Today, I'm thrilled to sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Sara Poldmae, who is a doctor of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and a functional medicine practitioner. With over 20 years of experience, she brings such a deep, holistic approach to wellness, especially when it comes to women’s health. From balancing hormones to supporting women through the transitions of perimenopause and menopause, Dr. Sara shares how powerful the mind-body connection truly is in our overall health.

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges women face in midlife—from stress and hormonal changes to managing it all while still showing up for ourselves. Dr. Sara also opens up about her personal health journey and how it shaped her passion for empowering women to take control of their wellness. We talk about the emotional and physical aspects of healing, the importance of mindfulness, and how our bodies are telling us what they need—if we just learn to listen.

This conversation is so eye-opening and empowering, especially for those of you navigating the complexities of midlife. I can’t wait for you to hear Dr. Sara’s wisdom on Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and retreats designed to reset your body, mind, and spirit. Get ready to be inspired to reconnect with yourself and take charge of your health!

About Sara

Sara Poldmae is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Registered Yoga Teacher. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Sara has dedicated her career to a holistic approach to wellness, seamlessly integrating the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine with modern medical practices and mind-body techniques. Her passion for mind-body medicine shines through her practice, where she emphasizes the profound connection between mental and physical health.

Dr. Sara has a special focus on women’s healthcare, offering tailored treatments that support the unique needs of women at all stages of life. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Sara is an enthusiastic advocate for wellness retreats, where she combines her expertise in acupuncture, functional medicine, and yoga to create transformative experiences. Her retreats are designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit, providing participants with tools to achieve lasting health and well-being.

Retreat: https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/panama-spring-2025-retreat-in-cambutal/

Podcast: https://risingwomanproject.com/podcast-archive/

Clinic:  https://www.meadowhillwellness.com

@meadowhillwellness

@drsarapoldmae

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Hey friends! Welcome to Thrive with Carrie. In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Daniel Johns, an integrative chiropractor and founder of Elevate Life Clinic in Annapolis. We dove deep into his incredible personal story of overcoming autoimmune disease through alternative therapies, and how his experience shifted his entire practice.

Dr. Johns shared how healing isn’t just about treating the physical body—it’s about addressing the subconscious mind and past traumas that hold us back from real recovery. We explored how things like childhood trauma, unresolved emotions, and even mold exposure can have a deep impact on our health. What really blew me away is how the subconscious can trigger illnesses or prevent us from healing, and how his approach taps into that to create lasting changes. If you've ever struggled with feeling stuck in your health journey, this episode will give you a new perspective—and hope.

I love that Dr. Johns offers such a holistic approach, combining both physical and subconscious healing. I think this conversation will resonate with anyone who feels like they’ve tried everything but still aren’t seeing the results they want. So, if you’re curious about how your beliefs, emotions, and traumas may be affecting your health, this one’s for you. Thanks for listening, and I hope you find it as insightful as I did!

Visit Dr. John's website here: https://www.elevatelifeclinic.com/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this special episode, I sat down with Lynda Dardick, a licensed massage therapist with decades of experience in therapeutic bodywork. We dive deep into her journey from Ireland to becoming a master of deep tissue massages, lymphatic drainage, and and more! We talk about the magic of sound bowls, the power of touch, and how massage can be a tool for both relaxation and revitalization. Linda shares her love for the human body and her approach to healing, offering practical insights on how we can all manage stress and nurture our nervous systems.

What struck me most was her holistic approach, where she views massage as more than just a luxury—but rather, an essential investment in health. From energy alignment to removing physical and emotional blockages, Linda explains how even small adjustments can have transformative impacts on our well-being. If you’re a busy mom or simply juggling life’s pressures, this episode will open your eyes to the deep connection between body, mind, and spirit.

Feel free to reach out to Lynda via texting at: 516-313-0090

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this special episode, I sit down with my 13-year-old son, Jack, to explore a topic that hits close to home: how to reduce stress in family life. Jack and I share some candid moments as he offers his take on what helps us manage the stress that builds up in our household, from box breathing to simply taking time alone. As a mom juggling the challenges of raising teenagers, I know firsthand how overwhelming family dynamics can get. This conversation with Jack gave me a refreshing perspective on the small but impactful ways we can create a calmer home environment.

Together, we dive into Jack’s favorite stress-relief strategies, including VR gaming and spending time with our Labradoodle, Bella. I also share some of my own methods for decompressing, like getting outside for a walk or finding moments of peace in my home office. It’s a heartwarming episode filled with real-life solutions that any family can relate to. Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or someone looking for new ways to cope with life’s stressors, this episode has something for everyone.

Remember, your ratings and reviews really do make my day!

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Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Hey friends! Welcome back to another episode of the *Thrive with Carrie* podcast! I am *so* excited about today's conversation with my wonderful friend Megan Wade, the owner of Barre Forward. Megan has created this incredible community in her studio where women come together, not only to build strength but to build each other up. In this episode, we dive into Megan's journey of opening Barre Forward, how she developed her unique approach to barre workouts, and the amazing physical and mental benefits her classes offer. Spoiler alert: barre isn't just for dancers!

