The Lifestyle MD

Dr. Angela Andrews
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

The Lifestyle MD is a podcast for people navigating the complex, beautiful, and often overwhelming season of midlife and beyond. Hosted by Dr. Angela Andrews—a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Lifestyle Medicine—this show is for those ready to reclaim their energy, clarity, and strength without burning out or giving up what matters most. Whether you're managing a busy career, caring for aging parents, raising children (or doing all three), this podcast will help you prioritize your health in a way that feels doable, not draining. Join Dr. Angela—wife, mom, DPC physician, and former competitive bodybuilder—for honest conversations, root-cause insights, and practical strategies to support your physical and emotional well-being. Each episode helps you reconnect with your body, redefine success on your own terms, and build a lifestyle that honors both your goals and your values. You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to thrive in life or in your career. This podcast is your compass for finding strength, clarity, and balance in your next chapter. Subscribe now and follow Dr. Angela on Instagram @angelalifestylemd.

  1. Jul 29

    Soundbite Episode 007: Put the Phone Away: Walk With Intention

    Send us Fan Mail Put the Phone Away: Walk With Intention We all know walking is good for our health—but how you walk matters, too. In this Lifestyle MD Soundbite, Dr. Angela explores why walking is most beneficial when you're fully present rather than distracted by your phone. Looking down at a screen changes your posture, slows your pace, and disconnects you from the environment around you. Research suggests that walking while focused on a smartphone may reduce some of the mental and emotional benefits of walking, including improvements in mood and connectedness with nature, while also altering normal walking mechanics. (mdpi.com) Dr. Angela challenges listeners to try their next walk with their phone tucked away, notifications silenced, and their attention focused on the sights, sounds, and sensations around them. (Yes—even if you're listening to this podcast!) Timestamps 00:00 Why Walking Matters 00:31 How Your Phone Changes Your Walk 01:07 What the Research Shows 01:34 Dr. Angela's Walking Challenge 01:58 Embracing a Tech-Free Walk 02:06 The Ironic Podcast Reminder 02:19 Closing Thoughts Key Takeaways Walking is one of the simplest, most effective ways to improve physical and mental health.Using a smartphone while walking encourages a slower pace, poorer posture, and changes in normal gait mechanics. (frontiersin.org)Being fully present during a walk—especially outdoors—can enhance mood, reduce negative emotions, and increase feelings of connection with nature. (mdpi.com)Putting your phone away for even one walk each day is a simple habit that can help you get more from your movement.Stay Connected 🌐 www.dpcwestmi.com 🎙️ Subscribe to The Lifestyle MD Podcast 📱 Connect with The Lifestyle MD on social media for evidence-based lifestyle medicine tips, podcast updates, and practical strategies for healthier living. References Collin R, Broadbent E. Walking with a Mobile Phone: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Effects on Mood. Psych. 2023;5(3):715–723. This randomized controlled trial found that participants who walked while using a smartphone had poorer posture, walked more slowly, experienced less improvement in mood, and reported lower connectedness with nature than those who walked without a phone. (mdpi.com)Zhang X, Li Q, Gao P, et al. The Effect of Mobile Phone Task and Age on Gait: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology. 2023;14:1163655. This meta-analysis of 22 studies found that smartphone use while walking significantly reduced gait speed, step length, and stride length while increasing step and stride time, demonstrating measurable changes in walking mechanics. (frontiersin.org)Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

  2. Jul 25

    Episode 047: Men's Health Part 3 - Mental Health & Takeaways

    Send us Fan Mail Men's Health: Recognizing Depression, Finding Root Causes, and Building Preventive Habits with Dr. John Episode Summary Depression in men doesn't always look like sadness. It often appears as irritability, withdrawal, exhaustion, loss of motivation, declining work performance, or giving up activities that once brought joy. In this episode, Dr. Angela Andrews sits down with Dr. John of Thrive Family Health to discuss why men's mental health is frequently overlooked, how to recognize the warning signs, and why addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—is essential. Together, they explore the many factors that can contribute to depression, including chronic stress, poor sleep, trauma, substance use, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and social isolation. They also discuss why self-diagnosing through the internet often delays proper treatment and how a trusted relationship with a primary care physician can help uncover what's really going on. The conversation closes with practical advice for men at every stage of adulthood—from building healthy habits in your 20s to preserving muscle, staying active, keeping up with preventive screenings, and protecting heart health later in life. What You'll Learn Why depression often looks different in men than in womenCommon warning signs that are easy to overlookMedical and lifestyle conditions that can mimic or contribute to depressionThe connection between sleep, stress, hormones, and mental healthWhen ADHD, anxiety, or bipolar disorder should be consideredWhy professional evaluation is better than self-diagnosisThe importance of purpose, relationships, and spiritual healthPractical preventive health advice for men in their 20s, 40s, and beyondKey Takeaways Depression in men often presents as irritability, withdrawal, fatigue, or decreased performance rather than sadness.Mental health symptoms deserve a thorough evaluation to identify underlying causes.Sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress management, and social connection are powerful tools for improving mental wellbeing.Therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination may all play important roles in treatment.Preventive care becomes increasingly important with age, especially for maintaining muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and recommended cancer screenings.Having an ongoing relationship with a trusted primary care physician leads to earlier detection and better long-term health.Episode Chapters 00:00 Men's Health Focus 00:51 Hidden Depression Signs 01:35 Looking Beyond the Symptoms 02:41 Sleep, Stress & Self-Medication 03:37 Irritability, Withdrawal & Burnout 04:41 ADHD, Anxiety & Mental Health Overlap 06:15 Getting Help: Therapy, Medication & Lifestyle 09:46 Faith, Purpose & Connection 11:01 Men's Health Advice by Age 13:10 Connect with Dr. John 14:08 Podcast Outro & Medical Disclaimer Guest Resources Dr. John Italiano, DO Founder, Thrive Family Health Direct Primary Care 🌐 Website: Thrive Family Health Direct Primary Care Thrive Family Health is a Direct Primary Care practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan, providing relationship-based primary care with a focus on prevention, lifestyle medicine, whole-person health, and direct physician access. (thrivefamilyhealthdpc.com) Connect With Us The Lifestyle MD Podcast is your trusted source for evidence-based conversations about primary care, lifestyle medicine, prevention, and thriving through every stage of life. Direct Primary Care of West Michigan 🌐 https://www.dpcwestmi.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. YouTube Video Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

