The Starting Gate
Ready to take control of your health without feeling overwhelmed? Join Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz, two internal medicine physicians, as they break down easy, science based lifestyle changes that really work. Whether it’s tweaking your nutrition, getting more active, sleeping better, or reducing stress, this podcast makes it simple. With bite-sized, practical tips and relatable advice, you'll learn how small, everyday habits can lead to big results. Tune in each week for a healthier, happier you!
Episodes
27 episodes
Life After the Fire: What I Learned About Loss, Insurance, and How Community Got me Through It
In this powerful episode, Dr. Sarah Schuetz shares her personal experience of losing her home in a devastating fire—and the lessons she learned the hard way about home insurance, emotional resilience, and the importance of community.We’r...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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57:36
Facing the Fire: Sarah’s Story and Expert Advice on Fire Safety from Chief Jason Wells
House fires are more common than you think—and few people are truly prepared. In this powerful episode, we step away from our usual health topics to share a deeply personal story. Sarah recounts the night her home went up in flames—and ho...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:12:05
Don’t Break It, Build It: How to Strengthen Your Bones & Reduce Fracture Risk with Dr. Nick Trubee
Osteoporosis is more common than you might think—and often preventable. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nick Trubee, an expert in exercise physiology, who specializes in using resistance training to improve bone strength. We explore the ke...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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55:23
The Menstrual Cycle: Your Fifth Vital Sign with Alexis McAnally, APRN
Your menstrual cycle is more than just a period—it’s a vital sign of your overall health. In this episode, we sit down with APRN Alexis McAnally, a FEMM-certified specialist, to dive into the science of cycle tracking. Alexis explains how bioma...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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45:59
Beyond Kegels: What You Should Know About Pelvic Floor Health with Kelsey Karnes, DPT
Tired of crossing your legs when you sneeze? Struggling with constipation, back pain, or discomfort during intercourse or exercise? Your pelvic floor could be the problem—and the solution. In this episode, we sit down with pelvic fl...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:08:06
PCOS Explained: From Symptoms to Solutions with Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson
This week, we’re joined by OBGYN Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson for an in-depth discussion on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We break down why PCOS occurs, the wide range of symptoms women may experience, and the long-term health effects of this con...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:05:35
The Menopause Transition: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Feel Your Best with Dr. Deidra Beshear
Menopause can bring a wave of changes—hot flashes, sleep issues, brain fog and yes, frustrating weight gain. But why does this happen, and what can you do about it? In this episode, we sit down with menopause expert Dr. Deidra Beshear to...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:07:40
Beyond the Numbers: Cholesterol, Metabolic Health & Your Heart
What does your cholesterol panel really tell you about your health? In this episode, we take a detailed look at cholesterol’s function, how to make sense of your numbers, and which extra tests may be helpful—or just a waste of money. Plus, we e...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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51:26
Blood Pressure 101: Expert Tips on Hypertension, Meds, and Lifestyle Changes with Nephrologist Dr. Katie Donaldson
High blood pressure affects millions, but it’s often misunderstood. Nephrologist Dr. Katie Donaldson, an expert in resistant hypertension, joins us to unpack the dangers of uncontrolled hypertension, from cardiovascular complications to kidney ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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38:03
Taking Control of Your Heart Health with Dr. John Kotter
In this episode, cardiologist Dr. John Kotter joins us to discuss how you can take control of your heart health. We explore cardiovascular risk calculators, the thought process behind prescribing medication, and the role of screening tool...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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55:27
Anxiety, Over-Scheduling, and Stress: What You’re Actually Dealing With – Expert Advice with Dr. Jennifer Degler
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or caught in an endless cycle of anxiety? In this episode, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Degler helps us untangle the difference between stress, anxiety, and simply being overbooked. We discuss how to identify what’s ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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58:09
Move Smart, Stay Strong: Injury Prevention & Recovery Tips with Sarah Martin, DPT
Ever wondered if that post-workout soreness is normal or a sign of something more serious? Physical therapist Sarah Martin, owner of Move Smart, joins us to talk about how to listen to your body, when to see a PT, and how to stay active—even if...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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55:39
