Podcast
The Starting Gate
Hosted by Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz · EN
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!
Kentucky's Lifestyle Medicine Podcast - Bringing Better Health to the Bluegrass
10episodes
Episodes
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Ep 70: Eating Disorders and Weight Stigma: Why Health Doesn’t Look the Same for Everyone with Dr. Erin Knopf
4w ago01:18:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with psychiatrist and eating disorder specialist Dr. Erin Knopf for a deeply thoughtful conversation about the realities of eating disorders, diet culture, and our relationship with food.We discuss why you cannot tell by looking at someone whether they have an eating disorder and how these conditions affect people of all genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. Dr. Knopf explains how restriction and a scarcity mindset can drive binge eating behaviors, and why healing often involves rebuilding trust with ourselves around food and letting go of shame.We also explore anorexia, bulimia, and orthorexia — an obsession with the health or purity of food that has become increasingly normalized in today’s culture. The conversation dives into how social media can reinforce disordered behaviors by surrounding people with like-minded messaging that makes harmful habits appear healthy or acceptable.We also discuss GLP-1 medications and concerns about how they may contribute to long-term disordered eating patterns for some individuals. Throughout the episode, we challenge cultural beliefs around weight and health, discussing why true health does not require everyone to look the same or fit into a single body size.Finally, we talk about how parents can help children develop a healthier relationship with food, body image, and movement in a world filled with conflicting messages.This episode may challenge long-held beliefs about weight, food, and health — and encourage listeners to take a closer look at their own relationship with eating and body image.Find Dr. Erin Knopf and multiple resources At VERY: Virtual Eating Recovery for Youthestartinggatepodcast.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.
Transcribe →Ep 69: The Future of Healthcare? Inside the Food Is Medicine Movement
Apr 2900:49:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Alison Gustafson, director of the Food as Health Alliance at the University of Kentucky to explore the growing “Food as Medicine” movement—and what the research actually shows so far.We break down the different approaches being studied, including medically tailored meals, produce boxes, grocery prescriptions, and farmers market prescriptions. Alison explains who these interventions work best for, what outcomes we’re seeing in clinical settings, and where the limitations still exist.If you’ve ever wondered whether food could play a more formal role in healthcare—or how close we really are to that becoming a reality—this episode offers a grounded look at both the promise and the gaps that still need to be addressed.Check out the free resources and education:Food As Health 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.
Transcribe →Ep 68: Equipping the Next Generation with Tools for Stress and Wellness with Ashley Hinton
Apr 1501:02:38Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Ashley Hinton, certified wellness coach, owner of 859 WELL, and Director of Health Promotion at Centre College, to explore the unique challenges facing today’s young adults.Ashley works closely with college students, helping them navigate stress, build healthier coping strategies, and develop a more balanced relationship with food through intuitive eating.We discuss how parents can begin encouraging healthy habits early, what’s changing on college campuses—including shifts in substance use—and how social media is impacting mental health. We also dive into practical ways to support your child, including one simple but powerful question: “Do you want help solving this, or do you just need me to listen?”You’ll also hear how mindfulness can look different for everyone, why modeling healthy stress management matters, and how to help your child build a lifelong “toolkit” for resilience.Find Ashley Hinton, MS, MPH at 859 W.E.L.L Coaching & Consultingwww.859wellky.com 859.433.6321 Additional Resources:T-Break Guide: Take a cannabis tolerance break for 21 daysGrok cards Mindfulness Institute for Emerging AdultsIntuitive Eating workbookthestartinggatepodcast.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.
Transcribe →Ep 67: Aging Strong: What Master’s Athletes Get Right About Health with Dustin Jones, DPT
Apr 100:58:46Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat can we learn from people who stay active, competitive, and engaged as they age?In this episode, Dustin Jones, DPT, joins us to share powerful lessons from master’s athletes—individuals who don’t just exercise, but stay in the game for life. We talk about how social connection, self-efficacy, and a willingness to adapt—not quit—keep them moving through injuries, life changes, and aging.We also explore why combining different types of movement—from endurance training to sports that challenge balance and agility—can support long-term health and independence.Whether you’re in a busy season of life or feel like it’s too late to start, this episode is a powerful reminder that movement isn’t just about exercise—it’s about staying connected, capable, and engaged in the life you want to live. If you’ve been on the sidelines, consider this your invitation to get back in the game!Find Dustin Jones, DPT at HyphenLinks to stay in the game:National Senior GamesKentucky Senior GamesLink to SAFE : Sustained Athlete Fitness Examthestartinggatepodcast.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.
Transcribe →Ep: 66 Precision Medicine: What Your DNA Can (and Can’t) Tell You About Your Health with Dr. Meghan Jones
Mar 1700:47:25Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with precision medicine physician Dr. Meghan Jones to explore how personalized health data can guide lifestyle decisions.Dr. Jones explains what happens during a precision medicine evaluation and the types of data that are analyzed—from genetic testing to metabolic markers and wearable data. We discuss what your genes can reveal about things like insulin sensitivity, optimal eating patterns, cardiovascular risk, and even dementia risk.But perhaps the most interesting takeaway? Even with all of this personalized data, the core recommendations are often the same. The foundational pillars of health—nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management—remain essential for nearly everyone.Precision medicine doesn’t replace these basics. Instead, it helps fine-tune the final pieces and can be a powerful motivator for people trying to make meaningful lifestyle changes.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.
