It’s been almost 300 episodes, and I realized something recently… I haven’t fully re-shared my healing story in a really long time.

So as a way to celebrate the new year, I'm telling my story again — but with new details, deeper clarity, and perspective I didn’t have the first time I shared it… all the way back in Episode 1.

Eight years ago, in 2018, I reversed two straight years of constipation, acid reflux, and IBS— after being told there was nothing “wrong” with me… and nothing more that could be done. Now, my health is actually better now than it was when I was a kid.

In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the 7 steps I took to naturally heal my gut when absolutely nothing else worked. It's the same 7 steps I’ve now used with over 650 clients to naturally remedy constipation, acid reflux, bloating, IBS, PMS, acne, eczema, and more - and once you know these 7 steps, for you to experience the same results, too.

I can’t wait to break it all down for you. Let's dive in.

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Healing Journey

01:22 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

03:21 - The Beginning of My Health Struggles

07:20 - Step 1: Testing Stomach Acid

11:39 - Step 2: Testing for Pathogens

14:50 - Step 3: Testing for Multiple Pathogens

15:44 - Step 4: Evaluating Fascial Adhesions

18:32 - Step 5: Testing for Food Sensitivities

22:52 - Step 6: Replenishing Mineral Deficiencies

28:25 - Step 7: Evaluating and Retraining Breathing

31:02 - Conclusion and Program Invitation

1. Ep. 3// Why Probiotics Aren’t Healing Your Gut
2. 279// Why Going Low FODMAP, Paleo, or Gluten-Free Isn’t Healing Your Gut
3. 165// The Constipation Magnesium Myth
4. 178// Why Constipation Medicine Isn't Helping You + What to Do When Laxatives, Probiotics, Water, and Fiber Aren't Healing Your Constipation
5. 131// 4 Steps to End Acid Reflux and Constipation at the SAME TIME
6. 90// Fascia 101: The Hidden Force Behind Bloating and Constipation
7. 233// H. Pylori: Symptoms of H. Pylori, How to Interpret H. Pylori Test Results, and Why H....

Have you ever had a practitioner casually tell you, “You need to cut out caffeine,” and your whole brain just went:

“I’m sorry… WHAT?” Yeah. That moment.

Because sure — your adrenal glands are fried. Your nervous system is tired. Your cortisol is tanking at all the wrong times of day.

But also… you’re a human. With routines. And feelings. And morning rituals you actually like.

So when I tell my clients they need a break from caffeine — coffee, black tea, matcha, even green tea — the very next question is always: “Okay… but how am I supposed to have any energy?”

Great news: we fix that.

I actually give every client a supplement that increases the half-life of their cortisol — so your natural energy lasts longer without the caffeine crash. (We love science.)

But then comes the second panic:

“Wait… what am I supposed to drink now?”

Because let’s be honest: the comfort of the drink matters just as much as the caffeine.

The warmth. The ritual. The cozy cup in your hands.

The “this is MY moment before the chaos starts” drink.

So today’s episode is my gift to you — a giant menu of delicious, client-approved, totally caffeine-free drinks that actually make this season fun, doable, and dare I say… enjoyable.

If you’re trying to go caffeine-free — or you’ve wanted to try but didn’t know what to replace your coffee with — this episode is going to give you ideas, options, and hope that you can still love your morning drink… even while giving your adrenals a well-deserved nap.

00:00 - Introduction: The Caffeine Dilemma

02:00 - The Better Belly Podcast: Who We Are

03:13 - Holiday Greetings and Episode Context

03:59 - Understanding Adrenal Fatigue and Caffeine

05:23 - Healing Beyond Caffeine: A Holistic Approach

07:44 - Caffeine-Free Drink Alternatives

07:50 - Herbal Teas: A Flavorful Substitute

10:17 - Fake Coffee: Coffee-Like Alternatives

13:18 - Other Caffeine-Free Drinks

19:52 - Conclusion: Embracing a Caffeine-Free Lifestyle

1. 294// Top 5 Tips for Traveling Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Grain Free

1. Fake Coffee - Big Heart Tea
2. Mud/Wtr (caffeine free version)
3. Teecino - Sampler (Caramel Nut, Mocha Mint, Turmeric, Dark Roast, Red Chai, Coconut)
4. Peanut Butter Powder
5. Organic, Raw Cacao Powder

Option #1) 👉 Join the Better

You know that feeling when the holidays are coming… and instead of excitement, your brain jumps straight to, “Oh no. The food. The gatherings. The questions. The stress.”

Everyone else seems to be dreaming about cookies and cozy dinners — meanwhile, you’re mentally mapping out which dishes you’ll have to avoid, who’s going to forget your sensitivities again, and if you'll leave a meal yet AGAIN hungry, grumpy, and honestly? Feeling alone.

Everyone else is piling their plates high with Grandma’s stuffing and your brain is spinning: Is there anything here I can eat? Should I say something? Will I look rude? Am I overreacting?

It’s the comments about the food.

And let’s be real — half the stress isn’t even the food.

“What, you can’t eat this either?”

“Are you sure you’re not being dramatic?”

“I made it gluten free… except for the breadcrumbs.”

You know the drill.

So today I want to give you low-anxiety, high-clarity tips for navigating gluten free holidays (and grain free and dairy free) — even when absolutely no one else eats the way you do.

We’re going to talk about:

✨ How to get clear on what you need — before you ever talk to anyone else

✨ Who is actually worth having a conversation with (and who… isn’t)

✨ Why your food choices trigger other people’s insecurities — and how to not take that on

✨ What to say when you need support

✨ And how to walk into any gathering already fed, prepared, and confident so you’re not relying on the buffet table to save you

Because here’s the truth: You’re not asking for anything unreasonable.

You’re not being high-maintenance.

And you deserve to enjoy the holidays, too, without the anxiety spiral.

Let’s get into my top Gluten Free Holiday Tips so you can actually make the season feel fun again.

00:00 - Introduction: Navigating Holiday Stress

00:58 - Understanding Your Needs

01:50 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

02:58 - Three Essential Tips for Gluten-Free Holidays

05:47 - Tip 1: Clarify Your Needs

13:50 - Tip 2: Identify Your Allies

18:31 - Tip 3: Fill in the Gaps Yourself

21:35 - Encouraging Stories and Final Thoughts

23:40 - Join the Better Belly Blueprint

25:52 Conclusion: Empower Your Holidays

• 171// 3 Dairy Free Foods for Creamy Cheese, Sauces, and PIZZA
• 172// My Top 10 QUICK Gluten Free Snacks to Buy
• 205// My 5 Favorite Grain Free Bread Recipes for a Healthy Gut
• 170// 5 Tips to Go Gluten Free & Grain Free with EASE

Option #1) 👉 Join the