The Starting Gate

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Ever feel bloated, itchy, or just “off” after eating certain foods—and wonder if it’s an allergy? In this episode, allergist Dr. Shaunah Ritter helps us sort fact from confusion when it comes to food reactions. We dig into the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance (they’re not the same!), why food diaries matter, and how to use them to figure out what’s really bothering you.

We also talk about the pros and cons of at-home allergy tests, how skin testing works in the office, and why cutting out too many foods can actually hurt your gut health. Plus, Dr. Ritter explains celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, and what you need to know about peanut exposure in kids. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are from an allergy, intolerance, or something else entirely—this episode will give you clarity and practical steps forward.

For more information on food allergies:

FARE: Food Allergy Research and Education

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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, gastroenterologist Dr. Sunana Sohi takes us on a deep dive into the gut microbiome—what it is, how it forms, and why it matters for your health. We explore the gut–brain axis, dysbiosis vs. eubiosis, and the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Dr. Sohi also shares practical strategies for common digestive issues like IBS, constipation, and acid reflux, plus her expert tips for preparing for a colonoscopy.  Dr. Sohi reminds us that even small shifts toward eating more plants can make a big difference. 

 Small choices for your gut can mean big changes for your health!

Find Dr. Sunana Sohi at Gastroenterology Health Partners.

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
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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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Fatty liver disease is one of the fastest-growing liver conditions worldwide, often linked with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic health issues. Many people don’t realize they have it until it progresses to more serious complications like cirrhosis. In this episode, we sit down with gastroenterology nurse practitioner Kyle Bloomfield to uncover the risks, warning signs, and connections between fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. We also dive into lifestyle strategies, supplements, and treatment options that can help prevent progression and even reverse fatty liver disease—empowering you to take control of your liver and overall health.

Your liver health matters: we cover the steps you can take to reverse this hidden epidemic.

For More Resources:

American Liver Foundation

American Gastroenterology Association - GI Patient Center

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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Colon cancer rates are rising in younger adults—and it’s a trend we can’t ignore. In this episode, we sit down with oncologist Dr. Reema Patel to discuss why this is happening, which lifestyle and genetic factors increase risk, and what you can do to protect yourself. We also talk through screening tests, why they matter, and how catching colon cancer early changes everything. This is an important conversation you won’t want to miss.

Colon cancer is no longer just a disease of older adults—protect yourself by knowing the risks and taking action early!

Resources to learn more about colon cancer:

American Cancer Society

Patient Resources at Fight Colorectal Cancer

Community support resources for colon cancer:

ColonTown

FIGHT Colorectal Cancer

The Colon Club

Colorectal Cancer Alliance

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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Ever wondered what’s actually living in your gut—and how to keep it healthy? Registered dietitian and owner of LexStart nutrition Emily McGlone joins us to unpack everything you need to know about your gut microbiome.  We explore what probiotics and prebiotics really are, how to get them in your diet, and why fiber and plant diversity are essential for gut health.  We cover practical ways to reduce bloating, support digestion, and use targeted diets like low FODMAP to find your food triggers. Whether you struggle with constipation, diarrhea, or just want better gut health, this episode is packed with simple, doable tips. 

Better digestion starts here—because a healthy gut means a healthier you!

Find Emily McGlone:

LexStart Nutrition

@lexstart_nutrition

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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It’s that time again—back to school! Whether you’re sending a kindergartner or a senior, we’ve got you covered. We’re joined by three principals from elementary, middle, and high school who share what they wish every parent knew. Tune in for tips on how to motivate (but not micromanage) your kids, how to talk with teachers, and why getting involved matters. We also chat about the new no-phone policy in schools and how AI is already changing the game in education. 

It’s not often you get three principals dishing out advice—think of it as your backstage pass to a better school year. 

Meet our Fayette County principal guests:

Jill Angelucci- Principal Squires Elementary

Eric Thornsbury- Principal Winburn Middle

Scott Loscheider- Principal Dunbar High School

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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In this episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful truth: medicine isn’t black and white—it lives in the gray. While bold, oversimplified health claims often go viral on social media, real patient care is far more nuanced. We explore why individualized care matters and how no two patients are exactly alike. From lifestyle medicine to functional and integrative approaches, we discuss how social media has changed the conversation—and why a flexible, compassionate, and personalized approach to health is more important than ever.

We also talk about the frustration many doctors feel—caught between a desire to provide deeper care and the very real constraints of time, insurance, and a system that isn’t built for individualized healing. Burnout is real, and it often stems from knowing what patients need but not being able to deliver it in a rushed, volume-driven model. There’s no one right way—and that’s okay. But in today’s healthcare landscape, it’s more important than ever to take ownership of your health and become your own best advocate.

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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What is metabolic health, and why does it matter for your energy, weight, and long-term wellness? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Meredith Sweeney, a former bariatric surgeon now practicing longevity medicine, to unpack what’s happening under the surface.

We dive into insulin resistance—how it develops, why it's so common, and what it means for your overall health. Dr. Sweeney explains how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help you better understand how your body responds to food, exercise, sleep, and stress—without getting too caught up in chasing perfect numbers.

We also explore VO₂ max and metabolic  testing, and how they relate to your fitness and longevity. Dr. Sweeney shares the science behind zone 2 training, HIIT, resistance training, protein needs, and fasting—helping you build sustainable habits that support metabolic resilience and long-term health.

Find Dr. Meredith Sweeney:

Sano Longevity 

Follow on Instagram:

@sano_longevity

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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Is your thyroid holding you back? Endocrinologist Dr. Kyle Rosenstein joins us to explain the signs of hypothyroidism, what Hashimoto’s really means, and why thyroid lab testing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We also dive into how and when to take thyroid medications  (hint: don’t take it with your morning coffee) and what to know if you’re dealing with multiple autoimmune conditions. If you’ve been wondering whether your symptoms are thyroid-related, this episode is for you. 

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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In this episode, we sit down with clinical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy to talk all things skin health. From teen breakouts to aging skin, we cover what changes as we age, what your skincare routine really needs (hint: it’s probably simpler than you think), and how to choose the right cleanser and moisturizer.

We dive deep into sunscreen—how much, how often, and what kind. Plus, we explore how lifestyle habits like diet, stress, and sleep show up on your skin, and which trendy treatments are worth the hype (and your money), and which ones aren’t.

 If you’ve got skin (and we’re guessing you do), this one’s for you. 

Find Dr. Jeffy:

Brooke Jeffy, MD

@brookejeffymd

Check out her skin care line for teens and tweens

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.