The Flourishing Life Podcast

Jackie Tewes, Tad Tewes

The Flourishing Life Podcast is brought to you by Jackie and Tad Tewes, owners of Flourish Medical + Wellness clinic in Savage, MN. Tune in as they share what they see on the daily in the clinic and provide up-to-date therapeutics and strategies for healthy aging. This podcast will focus on foundational medicine- restoring and replenishing the body to the way it was created for optimal functioning, even with age. With thousands of patients treated each year, they have become pattern recognition specialists who focus on individualized care, hormone mimicry and optimization, and healthy habits.

  1. 2 Aug

    Episode 27: Your Eyes Are Telling a Bigger Story: Hormones, Dry Eye & Foundational Healing with Dr. Mindy Torres

    In this episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie sits down with optometrist and practice owner Dr. Mindy Torres of Salt & Light Eye Care to explore the powerful connection between eye health, hormones, inflammation, and whole-body wellness. Far too often, women are told that burning eyes, blurred vision, fatigue, or dryness are simply "part of aging." But what if your eyes are actually revealing clues about what's happening throughout your entire body? Together, Jackie and Dr. Mindy discuss why hormones are essential for healthy eyes, how menopause and perimenopause can dramatically impact vision, and why treating symptoms without addressing the root cause often leaves patients frustrated. The conversation also takes an honest look at today's healthcare system, insurance-driven medicine, and the importance of empowering patients to become active participants in their own health journey. Most importantly, they share how their faith in Christ shapes the way they care for patients—providing not only excellent medical care but hope and healing as well. Why dry eye is often more than just an eye problem The surprising connection between hormones and vision How menopause and perimenopause affect eye health Why inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and hormone deficiencies often overlap What your eye exam can reveal about your overall health The difference between "normal" lab values and truly optimal health Why many patients continue to have symptoms despite being told their labs are "normal" How insurance-driven healthcare impacts patient care and provider decision-making Practical habits that support healthy eyes, including hydration, sleep, nutrition, protein intake, and screen habits Why whole-body, foundational medicine produces better long-term outcomes How faith influences the way both Jackie and Dr. Mindy practice medicine ✨ Your eyes are one of the few organs that allow providers to directly observe blood vessels and nerve tissue, making them an incredible window into overall health. ✨ Hormones help nourish and protect many organs—including your eyes. As hormone levels decline, symptoms such as dry eye, inflammation, and vision changes become increasingly common. ✨ "Normal" lab values don't always mean your body is functioning optimally. Listening to symptoms matters. ✨ Lasting healing happens when we look beyond isolated symptoms and support the body's foundation. ✨ Patients deserve time, education, and partnership—not simply a diagnosis and prescription. Salt & Light Eye Care & Aesthetics🌐 SaltAndLightEyeCare.com📱 Follow Dr. Mindy on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for eye health education and encouragement. If you're struggling with hormone symptoms, fatigue, inflammation, or simply don't feel like yourself—even after being told your labs are "normal"—our team would love to help you uncover the root cause and create a personalized plan for healing. 🌿 Learn more at Flourish Medical + Wellness. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that their symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. Every share helps us continue our mission of bringing hope, education, and foundational healing to more people.

  2. 12 Jul

    Episode 26: Behind the Growth: The Loss, the Accident & the Faith That Built Flourish