Transcribe →Ep 65: Train Your Heart for the Life You Want: Exercise, Longevity & Midlife with Dr. Kelly Waespe
Mar 301:07:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailExercise isn’t just about burning calories — it’s about building capacity for the decades ahead. In this episode, we sit down with cardiologist Dr. Kelly Waespe to talk about exercise as medicine for the heart — and for longevity. We break down the specific benefits of Zone 2 training, HIIT, and resistance training, and how each one uniquely strengthens your cardiovascular system. We talk about:The powerful link between VO₂ max and longevityHeart rate variability and what it reveals about stress and recoveryHow cardiovascular risk shifts for women during menopauseWhen hormone therapy may be helpfulHow objective testing can help you train smarter — not just harder Most importantly, we remind you: you don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. One intentional change today can build the heart health you’ll rely on tomorrow. Calculate your own cardiac risk here: ASCVD risk calculatorFind Dr. Waespe at Baptist HealthFind Revive Longevity:on instagram: @revivelongevityon facebook: Revive Longevity Centeremail: revivelongevitycenter@gmail.comwebsite coming soon: revivelongevitycenter.comthestartinggatepodcast.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.
Transcribe →Ep 64: Before the Stent: How to Prevent Heart Disease with Cardiologist Dr. Kim Williams
Feb 1800:52:30Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHeart disease is largely preventable — so why aren’t we preventing it?Dr. Kim Williams, Chair of Medicine at UofL and former President of the American College of Cardiology, joins us to discuss why lifestyle must be the foundation of cardiovascular care. From nutrition and plant-based eating to exercise, sleep, and stress, he explains how daily habits shape long-term outcomes.Dr. Williams explains why:Nutrition isn’t optional in heart prevention — it’s centralA plant-forward diet can rival medications in effectivenessMedications and lifestyle together can be even more powerfulHis concerns about the newest dietary guidelinesWhy prevention deserves more attention in modern medicineIf you’ve ever wondered what a prevention-focused cardiologist really thinks, this conversation is both eye-opening and practical.Find Dr. Kim Williams, MDCooking For Your Heart and Soul cookbookStudy by Dr. Esselstyn on disease reversal with plant based dietLife's Essential 8 from the American Heart Associationthestartinggatepodcast.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.
Transcribe →Ep 63: Scrolling, Numbing, and Losing Focus: How to Take Back Control from Screens with Dr. Mary Donohue
Feb 301:05:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIf you’ve ever picked up your phone without knowing why—or felt more drained after “relaxing” with a screen—this episode is for you.We live in a world of constant pings, scrolling, and screens—but what is that doing to our brains, our emotions, and our sense of control? In this episode of The Starting Gate, we’re joined by digital wellness specialist Dr. Mary Donohue to explore how nonstop screen exposure is reshaping the way we think, feel, and cope.We talk about how digital overload dulls creativity, trains us to numb uncomfortable emotions, and pulls us away from the present moment. Dr. Donohue shares why even brief “micro breaks” can make a meaningful difference, how to build healthy guardrails around things like social media, gaming, and online gambling, and why awareness—not perfection—is the key to digital wellness. If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, unfocused, or uneasy about your family’s screen habits, this episode will help you rethink your relationship with technology—without guilt or extremes. Find Dr. Mary Donohue:Dr. Mary Donohue on Linked in@drmarydonohueemail: maryedonohue@gmail.comFind out more about the Digital Wellness Centerthedigitalwellnesscdenter.com@thedigitalwellnesscenterthestartinggatepodcast.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.
Transcribe →Ep 62: From Exhausted to Empowered: A Patient’s Lifestyle Medicine Journey
Jan 2100:52:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail What does it look like when lifestyle medicine works in real life?In this episode, Dr. Sarah Schuetz interviews her patient, Kam, whose journey through lifestyle medicine led to a 50-pound weight loss, fewer medications, and a life filled with more energy, movement, and confidence.Kam shares how she learned to truly understand nutrition, not just follow a guide, how she gradually built physical activity into her life through Pilates and weight training, and how she learned to navigate real-world challenges like large family gatherings without falling off track.Dr. Schuetz reflects on how lifestyle medicine shifts the power back to the patient — providing tools instead of temporary fixes — and why this model creates lasting change.This conversation is honest, hopeful, and deeply motivating for anyone who wants to believe that change is still possible.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.
Transcribe →Ep 61: From Outrage to Action: Reimagining Healthcare and Prevention with Natalie Davis, MD
Jan 1300:47:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with a physician whose frustration with the health of Kentuckians — and the way our healthcare system responds to it — became the catalyst for real change. Instead of accepting a system that often waits until patients are critically ill, she began searching for solutions that focus on prevention and early intervention.That journey led to the creation of Prevent Scripts, an innovative app designed to identify disease risk and support true behavior change through personalized, practical strategies. We discuss why upstream care matters, how small habit changes can lead to meaningful health improvements, and how technology can finally support — not replace — human-centered medicine.This conversation is about moving from complaint to action, and about empowering patients to take control of their health one small step at a time.Find out more about Prevent Scripts at www.preventscripts.comand find Dr. Natalie Davis at NatalieDavismd.comthestartinggatepodcast.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.
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