Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself

Latest Episodes:

#404 Resolving Pain, Anxiety and Unprocessed Emotions with Nicole Sachs, LSCW May 28, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by Nicole Sachs for a juicy and mind-blowing convo that just might change the way you think about your symptoms.

Nicole is a total powerhouse when it comes to helping people heal chronic pain, anxiety, long COVID, and all the mystery symptoms that make you feel like a walking question mark. We get into her story of being diagnosed with a gnarly spinal condition at 19, how she healed without surgery, and what that has to do with repressed emotions, a dysregulated nervous system, and a little tool she created called JournalSpeak.

We’re talking science, soul, and the sneaky ways our bodies try to keep us “safe” by holding onto stuff we were never meant to carry. If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to fix your pain, fatigue, gut issues, skin flares, or anxiety, you are going to want to take notes on this one.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why your pain is real even if it’s not coming from where you think
How your body uses symptoms to protect you from emotional overload
What the emotional reservoir is and why it keeps overflowing
Why some people feel emotionally frozen and how to safely thaw
How to rewire your brain and regulate your nervous system with JournalSpeak
Why self-compassion is not fluffy—it’s freaking necessary for healing

ABOUT GUEST:

Nicole Sachs, LCSW is a psychotherapist, author, speaker, and creator of the JournalSpeak method and The Cure for Chronic Pain platform. A direct student of Dr. John Sarno, Nicole has helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world heal from chronic pain, anxiety, and other mind-body conditions without medication or surgery. Through her books (Mind Your Body, The Meaning of Truth), podcast, courses, retreats, and practitioner training program, Nicole teaches the science and soul of self-healing with compassion, clarity, and a little bit of sass.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.yourbreakawake.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesachslcsw

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:

Over restriction is dead.
Whole food is soul food and fed is best
Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
You don’t have to figure it out alone
Do your best and leave the rest

#403 How Birth Control Hijacks Your Hormones (and What to Do) with Danielle Kepics, PA-C May 21, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by the one and only Danielle Kepics, who you might remember from our hair loss episode not long ago. Danielle is a certified fertility educator, functional medicine practitioner, former mental health therapist, and all-around powerhouse in women's health.

In this juicy and eye-opening conversation, we’re talking all about hormonal birth control and the things most women are never told. Danielle shares her own story of being put on the pill before she was even sexually active, how it impacted her mood and health for years, and the lightbulb moment that changed everything. If you’ve ever wondered how the pill affects your body beyond preventing pregnancy, this one is for you. Danielle brings the fire and the fun while dropping truth bombs that every woman needs to hear. You are going to love this one.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

What your period is really telling you about your health
Why the pill does not regulate hormones or give you a real cycle
How birth control impacts mood, anxiety, and nutrient levels
The connection between IUDs, the vagus nerve, and mental health
Why some women feel completely different (or even pick different partners) after stopping the pill
What you can do to support your body when coming off hormonal birth control

Check out Danielle's other episode: #399 Ultimate Guide to Hair Loss

ABOUT GUEST:
Danielle Kepics, PA-C, is a functional health practitioner, certified fertility educator, mental health therapist, nutrition coach, and former personal trainer — earning her the title of "unicorn" in women’s health. After a decade in conventional medicine, she founded Empowered Mind + Body and now helps women optimize their health through lifestyle and clinical deep dives. Danielle is also the co-founder of Unconventional Collaborative, a mastermind for health pros. Outside of work, she's an adventure-loving Enneagram 8w7, passionate about movement, connection, and living authentically.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.kepics

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#402 No One Cares More Than You: Why Outsourcing Your Wealth and Health Isn’t the Answer with Christa Biegler, RD May 14, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m doing something a little different. In this solo episode, I’m sharing a raw, real behind-the-scenes reflection on the costly mistakes I made by outsourcing my financial decisions and the powerful shift that happened when I decided to take my power back.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated, overwhelmed, or just checked out when it comes to money, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and 4️⃣ powerful questions to start reclaiming your financial well-being starting today.

