The Digestible Podcast

RE-RELEASE -From Aches to Action: Joint Pain, Pickleball & Prevention with Mark A. Payares, DPT

It's racquet sport-season again!  Before you head back out to the tennis or pickleball court, refresh your memory with Staci, Missy & physical therapist, Mark Payares on how to prepare your joints to prevent injury! Summary In this episode, Mark Payares discusses the impact of aging on joints, the importance of movement, and when to seek professional help for pain management. He emphasizes the role of strength training and nutrition in maintaining joint health and preventing injuries, particularly in sports like tennis and pickleball. Mark also shares insights on bike fitting for optimal performance and comfort, and the significance of mindset and acceptance in the journey of physical health. Takeaways * Aging joints are affected by accumulated life experiences and genetics. * Movement is essential; aim to move every 20-30 minutes. * Seek professional help if pain persists beyond a week. * Pain behavior can indicate when to seek care. * Strength training is crucial for maintaining joint health as we age. * Nutrition plays a significant role in managing inflammation. * Injury prevention is key when starting new sports or activities. * Proper bike fitting can prevent discomfort and injury during cycling. * Consistency in training is important for success and injury prevention. * Acceptance of your current physical state is vital for progress. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471483/fan_mail/new]

RE-RELEASE: Why Microgreens Should Be Your New Best Friend with Local Leaf Farm

It’s spring, so we thought it would be a great time to re-release the episode with our friends at Local Leaf Farm so they can remind us about the great health benies of Microgreens! Summary In this conversation, The partners of Local Leaf Farm share with Staci & Missy why they've pivoted to growing microgreens for their neighbors. Discover why microgreens pack 40x more nutrients, how they’re grown locally, and simple ways to add them to everyday meals for better health.  https://www.localleaffarm.com/ [https://www.localleaffarm.com/] Takeaways * 1. Microgreens Are Extremely Nutrient Dense * They contain up to 40x the nutrients of their mature vegetable counterparts. * Just 1–2 tablespoons of broccoli microgreens can equal the nutrients in 3–6 pounds of broccoli. * 2. They’re Easy to Eat and Add to Anything * Use them on rice bowls, salads, soups, smoothies, toast, pesto, waffles, and more. * They enhance flavor and appearance without needing culinary skills. * 3. Microgreens Grow Fast and Locally * Grown in ~10 days. * Ideal for urban environments and indoor farms like Local Leaf Farm. * Their farm is literally in a repurposed Chipotle building, emphasizing creative reuse. * 4. Hydroponic Farming Eliminates Pesticides & Soil Limitations * They use a closed-loop hydroponic system with filtered, nutrient-fortified water. * No pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic chemicals. * Controlled environments help maximize light, nutrients, and quality. * 5. A Call to Action: Choose Differently * You can’t choose whether to eat, but you can choose what you eat. * Look into where your food comes from, how long it traveled, and who grew it. If you liked today's podcast, please share us with others! Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471483/fan_mail/new]

Anniversary Episode and Pivot Review with Staci & Missy

🎉 One Year of Digestible: Lessons, Pivots, and What We’re Taking Into Year Two In this special anniversary episode of the Digestible Podcast, hosts Staci and Melissa celebrate one full year of bringing listeners accessible, actionable health and wellness insights. What started as a mission to bridge the gap between overwhelming scientific content and bite-sized social media tips has grown into a trusted resource for practical, expert-backed “pivots” that listeners can implement right away. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471483/fan_mail/new]

Journeying Beyond Pain: Dr. Gayle Bereskin on Ketamine and Healing

Summary In this episode, we speak with Dr. Gayle Bereskin, a hospice and palliative care physician, about the powerful role of ketamine-assisted therapy in healing—especially for those facing serious or life-limiting illnesses. Dr. Bereskin explains how ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, is now helping people with depression, trauma, and emotional distress by quieting negative thought patterns and opening the brain to new perspectives.  We explore what a ketamine session looks like, the importance of preparation and integration, and how this work can help patients process trauma, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with meaning. She also shares how ketamine can ease fear around death, offering a unique way for patients to approach the end of life with more peace and acceptance.  This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—even in life’s most challenging moments. https://revolutionary-care.com/ [https://revolutionary-care.com/] Key Takeaways: *  Ketamine can interrupt negative thought patterns and support new neural pathways for healing  *  Preparation and integration are essential to meaningful, lasting change  *  Ketamine-assisted therapy may help ease emotional and existential suffering at the end of life  *  Healing is not just about reducing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming meaning, identity, and connection  A final reflection from Dr. Bereskin: Be curious. And when life shifts, don’t panic—pivot with grace. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471483/fan_mail/new]

How a Disillusioned Food Scientist is Making Us Healthier with Beth Statkus

Summary In this eye-opening episode, hosts Staci and Missy sit down with food scientist and entrepreneur Beth Statkus to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of the modern food industry—and how it impacts our health. Beth shares her journey from working at major corporations like Kraft and Mars to questioning the ethics of ultra-processed food development. She reveals how common products are engineered for cost savings and overconsumption, often using hidden additives and “processing aids” that don’t always appear on labels. From shredded cheese fillers to the science of the “bliss point,” listeners get a candid look at how our taste preferences have been shaped—and hijacked—by design. The conversation dives deep into the gut microbiome, explaining how everyday food choices influence inflammation, digestion, and even brain health. Beth breaks down the critical role of fiber—not just in digestion, but in supporting the gut-brain connection, mood regulation, and long-term neurological health. Inspired by her research, Beth left corporate food to create a new kind of functional snack: NeuroFiber [https://www.neurofiberhealth.com/], a fiber-rich bar designed to nourish the microbiome using whole foods and targeted fibers. She explains how these bars were developed, their potential benefits for conditions like Parkinson’s and MS, and why diversity of fiber matters more than simply adding “high fiber” labels to processed foods. Listeners will walk away with practical, realistic advice—like starting small with dietary changes, reading ingredient labels more critically, and prioritizing whole foods whenever possible. This episode is a powerful reminder that food is more than fuel—it’s information for your body. And small, consistent choices can have a lasting impact on your health. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2471483/fan_mail/new]