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
35 episodes
Episode 34: Sleep Smarter: The Science Behind Learning, Hormones, and Power Naps with Dr. Lauren Whitehurst
Your brain is hard at work while you rest—and Dr. Lauren Whitehurst is here to explain how. From sleep cycles and memory consolidation to the impact of naps, nicotine, and hormones, we explore the surprising ways sleep shapes your cognitive hea...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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1:04:23
Episode 33: When Sleep Becomes a Struggle- Real Solutions for Insomnia with sleep psychologist Dr. Ryan Wetzler
Insomnia is more than just a bad night’s sleep—it’s a frustrating and emotional experience for millions. In this powerful episode, sleep psychologist Dr. Ryan Wetzler helps us understand the science behind sleep timing and chronotypes, the very...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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1:15:19
Episode 32: Why Better Sleep Might Be the Best Medicine
We all know sleep is important—but do you know just how far its benefits go? In this kickoff episode of our sleep series, we dive into the surprising ways sleep supports your brain, heart, metabolism, immune system, and more. Plus, we break dow...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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49:15
Episode 31: Boredom, Bikes, and Bedtimes: Navigating Summer with Kids featuring pediatrician Dr. Sarah O'Leary
From bored kids to bedtime battles, summer can be a wild ride for families. Luckily, pediatrician Dr. Sarah O’Leary is here to help. In this episode, we talk about water safety, helmets, sunscreen, screen time, and how to set up a summer routin...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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51:35
Episode 30: Beyond the Joint Pain: Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis & Fibromyalgia with Rheumatologist Dr. Olga Pinkston
If you've ever wondered whether your fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog could be more than "just stress," this episode is for you. We sit down with rheumatologist Dr. Olga Pinkston to demystify inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia- how ...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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1:11:05
Episode 29: Hands-On Healing and Healthcare That Listens: DPC & Osteopathic Medicine Explained with Dr. Selena Raines
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Selena Raines, a board-certified family physician and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, for a refreshing look at how healthcare can work differently for patients. We explore Direct Primary Care (DPC): what it ...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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53:52
Episode 28: From Diagnosis to Relief: Making Sense of Back Pain with Pain Specialist Dr. Shawn Milburn
In this wide-ranging conversation with pain specialist Dr. Shawn Milburn, we break down what really causes back pain and how to treat it effectively. From physical therapy and lifestyle changes to medications and surgical options, we walk...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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1:08:35
Episode 27: From Wear to Repair: Managing Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain with Dr. Kevin Denehy
In this episode, we sit down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Denehy to break down everything you need to know about knee osteoarthritis. We explore why osteoarthritis happens, how to help prevent and slow the damage, and lifestyl...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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1:16:15
Episode 26: 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
Episode 25: 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
Episode 24: 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
Episode 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
Episode 22: 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
Episode 21: 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
Episode 20: 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
Episode 19: 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
Episode 18: 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
Episode 17: 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
Episode 16: 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
Episode 15: 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
Episode 14: 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
Episode 13: 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
Episode 12: 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
Episode 11: 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
Episode 10: 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