🌿 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✨ Why outsourcing too much—in health or wealth—can cost you big
🧘 Christa’s personal story of financial overwhelm (and what changed)
📝 4 confidence-boosting money questions to ask yourself today
🌱 What it really means to stop outsourcing your power

🌿 Want to go deeper? Join Christa this September in Salt Lake City.
The Well-thy Woman Retreat is a 4-day immersive experience for women ready to reclaim their power in health and wealth without burnout or confusion.

✔️ Get your financial systems in order
✔️ Clear lingering health roadblocks
✔️ Walk away with a personalized, doable plan

✨ Gorgeous setting. Incredible food. Zero judgment.
🪩 Apply now → https://www.lessstressedliferetreats.com/saltlake

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Leave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/links

❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:

🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
💛 Do your best and leave the rest

#401 Why Vitamin D Supplements Could Be Making You Worse with Morley Robbins May 07, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by Morley Robbins, creator of the Root Cause Protocol and expert in mineral metabolism, to unpack why high-dose vitamin D supplements might actually be making your symptoms worse instead of better.

In this eye-opening conversation, we talk about why low vitamin D on a lab doesn’t always mean deficiency, how inflammation and hidden infections can disrupt vitamin D metabolism, and why minerals like magnesium, copper, and retinol are critical for proper function. If you're struggling with fatigue, hormone issues, or have been told you’re vitamin D deficient, this episode will help you rethink your approach to healing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

What low vitamin D really means and why it may be a sign of inflammation
How infections and immune dysfunction impact vitamin D metabolism
The vital roles of magnesium, copper, and retinol in supporting vitamin D
Why supplementing vitamin D without cofactors can make symptoms worse
How to test for both storage and active vitamin D
How to safely restore mineral balance using the Root Cause Protocol

Megan Mangin's paper mentioned in episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25048990/

ABOUT GUEST:
Morley Robbins is the creator of the Root Cause Protocol and founder of the Magnesium Advocacy Group. Known as the “Magnesium Man,” Morley left a decades-long career in hospital administration after a personal healing experience led him to question everything he thought he knew about health. Since then, he’s become a passionate educator on mineral balance, performing thousands of consults and digging deep into the roles of magnesium, copper, and iron in chronic illness. Through his research and coaching, Morley helps people get to the root cause of fatigue, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances—one mineral at a time.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://therootcauseprotocol.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseprotocol/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

SPONSOR:
Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Struggling with dry, cracked hands? Try their Alaska Cod Liver Oil for omega-3s + vitamins A & D to support skin and immune health. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!

#400 Malnourished Mind: Nutrient Deficiencies In Mental Health & Anorexia with James Greenblatt, MD Apr 30, 2025

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🎉 IT’S OUR 400TH EPISODE, BABY!! 🎉
This week on The Less Stressed Life, we’re joined by integrative psychiatrist Dr. James Greenblatt, who has spent over 30 years using nutrition and functional testing to support mental health.

We’re breaking down how deficiencies in B12, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, and even lithium can mimic or worsen anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders—and why standard lab work often misses the full picture.

If your labs say “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself, this episode explains why and what to consider next.

Get free access to the webinar Answers to Anorexia: Malnourished Minds through May 31, 2025 with code LESSSTRESSED → https://www.courses.psychiatryredefined.org/courses/anorexia-nervosa-malnourished-minds-webinar

Psychiatry Redefined offers clinician training programs starting this spring/summer—including an intensive for therapists and a new Pediatric Functional Psychiatry Fellowship. Learn more: https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💥 Why your brain is the ultimate nutrient hog
💥 How low B12, D, magnesium, and zinc can mimic anxiety, depression & ADHD
💥 Why zinc deficiency looks a LOT like anorexia (👀 shocking but true)
💥 The most misunderstood brain nutrient ever: lithium (nope, not the prescription kind)
💥 How to use testing smartly to find what your brain's really missing

ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. James Greenblatt is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and a pioneer in integrative and nutritional psychiatry. Since 1988, he’s been using personalized, evidence-based approaches to treat mental health conditions by addressing underlying nutrient and biochemical imbalances. He trained at George Washington University and completed a fellowship at Johns Hopkins, has served as a clinical professor at Tufts and Dartmouth, and is the author of eight books—including Finally Focused and Answers to Anorexia. He’s also the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, an educational platform for integrative mental health professionals.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry_redefined

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#399 Ultimate Guide to Hair Loss with Danielle Kepics, PA-C Apr 23, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, we’re diving into the surprisingly emotional (and super frustrating) world of hair loss, stress, and scalp health with the one and only Danielle Kepics, PA-C.

