EPISODE 42: Why Midlife Weight Gain Isn’t Your Fault (and What to Do) with Erin Goodman

EPISODE 49: The Future of Sustainable Weight Loss with Personalized GLP-1 Dosing with Dr. Ian Ellis

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ian Ellis, physician and founder of Voafit, to talk about his personal weight-loss journey, the challenges he experienced using traditional GLP-1 dosing protocols, and how those experiences led him to develop a personalized, level-based approach to GLP-1 treatment. After years of battling food noise, restrictive dieting, and the ups and downs of fitness culture, Dr. Ellis found himself confronting many of the same struggles his future patients would face. His experience sparked a deep dive into GLP-1 pharmacokinetics and ultimately led to the creation of a new dosing philosophy designed to minimize side effects, preserve lean mass, improve adherence, and create a more sustainable experience for patients. We also explore how individualized medicine could reshape the future of obesity treatment, and why finding the minimum effective dose may matter more than reaching the maximum tolerated dose. In this episode, we cover: * Dr. Ellis’ personal journey through weight struggles, bodybuilding culture, and medical training * How diet culture affects men differently, but often just as deeply * His first experience taking semaglutide and the side effects that followed standard dose escalation * The concept of GLP-1 accumulation and why the same dose may not feel the same week to week * Why traditional dosing protocols may not reflect individual patient responses * The idea behind “level-based dosing” and finding a personalized therapeutic sweet spot * Strategies aimed at reducing nausea, GI side effects, and medication burnout * The importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss * Results and lessons learned from Dr. Ellis’ initial patient cohort * Why patient adherence remains one of the biggest challenges in GLP-1 treatment * How technology and personalized tracking could support more individualized care in the future * What clinicians should consider when patients struggle with side effects or plateauing * Dr. Ellis’ vision for the next generation of obesity medicine and personalized healthcare Connect with Dr. Ian Ellis! * Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.voafit.com/mylevel [https://www.voafit.com/mylevel] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voafitmd/ [https://www.instagram.com/voafitmd/] Links & Resources: * 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition] * 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠ [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6862acd5df823500150c4ca7]https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz [https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz] * 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER] * 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation] * 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit] ‼️Disclaimer‼️ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

EPISODE 48: From Surviving a Brain Tumor to Thriving with Peptides with Kellie Hoover

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie Hoover, entrepreneur, former pharmaceutical sales representative, brain tumor survivor, wife, mom of two daughters, and passionate advocate for women's health and personal growth. Kellie shares her incredible journey from a successful pharmaceutical career through a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis that completely changed the way she approached health, wellness, and longevity. After refusing to accept a future dependent on stimulants and sleep medications, she began exploring nutrition, supplementation, and eventually peptides as tools to support her recovery and overall well-being. Our conversation dives deep into her experience with NAD+, glutathione, and GLP-1 therapies, including the emotional side of weight loss, overcoming food noise, navigating shame and stigma, and learning to trust herself around food again. We also explore how her health transformation inspired her business journey, leadership philosophy, and her commitment to helping women become just a little bit better every day. In this episode, we cover: • Kellie's journey as a brain tumor survivor and how it transformed her approach to health• Her 15-year career in pharmaceutical sales and early exposure to GLP-1 medications• Why she chose nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes instead of long-term medications• How NAD+ and glutathione became her introduction to peptide therapies• Living with ADHD and the surprising benefits she experienced from NAD+• The emotional and physical impact of food noise• Why so many women feel shame around seeking help for weight loss• Her personal GLP-1 microdosing experience and losing 33 pounds• How peptides helped improve her relationship with food• The confidence transformation that came with improved health• The importance of quality sourcing, education, and support when using peptides• Transitioning from peptide user to entrepreneur in the peptide industry• Building a business around purpose, impact, and serving women• Her "0.01% Better" philosophy for personal growth• Leadership, self-awareness, and serving others• Practical habits that support her success, including journaling, reading, faith, and intentional scheduling• Protecting your time, creating healthy boundaries, and staying present with family• Navigating the emotional transition of sending a child off to college• Why aligning your calendar with your values can transform your life Connect with Carrena Watts! * Website: https://wellness.kelliehoover.org/kellie-hoover [https://wellness.kelliehoover.org/kellie-hoover] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliehoover/ [https://www.instagram.com/kelliehoover/] Links & Resources: * 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition] * 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠ [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6862acd5df823500150c4ca7]https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz [https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz] * 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER] * 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation] * 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit] ‼️Disclaimer‼️ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

