Podcast
Thrive with Carrie
Hosted by Carrie Chojnowski · EN
Welcome to the Thrive with Carrie Podcast, your uplifting haven for women in midlife who refuse to let society and age dictate their health journey! If you’re tired of feeling stuck in a rut, join us for cutting-edge holistic health tips mixed with laughter, grace, and practical wisdom.
Hosted by Carrie Chojnowski, a Holistic Gut Health Practitioner and Certified Health Coach, this podcast is your guide to navigating midlife with confidence, clarity, and vitality. Carrie knows what it’s like to feel lost and wonder if your body will ever feel “right” again. After battling numerous health issues herself, Carrie dug deep into holistic health and has gathered an arsenal of simple, effective strategies backed by science to improve those pesky midlife issues that so many women struggle with. From gut health to glucose and hormone balance, Carrie will empower you with actionable advice, easy-to-use tools, and a sprinkle of inspiration.
Whether you’re seeking weight loss solutions, hormone harmony, ways to reduce inflammation or practical tips to thrive, Carrie's got you! Reclaim your unique sparkle, shed what no longer serves you, and embrace a life of vitality, joy, and balance as you approach 50 and beyond.
So grab your favorite smoothie or cup of tea, kick back, and let’s embark on this empowering journey together. It’s time to step into your power, radiate confidence, and flourish like never before. It’s time to Thrive with Carrie!
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Why Winter Feels Hard & What Actually Helps (Episode 75)
Jan 3000:26:57Tap to summarizeAs the days get shorter, many women notice shifts in mood, energy, sleep, and motivation — and it’s not “all in your head.” In this episode, we’re diving into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and why winter can feel especially hard, particularly during midlife.You’ll learn how reduced daylight impacts your circadian rhythm, serotonin, and hormones — and why women in perimenopause and menopause may feel these changes more deeply. We’ll talk about practical, science-backed ways to minimize the effects of SAD, including lifestyle rhythms, nervous system support, blood sugar balance, and how to effectively use light therapy, like a Verilux light box, as part of a morning routine.We’ll also explore when it may be time to look deeper with labs — such as vitamin D, iron, ferritin, and B vitamins — and why feeling persistently low or exhausted can be a sign that your body is under-resourced, not broken.If you’ve been white-knuckling your way through winter or feeling overwhelmed by where to start, this episode offers reassurance, clarity, and support. You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to just survive the darker months. In this episode, we cover:What Seasonal Affective Disorder really is (and what it isn’t)Why women are more vulnerable to SAD, especially in midlifeHow light therapy works and how to use a Verilux light box safely and effectivelyLifestyle habits that support mood, energy, and sleepWhen labs may be helpful if symptoms persistWhy support and coaching can make all the differenceIf this episode resonates, share it with a friend who may be struggling quietly this season. And if you’re looking for personalized support to help you feel like yourself again, you’ll find ways to connect with me in the show notes.Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive.with.carrie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free Solutions Session!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →From Pushing Hard to Thriving: What Turning 50 Taught Me About Rest (Episode 74)
Jan 1600:25:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m sharing a personal reflection inspired by turning 50 — and a powerful shift I’m making in how I approach movement, work, and rest.For most of my life, I believed that pushing harder was the key to better results. More workouts. More productivity. Less rest. But as I’ve moved into midlife, my body has been asking for something different — and science backs it up.We’ll talk about:Why constant high-intensity exercise and overworking can elevate cortisolHow rest days support muscle repair, energy stores, and metabolic healthThe often-overlooked mental and nervous system benefits of true recoveryWhat “rest” can actually look like if you’re someone who always feels the need to be doing somethingThis episode is an invitation to rethink rest — not as laziness or loss of momentum, but as a strategic, nourishing part of long-term health and vitality.If you’re feeling tired, stuck, or frustrated with what “used to work,” this conversation is for you.Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive.with.carrie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free Solutions Session!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →Rooted in Intention: Choosing Your Word for the Year (Episode 73)
Dec 3000:15:58Tap to summarizeForget pressure-filled resolutions—this episode is all about choosing a word that supports who you’re becoming.Carrie shares how her past words (Intention → Abundance → Embrace) shaped her growth over the last three years and reveals her word for 2026. You’ll learn why a “Word of the Year” creates deeper alignment than a checklist, how it connects to nervous system support and nourishment, and how to choose a word that truly matches your season of life.Grab a journal or take this episode on a walk—Carrie offers reflective prompts and simple practices to help you uncover a word that feels rooted, meaningful, and doable all year long.Whether your year ahead calls for presence, expansion, boundaries, joy, or rest—this episode will help you name it and live it.Share your word with Carrie on Instagram @thrive.with.carrie ~ she may feature a few listener words in an upcoming episode!Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive.with.carrie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free Solutions Session!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →My Alcohol-Free Journey: What Changed When I Got Curious with Maureen Benkovich (Episode 72)
