Ladies, Cut the Crap! : Women’s health made simple: hormones, fatigue, weight, and wellness

Ashely Bagni
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Ladies, Cut the Crap! is your direct approach to help women in their 40’s, unpack and demystify their health so that they can finally look and feel the way they want without feeling like it's so hard. Learn how the body works, so you can to take yourself to the next level, whether your trying to lose weight, get your energy back, or improve your health.You will get practical tip and ideas that you can actually implement in your busy life. Join me!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    The Belief Loop That’s Sabotaging Your Health

    What if the reason you keep starting over… isn’t your discipline—but your beliefs? The way you think about yourself—your habits, your consistency, your identity—quietly shapes every decision you make. And most of the time, you’re not even aware it’s happening. In this episode, we break down how your brain builds beliefs, how those beliefs turn into thoughts, and how those thoughts drive your behaviors—creating a loop that can either support your health… or keep you stuck. Because the truth is, your habits aren’t random.  They’re reflections of the story you’ve been telling yourself. In this episode:  How beliefs are formed (and why your brain clings to them)  The belief → thought → behavior loop  Why habits feel so hard to change  How identity shapes your health choices  The role of confirmation bias in keeping you stuck  Simple ways to start shifting your beliefs You’ll also learn why this isn’t about more discipline—and why trying to “fix the behavior” often doesn’t work long-term. Real change starts by going deeper. Because you are not your past patterns. And you are not stuck with the story you’ve been repeating. Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    34 min

  2. 21 APR

    The Stress Chain Reaction: How Stress Impacts Your Body (and Weight)

    Stress isn’t just something you feel—it’s something your body responds to in a predictable chain reaction. In this episode, we break down what actually happens inside your body when you experience stress—and why it can impact your energy, hunger, cravings, and even fat storage. From a single stressful moment (like an email or running late), your body kicks off a powerful sequence:  stress → cortisol → blood sugar → insulin → fat storage And here’s the key: your body doesn’t know the difference between a real physical threat and modern-day stress. To your biology, traffic, emails, and deadlines can feel the same as danger. We walk through each step of this process so you can understand why stress feels like it affects everything—and more importantly, what you can do about it. In this episode:  The 5-step stress chain reaction inside your body  Why cortisol is not the enemy (and why you need it)  How stress raises blood sugar—even without food  Why unused energy can get stored as fat  The mismatch between modern stress and human biology  Simple ways to interrupt the stress cycle You’ll also learn why movement is one of the most powerful tools to regulate stress—because your body was designed to move in response to it. This isn’t about eliminating stress.  It’s about understanding it—and learning how to support your body through it. Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    25 min

  3. 7 APR

    The 3 Types of Hunger

    If you’ve ever felt hungry and wondered “What is wrong with me?”—this episode will change how you see it. Hunger isn’t a lack of discipline. It’s a biological signal driven by your brain, hormones, and environment. In this episode, we break down what hunger actually is and why it can feel so hard to control. You’ll learn how key hormones like ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and GLP-1 regulate appetite—and why your brain is the real decision-maker. More importantly, we cover the three types of hunger: Homeostatic (true energy need) Hedonic (pleasure-driven) Conditioned (habit-based) Understanding the difference is what gives you power. We also explore how ultra-processed foods, sleep, and stress disrupt hunger signals—and what you can do to better regulate your appetite without restriction. In this episode:  What hunger actually is  The hormones behind appetite  The 3 types of hunger  How processed foods impact hunger  Why sleep and stress matter This isn’t about fighting your hunger—it’s about understanding it so you can make more informed choices. References:  Batterham RL et al. (2002). Gut hormone PYY(3-36) physiologically inhibits food intake. Nature. Cummings DE et al. (2001). A preprandial rise in plasma ghrelin levels suggests a role in meal initiation. Diabetes. Friedman JM & Halaas JL (1998). Leptin and the regulation of body weight. Nature. Hall KD et al. (2019). Ultra-processed diets cause excess calorie intake and weight gain. Cell Metabolism. Leidy HJ et al. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. AJCN. Martinez Steele E et al. (2016). Ultra-processed foods in the US diet. BMJ Open. Monteiro CA et al. (2019). Ultra-processed foods: What they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutrition. Morton GJ et al. (2006). Central nervous system control of food intake. Nature. Schwartz MW et al. (2000). Central nervous system control of food intake. Nature. Spiegel K et al. (2004). Sleep curtailment… decreased leptin and increased hunger. Annals of Internal Medicine. Volkow ND et al. (2013). Obesity and addiction: Neurobiological overlaps. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Wang L et al. (2021). Trends in ultra-processed food consumption. JAMA. Woods SC (1991). The eating paradox. Psychological Review.  Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    30 min