EPISODE 47: The Healing Power of Female Satisfaction and Peptides with Dr. Stephanie Rimka

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Stephanie Rimka, a functional medicine practitioner, peptide educator, speaker, and author, to talk about her journey using peptides in clinical practice and how they’re transforming the future of health, longevity, mitochondria, metabolism, nervous system regulation, and women’s wellness. This conversation goes far beyond peptides alone. Dr. Rimka shares her philosophy around healing, communication within the body, mitochondrial health, trauma, female sexuality, nervous system safety, and why she believes modern medicine is missing the deeper picture of true healing. We also dive into emerging therapies like SS31, Clotho, and Cell Factors, and discuss why these molecules are creating so much excitement in the peptide and regenerative medicine space. We also explore the role of pleasure, orgasm, nervous system regulation, touch, trauma healing, and feminine energy in overall health, alongside a fascinating conversation around carnivore diet principles, metabolic health, and how Dr. Rimka personally structures her lifestyle for longevity and vitality. This is one of the most thought-provoking and wide-ranging conversations we’ve had on the show. In this episode, we cover: * How Dr. Rimka first became interested in peptides * Why she shifted her perspective on “natural vs pharmaceutical” * The role of peptides as communication signals in the body * What SS31 is and why it’s becoming a major topic in longevity medicine * Mitochondrial health and how mitochondria communicate throughout the body * How SS31 may support energy production, smell/taste recovery, and cellular repair * Why Dr. Rimka starts with mitochondrial support in complex chronic illness * What Clotho is and its connection to aging and longevity * Cell Factors, secretomes, and the future of regenerative medicine * Peptide receptor sensitivity and communication signaling * Thoughts on genetic testing, SNPs, and methylation * Nervous system safety and its role in female sexuality * Female orgasm, oxytocin, and healing physiology * Trauma, somatic therapies, and fascial release work * PT141 and sexual health conversations * Dr. Rimka’s experience with the carnivore diet * Carnivore diet as an elimination approach for autoimmune and gut issues * Oxalates, glyphosate, and mitochondrial stress * Steak, oysters, zinc, and libido support * Lifestyle design, creating a life aligned with joy, pleasure, creativity, and feminine energy * Empowering parents navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory disorders Connect with Dr. Stephanie Rimka! * Website: https://drrimka.com/ [https://drrimka.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_rimka/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr_rimka/] Links & Resources: * 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition] * 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠ [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6862acd5df823500150c4ca7]https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz [https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz] * 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER] * 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation] * 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit] ‼️Disclaimer‼️ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

EPISODE 46: How Peptides Helped This Couple Reclaim Their Health From Breast Cancer with Colin & Aleah Dechant

