episode — understanding your headaches is the first step to taking back control.

Find Dr. Jacyln Duvall:

Headache Specialists of Oklahoma

Link to Dr. Duvall's book: The Basics of Migraine

Guided meditation/ Relaxation resources recommended by Dr. Duvall

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
[email protected]

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition.   No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment.  Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.