  4. 24 MAR

    The 4 Phases of Perimenopause

    Perimenopause isn’t one moment—it’s a multi-year transition, and most women have no idea what’s actually happening in their bodies. In this episode, we break down the four phases of perimenopause in a clear, science-backed way—so you can stop guessing, stop panicking, and start understanding what your body is doing. You’ll learn why menopause itself is just one single day, why everything leading up to it can feel chaotic, and how this phase is best understood as reverse puberty—your hormones shifting, not failing. We walk through what’s happening hormonally in each phase, what symptoms you might notice, and how long each stage typically lasts. Most importantly, you’ll learn that this is temporary—not something that lasts forever. In this episode: What perimenopause actually is (and what it isn’t)  The 4 phases and how to identify where you are  Why your hormones feel unpredictable (and why that’s normal)  What changes to expect with your cycle over time  Why tracking your cycle is one of the most powerful tools you have  The difference between “something is wrong” vs. “this is a transition” We also cover how to support your body through this phase by focusing on what actually matters:  nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. Because you don’t need to fix your hormones—you need to support your body through the transition. You’re not broken. You’re evolving. Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    31 min

  5. 10 MAR

    Why Staying Healthy Feels So Hard

    Ever feel like staying healthy today requires constant effort, planning, and discipline? You’re not imagining it. Modern life is designed in ways that make health harder than it used to be. From ultra-processed foods and sedentary jobs to a culture built around convenience and constant access to calories, our environment often works against our biology. In this episode, we break down why maintaining your health today can feel like an uphill battle—and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re navigating what public health researchers call an “obesogenic environment”: surroundings that make overconsumption easy and physical activity harder. You’ll learn how changes in our food system, movement patterns, and daily routines have reshaped the health landscape—and most importantly, what you can do about it. In this episode: Why modern environments promote overeatingHow ultra-processed foods increase calorie intakeWhy sedentary lifestyles changed daily energy expenditureThe hidden role of convenience and “friction” in eating behaviorWhy health requires more intention todayFive practical strategies to make healthy choices easierThe goal isn’t perfection—it’s awareness and creating an environment that supports your health instead of working against it. You’re not failing. You’re navigating a system that wasn’t built for human health.  References Baumeister, R. F., et al. (1998). Ego depletion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Ducrot, P., et al. (2017). Meal planning, diet quality and body weight. Int. Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Hall, K. D., et al. (2019). Ultra-processed diets increase calorie intake and weight gain. Cell Metabolism. Juul, F., et al. (2022). Ultra-processed food consumption and obesity in the U.S. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Levine, J. A. (2002). Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. Martínez Steele, E., et al. (2016). Ultra-processed foods and added sugars in the U.S. diet. BMJ Open. Matthews, C. E., et al. (2008). Sedentary behavior and health outcomes. American Journal of Epidemiology. Pontzer, H. (2015). Constrained energy expenditure model. Current Biology. Pontzer, H. (2021). Burn: New Research Blows the Lid Off How We Really Burn Calories. Swinburn, B., et al. (1999). Obesogenic environments. Preventive Medicine. Young, L. R., & Nestle, M. (2002). Expanding portion sizes. American Journal of Public Health. Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    40 min

  6. 24 FEB

    The Missing Piece in Women’s Health

    Protein gets all the attention. Fiber quietly runs the show. In this episode, we’re breaking down why fiber is one of the most overlooked — yet most powerful — nutrients for women’s health. This isn’t about “eat your broccoli” or taking a scoop of Metamucil and calling it a day. This is about understanding what fiber actually does inside your body. You’ll learn how fiber feeds your gut microbiome, supports short-chain fatty acid production, improves glucose regulation, lowers cardiovascular risk, and plays a critical role in estrogen metabolism. Yes — fiber influences how your body clears estrogen. And that matters more than most women realize. We also cover why most women are drastically under-consuming fiber (averaging only 14–15g per day), what optimal intake really looks like, and how to increase it without wrecking your digestion. If you’ve been focused on protein but ignoring plants, this episode will shift your perspective. In this episode: What fiber actually is (and what it isn’t)The difference between soluble, insoluble, and fermentable fiberHow fiber supports your microbiome and immune systemThe connection between fiber and estrogen metabolismWhy low fiber intake impacts cardiovascular and metabolic healthHow to increase fiber safely (without bloating yourself into misery)Simple food-first strategies to hit 25–30g per dayFiber isn’t trendy. It’s foundational. Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    32 min

