Episode Summary: The Goal Digger Podcast | Episode 899: What Most Doctors Miss About Women’s Energy, Weight, and Mood

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Jenna Kutcher
Guest: Katie Whelan, Founder and CEO of Joy and Blokes

Introduction

In Episode 899 of The Goal Digger Podcast, host Jenna Kutcher welcomes Katie Whelan, the founder and CEO of Joy and Blokes, a telehealth brand dedicated to empowering individuals by taking control of their hormones, longevity, and overall wellness. This episode delves deep into the often-overlooked aspects of women's health, particularly focusing on energy levels, weight management, and mood regulation.

The Disconnect in Traditional Healthcare

Jenna opens the conversation by highlighting a common frustration among women: receiving normal lab results while still feeling unwell. She asks Katie to shed light on this disconnect.

Katie Whelan [05:05]:
"Ah, you are describing one of the most frustrating things in traditional healthcare, especially for women. I would say when someone hears your normal, but then you don't feel good, there's a big disconnect there."

Katie explains that traditional lab ranges often reflect averages that don't account for individual optimal health. She emphasizes that "normal" doesn't necessarily mean optimal or feeling your best.

Beyond the TSH: Critical Biomarkers Often Overlooked

Jenna seeks Katie's expertise on specific biomarkers that are frequently missed but crucial for women's health.

Katie Whelan [08:17]:
"I might have to give you two, because it's very hard to decide between TSH for thyroid and testosterone."

1. Thyroid Function Beyond TSH:
   Katie emphasizes the importance of comprehensive thyroid panels, including T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies, rather than relying solely on TSH levels. She states, "about 60% of women or 60% of people with thyroid disorder don't even know they have it."

2. Testosterone Levels in Women:
   Contrary to common misconceptions, testosterone plays a vital role in women's health, affecting libido, brain fog, inflammation, and motivation. Katie highlights the impact of modern stress and certain medications, like birth control pills, on lowering testosterone levels.

Understanding Perimenopause

The conversation shifts to perimenopause, a topic gaining more attention among women in their late 30s to 40s.

Katie Whelan [18:11]:
"Perimenopause is just the transition time before menopause, and it can be five to ten years before menopause. It's really just subtle shifts in your hormones."

Key Points:

• Timeline: Typically begins in the mid to late 30s, with most women experiencing it in their 40s.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Decline in progesterone leads to fluctuations in estrogen, causing symptoms like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, and feeling "off."
• Holistic Approach: Emphasizes taking proactive steps to support the body through these changes rather than viewing them as inevitable decline.

Proactive Health Protocols

Jenna inquires about actionable steps listeners can take after getting their lab work done.

Katie Whelan [21:31]:
"At Joy, we flip the script. After the deep dive lab review and symptom mapping, we collaborate with a clinician to create a personalized plan that may include therapies, supplements, or lifestyle changes."

Three-Step Approach:

1. Deep Dive Lab Review and Symptom Mapping: Comprehensive analysis of biomarkers aligned with individual symptoms.
2. Clinician Consultation: Personalized plan creation, allowing for tailored interventions.
3. Ongoing Optimization and Check-ins: Regular monitoring to adjust the plan as needed, recognizing that health is dynamic.

Lifestyle Tweaks for Enhanced Wellbeing

Jenna and Katie discuss simple yet effective lifestyle changes that can significantly impact health.

Katie Whelan [26:26]:
"One lifestyle tweak I absolutely love is waking up and going outside for like 10 minutes to get morning sunlight. Also, ensuring a high-quality protein intake for breakfast helps sustain energy levels throughout the day."

Additional Recommendations:

• Morning Sunlight: Supports circadian rhythms.
• Protein-Rich Breakfast: Prevents energy crashes.
• Magnesium Glycinate Supplement: Aids in sleep, reduces anxiety, and supports PMS relief. Katie mentions, "Most people are deficient in magnesium, so it's a safe supplement to consider."