Shedding Light on Seasonal Depression: Expert Advice with Dr. Leslie Aslam
Are the winter blues getting you down? In this episode, psychiatrist Dr. Leslie Aslam joins us to explore the science behind seasonal depression and why the colder months can affect our mood. We discuss the benefits of light therapy, the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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52:48
Stronger for Life: The Power of Movement at Any Age with Dustin Jones
In this inspiring episode, we explore how staying physically active can transform your well-being as you age. Physical therapist Dustin Jones, founder of Stronger Life Gym, joins us to discuss how training and movement help people over 55 build...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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48:56
Eat Well, Live Better: Beth Kronenberg’s Recipe for Wellness
Join us this week as we welcome Beth Kronenberg, nutritionist, health coach, and founder of Kitchen Shift. Beth shares her expert advice on getting started with nutrition changes and how small, consistent steps lead to las...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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59:23
Resolution Revolution: Setting Goals That Stick
Tired of resolutions that fizzle out by February? We’re here to change that. This week, we’re exploring the psychology behind goal-setting, how to stay motivated, and why tracking progress is crucial. Stick around for tips you can implement tod...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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34:26
Lean Into Meal Prep: Expert Advice from LeanFeast’s Collins Youngblood
Tired of last-minute meals and unhealthy choices? Join us as we chat with Collins Youngblood, owner of LeanFeast, about the power of meal prep. From planning and prepping to making it work for your lifestyle, Collins offers expert advice and ea...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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37:24
From Gym to Joy: Staying Sane and Strong During the Holidays
The holidays can be a whirlwind of stress and chaos, but what if the secret to staying sane is as simple as moving your body? In this episode, we’re joined by personal trainer and gym owner Matt Veigl to explore the transformative power of exer...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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39:55
Holiday Stress Survival Guide: Focus on What Matters Most
The holidays can be a magical time—but they can also feel overwhelming with endless to-do lists, family obligations, and the pressure to make everything perfect. In this episode, we unpack how to prioritize what truly matters during the holiday...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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37:58
Real Talk on Nutrition: Top Advice for Weight Loss and Healthy Habits with Lauren Marshall, RD
In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Marshall, a seasoned registered dietitian, to answer the burning questions about nutrition, weight loss, and realistic approaches to healthier living. Lauren shares the most common questions her patie...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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40:08
Building Better Food Habits for Kids: Tackling Additives, Dyes, and Processed Foods with Dr. Gina Labovitz
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gina Labovitz, a pediatrician dedicated to improving children’s health through better nutrition. We explore how food additives and dyes can impact kids, and why missing key micronutrients might ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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42:38
Nutrition 101: Navigating Nutrition Labels and Making Healthier Food Choices - Part 2
In this foundational episode of The Starting Gate, we’re simplifying good nutrition to help you confidently navigate the often-confusing world of food labels and ingredients. We kick things off by defining ultra-proces...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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34:33
Nutrition 101: Navigating Nutrition Labels and Making Healthier Food Choices - Part 1
In this foundational episode of The Starting Gate, we’re simplifying good nutrition to help you confidently navigate the often-confusing world of food labels and ingredients. We kick things off by defining ultra-proces...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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34:36
Roadblocks To Results: How to Take Charge of Your Health Journey
In this episode of The Starting Gate, we tackle the common setbacks and roadblocks that often arise when trying to adopt new habits. From busy schedules to lack of motivation, we’ll discuss the barriers that can make change feel diffic...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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34:04
Small Steps, Big Rewards: The Power of Tiny Habits in Health
In this episode of The Starting Gate, we dive into the science of habits and how the habit loop can be your secret weapon for better health. We’ll break down each of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—nutrition, physical activity, s...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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31:17