Danielle is a certified fertility educator, functional medicine practitioner, and former PA with a unicorn-level background in women’s health—and she’s sharing her real-life, two-year journey through post-COVID hair loss, scalp breakage, mold scares, and what finally helped her regrow healthy, strong hair (spoiler: it wasn’t just about shampoo).

We’re talking about why your hair might be falling out even if you’re “doing everything right,” what role stress, nutrient depletion, and medications play, and how to support your scalp like you do your skin. If your hairbrush has been looking a little scary lately, this conversation is going to feel like a deep breath and a game plan. 🙌

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why “poverty calories” stall healthy hair growth (and how to fix it)
The hidden role of post-viral infections, mold, and chronic stress in hair loss
The meds that quietly contribute to hair thinning (think birth control, SSRIs, thyroid meds)
How to treat your scalp like skin for better hair regrowth
Why patience, persistence, and a microscope were key to Danielle’s recovery

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.kepics

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#398 Reversing Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Conditions with Dr. Heather Sandison, ND Apr 16, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, we're talking about reversing cognitive decline and optimizing brain health with Dr. Heather Sandison, author of Reversing Alzheimer’s. As a naturopathic doctor and founder of the first memory recovery residential program, Dr. Sandison shares the six root causes of neurodegeneration—and how you can bring the brain back into balance at any age.

We’re talking about reversing Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative conditions (although it is so much more). From toxins to stress to nutrition, this empowering episode offers real hope and practical tools for preventing and even reversing memory loss. Whether you're supporting a loved one or thinking ahead for your own brain, this is one conversation you don't want to miss.

Dr. Sandison's free Keto Diet Guide can be downloaded at: https://www.drheathersandison.com/
In that website people can also watch all her content and read her blog

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The six root causes of cognitive decline (and how to assess them)
How toxins and stress quietly sabotage brain health
What your ApoE4 gene does—and doesn’t—mean for your future
Signs of early cognitive decline most people miss
What Dr. Sandison’s clinical trial revealed about reversing Alzheimer’s

ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Heather Sandison is the NYT bestselling author of “Reversing Alzheimer’s The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health”. She is a renowned naturopathic doctor specializing in neurocognitive medicine and the founder of Solcere Health Clinic, San Diego’s premier brain optimization clinic, and Marama, a residential program turning memory care into memory recovery. She has dedicated her career to supporting those suffering with dementia and is the primary author of peer reviewed research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. She is excited to shatter common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and share what she has learned about keeping your brain sharp at any age.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.drheathersandison.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.heathersandison/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#397 Navigating Airway and Biologic Dentistry with Dr. Julia Sadove-Lopez, DDS Apr 09, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, we’re diving into the world of holistic and airway dentistry with Dr. Julia Sadove-Lopez—a biological dentist turned virtual consultant who's helping families decode the wild world of oral development, mouth breathing, and pediatric dental treatment options.

After moving from Chicago to Portugal (yes, really!), Dr. Julia shifted from traditional dentistry to guiding parents through finding the right solutions for their kids’ sleep, airway, and oral health challenges. From picky eating to tongue ties, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea—this episode uncovers what might really be going on under the surface.