    Five years ago, Flourish Medical + Wellness began with a calling, a leap of faith, and absolutely no idea where God would lead us. In this special anniversary episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Tad and Jackie look back on the incredible journey of building Flourish from the ground up—from seeing their first patients in a small clinic in Prior Lake to growing a team, moving into a new space, caring for thousands of patients, launching a podcast, opening The Flourish Collective, stepping onto larger stages, and continuing to expand the mission of Flourish. But this episode is about much more than business growth. Tad and Jackie share the real, behind-the-scenes story of the last five years: the moments of uncertainty, unexpected loss, Tad’s serious car accident just days before opening the new clinic, long nights, growing pains, incredible team members, faithful patients, and the unmistakable ways God provided the right people, opportunities, protection, and direction at exactly the right time. They also reflect on the foundation that has remained unchanged since day one: listening to patients, treating the whole person, pursuing meaningful results, and creating a different kind of healthcare experience—one rooted in relationships, foundational medicine, faith, and the belief that people deserve better answers for their health. As Flourish celebrates five years, Jackie and Tad also look toward the future, including new opportunities to give back, expand education, mentor and train other medical providers, and equip practitioners across the country with the clinical frameworks and foundational approach to medicine that God has spent years developing through Flourish. This episode is a celebration of five years—but even more, it is a testimony of what can happen when you say yes before you know exactly where God is leading. In this episode, we discuss: How God called Jackie to start Flourish Medical + Wellness Starting a medical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic with no business background The people God strategically placed along the way Tad’s decision to leave a stable career and join Flourish full-time The rapid growth of the clinic and the incredible team behind it Losing Jackie’s father just weeks before moving into the new clinic Tad’s serious car accident days before the clinic was scheduled to open Building the new Flourish location on a foundation of prayer and faith The launch of The Flourishing Life Podcast, The Flourish Collective, and Flourish Insight Nights Stepping onto larger stages and educating other healthcare providers The responsibility to use growth and success to serve others and give back Jackie’s growing calling to teach other medical providers The Flourish Method What the next five years of Flourish may hold To every patient who has trusted us with your health, every team member who has helped carry this mission, every person who has prayed for us, supported us, referred a friend, listened to the podcast, attended an event, or simply encouraged us along the way—thank you. We are incredibly grateful for the last five years. And as we look toward the future, one thing remains certain: we will keep showing up, keep listening, keep serving, and keep following wherever God leads next. Here’s to five years of Flourish—and to everything still to come.

  3. 27 Jun

    Episode 25: Bonus Episode - Be the Man: Faith, Health & Leading with Purpose | Men’s Health Month with Pastor Zeus Vital

    In this special Men’s Health Month episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie and Tad are joined by returning guest, Pastor Zeus Vital, for a powerful and honest conversation about what it means to be a man in today’s culture. Together, they tackle the challenges modern men are facing—from distraction and comparison to isolation, burnout, and a loss of purpose—and explore how faith, physical health, and intentional living are deeply connected. This episode is a call for men to reject passivity and embrace biblical masculinity: leading with courage, serving with humility, caring for their bodies as God’s temple, and showing up fully for the people they love. The conversation also addresses why so many men silently struggle with exhaustion, emotional numbness, addictions, and disconnection, and offers practical encouragement for taking the next step toward healing and flourishing. In This Episode: The crisis of masculinity and what biblical manhood really looks like Why so many men struggle with purpose and comparison The impact of distraction, technology, and hustle culture on men’s health How spiritual health influences mental, physical, and relational well-being Why men often ignore symptoms and wait too long to ask for help The importance of brotherhood, mentorship, and community Why strong men of integrity are essential for families and society Practical habits that help men thrive spiritually, mentally, and physically How caring for your body increases your capacity to serve others and fulfill your God-given purpose Key Takeaway:You were not created to merely survive, cope, or stay distracted. You were created to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and become the man God designed you to be. Flourishing starts by intentionally stewarding your faith, your health, and your relationships—one choice at a time. For more information about foundational medicine, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity-focused care: Website: ⁠Flourish Medical + Wellness⁠ Socials: flourishmedicalwellness Follow along for educational content, podcast updates, and upcoming events.

  4. 1 Jun

    Episode 24: May Recap - The Biggest Lie in Medicine? ‘Your Labs Are Normal.

    In this month's episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie and Tad tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in healthcare today: the difference between being normal and being healthy. From hormone myths and outdated medical advice to stress, blood sugar, and environmental toxins, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and encourages listeners to become informed advocates for their own health. The discussion begins with practical summer wellness strategies, including the benefits of morning sunlight, movement, grounding, and creating a sustainable seasonal health plan. Jackie and Tad then dive into a powerful conversation about laboratory testing, explaining why "normal" lab values often represent the average American—not necessarily optimal health. They also unpack a real patient story involving outdated hormone recommendations that many women are still hearing today, including myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy and testosterone use in women. The episode explores newer research supporting long-term hormone optimization and healthy aging. Additional topics include: Why morning sunlight is one of the most powerful free health tools availableGrounding: science versus skepticismThe connection between stress, cortisol, and blood sugar regulationHow continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are helping patients better understand their metabolic healthWhy treating lab numbers alone can miss the bigger pictureThe importance of individualized medicine versus one-size-fits-all recommendationsKey takeaways from the ECO Conference, including advances in cognitive health, longevity medicine, peptides, and nervous system regulationThe surprising reality of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and environmental toxin exposure in the United StatesPractical men's health strategies for optimizing energy, metabolism, and hormone health naturallyThroughout the episode, Jackie and Tad emphasize a core Flourish principle: health isn't about chasing perfect lab numbers—it's about helping your body function the way it was designed to function. True wellness comes from building a strong foundation through nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and personalized care. "Normal does not automatically mean healthy." Many people are told their labs are normal while still struggling with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, hormone symptoms, anxiety, or declining health. Understanding what your numbers actually mean—and how they fit into the bigger picture of your health—is critical to achieving lasting wellness. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 1:2 For more information about foundational medicine, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity-focused care: Website: Flourish Medical + Wellness Socials: flourishmedicalwellness Follow along for educational content, podcast updates, and upcoming events.