During our chat, Megan shares how her love for movement transformed her post-pregnancy struggles into a powerful practice that strengthens both body and mind. She talks about the importance of functional movement, body awareness, and making fitness accessible for everyone—no matter your age or experience. Whether you're lifting a two-pound weight or engaging in those tiny, burning pulses, you'll feel your body become stronger, more balanced, and confident. Trust me, by the end of this episode, you’ll be signing up for a class! Let's get into it!

Remember, your ratings and reviews really do make my day!

Megan's links:

Barre Forward: https://www.barreforward.com/
Barre Forward's social pages:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreforward/?hl=en
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/barreforward


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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowski

Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, I break down my favorite strategy for reducing the overwhelm and stress. Remember, your ratings and reviews really do make my day!

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowski

Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, we’re diving deep into the world of holistic, low-tox living with my dear friend and fellow health coach, Michelle Borselle. Michelle has been on a journey of reducing toxins in her home and life, inspired by her daughter’s battle with autoimmune diseases. She shares how returning to homemade solutions—something rooted in her family traditions—has not only improved her family’s health but has also become a way of life. From homemade cleaners to nourishing family recipes, Michelle brings her wisdom on how simplifying what we use and eat can make a world of difference.

You’ll love hearing Michelle’s tips on how easy it is to start making small but impactful changes in your daily routine. From laundry detergent to foaming hand soap, she proves that creating your own non-toxic products can save time, money, and improve your well-being. Plus, we talk about how teaching these practices to our kids can create meaningful family connections. So, grab your favorite smoothie and join us as we explore the beauty and benefits of a low-tox lifestyle!

Michelle's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homemade_4health/
Free Resources: https://www.thekinneyclinic.com/about-dr-ana-rodriguez

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Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

Also, your ratings and reviews make my day! See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, I sit down with Dr. Erin Kinney, an amazing naturopathic doctor who specializes in helping stressed-out patients regain control of their health. Dr. Kinney shares her personal journey with depression and hormonal imbalances, which led her to naturopathic medicine. After struggling with low energy, weight gain, and emotional exhaustion in her 20s, she found healing through natural treatments that focused on balancing hormones and restoring her overall well-being. Her story is inspiring and offers hope to anyone facing similar challenges.

We also dive deep into understanding cortisol and its impact on the body. Dr. Kinney explains how cortisol, often misunderstood as the "bad guy," plays a crucial role in providing energy during stressful situations. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining balanced cortisol levels to avoid chronic fatigue, brain fog, and other health issues. This conversation sheds light on adrenal health, stress management, and practical steps to support hormonal balance. You won’t want to miss these insights into natural health and wellness!

Website, The Kinney Clinic: https://www.thekinneyclinic.com/

Dr. Kinney's Social Handles:
Instagram: @drkinney
FaceBook: @drkinneynd

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Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

Also, your ratings and reviews make my day! See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of the "Thrive with Carrie" podcast, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Ana Rodriguez, a brilliant naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist. Ana shares her incredible journey from conventional medicine to a more holistic approach, focusing on women's health, metabolic disorders, and gut-related conditions. We dive deep into the topic of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), exploring what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and the importance of looking at the whole body when treating it. Ana's passion for using natural methods, like nutraceuticals and herbal medicine, shines through as she explains how she creates personalized healing plans that really work.

As we chat, Ana breaks down the different types of gases involved in SIBO and talks us through the breath tests used for diagnosis. We also discuss the crucial role of motility and how stress and diet play into the condition. I’m especially excited about the way Ana connects the dots between gut health and the nervous system, showing just how interconnected our bodies really are. This episode is packed with practical advice and actionable tips for anyone dealing with gut issues, and I know you’re going to walk away with a better understanding of how to take charge of your health from the inside out.

Ana's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.anarodriguez/
The Kinney Clinic: https://www.thekinneyclinic.com/about-dr-ana-rodriguez

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowski

Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

Also, your ratings and reviews make my day! See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Carrie interviews Monique Willingham, NP about some commonly overlooked topics surrounding midlife hormone health for women. Make sure to share with a friend and leave a review (they make my day!!)

Monique Willingham, CRNP has always had a passion for holistic wellness and beauty as well as developing an open and honest rapport with her patients. She believes everyone deserves love and grace without guilt for wanting to feel and look their best. She is native to Maryland and has over 18 years of clinical experience in oncology, surgery and wellness.

She is a certified Nurse Practitioner in Adult Health and earned her Master of Science degree from University of Maryland and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Delaware. She has completed continuing professional development and education courses in functional medicine, anti-aging and advanced peptides, IV infusion and injectables, women’s health and HRT as well as the science of medical cannabis. She is also certified in cosmetic injections.

Monique founded Remedy Green with the mission to empower patients to reclaim their health, to have the confidence to commit to change and give them the guidance and knowledge on how to make those small changes to live their best lives. 

Make sure to check Monique's services out at: https://remedygreenwellness.com/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowski

Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

Also, your ratings and reviews make my day! See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.