Episode 62: Thyroid, Hashimoto’s & Hormones: Why Standard Labs Are Failing Midlife Women (and What to Do About It)

Episode 62: Thyroid, Hashimoto’s & Hormones: Why Standard Labs Are Failing Midlife Women (and What to Do About It)

What if the fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and hair loss you’ve been told are “just perimenopause” are actually a thyroid issue your standard labs are missing? In this episode of the Inspired Wellness Podcast, Michelle and Tabitha sit down with Angela Brown — a functional medicine health coach, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), licensed physical therapist, and certified personal trainer — who specializes in thyroid and hormone health for women. Angela was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 22 and spent nearly fifteen years being told her numbers looked “normal” while her symptoms told a very different story. It wasn’t until she discovered she actually had Hashimoto’s that her healing journey truly began. In this conversation, Angela breaks down what the thyroid is really doing in the body, why thyroid dysfunction becomes so common and confusing in perimenopause and menopause, and why the standard TSH-only test is failing so many midlife women. She explains why Hashimoto’s is the number one cause of hypothyroidism — and why most women have it for years without ever being told. She also walks us through what a complete thyroid workup actually looks like, what to do when your doctor won’t run it, and what real, root-cause thyroid healing looks like through her ReBalance program. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, gaslit, or stuck on the thyroid medication carousel — this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. In This Episode, We Cover: * Why thyroid issues become so common — and so confusing — in midlife * A plain-language breakdown of TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and reverse T3 * Why Hashimoto’s is the #1 cause of hypothyroidism (and why most women aren’t told) * The critical difference between autoimmune thyroid disease and “regular” hypothyroidism * Why the standard thyroid panel is failing women — and which markers you actually need * Affordable, direct-to-consumer options when your doctor won’t run a full panel * Why “TSH improved but I still feel awful” is a clue, not a dead end * A note on hyperthyroidism and Graves’ — what’s different and what’s the same * The advanced functional tests Angela uses (HTMA, DUTCH, GI mapping, full thyroid panel) * What real results look like through Angela’s ReBalance program About Angela Brown Angela is a functional medicine health coach based in St. Louis, MO, specializing in thyroid and hormone health for women. She is a board-certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), licensed physical therapist, and certified personal trainer. After being diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 22, Angela experienced firsthand the frustration of “normal” labs but ongoing symptoms. Through advanced functional testing and a root-cause approach, she was able to restore her health. She now helps women uncover what standard testing often misses using data-driven protocols, and is the creator of the ReBalance program — designed to help women heal their thyroid, rebalance their hormones, and finally feel like themselves again. Connect with Angela Instagram: @angelabrowncoach Website: angelabrown.org [http://angelabrown.org/] Connect with Michelle [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/17.0/1f4e9/32.png] Questions or topic requests? Email Michelle to be part of the conversation! Email: michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com [michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com] Schedule a free discovery call with Michelle: theinspiredwellnesscoach.com [http://theinspiredwellnesscoach.com/] Follow Michelle on Instagram & Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Check out my online supplement dispensary for 10% off quality supplement brands here! Michelle@TheInspiredWellnessCoach.com   Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Episode 61: How to Reduce Toxins in Your Home Without Overwhelm | Simple Clean Living Swaps for Families