In this episode, Dr. Julia shares what most parents (and adults!) don’t realize about early signs of dysfunction—and what to do when the advice you're getting from different providers feels totally conflicting. We also break down her signature “three-stage” approach to airway-focused care and why you always have options.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why “you should save for braces” might be a red flag 🚩
The connection between mouth breathing, poor sleep, and behavior issues
How feeding issues, reflux, or gag reflex may point to oral dysfunction
Dr. Julia’s 3 stages of treatment: Natural Nurturers, Guided Growers & Foundation Fixers
What’s really behind grinding, crowding, and chronic dental issues
Why timing, symptoms, and lifestyle all factor into choosing the right treatment
How adults and kids both benefit from airway evaluation
The power of parental intuition in the treatment decision process

ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Julia is the founder of Oris Wellness, a consulting company dedicated to empowering parents with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their child’s oral and airway health. Through one-on-one sessions, she provides objective guidance on treatment options and helps families connect with qualified airway-focused providers. Her mission is to bridge the gap between professional expertise and parental intuition. Originally trained in Biological and Airway Dentistry in Chicago, she now calls Portugal home.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.oriswellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oris.wellness/
Dr. Julia's FREE e-Book: https://oriswellnessnewletter.ck.page/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#396 Deprogram Diet Culture with Dr. Supatra Tovar Apr 02, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, we’re talking about breaking free from diet culture and rebuilding trust with your body. Clinical psychologist, registered dietitian and fitness expert Dr. Supatra Tovar shares how stress, restriction and shame disrupt hunger cues and what it really takes to feel safe, nourished and whole again. If you’ve ever struggled with emotional eating, body image or the pressure to do it all, this empowering episode offers practical tools and a fresh perspective on food, health and healing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why dieting fails and how your body fights back
How restriction leads to stress, brain fog and binge cycles
What hunger hormones are really telling you
How to reconnect with true hunger and fullness cues
The surprising reason moms and high achievers ignore their needs
A simple daily “vitals” check-in to support your energy and mindset

ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Supatra Tovar is one of the only clinical psychologists who is also a registered dietitian and certified fitness expert, uniquely combining behavioral psychology, nutritional science, and exercise to help clients reduce stress, heal from disordered eating, and improve overall wellness. She is the founder of ANEW (Advanced Nutrition and Emotional Wellness) and creator of the “Deprogram Diet Culture” method, available as both a course and book. A sought-after speaker and media expert, Dr. Tovar draws from over 20 years of experience to help others make simple daily changes that transform mindset, relationships, and health.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://drsupatratovar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsupatratovar
Book - Deprogram Diet Culture: https://www.anew-insight.com/book
Course - Deprogram Diet Culture: https://www.anew-insight.com/course
✨Dr. Tovar's FREEBIES: https://www.anew-insight.com/freebies

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#395 Breathwork For Daily Practice with Josh Seiler Mar 26, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, we’re diving into the power of breathwork for daily practice with breath expert and fitness professional Josh Seiler. After a long battle with a mysterious lung infection that left doctors stumped, Josh turned to breathwork and oxygen therapy—and fully healed. Now, he teaches others how to use the breath to regulate stress, improve focus, and support overall health.

In this episode, Josh shares simple, science-backed techniques to shift out of anxiety, increase mental clarity, and even enhance athletic performance. We also talk about how the way you breathe (nose vs. mouth, belly vs. chest) impacts your nervous system, immune function, and energy levels.

Special Offer: Josh offers a free 7-day trial to his online wellness community, where members can kickstart their journey with a 3-day sustainability challenge designed to spark real, lasting change: https://www.skool.com/breathemovebreathe-3218/about

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why slower breathing = better nervous system regulation
The “perfect breath” to reduce anxiety and increase oxygen absorption
Techniques for ADHD, anxiety, and improved focus
How breathwork boosts performance through CO₂ training
Why diaphragmatic and nasal breathing matter
Simple ways to start a daily breathwork habit

ABOUT GUEST:
Josh, a seasoned figure in fitness and wellness, embarked on his journey in 2009. Establishing a prominent Fitness Coaching company in Denver, CO, he encountered a serious lung infection in 2018 that stumped Western Medicine. Turning to breathwork and oxygen therapy, Josh miraculously healed himself and regained his health through focused breathing techniques. This experience propelled him to delve deeper into breathwork, leading to the establishment of a thriving global breathwork company. Now residing in the enchanting Black Hills of South Dakota, Josh continues to share his expertise through online content, teaching engagements, certifications and instructor trainings.

WHERE TO FIND:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshseilerofficial/
Breathe Move Breathe Wellness Collective: https://www.skool.com/breathemovebreathe-3218/about

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

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