Dec 1900:48:22Tap to summarizeA couple weeks before Christmas, Carrie shares a real-life update on her alcohol-free journey ~ what’s changed, what’s surprised her, and why this has become one of the most powerful shifts for her energy, mood, clarity, and presence.She’s joined by her friend and mentor Maureen Benkovich, certified Alcohol Freedom & Wellness Coach and host of the Sober Fit Life podcast, for an honest conversation about the why behind “gray area drinking,” the science of what alcohol does to brain chemistry (dopamine, serotonin, GABA), cortisol, sleep, and gut health ~ and why the impact can linger far longer than most people realize.Together, they unpack Maureen’s updated 4R Method (Recognize, Replace, Rewire, Renew), how to navigate “alcohol-free firsts” (holidays, weddings, travel, dinners out), and why freedom doesn’t require rock bottom ~ just a willingness to get curious and give your body a true break.If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is quietly keeping you stuck in fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, inflammation, or irritability, this episode is your gentle nudge and your science-backed roadmap.Visit soberfitchick.com for details on Maureen's upcoming Six-Week Alcohol Reset (beginning January 12, 2026) and her podcast Sober Fit Life. Connect with MaureenWebsite: https://www.soberfitchick.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureen.benkovich/Instagram: @soberfitchickllcAbout MaureenMaureen Benkovich is the founder of SoberFit Chick Coaching and a certified gray area drinking coach. With a warm, science-backed approach, Maureen empowers individuals to break free from the grip of alcohol and reconnect with their full potential. Drawing on her personal journey and professional expertise, she combines empathy, neuroscience, and practical strategies to help clients make sustainable changes and thrive in every aspect of their lives.Maureen's unique coaching philosophy blends her deep understanding of health, fitness, and the brain’s chemistry to guide clients toward healthier habits and a more fulfilling lifestyle. Her mission is to help others uncover the truth about alcohol and build a life that aligns with their goals and values.Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →How to Enjoy the Holidays Without the Post-Holiday Crash (Episode 71)
Dec 500:31:28Tap to summarizeThis episode is your holiday survival guide — without restriction, guilt, or starting over on January 1st.Carrie walks you through why we tend to overeat this time of year and gives you five grounded, doable strategies to enjoy the food, the fun, and the festivities without the sluggishness, cravings, or crash that so many people feel by mid-December.You’ll learn:• Why holiday routines trigger overeating and cravings• Simple “pre-game plate” ideas to stabilize blood sugar• The Half-Plate Rule that keeps you satisfied without deprivation• How fiber, protein, and mindful bites make holiday meals easier• How stress, sleep, and nervous system dysregulation affect appetite• Two quick breathing techniques to shift into “rest-and-digest” before mealsCarrie also shares her go-to Plexus tools for gut balance, cravings, glucose control, and metabolic repair — along with exciting details about her January Nourished Reset Challenge, including the free 3-Day Reset only option and the expanded 30-Day coaching experience that helps women rebuild metabolic flexibility with simple, sustainable habits.Whether you want more energy, less bloating, fewer cravings, or just want to feel more like yourself this season, this episode gives you everything you need to enjoy the holidays ~ and still feel amazing in January.If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or DM Carrie on Instagram (@thrive.with.carrie) to join the January Nourished Reset Challenge!Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →Presence over Protocol: Neo-Emotional Release & Integrative Care with Dr. Marisa Catapano (Episode 70)
Nov 2100:39:38Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest multiplier for your health isn’t another supplement—but presence? In this conversation, Carrie sits down with Dr. Marisa Catapano, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO) and certified Neo Emotional Release Practitioner specializing in holistic healing, emotional wellbeing and integrative cancer care to explore how somatic work helps the body complete “stuck” emotional loops and why that matters for everything from thyroid and gut issues to integrative cancer care.You’ll hear:What Neo-Emotional Release is (a somatic, integrative approach drawing from parts work, breathwork, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and more)How “emotions as energy in motion” get interrupted and where that shows up in the bodyWhy presence often needs to come before (or alongside) protocols, labs, and biohacksGentle, everyday practices to build presence into what you’re already doing (no extra time required)A compassionate look at oncology: safety, timing, and real stories of hope and reconnectionThe difference between chasing symptoms and listening for what the body is trying to solveIf you’ve “done all the things” and still don’t feel well ~ or if you sense there’s a deeper root you haven’t touched ~ this episode will meet you with curiosity, clarity, and practical next steps.Connect with MarisaWebsite: https://www.marisacatapanond.