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Colin and Aleah Dechant- wellness coaches, peptide advocates, and functional health practitioners- to talk about their deeply personal journey through breast cancer recovery, burnout, metabolic dysfunction, midlife health challenges, and the powerful role peptides played in helping them rebuild their lives and health together. After Aleah was diagnosed with breast cancer just days after her 40th birthday, the Dechant family chose an integrative path forward that completely changed the trajectory of their lives. What began as a healing journey quickly became a passion for functional medicine, peptide therapy, metabolic health, and helping other women and men feel vibrant again in midlife. This conversation dives into functional lab testing, hormone dysfunction, inflammation, body composition, emotional resilience, peptide stacks, metabolic healing, relationships, confidence, and why feeling good again in your 40s and 50s is absolutely possible. In this episode, we cover: * Aleah’s breast cancer diagnosis shortly after turning 40 and why she chose an integrative oncology approach instead of conventional treatment alone * How peptides like GHK-Cu were introduced during cancer recovery * The role of peptides in tissue repair, recovery, and healing support * Colin’s perspective supporting his wife and family during treatment and how the entire family navigated cancer treatment together * What functional lab testing revealed about Aleah’s hormones, inflammation, liver detox pathways, and gut health * High estrogen, poor estrogen metabolism, sluggish detoxification, and inflammatory pathways on DUTCH testing * How functional testing helped uncover years of hidden dysfunction * Why Aleah became an FDN practitioner after her healing journey * Colin’s experience with career burnout after 25 years in management and leaving corporate life behind and relocating their family to Arizona * The importance of family support and making big life decisions together * How peptides helped Colin improve energy, sleep, recovery, body composition, and joint pain * Colin’s peptide experience with L-carnitine, glutathione, BPC-157, and TB-500 * Aleah’s experience using microdosed tirzepatide for inflammation and metabolic healing after cancer treatment * The differences they noticed between research peptides and pharmacy-compounded peptides * Why women deserve to feel good AND look good without guilt * Men’s perspective on aging, performance, energy, and confidence * How improving health transformed their marriage, family dynamic, and confidence * The peptide stacks they’re currently using and experimenting with: KLOW peptide stack, glutathione, tirzepatide, BPC-157, TB-500, and more * Building a wellness business together focused on helping midlife women and men thrive Connect with Colin & Aleah Dechant! * Aleah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionalhealthwithaleah/ [https://www.instagram.com/functionalhealthwithaleah/] * Colin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyw2bcoaching/ [https://www.instagram.com/wyw2bcoaching/] Links & Resources: * 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition] * 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠ [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6862acd5df823500150c4ca7]https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz [https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz] * 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER] * 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation] * 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit] ‼️Disclaimer‼️ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

EPISODE 45: Why Women Feel Exhausted, Invisible & Disconnected in Midlife with Dr. Angela Petersen

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Angela Petersen, a practitioner and author focused on helping women restore metabolic balance, optimize hormones, improve libido, and reclaim vitality through peptides, lifestyle medicine, and root-cause healing. We dive into the deeper issues impacting women’s health today- from hormone dysfunction and birth control to metabolic disease, libido loss, brain health, and the emotional toll of modern life. Dr. Angela shares her perspective on why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies, relationships, and energy levels, and how peptides, hormone optimization, and foundational health practices can help women feel like themselves again. In this episode, we cover: * Why modern healthcare often feels like “sick care” instead of healthcare * The inspiration behind Dr. Angela’s book, The Wellness Glitch * Foundations Before Injections: why root-cause healing matters * The biggest signs of perimenopause women shouldn’t ignore * Why testosterone is often overlooked in women’s hormone health * Top hormone labs women should ask their doctors to run * How progesterone supports sleep, anxiety, and emotional balance * The long-term concerns surrounding hormonal birth control * The connection between libido, relationships, and overall vitality * How SSRIs may impact sexual function and desire * Peptides for libido, arousal, and sexual wellness * PT141, Kisspeptin, Oxytocin, and nitric oxide support * Why gut health matters for oxytocin production and bonding * Tirzepatide for metabolic health, confidence, and brain protection * Peptides and strategies for cognitive health and neuroprotection * Why blood sugar regulation is critical for preventing cognitive decline * The importance of estrogen for brain, bone, and heart health * Concerns about statins, cholesterol, and women’s brain health * Practical ways women can improve vitality, confidence, and longevity Connect with Dr. Angela Petersen! * Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ampdhealth.net/ [https://ampdhealth.net/] * Twitter/X: http://x.com/fixtheglitchnow [http://x.com/fixtheglitchnow] * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/amplified_total_wellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/amplified_total_wellness/?g=5] * Phone number: 385-486-4181 Links & Resources: * 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition] * 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6862acd5df823500150c4ca7]⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz⁠ [https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz] * 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER] * 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation] * 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit] ‼️Disclaimer‼️ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.