The Starting Gate

Send us a textMigraines aren’t “just bad headaches” — they’re a disease that can be life-altering.  In this episode, we sit down with headache neurologist Dr. Jaclyn Duvall to explore the world of tension headaches and migraines.  We discuss what causes them, common triggers like food, sleep, and posture, and how to know when over-the-counter medications are enough — and when it’s time to see a doctor.  We also cover social media myths, supplements that may help, and the importance of getting proper treatment.  We also clear up common misconceptions — like why so-called “sinus headaches” often turn out to be migraines.  Don’t miss this episode — understanding your headaches is the first step to taking back control.Find Dr. Jacyln Duvall:Headache Specialists of OklahomaLink to Dr. Duvall's book: The Basics of MigraineGuided meditation/ Relaxation resources recommended by Dr. Duvallthestartinggatepodcast.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 textEver feel bloated, itchy, or just “off” after eating certain foods—and wonder if it’s an allergy? In this episode, allergist Dr. Shaunah Ritter helps us sort fact from confusion when it comes to food reactions. We dig into the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance (they’re not the same!), why food diaries matter, and how to use them to figure out what’s really bothering you.We also talk about the pros and cons of at-home allergy tests, how skin testing works in the office, and why cutting out too many foods can actually hurt your gut health. Plus, Dr. Ritter explains celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, and what you need to know about peanut exposure in kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are from an allergy, intolerance, or something else entirely—this episode will give you clarity and practical steps forward.For more information on food allergies:FARE: Food Allergy Research and Educationthestartinggatepodcast.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, gastroenterologist Dr. Sunana Sohi takes us on a deep dive into the gut microbiome—what it is, how it forms, and why it matters for your health. We explore the gut–brain axis, dysbiosis vs. eubiosis, and the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Dr. Sohi also shares practical strategies for common digestive issues like IBS, constipation, and acid reflux, plus her expert tips for preparing for a colonoscopy.  Dr. Sohi reminds us that even small shifts toward eating more plants can make a big difference.  Small choices for your gut can mean big changes for your health!Find Dr. Sunana Sohi at Gastroenterology Health Partners.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 textFatty liver disease is one of the fastest-growing liver conditions worldwide, often linked with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic health issues. Many people don’t realize they have it until it progresses to more serious complications like cirrhosis. In this episode, we sit down with gastroenterology nurse practitioner Kyle Bloomfield to uncover the risks, warning signs, and connections between fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. We also dive into lifestyle strategies, supplements, and treatment options that can help prevent progression and even reverse fatty liver disease—empowering you to take control of your liver and overall health.Your liver health matters: we cover the steps you can take to reverse this hidden epidemic.For More Resources:American Liver FoundationAmerican Gastroenterology Association - GI Patient Centerthestartinggatepodcast.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 textColon cancer rates are rising in younger adults—and it’s a trend we can’t ignore. In this episode, we sit down with oncologist Dr. Reema Patel to discuss why this is happening, which lifestyle and genetic factors increase risk, and what you can do to protect yourself. We also talk through screening tests, why they matter, and how catching colon cancer early changes everything. This is an important conversation you won’t want to miss.Colon cancer is no longer just a disease of older adults—protect yourself by knowing the risks and taking action early!Resources to learn more about colon cancer:American Cancer SocietyPatient Resources at Fight Colorectal CancerCommunity support resources for colon cancer:ColonTownFIGHT Colorectal CancerThe Colon ClubColorectal Cancer Alliancethestartinggatepodcast.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 textEver wondered what’s actually living in your gut—and how to keep it healthy? Registered dietitian and owner of LexStart nutrition Emily McGlone joins us to unpack everything you need to know about your gut microbiome.  We explore what probiotics and prebiotics really are, how to get them in your diet, and why fiber and plant diversity are essential for gut health.  We cover practical ways to reduce bloating, support digestion, and use targeted diets like low FODMAP to find your food triggers. Whether you struggle with constipation, diarrhea, or just want better gut health, this episode is packed with simple, doable tips. Better digestion starts here—because a healthy gut means a healthier you!Find Emily McGlone:LexStart Nutrition@lexstart_nutritionthestartinggatepodcast.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 textIt’s that time again—back to school! Whether you’re sending a kindergartner or a senior, we’ve got you covered. We’re joined by three principals from elementary, middle, and high school who share what they wish every parent knew. Tune in for tips on how to motivate (but not micromanage) your kids, how to talk with teachers, and why getting involved matters. We also chat about the new no-phone policy in schools and how AI is already changing the game in education. It’s not often you get three principals dishing out advice—think of it as your backstage pass to a better school year. Meet our Fayette County principal guests:Jill Angelucci- Principal Squires ElementaryEric Thornsbury- Principal Winburn MiddleScott Loscheider- Principal Dunbar High Schoolthestartinggatepodcast.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 dive into the messy, beautiful truth: medicine isn’t black and white—it lives in the gray. While bold, oversimplified health claims often go viral on social media, real patient care is far more nuanced. We explore why individualized care matters and how no two patients are exactly alike. From lifestyle medicine to functional and integrative approaches, we discuss how social media has changed the conversation—and why a flexible, compassionate, and personalized approach to health is more important than ever.We also talk about the frustration many doctors feel—caught between a desire to provide deeper care and the very real constraints of time, insurance, and a system that isn’t built for individualized healing. Burnout is real, and it often stems from knowing what patients need but not being able to deliver it in a rushed, volume-driven model. There’s no one right way—and that’s okay. But in today’s healthcare landscape, it’s more important than ever to take ownership of your health and become your own best advocate.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 textWhat is metabolic health, and why does it matter for your energy, weight, and long-term wellness? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Meredith Sweeney, a former bariatric surgeon now practicing longevity medicine, to unpack what’s happening under the surface.We dive into insulin resistance—how it develops, why it's so common, and what it means for your overall health. Dr. Sweeney explains how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help you better understand how your body responds to food, exercise, sleep, and stress—without getting too caught up in chasing perfect numbers.We also explore VO₂ max and metabolic  testing, and how they relate to your fitness and longevity. Dr. Sweeney shares the science behind zone 2 training, HIIT, resistance training, protein needs, and fasting—helping you build sustainable habits that support metabolic resilience and long-term health.Find Dr. Meredith Sweeney:Sano Longevity Follow on Instagram:@sano_longevitythestartinggatepodcast.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 textIs your thyroid holding you back? Endocrinologist Dr. Kyle Rosenstein joins us to explain the signs of hypothyroidism, what Hashimoto’s really means, and why thyroid lab testing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We also dive into how and when to take thyroid medications  (hint: don’t take it with your morning coffee) and what to know if you’re dealing with multiple autoimmune conditions. If you’ve been wondering whether your symptoms are thyroid-related, this episode is for you. 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.