Balancing Entrepreneurship and Health

The discussion naturally transitions to the challenges entrepreneurs face in maintaining their health amidst the demands of building a business.

Katie Whelan [28:49]:
"I can feel it. It's a season for me of grinding, and I can feel it on my body and aging. I'm hoping that this busy, stressful season can slow down soon so I can do more of the things that ground me."

Jenna shares her journey of integrating wellness into her entrepreneurial life, emphasizing activities like baking sourdough and gardening to quiet the mind and enhance productivity.

Jenna Kutcher [38:15]:
"When I am doing things like baking sourdough or when I'm out in my garden, it quiets my brain enough to have one thought versus a million thoughts."

Advice for Listeners: Embracing a Proactive Health Mindset

As the episode nears its conclusion, Katie offers empowering advice to listeners struggling with low energy and the demands of chasing big dreams.

Katie Whelan [40:45]:
"You don't have to live like that. Most people come to us and say, I don't have the energy. All we need to do is start with a lab. It gives us options to tweak this and that, and once something clicks, it gets easier to keep going."

Key Takeaways:

• Invest in Your Health: Recognize that health is a foundation for achieving goals.
• Personalize Your Approach: Utilize lab work to understand individual needs.
• Start Small: Begin with manageable changes to build momentum.

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Knowledge and Action

Jenna wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of being proactive about health and leveraging resources like Joy and Blokes for personalized wellness plans.

Katie Whelan [43:28]:
"First of all, you're worth it. Life gets better with every decade. It can truly be better if you make the choice to invest in your health."

Jenna extends a generous offer to listeners, providing a discount on lab testing and supplements with the promo code "Gold Digger," encouraging everyone to take actionable steps towards optimal health.

Final Thought:
The episode underscores the critical need for personalized healthcare, especially for women navigating hormonal changes. By bridging the gap between feeling unwell and achieving optimal health through comprehensive lab work and tailored interventions, Jenna and Katie inspire listeners to prioritize their wellbeing in pursuit of their dreams.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Katie Whelan [05:05]:
  "There is a difference between what is normal in society right now and what we think is optimal and how we get you feeling your best."

• Katie Whelan [08:17]:
  "Most of the time you're gonna say, you know, something's off...you can still have thyroid dysfunction."

• Katie Whelan [18:11]:
  "Perimenopause is just the transition time before menopause...most women will feel it."

• Katie Whelan [21:31]:
  "It's meeting a clinician and going through it together...personalized to you."

• Katie Whelan [26:26]:
  "Magnesium glycinate...helps with sleep, anxiety, PMS, a bunch of things."

• Jenna Kutcher [38:15]:
  "It's so grounding for me and so good, but it also keeps me busy enough to allow my brain to actually think and process and be Present."

• Katie Whelan [40:45]:
  "Just start and say that you're worth it, because you really are."

• Katie Whelan [43:28]:
  "You're worth it. Life gets better with every decade...you make the choice to invest in your health."

Resources Mentioned

• Joy and Blokes:
  For personalized wellness plans and lab testing, visit joyandblokes.com and use promo code "Gold Digger" for discounts.

Next Steps for Listeners:

1. Get Lab Work Done: Utilize the comprehensive panels offered by Joy and Blokes to gain insights into your hormonal and overall health.
2. Implement Lifestyle Tweaks: Incorporate morning sunlight exposure and a protein-rich breakfast into your daily routine.
3. Consider Supplements: If accessible, magnesium glycinate can be a beneficial addition to support sleep and reduce anxiety.
4. Engage in Grounding Activities: Activities like baking or gardening can enhance mental clarity and productivity.
5. Prioritize Regular Check-ins: Make health monitoring a part of your ongoing wellness journey to adapt to changing needs.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that understanding and optimizing your health is crucial for achieving your personal and professional goals. By taking proactive steps and seeking personalized care, women can navigate hormonal changes with confidence and vitality.