  7. 10 FEB

    What to Focus on When the Scale Isn’t Moving

    If you’ve ever stepped on the scale, looked at your Apple Watch, or checked your labs and immediately felt like a failure—you’re not alone. But those numbers? They’re not the truth. They’re just feedback. In this episode, I’m challenging the way we’ve been trained to “play to the scoreboard”—letting data points like weight, body fat, or blood sugar control how we feel about ourselves and our progress. The truth? Those numbers are lagging indicators. They reflect months of behavior—not today’s effort. So when your outcomes aren’t moving fast enough (or not at all), it’s not a sign to quit. It’s a sign to zoom out, refocus, and double down on the habits that truly drive change. We’re talking science-backed strategies for staying grounded, building momentum, and letting your behavior—not your body metrics—guide your next step. You’ll learn: Why health metrics often reflect the past, not the presentWhat makes weight, glucose, and body fat misleading in the short termHow stress can hijack your results—physically and emotionallyThe power of process-based goals (and how to build them)What to track instead—and how to spot what’s actually workingThe 4 rules to stop obsessing and start making real progressLet’s stop letting the scoreboard dictate your worth—and start building a plan that works. Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    29 min

  8. 27 JAN

    The Truth About GLP-1s, Weight Loss, and Rebound Gain

    You’ve probably heard of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide—and maybe you’ve even wondered, “Should I be on one of these?” This conversation is my honest, compassionate take on these powerful weight loss medications: not medical advice, not fear-mongering, and definitely not hype. In this episode, I unpack what GLP-1 receptor agonists (a class of anorectic drugs) really are, how they work, why they’re so effective for fat loss—and what most people don’t realize about what happens when you stop taking them. I’ll walk through recent research, potential side effects, and the rebound weight gain that happens to so many… not because you failed, but because of basic human physiology. This is a supportive conversation for anyone who's considering these medications, already using them, or just wants to better understand their role in the weight loss space. And while there’s no shame in using tools like these, lifestyle change still has to be the foundation. Always. What we go over: What GLP-1 drugs actually do in your bodyWhat happens after you stop taking them (and why)Why muscle loss and metabolic slowdown are often overlookedThe importance of strength training, protein, and movement—even with medsWhy long-term success still comes down to habits, not just prescriptionsHow to think critically and compassionately about weight loss toolsThese drugs are effective—but they’re not magic. Let’s have the real conversation. Sources: Quarenghi M, Capelli S, Galligani G, Giana A, Preatoni G, Turri Quarenghi R. Weight Regain After Liraglutide, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Interruption: A Narrative Review of Randomized Studies. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 14(11):3791. Weight Regain After Liraglutide, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Interruption: A Narrative Review of Randomized Studies Sun Q. (2026). Weight regain after cessation of GLP-1 drugs. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 392, r2586. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.r2586 West S, Scragg J, Aveyard P, Oke J L, Willis L, Haffner S J P et al. Weight regain after cessation of medication for weight management: systematic review and meta-analysis BMJ 2026; 392 :e085304 doi:10.1136/bmj-2025-085304 Support the show Get Weekly Health Tips:  thrivehealthcoachllc.com Join the Thrive Collective Facebook group Let's Connect:@‌ashleythrivehealthcoach or via email: ashley@thrivehealthcoachingllc.com Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

    25 min
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Ladies, Cut the Crap! is your direct approach to help women in their 40’s, unpack and demystify their health so that they can finally look and feel the way they want without feeling like it's so hard. Learn how the body works, so you can to take yourself to the next level, whether your trying to lose weight, get your energy back, or improve your health.You will get practical tip and ideas that you can actually implement in your busy life. Join me!

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