Trotting Thru Life: The feel good journey through wellness, reimagined.

What if we stopped thinking about skincare as something we simply put on our skin—and started thinking about it as a form of nourishment?

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with Natalie Novak, founder and CEO of KPS Essentials, to talk about her unique approach to skincare: food-grade, organic transdermal nutrition for the skin.

Natalie is a licensed esthetician and massage therapist with nearly four decades in the healing arts. Her journey into clean skincare began in 1987, when she witnessed a skincare product dissolve carpet fiber at a Nordstrom skincare counter. That moment sparked a lifelong curiosity about what our bodies actually recognize as nourishment—and ultimately led her to create KPS Essentials.

We talk about the difference between conventional skincare and Natalie's food-grade approach, why ingredient quality matters, and what it means to think about the skin as part of the body's overall wellness picture.

Natalie also shares insights from her years working in the healing arts, including her experience as a certified oncology esthetician working directly with cancer patients and her passion for organic living as a certified organic master gardener.

If you've ever wondered what you're really putting on your skin, how skincare ingredients fit into a whole-body wellness approach, or whether your skin deserves the same attention to nutrition as the rest of your body, this conversation will give you a completely different perspective on skincare.

In this episode we discuss:

• What transdermal nutrition means
• Why Natalie describes her skincare as food-grade for the skin
• The importance of understanding skincare ingredients
• Natalie's fascinating journey into clean and organic skincare
• What nearly 40 years in the healing arts has taught her
• Her experience as an oncology esthetician
• The connection between skincare and whole-body wellness
• Why what we put on our skin deserves just as much thought as what we put in our bodies

🎧 Tune in for a fascinating conversation about rethinking skincare—and what it means to truly nourish your skin.

Natalie Novak is the Founder and CEO of KPS Essentials, an organic, food-grade transdermal nutrition brand for the skin. She's a licensed esthetician and massage therapist with nearly four decades in the healing arts. Her path began in 1987 at a Nordstrom skincare counter, where she watched a "skincare" product dissolve carpet fiber, a moment that set her on a lifelong search for what the body actually recognizes as nourishment. She's also a certified oncology esthetician (having worked directly with cancer patients) and a certified organic master gardener.

www.kpsessentials.com

Coupon Code: TTL20

Instagram: KPSESSENTIALS / your_skinhealth_guru

Have you ever wondered what your lymphatic system actually does—and why it may be more important to your overall health than you realize?

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with health innovator, author, and lymphatic system health coach John Ossipinsky, who brings more than 30 years of experience helping people better understand and support their lymphatic health.

We dive into the often-overlooked role of the lymphatic system and its connection to inflammation, swelling, fatigue, stress, cellular health, and even the brain. John explains the fascinating lymph-brain connection and why supporting healthy lymphatic flow may be an important piece of the bigger wellness picture.

We also talk about practical, gentle ways to support lymphatic flow, including movement and self-lymphatic drainage, and why you don't necessarily need complicated protocols to start supporting your body's natural systems.

If you've been dealing with swelling, inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, or simply want to better understand how your body moves waste and supports cellular health, this conversation will give you a whole new appreciation for your lymphatic system.

In this Episode we discuss:

• What the lymphatic system does and why it matters
• The connection between lymphatic health and inflammation
• Swelling, fatigue, and other signs worth paying attention to
• The fascinating lymph-brain connection
• How movement supports lymphatic flow
• Self-lymphatic drainage and how it works
• Simple ways to support lymphatic health at home
• Why lymphatic health can be an important part of whole-body wellness

Your lymphatic system may not get as much attention as your heart, gut, or hormones—but it plays an important role in how your body functions.

John Ossipinsky is an author, host of the Lymph-Brain Revolution podcast, and a lymphatic health coach.  He started his career as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Diplomate in CranioSacral Therapy. He has worked with the lymphatic system, helping clients regain their health for over 30 years. His expertise is working with the Lymph-Brain Connection to improve mental and physical health.

In 2023, an NIH report, “The emerging importance of lymphatics in health and disease: an NIH workshop report,” found: “Changes in normal lymphatic function can alter multiple systems in the body and manifest as different and varied pathologies. There are many conditions related to lymphatic dysfunction within all body systems.”

This means diseases begin with lymphatic dysfunction! 

John specializes in helping individuals, medical professionals, coaches, course creators, bodyworkers, and energy practitioners learn to gain control over their health, their families, or a client's health with the lymphatic system.

Our Mission Statement: "To promote a greater understanding of the lymphatic system’s role in maintaining human health and preventing disease through lymphatic education."

HealthyLymphSystem.com

The Lymph-Brain Revolution Podcast

Do you feel like you're constantly coping, pushing through, or just trying to get to the next thing? You may be stuck in survival mode—and you don't have to stay there.

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with Ramona Kossowan, an Empowerment Coach and Gentle Trauma Release Practitioner, to talk about what it really means to move from simply surviving to feeling truly connected to yourself again.

We explore why so many women find themselves stuck in survival mode, especially during major life transitions like divorce, empty nesting, burnout, or other seasons of change. Ramona shares her perspective on why gentleness isn't weakness—it's actually a powerful foundation for sustainable change.

