The Well-ISH Podcast

Episode 029 - Helping Kids Build Healthy Eating Habits This Summer | The Well-ISH Podcast

School is almost out, routines change, and summer can quickly become a season of unlimited snacks, inconsistent meals, and disrupted structure. In this episode of the Well-ISH Podcast, Derek and Anthony discuss practical ways families can help children build healthier nutrition habits during the summer — without perfection, guilt, or rigid food rules. They cover: * Why summer structure matters for kids * Snacking habits and “mindless grazing” * Building balanced snacks and meals * Helping kids understand hunger cues * Modeling healthy eating behaviors as adults * Giving children autonomy while still providing guidance * Why family meals and food conversations matter * Introducing new foods without pressure * Exploring seasonal fruits and vegetables during Iowa growing season * Using summer as an opportunity to build lifelong nutrition skills This episode is not about strict plans or “perfect” eating. It’s about creating an environment where kids can learn confidence, balance, and healthy habits that last beyond the summer months. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn More: Iowa Weight Loss Specialists: http://iowaweightloss.com [http://iowaweightloss.com] Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics: http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/ [http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/] Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

Episode 028 - The Hidden Chemicals in Everyday Products | The Well-ISH Podcast

What’s actually in the products we use every day — and how much does it matter? In this episode of the Well-ISH Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Asberry, founder of Low Toxy, to unpack the world of “cleaner living,” environmental exposures, and reducing toxic burden without becoming overwhelmed. Ashley shares how pregnancy sparked her deep dive into ingredient safety, why she transitioned from paralegal work into health education, and how she now helps people simplify the process of finding safer products for themselves and their families. We discuss: * The truth about fragrance labels and hidden ingredients * Toxins in water, air, skincare, and laundry products * Why “natural” doesn’t always mean safe * Iowa water quality, radon, and environmental health concerns * The concept of “body burden” and cumulative exposure * How small product changes can meaningfully reduce risk * Practical low-toxic swaps that don’t require perfection * Cost, accessibility, and avoiding overwhelm in the wellness space This conversation is nuanced, practical, and grounded in the idea that “better is best.” You don’t have to change everything overnight to make meaningful progress. If you’ve ever wondered where to start with cleaner products, safer ingredients, or reducing environmental exposures, this episode is a great place to begin. Follow Ashley & Low Toxy: Instagram: @lowtoxy Visit the store in Valley Junction, West Des Moines 232 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Learn More: Iowa Weight Loss Specialists: http://iowaweightloss.com [http://iowaweightloss.com] Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics: http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/ [http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/] Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

Episode 027 - From 500+ Pounds to Finding Control: Thomas' Story of Weight Loss | The Well-ISH Pod

This one’s different. In this episode, we sit down with Thomas — a patient at Iowa Weight Loss Specialist — to talk about what a real health journey actually looks like. From struggling with weight since childhood to reaching over 500 pounds, Thomas opens up about the deeper layers behind it all: binge eating, addiction, loss, and the turning point that led him toward sobriety and change. We talk about: * The connection between addiction and eating behaviors * What sobriety changed — and what it didn’t * Injuries, setbacks, and the mental battle of starting again * Why progress isn’t linear (and never has been) * What support, structure, and accountability actually feel like This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s an honest look at the messy, nonlinear process of trying to build a better life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re starting over — this conversation will hit home. ---------------------------------------- 🎧 Listen / Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other platforms. Learn More: * Iowa Weight Loss Specialists: http://iowaweightloss.com [http://iowaweightloss.com] * Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics: http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/ [http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/] ---------------------------------------- Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs. ---------------------------------------- Support Resources If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, help is available: * Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline 📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 🌐 https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline [https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline] *Free, confidential, 24/7 support for individuals and families facing substance use and mental health challenges.

Episode 026 - Is Eating Healthy Actually More Expensive? | The Well-ISH Podcast

In this episode of The Well-ISH Podcast, Derek and Anthony tackle one of the most common barriers people face when trying to eat better — the belief that healthy food is just too expensive. They break down the real cost of eating at home versus going through the drive-through, including a side-by-side comparison of a homemade burger, fries, and drink versus a typical fast food combo. The numbers might surprise you. The conversation covers meal planning as the foundation of eating well on a budget, cost per calorie across different food options, why whole foods don't require a trip to the organic aisle, and how processed convenience foods compare nutritionally even when the price tag looks similar. They also dig into the habit side of things — why fast food feels cheaper even when it isn't, how to start building a home cooking routine without overhauling everything at once, and why starting simple will always beat trying to do it all perfectly from day one. ---------------------------------------- INFORMATIONAL LINKS Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (iowaweightloss.com [http://iowaweightloss.com]) Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/ [http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/]) Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Episode 025 - Permission to Sleep: The Missing Piece in Your Health

In this episode of The Well-ISH Podcast, Anthony and Derek sit down to talk about one of the most overlooked—but most impactful—parts of health: sleep. They break down why sleep is foundational to everything from recovery and metabolism to mental clarity and emotional stability. While most people know sleep is important, far fewer are actually getting enough—or building routines that support it. The conversation covers: * Why nothing replaces sleep (no supplement, no shortcut) * How sleep impacts physical and mental performance * The role of routines in improving sleep quality * Simple environmental changes (light, temperature, screens) * Why “doing less” is often the answer when it comes to sleep * The concept of giving yourself permission to rest They also share their own routines, habits, and practical strategies you can start using immediately—without overcomplicating things. At its core, this episode is a reminder that better health doesn’t always come from doing more. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as going to bed. If you’ve been trying to improve your nutrition, energy, or consistency—this might be the place to start. ---------------------------------------- INFORMATIONAL LINKS Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (iowaweightloss.com [http://iowaweightloss.com]) Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/ [http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/]) Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.