The Starting Gate

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz pause to reflect on the past year of The Starting Gate—and the clear themes that came up again and again, no matter the guest or topic.From nutrition to mental health, menopause to dementia prevention, one message stood out: sustainable health is built through small, realistic habit changes—not massive life overhauls. Our guests consistently emphasized working changes into your existing routine to support long-term success.We talk about what we learned about sleep (and why fearing a bad night may do more harm than good), the profound impact of exercise on brain health and quality of life, and the value of simple, whole-food nutrition—where B+ meals and a little prep go a long way.We also reflect on stress, mood, and inflammation, the role of social connection, and how lifestyle medicine supported Sarah through a major life stressor this year. We discuss menopause, hormones, supplements, and why critical thinking matters more than chasing the latest trend on social media.This episode is a reminder to stop collecting information—and start making small changes today.thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textThe holiday season can make healthy habits feel overwhelming. In this episode, we share 12 realistic, low-pressure habits designed to help you get through the holidays without striving for perfection. From prioritizing protein and fiber, staying hydrated, protecting sleep, and moving your body—even for 10 minutes—to navigating social events and holiday treats with less stress, these habits focus on consistency, flexibility, and sustainability.  Designed for busy days, social events, and real people. Download our free 12 Holiday Healthy Habits Guidethestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode, integrative sports medicine physician Dr. Srikanth Nithyanandam reminds us that injuries don’t just happen to a body part — they happen to a whole person. He shares how healing accelerates when we address mindset, sleep, nutrition, and the fears that hold us back.   We also dig into integrative modalities, including the theory behind energy medicine and acupuncture and how it compares to dry needling.   Most importantly, he shows how staying connected to the movement we love is the key to getting back to ourselves.   This is a powerful, practical episode for anyone recovering from injury or supporting someone on that journey. Learn more from Dr. Sri here and see the videos he has created to help patients.Follow on instagram @drsrikanth_sportsmedmdYou tube: Dr. Srikanth Nithyanandam (Family & Sports MD)You can schedule an appoint at UK healthcarethestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textChronic pain can feel isolating, frustrating, and exhausting — especially when no one can see what you’re going through.  In this episode of The Starting Gate, we sit down with physical therapist Andrea Moore, an expert in helping people who feel stuck in long-term pain. Whether your pain began with an old injury that never fully resolved, or you’ve lived with pain for years without a clear diagnosis, Andrea explains why this happens — and what you can do about it.We break down the science of chronic pain, including peripheral and central sensitization, how stress and past experiences shape pain, and why two people with the same injury can have completely different outcomes.Andrea shares realistic strategies, from mind-body practices to movement, nutrition, and finding the right provider. Most importantly, she wants listeners to know that even if you’ve tried “everything,” there are ways to improve your pain and reclaim your quality of life. Find Andrea Moore, DPT: At Move + Smart Physical TherapyDr. Andrea MooreListen to more from Andrea on her podcast Unweaving Chronic Painthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Jessica Jackson of Jacked Nutrition to talk about  the mindset shifts that make healthy habits stick. Jessica shares her journey into nutrition and coaching and we discuss why an all-or-nothing approach often leads to burnout.We explore how reframing failure as an opportunity to learn can keep you motivated and moving forward, even during busy seasons. Jessica also explains the power of creating your daily “base camp”—simple, consistent habits that help you build confidence and stay on track.We discuss why true transformation doesn’t come from a supplement, a short-term challenge, or an 8-week meal plan. It requires self-reflection, understanding your personal motivations, and creating routines that fit your life and actually last.If you’re searching for motivation to stay on track with your nutrition during the holidays or you want practical strategies for setting achievable New Year health goals, this episode offers the inspiration and tools you need to take the next step.Find Jessica at Jacked NutritionFollow Jessica @jackednutritionlexthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textObesity is complex—and it’s not a willpower problem. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith joins us to break down what really drives the obesity epidemic. We discuss the modern food environment, food addiction, food noise, stress, GLP-1 medications, and how surgery fits into the modern obesity treatment landscape.  We'll unpack why body composition—not just pounds lost—matters, explore how to choose the right tools, and why long-term success always comes back to lifestyle and habit change.Find Dr. Eric SmithKentucky Bariatric Institute@doctorericsmith_tik tok: doctorericsmiththestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textMovement is one of the most powerful ways to thrive through menopause—but it’s not just about finding the “right” workout. It’s about defining what you want your life to look like in the years ahead and making choices that support that vision. In this episode, we talk with two experts who help women reconnect with themselves, stay true to their goals, and bring more movement into everyday life in ways that feel realistic and energizing. Whether it’s lifting weights, yoga, or sneaking in short bursts of activity, this episode will inspire you to see movement as a way to create the life you want—one step at a time. Find Lisa King:email her directly:  lisa@lisakingyoga.com. Lisa King YogaFind her on Facebook-Lisa King YogaFind her on Instagram- Lisa King the Menopause YogiFind Laura Coombs:LauraPCoombs.comFind her book: Of Course Your Knees Hurtthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textMidlife can be a confusing time for many women when it comes to sexual identity, desire, and connection. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Juliana Hauser, PhD—sex therapist and author of A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticity.Dr. Hauser shares how to enact and activate agency—not just in your sex life, but in every aspect of your life. We explore her “sexercises,” designed to help women self-reflect, self-audit, and reconnect with their bodies and desires in powerful new ways.We also talk about cultivating body compassion, shifting your mind away from the endless to-do list to make space for connection, and understanding the physical changes that occur with hormones in midlife. Plus, we cover the benefits of tools like vaginal estrogen and pelvic floor physical therapy to support sexual wellness and comfort.This conversation is an invitation to reclaim your pleasure, confidence, and connection—both with yourself and with those you love. Find Dr. Juliana Hauser:website: dr-juliana.com@drjulianahauserGet her new book on Amazon: A New Position on Sex: A Guide to Greater Sexual Confidence, Pleasure, and Authenticitythestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textBreast cancer rates are rising, especially among younger women—but why is this happening, and what can you do to protect your health? In this episode, breast cancer surgeon Dr. Veronica Jones answers the most common questions women have about breast cancer. We talk through risk factors, genetic testing, and what dense breast tissue really means. Dr. Jones also explains what happens when a mammogram comes back abnormal, how breast cancer is diagnosed, and what treatment looks like today. If you’ve ever felt confused or anxious about breast cancer screening, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.Find Dr. Veronica Jones at the UK Markey Cancer CenterEstimate your Breast Cancer Risk with the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment modelLearn more with these Breast Cancer Resources:National Comprehensive Cancer NetworkMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterSusan G. Komenthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textPerimenopause is often the most confusing stage of the menopause transition, with shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and a mix of symptoms that can feel unpredictable. In this episode, board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society–certified physician Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson breaks down what really happens during perimenopause. We discuss the most common symptoms, how oral contraceptives and IUDs can change your experience, and who may benefit from starting hormone therapy early.This episode really goes into the details of what’s happening with your hormones—and why those changes cause the symptoms so many women experience. Dr. Elkinson also explains the different routes of hormone administration, the role of testosterone, and clears up common hormone misconceptions.If you want to truly understand what’s happening in your body and feel more confident advocating for yourself with your healthcare providers, this is a must-listen episode.Find Dr. Elkinson:Bluegrass Gynecology and WellnessFor more information on Menopause:The Menopause Society and MenoNotesthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.