We also dive into nervous system regulation, rebuilding confidence, redefining strength, and why true transformation requires more than simply changing your mindset. Sometimes, the most meaningful shifts happen when we slow down, listen to our bodies, and give ourselves permission to meet ourselves exactly where we are.

If you've been feeling stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or like you've lost touch with who you are, this conversation will encourage you to consider a different path—one that doesn't require you to push harder, but invites you to move forward with more compassion and intention.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why women often get stuck in survival mode
• How burnout and major life transitions can impact your nervous system
• Moving beyond coping and into genuine transformation
• The connection between the mind, body, and nervous system
• Why gentleness can be a powerful tool for healing
• Rebuilding confidence after divorce, empty nesting, or burnout
• Redefining what it means to be a strong woman
• How small, sustainable shifts can create meaningful change

If you're ready to stop simply surviving and start reconnecting with yourself, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and discover why you don't have to push harder to move forward.

Resources:

Websites

ramonakcoaching.com

gentletraumacoach.com

Socials:   

https://www.facebook.com/RamonaKCoaching

https://www.instagram.com/ramonakcoaching

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-kossowan-380ba66a/

https://www.youtube.com/@ramonakcoaching

https://substack.com/@ramonakcoaching

https://www.pinterest.com/ramonakcoaching/

Free offers:

Is it Trauma? Explore the often overlooked symptoms of trauma: https://ramonakcoaching.com/gentle-trauma-assessment/

Is “Food Noise” hijacking your nervous system and taking up too much mental energy? Take your Food Obsession Quiz to find out more: https://ramonakcoaching.com/foodobsession

Have you been told your blood sugar is too high—but never really been told why?

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with functional medicine practitioner Jason Shumard to explore the root causes of insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and Type 2 diabetes.

Instead of focusing only on blood sugar numbers, Dr. Jason explains how factors like chronic stress, hormone imbalances, inflammation, nutrition, and metabolic health all work together to influence how your body functions. We discuss why treating symptoms alone often isn't enough and how understanding the why behind your health challenges can lead to lasting change.

Whether you've been diagnosed with insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes, struggle with stubborn weight, experience energy crashes, or simply want to better understand your metabolic health, this conversation offers practical, encouraging insights that can help you take the next step toward feeling your best.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• What insulin resistance really is
• The hidden drivers behind high blood sugar
• Why metabolic health affects so much more than diabetes
• The connection between hormones, stress, and blood sugar
• How functional medicine looks for root causes instead of just treating symptoms
• Simple lifestyle changes that support long-term metabolic health

This episode is a reminder that your lab numbers don't define you—they're simply clues that can help uncover what's happening beneath the surface.

To contact Dr. Jason visit his website at:   https://drshumard.com/

Have you ever thought about going on a wellness retreat... but talked yourself out of it?

Maybe you worried about coming alone, stepping outside your comfort zone, or taking time away from your family and responsibilities. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

In this special episode of Trotting Thru Life, I'm joined by my two incredible co-hosts as we celebrate the fourth year of our annual Women's Wellness Retreat. We reflect on how the retreat has grown over the years, the unforgettable transformations we've witnessed, and why each year becomes more meaningful than the last.

More importantly, we talk about the courage it takes to choose yourself.

Whether you've never attended a retreat or you've been thinking about joining us this year, we hope this conversation encourages you to see self-care not as a luxury—but as an investment in your health, relationships, and future.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Why our Women's Wellness Retreat continues to evolve each year
• What first-time attendees can expect
• How stepping outside your comfort zone leads to personal growth
• Why women often struggle to prioritize themselves
• The importance of community, connection, and intentional rest
• What makes our retreat experience so special

If you've been waiting for a sign to prioritize yourself, this might just be it.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply say yes to yourself.

To learn more or to sign up today visit:

https://aliciatrottercoaching.com/retreat

Have you found yourself thinking, "I just don't feel like myself anymore?" You're not alone—and it doesn't mean you have to simply accept it as part of getting older.

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with functional medicine nutritionist Cindy Dupuie for an honest conversation about perimenopause, menopause, and the changes so many women experience in midlife.

We discuss why symptoms like weight gain, anxiety, low energy, brain fog, and disrupted sleep are often connected to much more than hormones alone. Cindy shares how gut health, thyroid function, nutrition, lifestyle habits, and understanding your lab work can provide valuable clues to what's really happening in your body.

Whether you're just beginning to notice changes or you're well into your menopause journey, this episode offers practical encouragement and simple strategies to help you better understand your body and confidently advocate for your health.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Common signs of perimenopause and menopause
• Why weight gain and fatigue aren't "just aging"
• The connection between gut health, hormones, and thyroid function
• How functional medicine looks at the whole person
• Practical nutrition and lifestyle habits that support healthy aging
• Learning to listen to your body and become your own best health advocate

If you've been wondering why your body feels different lately, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone—and that there are answers worth exploring.

