Thrive where you are

kellieberst

Join us for engaging conversations about complete wellness, exploring how your everyday choices impact your overall health. We focus on well-rounded living, discussing topics like food, toxins, and healthcare options, all aimed at addressing root causes. We also delve into parenting, work-life balance, and the importance of embracing traditional values. Whether you’re a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just starting your journey, our podcast is your go-to resource for cultivating a vibrant, balanced life. Tune in and discover how to thrive exactly where you are!

  1. 2025-03-04

    Prescription for Tragedy: Kim Witczak's Fight for SSRI Transparency

    In this episode, I interview Kim Witczak, a national drug safety advocate whose advocacy was ignited by the tragic loss of her husband due to an undisclosed side effect of an antidepressant. The conversation delves into the over prescription of SSRIs, the lack of informed consent, and the serious risks associated with these medications. Kim shares her personal journey from a grieving spouse to a passionate advocate for drug safety, highlighting the challenges she faced in pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry. The discussion also touches on the ongoing mental health crisis and the implications of antidepressant use in society. In this conversation, Kim and I delve into the complexities of mental health treatment, particularly focusing on the reliance of SSRIs and the need for a more holistic approach. We discuss the challenges faced by patients in emergency departments, the implications of prescribing medications to children, and the societal pressures that contribute to the cycle of medication dependency. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of advocacy, personal empowerment, and the necessity of addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.   Takeaways Kim became an advocate after losing her husband Woody. Woody was prescribed Zoloft for insomnia without proper informed consent. There were no warnings about the risks of antidepressants at the time. The FDA often dismisses anecdotal evidence in favor of clinical trials. Many doctors trust the FDA and pharmaceutical companies blindly. The black box warning was a significant achievement for drug safety. The mental health crisis is worsening despite increased antidepressant use. Informed consent is crucial for patients on psychotropic medications. The conversation around antidepressants needs to be more transparent. The reliance on psychotropic medications can perpetuate cycles of mental health issues. A holistic approach to mental health includes nutrition, exercise, and spiritual health. SSRIs may have links to violence that warrant further investigation. Children can be prescribed medications without parental consent, raising ethical concerns. Advocacy and personal empowerment are crucial in the fight for better mental health care. The pharmaceutical industry often prioritizes profit over patient well-being. Mental health campaigns may inadvertently glamorize mental illness. Conversations about mental health need to include uncomfortable truths. Every individual has the power to make a difference in mental health advocacy.   Learn more from Kim Witczak: https://www.kimwitczak.com/ Instagram: @kim_witczak

    56 min
  2. 2024-12-24

    Organ Meats Redefined: From Ancestral Wisdom to Modern Living

    Are you curious about the buzz around organ meats but unsure how to incorporate them into your diet? In this episode, I sit down with James Barry, founder of Pluck, to discuss the nutritional powerhouse that is organ meat and how his innovative seasoning blend is making it accessible, delicious, and simple for everyone. We explore why organ meats have been called "nature's multivitamin," how to overcome the stigma surrounding them, and easy ways to start adding them to your meals—even if you're a beginner. Stick around until the end for an exclusive discount code for Pluck products! What You'll Learn in This Episode: The incredible health benefits of organ meats and why they’re considered “nature’s multivitamin.” The story behind Pluck and how it was created to make organ meats approachable for everyone. Easy, practical tips for incorporating organ meats into everyday meals (even if you're squeamish!). Why organ meats are a sustainable and ethical choice for health-conscious eaters. An exclusive coupon code to try Pluck for yourself. Resources and Links Mentioned: Pluck Website: https://www.eatpluck.com Follow Pluck on Instagram: @eatpluck Exclusive Discount Code: THRIVE for 15% off your order Join the Conversation: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! Leave a review if you love what you heard! Follow me on Instagram for more wellness tips @kellie_berst

    1h 6m

About

Join us for engaging conversations about complete wellness, exploring how your everyday choices impact your overall health. We focus on well-rounded living, discussing topics like food, toxins, and healthcare options, all aimed at addressing root causes. We also delve into parenting, work-life balance, and the importance of embracing traditional values. Whether you’re a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just starting your journey, our podcast is your go-to resource for cultivating a vibrant, balanced life. Tune in and discover how to thrive exactly where you are!