The Starting Gate
Ready to take control of your health without feeling overwhelmed? Join Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz, two internal medicine physicians, as they break down easy, science based lifestyle changes that really work. Whether it’s tweaking your nutrition, getting more active, sleeping better, or reducing stress, this podcast makes it simple. With bite-sized, practical tips and relatable advice, you'll learn how small, everyday habits can lead to big results. Tune in each week for a healthier, happier you!
Episodes
50 episodes
Episode 49: When the Same Habits Stop Working: Midlife Nutrition Explained with Amanda Nighbert, RD
In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert to unpack the connection between hormones, metabolism, and nutrition in perimenopause and menopause. We explore why your body can feel so stubborn during this stage of life—...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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55:22
Episode 48: The Lifestyle Prescription for Dementia Prevention
Dementia can be a devastating diagnosis for patients and families, and treatment options remain limited. But there is good news—prevention is possible. In this episode of The Starting Gate, we explore how lifestyle choices in midlife c...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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52:46
Episode 47: Stroke and the Brain: What You Need to Know for Prevention and Recovery with Dr. Theresa Sevilis
In this episode, stroke neurologist Dr. Theresa Sevilis joins us to break down what really happens in the brain during a stroke, who is at risk, and how recovery can unfold. Dr. Sevilis also emphasizes the importance of addressing c...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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1:12:55
Episode 46: Headaches Explained: From Tension to Migraine with Dr. Jaclyn Duvall
Migraines 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 c...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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1:05:12
Episode 45: Food Allergy or Intolerance? Sorting Out the Confusion with Dr. Shaunah Ritter
Ever 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...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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1:03:09
Episode 44: Gut Check: Microbiome, IBS, Reflux, and More with Dr. Sunana Sohi
In 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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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59:45
Episode 43: The Fatty Liver Epidemic: Why It’s Rising and What You Can Do with Kyle Bloomfield
Fatty 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 ...
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55:56
Episode 42: Colon Cancer on the Rise: Why It's Hitting Younger Generations and How to Fight Back with Dr. Reema Patel
Colon 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...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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56:52
Episode 41: The Healthy Gut Guide: Fiber, Food Sensitivities, and Microbiome with Emily McGlone
Ever 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 prob...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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57:04
Episode 40: From the Principal’s Desk: Setting Kids Up for a Great School Year
It’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...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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1:03:57
Episode 39: Medicine Isn’t Black and White: Understanding How You Fit In the Gray
In 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...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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46:02
Episode 38: Understanding Metabolic Health: From Insulin Resistance to Longevity with Dr. Meredith Sweeney
What 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 un...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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1:10:51
Episode 37: Is It Your Thyroid? Hashimoto’s & Hypothyroidism Explained: What You Need to Know, with Dr. Kyle Rosenstein
Is 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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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56:33
Episode 36: What Your Skin Really Needs: Routines, Sunscreen & Lifestyle with Dr. Brooke Jeffy
In this episode, we sit down with clinical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy to talk all things skin health. From teen breakouts to aging skin, we cover what changes as we age, what your skincare routine really needs (hint: i...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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1:01:02
Episode 35: Decoding Health Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll with Whitney Kline
Confused by health insurance? You’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with personal benefits manager Whitney Kline to unpack the key terms and choices that matter most—high vs. low deductibles, tax credits, coinsurance, and out-of-...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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58:50
Episode 34: Sleep Smarter: The Science Behind Learning, Hormones, and Power Naps with Dr. Lauren Whitehurst
Your brain is hard at work while you rest—and Dr. Lauren Whitehurst is here to explain how. From sleep cycles and memory consolidation to the impact of naps, nicotine, and hormones, we explore the surprising ways sleep shapes your cognitive hea...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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1:04:23
Episode 33: When Sleep Becomes a Struggle- Real Solutions for Insomnia with sleep psychologist Dr. Ryan Wetzler
Insomnia is more than just a bad night’s sleep—it’s a frustrating and emotional experience for millions. In this powerful episode, sleep psychologist Dr. Ryan Wetzler helps us understand the science behind sleep timing and chronotypes, the very...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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1:15:19
Episode 32: Why Better Sleep Might Be the Best Medicine
We all know sleep is important—but do you know just how far its benefits go? In this kickoff episode of our sleep series, we dive into the surprising ways sleep supports your brain, heart, metabolism, immune system, and more. Plus, we break dow...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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49:15
Episode 31: Boredom, Bikes, and Bedtimes: Navigating Summer with Kids featuring pediatrician Dr. Sarah O'Leary
From bored kids to bedtime battles, summer can be a wild ride for families. Luckily, pediatrician Dr. Sarah O’Leary is here to help. In this episode, we talk about water safety, helmets, sunscreen, screen time, and how to set up a summer routin...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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51:35
Episode 30: Beyond the Joint Pain: Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis & Fibromyalgia with Rheumatologist Dr. Olga Pinkston
If you've ever wondered whether your fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog could be more than "just stress," this episode is for you. We sit down with rheumatologist Dr. Olga Pinkston to demystify inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia- how ...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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1:11:05
Episode 29: Hands-On Healing and Healthcare That Listens: DPC & Osteopathic Medicine Explained with Dr. Selena Raines
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Selena Raines, a board-certified family physician and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, for a refreshing look at how healthcare can work differently for patients. We explore Direct Primary Care (DPC): what it ...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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53:52
Episode 28: From Diagnosis to Relief: Making Sense of Back Pain with Pain Specialist Dr. Shawn Milburn
In this wide-ranging conversation with pain specialist Dr. Shawn Milburn, we break down what really causes back pain and how to treat it effectively. From physical therapy and lifestyle changes to medications and surgical options, we walk...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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1:08:35
Episode 27: From Wear to Repair: Managing Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain with Dr. Kevin Denehy
In this episode, we sit down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Denehy to break down everything you need to know about knee osteoarthritis. We explore why osteoarthritis happens, how to help prevent and slow the damage, and lifestyl...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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1:16:15
Episode 26: Life After the Fire: What I Learned About Loss, Insurance, and How Community Got me Through It
In this powerful episode, Dr. Sarah Schuetz shares her personal experience of losing her home in a devastating fire—and the lessons she learned the hard way about home insurance, emotional resilience, and the importance of community.We’r...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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57:36
Episode 25: Facing the Fire: Sarah’s Story and Expert Advice on Fire Safety from Chief Jason Wells
House fires are more common than you think—and few people are truly prepared. In this powerful episode, we step away from our usual health topics to share a deeply personal story. Sarah recounts the night her home went up in flames—and ho...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:12:05