Links:

Free Download Lab Checklist for The Pause Years https://mailchi.mp/ec838eef0e74/lab-checklist

Signature Course: Grace In Transition for Women Of A Certain Age https://alivingbalance.net/course/
Instagram @cindy_dupuie https://www.instagram.com/cindy_dupuie/

Website alivingbalance.net https://alivingbalance.net 

You Tube Video: What End Is Up When It Comes To HRT https://youtu.be/A-jMfvQifjo

YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@alivingbalance

What happens when a product that's sold legally ends up changing your life in an instant?

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, Hunter Stinson shares his deeply personal story of experiencing a psychotic episode after smoking a joint containing synthetic THC that was purchased legally from a Tennessee smoke shop.

Hunter walks us through the events leading up to that night, the frightening mental and emotional symptoms that followed, and the impact the experience had on his health, relationships, and recovery. Together, we discuss the growing popularity of synthetic cannabinoid products, the misconceptions many people have about products sold legally, and why understanding what you're putting into your body matters.

This conversation isn't about fear or judgment—it's about awareness, education, and hearing one person's real-life experience so others can make informed decisions.

In This Episode We Discuss:
• Hunter's experience with synthetic THC
• What happened during his psychotic episode
• The challenges of recovery and healing
• Why "legal" doesn't always mean risk-free
• Questions consumers should ask about products they purchase
• Lessons learned from a life-changing experience

This is a powerful story of resilience, recovery, and the importance of being informed about what we consume.

What if creating a healthier home had less to do with perfection—and more to do with peace of mind?

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with David Dorfman, co-founder of Rodent Stop, to talk about the surprising connection between our home environment, stress levels, and overall wellness.

Inspired by recent conversations on the podcast about how our spaces shape our health and habits, David shares how clutter, maintenance issues, food storage, and even small household habits can affect not only rodent prevention—but also our sense of calm, safety, and well-being at home.

Unlike traditional pest control approaches that rely heavily on harsh chemicals and temporary fixes, David focuses on sustainable, education-first strategies that empower families, pet owners, and homeowners to create healthier living environments naturally.

This conversation goes far beyond rodents. We explore how our homes influence our nervous systems, daily stress, routines, and quality of life—and how small changes can create a home that feels more peaceful, supportive, and aligned with overall wellness.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• The connection between your home environment and stress
• Simple ways to create a healthier, calmer living space
• Sustainable and family-friendly rodent prevention
• Everyday habits that may unknowingly attract pests
• Why “home wellness” matters for your overall health

🎧 Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective on creating a home environment that truly supports your health and peace of mind.

Get the kit we talked about here: https:// rodentcontroltoyourdoor.com

Feeling exhausted, moody, anxious, or like your body just doesn’t feel the same anymore? Your hormones may be trying to tell you something.

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with Dana Culp for an honest and empowering conversation all about women’s hormone health. We dive into the common symptoms so many women experience—fatigue, weight gain, sleep struggles, anxiety, mood swings, and burnout—and how hormone imbalances may be at the root of it all.

Dr. Dana shares practical insight into what’s happening in the female body during different stages of life, why so many women feel dismissed or confused about their symptoms, and simple ways to begin supporting hormones naturally through lifestyle, stress management, nutrition, and nervous system care.

If you’ve been feeling “off” and wondering if your hormones could be part of the picture, this episode will leave you feeling informed, encouraged, and empowered to take the next step in your wellness journey.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Common signs of hormone imbalance in women
• Stress, cortisol, and their impact on hormones
• Perimenopause and midlife hormone changes
• Why women feel exhausted even when they’re “doing everything right”
• Simple ways to support hormones naturally

Tune in for a conversation that will help you better understand your body and start feeling like yourself again.

Dr. Dana Cup:

Website: https://www.thrivemidlifemed.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivemidlifemed/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivemidlifemed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrive-midlife-medicine/

listeners:  https://thrivemidlifemedicine.cal.com/thrivemidlifemedicine

FREE class:

 https://www.thrivemidlifemed.com/event

Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in a season that no longer fits your life?

In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with women’s wellness consultant and founder of Complete Concierge Solutions, Heather, to talk about what it really looks like to move from burnout to clarity and alignment.

With over two decades of experience supporting women through major life transitions—like recovery, career changes, and high-stress seasons—Heather shares how true, lasting change happens when we begin aligning our mind, body, and spirit with who we’re becoming.

We dive into how overwhelm builds, why so many women stay stuck in survival mode, and the simple but powerful shifts that can help you reset your life in a way that actually feels sustainable and supportive.

If you’re navigating a transition, feeling disconnected, or craving a deeper sense of peace and purpose, this conversation will give you both the encouragement and the practical tools to start realigning your life from the inside out.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Moving from burnout to clarity and alignment
• Supporting women through life transitions and stress
• The connection between mind, body, and spirit
• Why lasting change requires both inner and outer shifts
• Creating a life and environment that truly supports you

Get in touch with Heather here:

www.heathersimco.com

https://www.youtube.com/@heathersimco

https://www.instagram.com/heathersimco

Tiktok Heather Simco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathersimco/

Free Consultation:

https://calendly.com/heathersimco-info/30min

Community sign up:https://www.soberbossbabe.com/sbbcommunity

Sober Boss Babe Reset Course:https://soberbossbabe.com/sbbcourse