Ep. 34 Beyond Hormones: The Missing Pieces of Midlife Wellness

Ep. 36 Beyond Blood Sugar: Finding the Root Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

Have you been told your blood sugar is too high—but never really been told why? In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with functional medicine practitioner Jason Shumard to explore the root causes of insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and Type 2 diabetes. Instead of focusing only on blood sugar numbers, Dr. Jason explains how factors like chronic stress, hormone imbalances, inflammation, nutrition, and metabolic health all work together to influence how your body functions. We discuss why treating symptoms alone often isn't enough and how understanding the why behind your health challenges can lead to lasting change. Whether you've been diagnosed with insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes, struggle with stubborn weight, experience energy crashes, or simply want to better understand your metabolic health, this conversation offers practical, encouraging insights that can help you take the next step toward feeling your best. In This Episode We Discuss: * What insulin resistance really is * The hidden drivers behind high blood sugar * Why metabolic health affects so much more than diabetes * The connection between hormones, stress, and blood sugar * How functional medicine looks for root causes instead of just treating symptoms * Simple lifestyle changes that support long-term metabolic health This episode is a reminder that your lab numbers don't define you—they're simply clues that can help uncover what's happening beneath the surface. To contact Dr. Jason visit his website at:   https://drshumard.com/ [https://drshumard.com/]

Ep. 35 Why Every Woman Needs a Wellness Retreat (Even If It Feels Scary)

Have you ever thought about going on a wellness retreat... but talked yourself out of it? Maybe you worried about coming alone, stepping outside your comfort zone, or taking time away from your family and responsibilities. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this special episode of Trotting Thru Life, I'm joined by my two incredible co-hosts as we celebrate the fourth year of our annual Women's Wellness Retreat. We reflect on how the retreat has grown over the years, the unforgettable transformations we've witnessed, and why each year becomes more meaningful than the last. More importantly, we talk about the courage it takes to choose yourself. Whether you've never attended a retreat or you've been thinking about joining us this year, we hope this conversation encourages you to see self-care not as a luxury—but as an investment in your health, relationships, and future. In This Episode We Discuss: * Why our Women's Wellness Retreat continues to evolve each year * What first-time attendees can expect * How stepping outside your comfort zone leads to personal growth * Why women often struggle to prioritize themselves * The importance of community, connection, and intentional rest * What makes our retreat experience so special If you've been waiting for a sign to prioritize yourself, this might just be it. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply say yes to yourself. To learn more or to sign up today visit: https://aliciatrottercoaching.com/retreat [https://aliciatrottercoaching.com/retreat]

Ep. 34 Beyond Hormones: The Missing Pieces of Midlife Wellness

Have you found yourself thinking, "I just don't feel like myself anymore?" You're not alone—and it doesn't mean you have to simply accept it as part of getting older. In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with functional medicine nutritionist Cindy Dupuie for an honest conversation about perimenopause, menopause, and the changes so many women experience in midlife. We discuss why symptoms like weight gain, anxiety, low energy, brain fog, and disrupted sleep are often connected to much more than hormones alone. Cindy shares how gut health, thyroid function, nutrition, lifestyle habits, and understanding your lab work can provide valuable clues to what's really happening in your body. Whether you're just beginning to notice changes or you're well into your menopause journey, this episode offers practical encouragement and simple strategies to help you better understand your body and confidently advocate for your health. In This Episode We Discuss: * Common signs of perimenopause and menopause * Why weight gain and fatigue aren't "just aging" * The connection between gut health, hormones, and thyroid function * How functional medicine looks at the whole person * Practical nutrition and lifestyle habits that support healthy aging * Learning to listen to your body and become your own best health advocate If you've been wondering why your body feels different lately, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone—and that there are answers worth exploring. Links: Free Download Lab Checklist for The Pause Years https://mailchi.mp/ec838eef0e74/lab-checklist [https://mailchi.mp/ec838eef0e74/lab-checklist] Signature Course: Grace In Transition for Women Of A Certain Age [https://alivingbalance.net/course/] https://alivingbalance.net/course/ [https://alivingbalance.net/course/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cindy_dupuie/] @cindy_dupuie https://www.instagram.com/cindy_dupuie/ [https://www.instagram.com/cindy_dupuie/] Website [https://alivingbalance.net/] alivingbalance.net [http://alivingbalance.net/] https://alivingbalance.net [https://alivingbalance.net/]  You Tube Video: What End Is Up When It Comes To HRT https://youtu.be/A-jMfvQifjo [https://youtu.be/A-jMfvQifjo] YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@alivingbalance] https://www.youtube.com/@alivingbalance [https://www.youtube.com/@alivingbalance]

Ep: 33 The Joint that Changed Everything: A Psychotic Episode After Legal Synthetic THC

What happens when a product that's sold legally ends up changing your life in an instant? In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, Hunter Stinson shares his deeply personal story of experiencing a psychotic episode after smoking a joint containing synthetic THC that was purchased legally from a Tennessee smoke shop. Hunter walks us through the events leading up to that night, the frightening mental and emotional symptoms that followed, and the impact the experience had on his health, relationships, and recovery. Together, we discuss the growing popularity of synthetic cannabinoid products, the misconceptions many people have about products sold legally, and why understanding what you're putting into your body matters. This conversation isn't about fear or judgment—it's about awareness, education, and hearing one person's real-life experience so others can make informed decisions. In This Episode We Discuss: • Hunter's experience with synthetic THC • What happened during his psychotic episode • The challenges of recovery and healing • Why "legal" doesn't always mean risk-free • Questions consumers should ask about products they purchase • Lessons learned from a life-changing experience This is a powerful story of resilience, recovery, and the importance of being informed about what we consume.

Ep. 32 More Than Pest Control: Creating a Safer, Calmer Home Environment

What if creating a healthier home had less to do with perfection—and more to do with peace of mind? In this episode of Trotting Thru Life, I sit down with David Dorfman, co-founder of Rodent Stop, to talk about the surprising connection between our home environment, stress levels, and overall wellness. Inspired by recent conversations on the podcast about how our spaces shape our health and habits, David shares how clutter, maintenance issues, food storage, and even small household habits can affect not only rodent prevention—but also our sense of calm, safety, and well-being at home. Unlike traditional pest control approaches that rely heavily on harsh chemicals and temporary fixes, David focuses on sustainable, education-first strategies that empower families, pet owners, and homeowners to create healthier living environments naturally. This conversation goes far beyond rodents. We explore how our homes influence our nervous systems, daily stress, routines, and quality of life—and how small changes can create a home that feels more peaceful, supportive, and aligned with overall wellness. In This Episode, We Talk About: * The connection between your home environment and stress * Simple ways to create a healthier, calmer living space * Sustainable and family-friendly rodent prevention * Everyday habits that may unknowingly attract pests * Why “home wellness” matters for your overall health 🎧 Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective on creating a home environment that truly supports your health and peace of mind. Get the kit we talked about here: https:// rodentcontroltoyourdoor.com [https:// rodentcontroltoyourdoor.com]