What if creating a healthier home didn’t require perfection… just a few simple swaps? In this episode of the Inspired Wellness Podcast, Michelle and Tabitha sit down with nutrition educator and mom of four boys, Emily Pedersen, to talk about realistic clean living for busy families — without the overwhelm.   Emily shares how her own family’s health journey led her to start paying closer attention to food labels, food dyes, fragrance, seed oils, environmental toxins, and hidden ingredients that may be impacting everything from kids’ behavior and focus to hormone health and inflammation. Together, they dive into: * Why food dyes can dramatically affect some children’s behavior * What parents should know about seed oils and ultra-processed foods * How to start reducing toxins in your home without becoming obsessive * The difference between “fragrance-free” and “unscented” * Why ingredient labels matter more than marketing claims * Clean living tips for families with picky eaters and busy schedules * Healthy swaps for snacks, laundry detergent, personal care products, and more * The truth about “generally regarded as safe” ingredients * Why progress matters more than perfection when it comes to wellness   Emily also shares practical beginner tips for moms who feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start — including how to focus on one simple change at a time. If you’ve ever wondered: * “Where do I even start with clean living?” * “Are food dyes really that bad?” * “How can I make healthier choices without making my kids feel restricted?” * “What products should I swap out first?” …this episode is for you.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode * EWP Nutrition * Environmental Working Group (EWG) [https://www.ewg.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Food Babe [https://foodbabe.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Branch Basics [https://branchbasics.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Primally Pure [https://primallypure.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]   Connect with Emily Pedersen Follow Emily for simple healthy swaps, clean living tips, and family wellness education: * Instagram: @EWPNutrition * Facebook: EWP Nutrition   [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/17.0/1f4e9/32.png] Questions or topic requests? Email Michelle to be part of the conversation! Email: michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com [michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com] Schedule a free discovery call with Michelle: theinspiredwellnesscoach.com [http://theinspiredwellnesscoach.com/] Follow Michelle on Instagram & Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Check out my online supplement dispensary for 10% off quality supplement brands here! Michelle@TheInspiredWellnessCoach.com   Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Episode 60: Teen Athlete Acne: Sweat, Sports & The Skincare Routine That Actually Works

If your child plays sports and suddenly started dealing with breakouts, forehead acne, chin strap irritation, or skin issues that seem impossible to control… this episode is for you. This week on the Inspired Wellness Podcast, Michelle and Tabitha sit down with Dallas Miller, founder of Clear Champion [https://clearchampion.shop/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], to talk about the very real connection between sports, sweat, bacteria, helmets, sunscreen, and teen athlete acne. Dallas shares how watching her own daughter struggle with sports-related breakouts led her to create a skincare line specifically designed for young athletes and busy sports families. Together, they discuss: * Why athletes often experience more acne and skin irritation * How sweat, friction, helmets, chin straps, and gear affect the skin * The surprising role bacteria plays in sports-related breakouts * Why many teen skincare routines are actually damaging the skin barrier * Simple skincare habits that busy kids will actually stick with * Sports bag essentials for athletes * Why cleaning sports gear matters more than most parents realize * Nutrition and hydration tips for active kids and teens * Easy pre-game fueling ideas for athletes who “aren’t hungry” * The importance of recovery, rest, and protecting young athletes from overtraining This episode is packed with practical advice for sports moms, parents of active kids, and anyone navigating the world of teen athlete skincare. Connect with Dallas Miller & Clear Champion: * Website: Clear Champion [https://clearchampion.shop/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Instagram: @clearchampion [https://www.instagram.com/clearchampion?utm_source=chatgpt.com] *   [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/17.0/1f4e9/32.png] Questions or topic requests? Email Michelle to be part of the conversation! Email: michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com [michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com] Schedule a free discovery call with Michelle: theinspiredwellnesscoach.com [http://theinspiredwellnesscoach.com/] Follow Michelle on Instagram & Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Check out my online supplement dispensary for 10% off quality supplement brands here [https://us.fullscript.com/u/catalog]! Michelle@TheInspiredWellnessCoach.com   Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Episode 59: The Science of Stretching: How Mobility, Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation Help Women Over 40 Feel Better with Mel Baune

