Strong + Unfiltered

Danielle Kepics

Bringing stories and experiences of grit, strength, humor + hope to help others live the life they've imagined through strength in mind, body and soul. Weekly discussions from medicine, fitness, nutrition, love, loss, overcoming adversity and everything in between. Danielle is a board certified physician assistant, certified nutrition coach and former counselor and personal trainer. Her passion lies in bringing information and content forward in conversation to help others live without limits and inspire them to know they can do difficult things. She is a partner, fur baby mom, lover of the outdoors + adventure, a fitness and nutrition enthusiast and a woman who isn't afraid to speak her damn mind.

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 242: Is it Binge Eating…Or Are You Under Eating? Bigorexia, Diet Culture Lies + Gym Fears.

    Alexa Larangeira is a Registered Dietitian with expertise in managing metabolic and gut health, and a personal goal of improving her patients' quality of life. She specializes in disorders of the gut-brain axis and insulin resistance, using a weight-neutral, evidence-based approach that prioritizes sustainability over restriction and short-term gain. Known for being both clinically sharp, nonjudgmental, and unapologetically real, Alexa helps clients feel better in their bodies without spiraling into rigid food rules, fear, or perfectionism. She challenges diet culture while still honoring metabolic health — blending science, compassion, and lived experience to create meaningful, lasting change. Alexa believes strength isn't about shrinking yourself or chasing control — it's about building resilience, body trust, and measurable health outcomes. WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT: Why many women are afraid to go to the gym, and how gym culture impacts body image GLP-1 companies marketing to people with eating disorders, and why that's dangerous Is it actually binge eating, or are you chronically under-fueling? What MUST be in place before starting GLP-1 medications (nutrition, strength training, mental health support) Why yo-yo dieting and weight cycling are harming your metabolism Why muscle mass should be treated like a vital sign The rise in male eating disorders and body image pressure Bigorexia explained: what muscle dysmorphia really is Long-term safety concerns with peptides and unregulated weight loss compounds Why food sensitivity testing is misleading (and often useless) Subtle signs of disordered eating most people miss Alkaline water myths, and what actually matters for hydration Do you really need electrolytes, or is it just marketing? Is fast food actually cheaper than healthy eating? Let's look at the numbers Why most people need fewer supplements, not more (our top 4 essentials) Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Learn more about working with Alexa Follow Alexa on IG

    1h 47m
  2. MAR 2

    EP 241: Looking for HRT in Utah? Why Women Need Testosterone + What No One is Saying About Food Noise

    Jess Wallace - adventure host, travel lover, online business manager, teacher turned entrepreneur and promoter of living a big, authentic + full life is back on the pod!  She specializes in helping female entrepreneurs thrive in their businesses.  Jess and Danielle host all women adventure trips to create a space for women to connect, see the world together, make lifelong friends, and unlock core memories.  We love getting women outside, connecting, adventuring, betting on themselves, taking up space, doing it scared, building confidence, living big + chasing magic. In this episode, we chat about:  The personal announcement I've been sitting on (and why it matters) Why women need testosterone, too, especially in perimenopause and beyond How to find HRT in Utah, and what to look for in a hormone provider Supporting small businesses: why your referrals and shares actually matter Facts don't care about your feelings. Even when it comes to health and nutrition. Internet meltdowns vs real activism in wellness spaces Why "food noise" might actually be under-eating and poor nourishment The ongoing issues with GLP-1 medications and metabolic health Behind the scenes of building a scrappy health business Join us in Patagonia November 2026   Follow Empowered Medicine Schedule a Consult Call with Danielle Join the adventure party in Patagonia with Jess + Danielle Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Follow Jess on IG

    1h 15m
  3. FEB 23

    EP 240: Is Sitting the New Smoking? Back Pain, Surgery Myths & What Actually Fixes It

    Kira Roe is a chiropractor who graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in 2024. She currently practices in Florida, where she focuses on pregnancy and pediatric care and enjoys working with young athletes to help them stay healthy and active. Kira takes a whole-body approach to care, recognizing that true healing happens when every system of the body is considered. She is passionate about identifying and addressing the root cause of issues rather than simply treating symptoms, helping her patients achieve lasting wellness and optimal performance.   WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT: Is sitting really "the new smoking"? The impact of sedentary lifestyles on back pain and metabolic health Why being sedentary is one of the biggest drivers of chronic pain How strength training and athleticism protect you from injury Why avoiding movement actually makes back pain worse The truth about chiropractic adjustments, nothing is being "put back in place" How building muscle improves chronic low back pain When back surgery is necessary and when it might not be TRT in men: benefits, risks, and when testosterone replacement may be harming you Peptides and musculoskeletal recovery, hype vs reality The pressure on healthcare providers to sacrifice their own health Chiropractic care during pregnancy: what to look for in a provider Adjustments to avoid during pregnancy, including labor-inducing techniques Can chiropractic help with uterine positioning and pelvic alignment? Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Follow Kira on IG

