Straight Up With Steph

Stephanie Botts

 Your podcast for real tips on healthy posture, healthy habits, and a healthy life! 

  1. Ep 89: Constipation, Gas, and What Your Poop Says About Your Gut Health

    6 DAYS AGO

    Ep 89: Constipation, Gas, and What Your Poop Says About Your Gut Health

    Constipation, bloating, gas, and poop—these are topics people rarely talk about, but they can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside your gut. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I continue my conversation with gastroenterologist and bestselling author Will Bulsiewicz. If you listened to Part 1, we talked about the gut microbiome, inflammation, and why fiber is so important for gut health. In this second half of the conversation, we dive into the digestive symptoms people struggle with the most and what they might actually be telling us about the microbiome. In this episode we discuss: • Why fiber can sometimes make constipation worse  • The connection between constipation and bloating  • Why constipation can sometimes look like diarrhea  • What the Bristol stool scale tells us about gut health  • The science behind gas and fermentation  • Why gut bacteria produce methane  • What your poop can reveal about your microbiome  • The best position to sit in when you poop We also get into some of the more awkward—but important—questions people often wonder about, like why some people have “clean wipers” and what that might say about digestion. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from it. Topics Discussed: constipation podcast, gut health podcast, bloating and gas explained, Bristol stool scale, digestive health Episode 88 (Part One) To watch on YouTube, click here About Dr B Connect with Dr B: https://theguthealthmd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theguthealthmd/ https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd https://www.tiktok.com/@theguthealthmd https://theguthealthmd.com/plantpoweredplus/ https://38tera.com/ To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.   Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    50 min
  2. Ep 88: How To Heal Your Gut With Dr Will Bulsiewicz

    20 MAR

    Ep 88: How To Heal Your Gut With Dr Will Bulsiewicz

    Your gut microbiome affects far more than digestion. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I’m joined by gastroenterologist and bestselling author Will Bulsiewicz to talk about the science behind the gut microbiome and why fiber may be one of the most important nutrients most people are missing. Dr. B has spent years researching the gut microbiome and helping people understand how the trillions of microbes living inside our digestive system influence inflammation, chronic disease, and overall health. In this first part of our conversation, we break down the microbiome in a way that’s actually easy to understand—and talk about why modern diets may be disrupting gut health. In this episode we discuss: • What the gut microbiome actually is  • Why inflammation is linked to so many chronic diseases  • How the gut barrier works and what “leaky gut” really means  • The connection between oral health and gut health  • Why fiber feeds the microbiome  • The impact of ultra-processed foods on gut bacteria  • How the microbiome can influence cravings  • Why increasing fiber can transform gut health Stay tuned for Part 2, where we talk about constipation, bloating, gas, and what your poop can actually reveal about your gut health. Click here for Part Two If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with a friend who wants better GI health! Topics discussed: gut microbiome, gut health podcast, fiber and gut health, inflammation and gut health, digestive health podcast To watch on YouTube, click here About Dr B Connect with Dr B: https://theguthealthmd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theguthealthmd/ https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd https://www.tiktok.com/@theguthealthmd https://theguthealthmd.com/plantpoweredplus/ https://38tera.com/ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    44 min
  3. Ep 87: Alternative Careers in Dentistry: Opportunities Beyond the Operatory

    6 MAR

    Ep 87: Alternative Careers in Dentistry: Opportunities Beyond the Operatory

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, we’re talking about something I get asked about all the time—career options in dentistry outside of clinical practice. After more than 17 years as a dental hygienist and building my company Polished Posture, I’ve learned there are far more opportunities available to dental professionals than many of us realize. If you’ve ever thought: “I’m just a hygienist or dentist”“I don’t know what else I could do.”“I want something different but I don’t know where to start.” This episode is for you. I’m sharing the paths I’ve personally explored, what I’ve learned along the way, and how your existing clinical skills translate into careers outside of the operatory. We talk about: • Starting a business in dentistry  • Becoming a speaker or educator  • Content creation and social media opportunities  • Working with dental companies or becoming a rep  • Teaching at dental schools  • Consulting and clinical training roles  • Networking and building industry relationships The truth is—dental professionals already have the communication, marketing, education, and leadership skills that companies are looking for. Sometimes we just need permission to think bigger. If you're feeling burnt out, curious about new opportunities, or wondering what your career could look like outside the chair, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible. To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click here for my free intro course 🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    42 min
  4. Ep 86: Endometriosis Symptoms Every Woman Should Know Plus Tips for Hygiene Students

    27 FEB

    Ep 86: Endometriosis Symptoms Every Woman Should Know Plus Tips for Hygiene Students

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with dental hygienist, educator, and entrepreneur Dana Paladino, RDH, to talk about a topic that impacts millions of women yet is still widely misunderstood—endometriosis. Dana shares her personal 20-year journey to diagnosis, the medical gaslighting she experienced, and how chronic pain shaped her mental health, career path, and ultimately her decision to have a hysterectomy. We also dive into how endometriosis shows up in the workplace, the shame many feel when symptoms interfere with work, and why self-advocacy is critical when something doesn’t feel right.  Beyond health, Dana talks about the struggles dental hygiene students face today, burnout culture in dentistry, and how she created Dental Hygiene Basics to support students who need help passing boards and navigating school. In this episode we cover: What endometriosis actually is—and why it’s so hard to diagnoseCommon symptoms: pelvic pain, fatigue, bowel & urinary issues, “endo belly”Why imaging often misses lesions delaying diagnosisMedical gaslighting and learning to trust your bodyWorking full-time with severe periods and chronic painBurnout culture in hygiene school and in practiceCareer options outside the operatory and transferable RDH skills If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the medical system, exhausted in the operatory, or unsure what’s “normal” with your body—this conversation is for you. About Dana Connect with Dana: @dentalhygienebasics on Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube  The Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast : https://www.dentalhygienebasics.com/podcast To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click here for my free intro course 🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    58 min
  5. Ep 85: Your Best Years Aren’t Behind You In Midlife (Here’s Why)