  5. 18 May

    Episode 23: Bonus Episode - From Burnout to Purpose: Healing Women Through Faith & Functional Medicine with Dr. Tabatha Barber

    In this powerful and deeply faith-filled episode of The Flourishing Life Podcast, Jackie sits down with women’s health expert and functional medicine physician Dr. Tabatha Barber — known online as @gutsydoctabatha — for a conversation that will encourage, challenge, and inspire you. Dr. Tabatha vulnerably shares her incredible story of going from a teenage pregnancy and traumatic birth experience to becoming a successful OB/GYN surgeon… only to find herself completely burnt out, unhealthy, exhausted, and disconnected from the life God was calling her to live. After a life-changing health crisis and spiritual awakening, she shifted from conventional medicine into root-cause healing, functional medicine, and faith-centered wellness. Together, Jackie and Dr. Tabatha discuss: The hidden root causes behind hormone imbalance, fatigue, inflammation, and chronic illnessWhy gut health and nervous system regulation are foundational to healingThe connection between stress, adrenal dysfunction, and symptomatic perimenopause/menopauseThe importance of mindset renewal and healing emotionally & spiritually — not just physicallyWhy women are more overwhelmed and hormonally depleted than ever beforeThe danger of “infobesity” in the wellness worldHow faith, surrender, and purpose transformed both of their healing journeysThe beauty of women supporting women in health and healingDr. Tabatha also shares exciting details about her upcoming fall tour with Candace Cameron Bure and how God opened doors in ways she never expected. This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, practical health insight, and reminders that true healing involves mind, body, and spirit. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, stuck, inflamed, anxious, disconnected, or simply “not like yourself,” this conversation is for you. About Dr. Tabatha- Dr. Tabatha Barber is a former OB/GYN surgeon turned functional medicine physician, speaker, educator, podcast host, and founder of Fast to Faith. After years in conventional medicine and her own personal health struggles with burnout, Hashimoto’s, IBS, depression, and chronic inflammation, Dr. Tabatha transformed her approach to women’s healthcare by focusing on root-cause healing and whole-person wellness. Today, she helps women heal through functional medicine, hormone balancing, gut health optimization, fasting education, nervous system restoration, and faith-centered health coaching. She is passionate about empowering women to understand their bodies, reclaim their health, and live fully aligned with God’s purpose for their lives. Instagram: @gutsydoctabathaWebsite: DrTabatha.comFast to Faith: FastToFaith.comPodcast: Fast to Faith PodcastFacebook: Dr. Tabatha Barber on FacebookDr. Tabatha will be joining Candace Cameron Bure this fall for an exciting multi-city women’s tour focused on faith, wellness, encouragement, and living fully. Get your ticket today! “You have to stop carrying things God never asked you to carry.” — Dr. Tabatha Barber

  6. 16 Mar

    Episode 21: Bonus Episode - From Credit Cards to Kingdom Impact With Guest Pastor Rob Ketterling