    1h 8m
  4. FEB 9

    EP 238: Let's Talk Hormones, Anxiety, and the Messy State of Healthcare

    Jess Wallace - adventure host, travel lover, online business manager, teacher turned entrepreneur and promoter of living a big, authentic + full life is back on the pod!  She specializes in helping female entrepreneurs thrive in their businesses.  Jess and Danielle host all women adventure trips to create a space for women to connect, see the world together, make lifelong friends, and unlock core memories.  We love getting women outside, connecting, adventuring, betting on themselves, taking up space, doing it scared, building confidence, living big + chasing magic. In this episode, we chat about:  Why people are being pushed toward "dialysis" without true kidney failure (and what that says about modern medicine) Oprah, the "obesity gene" narrative, and why oversimplified genetics are doing real harm How GLP-1 medications can worsen or mask disordered eating behaviors Why GLP-1s don't fix metabolic dysfunction, they just mute the symptoms The number one, actually useful recommendation for anxiety (hint: it's not another supplement) Why relying on insurance-driven healthcare keeps people stuck and under-treated What most people are missing when they say "I've tried everything" for metabolic health Real talk on Jess's hormone journey, labs, symptoms,  etc How metabolism, hormones, mental health, and nutrition are deeply interconnected A brief but necessary detour into the Helen Keller conspiracy discourse (because the internet is wild)   Get more info about Mindset. Movement. Metabolism Group Coaching!  Schedule a Consult Call with Danielle Join the adventure party in Patagonia with Jess + Danielle Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Follow Jess on IG

    1h 6m
  5. FEB 2

    EP 237: Histamine Intolerance, MCAS, Long COVID & Hormone Symptoms: What Women Are Missing

    Megan Crozier is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner specializing in women's hormones, digestion, and metabolism. She helps health-conscious women who feel like they're "doing everything right" uncover the real why behind symptoms like bloating, low energy, PMS, mood issues, and stubborn weight changes—so they can stop relying on trendy diets and finally get real answers. Her work combines functional lab testing with an individualized, root-cause nutrition approach that supports the whole body and prioritizes sustainable, non-restrictive habits.   In this episode we chat about:  Long COVID symptoms in women and why histamine issues are often missed Histamine intolerance vs MCAS: how to tell which one you're dealing with Hormone fluctuations and histamine: why your menstrual cycle can worsen symptoms Why ovulation can make you feel sick, anxious, inflamed, or exhausted Why gut healing protocols and DIY gut fixes don't always work for histamine or MCAS Supplements that backfire in histamine intolerance and mast cell conditions Why "trying everything" isn't the same as addressing root causes The connection between trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and physical symptoms Why exercise isn't always a healthy coping mechanism (even if it feels productive) A real talk moment: why we treat our dogs' health better than our own and what that says about wellness culture Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Learn more about working with Megan Follow Megan on IG

    1h 22m
  6. JAN 26

    EP 236: Ozempic, Diet Culture & Strength Training: What Fitness Is Getting Very Wrong

    Meet Caitlin Birnie! She was born and raised in Massachusetts, where she currently lives with her husband and 2 daughters (5 & 3) . She's a former athlete and marathon runner who fell in love with strength training. Now she's just trying to find the easiest way to balance training, running, nutrition and life. Caitlin has been in the fitness industry as a personal trainer & nutrition coach for 10+ years. And in 2020 her own business Footloose Fitness was born. Caitlin coaches women to build simple sustainable habits that improve their relationship with food & exercise through macros and lifting so they can simplify fitness.   In this episode we chat about: When tube tops (and titty tube tops) came back in style and why gym fashion got weird Modest Mouse trauma and how nostalgia sneaks into millennial fitness culture Gym culture shifts: matching workout sets, wedgies, and the aesthetics-over-results era How to choose the right gym for your goals (and avoid fitness cults) What strength training is NOT (F45 and Orangetheory girlies, please listen) Have you tried actually nourishing yourself? Under-eating and its impact on workouts Is it food noise or are you under-fueled? How to tell the difference Macro tracking myths: why you don't need to track macros to get strong Why I told a client to eat a donut every morning (yes, this is nutrition advice) How to tell if you actually had a good workout (not just a hard one) Signs you had an effective workout without wrecking your body Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Learn more about working with Caitlin Follow Cailtin on IG

    1h 18m
4.9
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

Bringing stories and experiences of grit, strength, humor + hope to help others live the life they've imagined through strength in mind, body and soul. Weekly discussions from medicine, fitness, nutrition, love, loss, overcoming adversity and everything in between. Danielle is a board certified physician assistant, certified nutrition coach and former counselor and personal trainer. Her passion lies in bringing information and content forward in conversation to help others live without limits and inspire them to know they can do difficult things. She is a partner, fur baby mom, lover of the outdoors + adventure, a fitness and nutrition enthusiast and a woman who isn't afraid to speak her damn mind.

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