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.marisa.catapano/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-catapano/About MarisaDr. Marisa Catapano, ND, is a naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative support for oncology patients and individuals navigating complex gut, digestive, and treatment-related symptoms. With a background in working closely alongside oncology teams, she combines evidence-based natural medicine with deep compassion—addressing both the physical and emotional layers of healing. Marisa is dedicated to meeting patients exactly where they are and empowering them with personalized tools, gentle guidance, and whole-person care.Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →Thankful on Purpose: How Gratitude Builds Resilience (and Better Digestion) (Episode 69)
Nov 700:24:03Tap to summarizeAfter a busy season, Carrie is back—and kicking off November with a powerful reset: gratitude. Not the fluffy kind, but the kind that rewires your stress response and supports real, measurable health gains. In this episode, Carrie explains how practicing gratitude can shift your brain out of negativity bias, boost serotonin and dopamine, raise heart-rate variability (hello, parasympathetic “rest-and-digest”), improve sleep quality, ease anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even calm inflammation.You’ll get a simple, doable toolkit: the 3-item gratitude journal, “bless your meal” moments to prime digestion, gratitude walks, appreciation notes, a family gratitude jar, breathwork + gratitude stack, and habit-stacking tips (think: journal by the coffee maker, sticky-note prompts, and timed phone reminders). Carrie also shares personal stories that ground the science ~ and invites you to choose one practice to do consistently this week.Perfect for anyone feeling stretched thin, this episode helps you swap the “shoulds” for steady, grace-filled progress.Resources mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score; 5-Minute-style gratitude journals.Connect: Want Carrie’s printable Gratitude & Mindfulness Guide? Email carrie@thrivewithcarrie.com.Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive.with.carrie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →Beyond the Game: How to Fuel Your Student Athlete Like a Pro (Episode 68)
Oct 1700:33:12Tap to summarizeSchool. Sports. Travel teams. Homework. Life as a student athlete is demanding—and nutrition can make or break performance. In this episode, Carrie breaks down how to keep your athlete energized, focused, and resilient through smart fueling, hydration, rest, and prep strategies. Think of this as your parent cheat sheet for supporting peak performance (without living in the drive-thru lane!).Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →Breaking Through Depression & Trauma: Exploring Ketamine & Innovative Mental Health Treatments with Gwen Dudley (Episode 67)
Oct 300:29:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Thrive with Carrie, I sit down with Gwen Dudley, Community Outreach Specialist at The Mood Center in Annapolis, to explore powerful new approaches to mental health care. Gwen shares her personal journey with grief and healing, and explains how innovative treatments like ketamine infusions, Spravato, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are helping people find breakthroughs when traditional therapy and medications fall short.We discuss:What ketamine therapy is and how it works in the brainThe science of neuroplasticity and rewiring thought patternsReal patient stories of hope, healing, and transformationCommon fears and misconceptions about ketamineAlternative treatments available at The Mood Center, including insurance-covered optionsIf you or someone you love has been searching for answers in the struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, this conversation could open the door to new possibilities and hope.About GwenGwen is a Community Outreach Specialist at The Mood Center, where her role extends beyond simply introducing local healthcare facilities to the advanced mental health treatments available. Her mission also encompasses cultivating a network of trusted partners and clinicians. This network ensures The Mood Center is deeply integrated within a community of healthcare providers. Gwen is dedicated to ensuring that clients have access to a comprehensive range of services to meet their varied needs and to facilitating a holistic approach to mental health.Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Transcribe →What Your Poop Is Telling You: Carrie's 5 P’s to Decode Your Gut (Episode 66)
Sep 1900:34:42Tap to summarizeDid you know that your daily bathroom trip is a built-in gut check?In this episode, Carrie breaks down the “5 P’s” of poop ~ Pattern, Pace, Physical appearance (Bristol chart), Pigmentation (color), and Pungency (smell) ~ to help you spot what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next. We cover constipation vs. urgency, how stress can pause gut motility (hello fight or flight), what stool color can signal, and simple habits to get back to daily, feel-good bowel movements.You’ll learn: ideal frequency & form (Bristol 3–4), red flags (mucus, floating stools, undigested food, black/red stool), the stress–motility connection, and Carrie’s G.U.T.S. method (gut support, fiber, routine, slow down/chew).Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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