    Summary Guest: Pastor Rob KetterlingEpisode Topic: Faith, leadership, financial stewardship, generosity, health, and living an abundant life In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Jackie and Tad sit down with Pastor Rob Ketterling, lead pastor of River Valley Church, to talk about the intersection of spiritual health, financial stewardship, leadership, generosity, resilience, and physical wellness. Pastor Rob shares the incredible story behind the founding and growth of River Valley Church—from humble beginnings, financial uncertainty, and miraculous provision, to becoming a church with a global Kingdom impact. He opens up about the lessons God taught him through seasons of adversity, thefaith required to lead in uncertainty, and why generosity is not just about money, but about living a life fully surrendered to God. The conversation also explores the connection between physical health and leadership, how taking care of your body affects your calling, and why abundant living means having overflow in every area of life. This episode is full of wisdom, honesty, encouragement, and practical truth for anyone navigating leadership, faith, purpose, stewardship, or personal growth. In this episode, we discuss: Pastor Rob’s story and how River Valley Church began Learning to trust God through financial uncertainty and miracles How adversity shapes faith and leadership The heart behind Kingdom Builders What it means to live blessed to be a blessing The story and vision behind sending 500 missionaries Physical health, stewardship, and why leaders must care for themselves The connection between abundance, overflow, and impact Leadership growth, mentoring, coaching, and lifelong learning Navigating truth, culture, and social media with biblical conviction Loving people in all directions while staying anchored in the Kingdom Key takeaways: Faith often grows in the tension of uncertainty.Some of the greatest breakthroughs come when obedience is required before the outcome is visible. Stewardship is spiritual.Whether it is finances, health, leadership, or influence, everything we have belongs to God and should be used for His purposes. Generosity multiplies.What feels small in our hands can have eternal impact when surrendered to God. Health matters for calling.Caring for your body is not vanity—it is stewardship. When leaders are healthier, they have more energy, clarity, and capacity to serve others. Leadership requires growth.To continue leading well, we must remain teachable, humble, and willing to keep growing. You do not have to do the math—just do your part.God’s economy does not work like ours. Obedience matters more than trying to control outcomes. About our guest: Pastor Rob Ketterling is the lead pastor of River Valley Church, a multi-campus church based in Minnesota with a heart for local and global missions. He is passionate about helping people know God, grow in community, discover their purpose, andmake an eternal difference. Through the vision of Kingdom Builders, River Valley has mobilized extraordinary generosity to impact communities locally, globally, and future generations. Connect with River Valley Church: To learn more about River Valley Church or Kingdom Builders, visit: rivervalley.org

  7. 9 Mar

    Episode 20: February Recap - CGMs, Mold Toxicity & More: Things your provider may not be telling you, but should be!

    Summary This episode covers the latest insights on peptides, bloodsugar management with CGMs, birth control effects, seasonal affective disorder, toxin exposure, and effective supplements. Perfect for those seeking to optimize health and understand the latest in wellness strategies.   Check out The Flourish Collective for the best, most effective wellness products we use every day with our patients. ⁠https://shop.flourishmedicalwellness.com/⁠ Omega3+CoQ10: https://shop.flourishmedicalwellness.com/products/omega3-coq10?_pos=2&_psq=co&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=45879029170332 Carboxy: https://shop.flourishmedicalwellness.com/products/carboxy?_pos=1&_psq=carb&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=45879132487836   Keywords peptides, CGM, blood sugar, birth control, seasonal affective disorder, toxins, supplements, health optimization, wellness, hormone health   Key  Topics Peptides and their role in health and longevityUsing CGMs to personalize blood sugar managementEffects of systemic birth control on hormones and gut healthStrategies to combat seasonal affective disorderToxin exposure and its link to chronic disease and cancerEffective supplements for heart health and mold detoxification    Chapters 00:00 Monthly Wellness Highlights: Topics Overview 01:45 Peptides: Regulation and Reinstatement 02:36 Understanding Peptides and Their Benefits 03:33 Using CGMs to Validate Eating Habits 04:52 How CGMs Work and Their Benefits 06:17 Impact of Late-Night Eating on Blood Sugar 07:40 Sleep, Blood Sugar, and Overall Health 09:02 Personalizing Blood Sugar Control with CGMs 10:23 Insulin Resistance and Public Health 11:40 Birth Control Options and Hormonal Impact 15:40 Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder Naturally 16:50 Vitamin D and Mood Support 19:08 Impactful Peptides for Weight Loss and Gut Health 20:44 Patient Success Stories: Body Composition and Energy 22:42 Lifestyle and Long-Term Health Optimization 24:03 Reducing Chronic Disease Through Root Cause Medicine 25:28 Bone Density Improvements with Hormone Optimization 26:52 Toxins, Mold, and Chronic Disease 30:01 Supplement of the Month: Omega 3 with CoQ10 31:07 Mold Binders and Detox Strategies

About

The Flourishing Life Podcast is brought to you by Jackie and Tad Tewes, owners of Flourish Medical + Wellness clinic in Savage, MN. Tune in as they share what they see on the daily in the clinic and provide up-to-date therapeutics and strategies for healthy aging. This podcast will focus on foundational medicine- restoring and replenishing the body to the way it was created for optimal functioning, even with age. With thousands of patients treated each year, they have become pattern recognition specialists who focus on individualized care, hormone mimicry and optimization, and healthy habits.

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