If you're a woman in midlife who wakes up stiff, exhausted, and feeling disconnected from your body, this episode is for you. Michelle sits down with certified stretch coach Mel Baune, founder of Stretch and Be Well, to unpack why stretching is so much more than warming up before a workout — it's a powerful tool for nervous system regulation, mobility, longevity, and stress relief. After nearly 20 years in commercial real estate, Mel walked away from corporate burnout and discovered the science of long-hold stretching, breathwork, and visualization. In this episode, she breaks down how just 5 minutes a day can lower cortisol, improve mobility, and help busy women in their 40s and 50s feel calmer, stronger, and more energized — without overhauling their lives. If you've been telling yourself you'll prioritize wellness "when things slow down," this conversation will change how you think about movement, rest, and recovery in midlife. What You'll Learn in This Episode * Why exhaustion and physical tension became Mel's wake-up call after becoming a new mom at 40 * The difference between traditional stretching and the science-based long-hold method * How the 4-8 breath count signals safety to your nervous system and lowers stress * Why mobility is one of the most overlooked pillars of longevity for women over 40 * How to let go of perfectionism and embrace small, sustainable wellness wins * Why corporate wellness matters — and how stretching is transforming workplace culture * The simplest free wellness habit you can start today (hint: it involves a glass of water) * One mindset shift every burned-out, high-achieving woman needs to hear Key Takeaways 1. Exhaustion is not a badge of honor. Constant burnout is a signal, not a personality trait. 2. Long-hold stretches + breathwork = nervous system reset. You're training your brain to slow down, not just lengthening muscles. 3. Mobility is a longevity practice. We naturally lose mobility in our 40s, 50s, and 60s — but it's reversible. 4. Perfectionism keeps you stuck. Five minutes counts. Two days a week counts. Start small and let it build. 5. Momentum drives motivation — not the other way around.   About Mel Baune Mel Baune is a Certified Stretch Coach and the founder of Stretch + Be Well. After nearly two decades in commercial real estate, she transitioned into wellness after discovering how profoundly the science of stretching could transform the body and nervous system. She works with women one-on-one and partners with companies to bring wellness programming to their teams — drawing on her own experience as a corporate professional to serve an audience that is often overlooked.   Connect with Mel Instagram: @stretchandbewell [https://www.instagram.com/stretchandbewell/] LinkedIn: Connect with Mel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisaabaune/]

Episode 58: How to Age Well Naturally in Midlife | Clean Beauty, Face Yoga & Wellness Habits with Juliana Spaven

In this episode of Inspired Wellness Podcast, Michelle sits down with wellness creator, 50+ model, and founder of Silver Highlights 1971, Juliana Spaven, for a refreshing conversation about what it really means to age well naturally in midlife.   After struggling through perimenopause symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, irritability, and burnout, Juliana completely transformed her approach to wellness. Instead of chasing quick fixes, she began focusing on foundational habits like sleep, nutrition, strength training, clean beauty, mindset, and facial exercises — and the results changed her life.   Today, Juliana inspires hundreds of thousands of women online with her message that aging is not something to fear — it’s something we can approach with strength, vitality, and intention.   In this conversation, Michelle and Juliana discuss: * Why so many women are told their symptoms are “normal” in perimenopause * The foundational habits that truly support healthy aging * Why sleep, strength training, protein, and mindset matter more than expensive “hacks” * The hidden toxins in conventional skincare and beauty products * What facial exercises and face yoga actually do for the muscles and fascia in the face * How lymphatic drainage and fascia release can impact puffiness and jowls * Why aging well naturally is about consistency, not perfection * The mindset shift women need to stop fearing aging * How to start making healthier swaps without feeling overwhelmed * Why midlife can actually become your most vibrant season yet   This episode is packed with empowering, practical advice for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife wellness.   Connect with Juliana Spaven: Instagram: @silverhighlights1971 [https://www.instagram.com/silverhighlights1971/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Facebook: Silver Highlights 1971 on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671921576&utm_source=chatgpt.com] TikTok: @silverhighlights1971 on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@silverhighlights1971?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Website: Silver Highlights 1971 [https://www.silverhighlights1971.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Resources Mentioned: Beauty Heroes Clean Beauty Subscription: Beauty Heroes Subscription Box [https://shop.beauty-heroes.com/products/beauty-heroes-subscription?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Juliana’s Facial Exercise Program: Facial Exercise Program [https://www.silverhighlights1971.com/offers/Pu9sz9bB/checkout?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Sign Up for Juliana’s Newsletter: Silver Highlights Newsletter [https://www.silverhighlights1971.com/contact?utm_source=chatgpt.com] If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it truly helps more women discover these conversations.   [https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/17.0/1f4e9/32.png] Questions or topic requests? Email Michelle to be part of the conversation! Email: michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com [michelle@theinspiredwellnesscoach.com] Schedule a free discovery call with Michelle: The Inspired Wellness Coach [https://theinspiredwellnesscoach.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Follow Michelle on Instagram & Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Check out my online supplement dispensary for 10% off quality supplement brands here [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mwhite1714750877/store-start]!   Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.