    13 FEB

    Ep 85: Your Best Years Aren’t Behind You In Midlife (Here’s Why)

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Maggie Topham, integrative health coach and passionate advocate for helping women thrive in midlife. Maggie shares her powerful personal journey—from feeling lost, exhausted, and “fluffy” in her 40s to rebuilding her health through blood sugar awareness, strength training, and a muscle-centric approach to living. We talk about why what worked in our 20s stops working in perimenopause, how endless cardio can backfire, and why protein + lifting are the real game changers.  Maggie also gets real about GLP-1 medications, hormone therapy (especially testosterone!), and how to get out of the cycle of dieting and punishment workouts. If you’ve ever felt like your body isn’t your own anymore, this conversation will give you hope—and a practical roadmap to feel strong, confident, and energized again. We cover: Why midlife weight gain is metabolic, not a willpower problemHow Maggie went from size 16 → 0 without extreme dietingThe truth about cardio vs. strength training after 40Protein targets and how Maggie structures her day of eatingInsulin resistance, CGMs, and blood sugar basicsTestosterone for women and the mental health connectionGLP-1 pros, cons, and what scares us mostHow to start lifting—even if the gym intimidates youIf you’re tired of being told “this is just aging,” this episode is for you. About Maggie Connect with Maggie: Instagram: func_health TikTok @maggie.top Facebook: func.Health Warrior Babe Dynamic Health Institute To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes. Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click here for my free intro course 🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    1hr 3min
  6. Ep 84: Sleeping but Still Exhausted? What’s Really Disrupting Your Sleep

    6 FEB

    Ep 84: Sleeping but Still Exhausted? What’s Really Disrupting Your Sleep

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Dr. Meredith Broderick, a neurologist and board-certified sleep and behavioral sleep medicine specialist, to break down what actually matters when it comes to sleep. We talk about why waking up at 2–3 a.m. is so common, how sleep architecture really works, and why chasing “perfect” sleep scores can backfire. Dr. Broderick also explains sleep apnea beyond the outdated stereotype, why women are often underdiagnosed, and what treatment options exist beyond CPAP. We also dig into: Why sleep trackers can help — and when they hurtAlcohol, THC, and sleep: what no one tells youMelatonin, sleeping pills, and what actually worksWhy airway health in kids matters more than we thinkThe surprising role GLP-1 medications play in sleep apnea If sleep feels confusing, frustrating, or broken — this episode will help! About Dr Meredith Connect with Dr Meredith: @SleepDoctorMer on Instagram and TikTok   Website: https://soundsleepguru.com/ To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click here for my free intro course 🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    54 min
  7. Ep 83: Why Screens Are Ruining Our Vision (And What To Do About It)

    30 JAN

    Ep 83: Why Screens Are Ruining Our Vision (And What To Do About It)

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a functional optometrist and founder of MyVisionFirst, to talk about something most of us never learned: the difference between eyesight and vision — and why it matters far more than we realize. We dive into how the eye–brain connection impacts everything from driving anxiety and dizziness to screen fatigue, learning challenges, ADHD-like symptoms, and even athletic performance. Dr. B explains why 20/20 eyesight doesn’t mean your visual system is working well, how screens are reshaping our brains and vision, and why so many symptoms get missed or misdiagnosed. I also share my personal experience with sudden vertigo while driving — and how vision therapy changed everything. You’ll learn: The difference between eyesight and vision (and why most doctors don’t explain it)Why screens, loupes, and near work stress the visual systemSigns your symptoms may be vision-related (motion sickness, fatigue, anxiety, reading issues)Simple daily vision exercises you can do at homeHow vision therapy supports driving confidence, focus, and brain healthWhy kids and adults alike should be screened for functional vision issues👉 Special offer: Dr. B is offering listeners $200 off his ScreenFit program with code STRAIGHTUP  Website: https://myvisionfirst.com/ About Dr Appelbaum Connect with Dr B: Instagram: @drbryceappelbaum Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drbryceappelbaum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myvisionfirstoptometry Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bryce-appelbaum/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.bryceappelbaum To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click here for my free intro course 🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    58 min
  8. Ep 82: Why Most Dental Practices Struggle—and How To Fix It

    9 JAN

    Ep 82: Why Most Dental Practices Struggle—and How To Fix It

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Dr. David Rice—dentist, coach, and founder of Ignite DDS—for a real, honest conversation about leadership, practice ownership, hygiene value, and the future of dentistry. Dr. Rice shares what he would do differently if he were starting over as a practice owner, why leadership is the missing link in most dental practices, and how both dentists and hygienists can create practices that are profitable and healthy to work in. We also dive into: Why leadership (not production) is the real driver of practice successThe biggest mistakes new practice owners make—and how to avoid themWhether the hygiene department is truly a “loss leader”The truth behind the hygiene shortage and rising wagesWhy production-based hygiene pay can be ethical and empoweringHow AI is changing patient trust and case acceptanceWhat the next 5–10 years of dentistry may look like This episode is a must-listen for dentists, hygienists, and practice owners who want sustainable growth, stronger teams, and less tension inside their practices. 👉 Listen to the full episode now and share it with a colleague who needs this perspective. To watch on YouTube, click here About David Connect with David: Website @ignitedds @futuredentists @drdavidrice Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.   Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click here for my free intro course 🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    53 min
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About

 Your podcast for real tips on healthy posture, healthy habits, and a healthy life! 

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Botts
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Straight Up With Steph
  • Show Website
    Straight Up With Steph

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