  3. Jul 25

    Episode 046: Men's Health Part 2 - Midlife Wake-Up Call

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 046: Men's Midlife Wake-Up Call: Metabolism, Movement, and Prostate ScreeningFor many men, the first signs of aging aren't gray hair—they're a growing waistline, slower recovery after workouts, rising blood pressure, and the realization that they don't feel as strong or energetic as they once did. In this episode, Dr. Angela sits down with Dr. John from Thrive Family Health to discuss why the 40s and 50s are often a turning point for men's health and how small, intentional changes can dramatically improve long-term health. Together, they explore how metabolism changes with age, why movement matters more than ever, and how sleep, nutrition, stress, and hormone health all work together to influence energy, strength, and overall well-being. They also discuss why physically demanding jobs don't always provide the type of exercise the body needs and how purposeful strength training, mobility work, and recovery can help prevent injury and maintain function. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of preventive care and cancer screening. Dr. Angela and Dr. John explain how prostate cancer screening has evolved, why establishing a baseline PSA around age 45 (or earlier for those with higher risk or a family history) can be valuable, and why urinary symptoms should never be ignored. They also review the role of colon cancer screening and how early detection has significantly improved outcomes for many cancers. Whether you're entering midlife yourself or encouraging someone you care about to prioritize their health, this episode is a reminder that aging doesn't have to mean declining health—and that the best time to take action is before symptoms become serious. In This Episode Why many men delay seeking medical care until midlifeHow metabolism changes with age—and what you can do about itThe impact of sleep, stress, nutrition, and physical activity on long-term healthWhy physically demanding work isn't always enough to stay healthyThe importance of strength training, mobility, and injury preventionWhen changes in libido or erectile function may signal underlying cardiovascular diseaseCurrent recommendations for prostate cancer screening and PSA testingWhen to start colon cancer screening and why early detection saves livesWhy routine preventive care can help men stay healthy and active for decades to comeChapters 00:00 – Men's Midlife Wake-Up Call: Metabolism, Movement & Aging Well 09:18 – Cancer Screening, PSA Testing & Prevention YouTube Video Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

  4. Jul 25

    Episode 045: Men's Health Part 1 - Why Men Delay Care

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. Angela welcomes Dr. John Italiano, a family medicine DO and founder of Thrive Family Health Direct Primary Care, who launched his practice in January 2026, to begin a short men's health series. They discuss his path into direct primary care (DPC), beginning in medical school, and why he chose family medicine for its focus on continuity, relationships, and whole-person care. Turning to men's health, they explore how many men delay seeking care because of cultural expectations around toughness and self-reliance, often dismissing symptoms that deserve attention. They emphasize proactive prevention through six pillars of health—nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances—using a car-maintenance analogy to illustrate the importance of routine care. The conversation highlights commonly overlooked concerns such as weight gain, fatigue, low motivation, poor sleep, snoring or sleep apnea, irritability, and assumptions about low testosterone, while encouraging early checkups to identify high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, insulin resistance, and prediabetes before they lead to irreversible events like heart attacks or strokes. YouTube Video Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

  5. Jul 6

    Episode 044: Breaking Barriers: One Man's Journey Back to Health

    Send us Fan Mail From Avoiding Doctors to Reversing Insulin Resistance: David’s Lifestyle Medicine Wake-Up Call Dr. Angela interviews her patient David, a 63-year-old Michigan business owner and single dad of five, about overcoming decades of distrust in healthcare shaped by unresolved family illness and his mother’s heavy medication burden. After years of self-directed health efforts (fasting, workouts, cold plunges) and increasing stress while caregiving, David developed dizzy spells and ordered extensive labs himself, which revealed severe insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk alongside a history of blood clots and a pulmonary embolism. Fear prompted him to join Dr. Angela’s lifestyle-focused practice, use AI tools to interpret labs and food choices, eliminate added sugar and processed foods, adopt targeted supplements, and make small sustainable dietary swaps. Within 30–60 days his glucose dropped from 144 to 89 and free testosterone roughly doubled, with noticeable improvements in vision, urinary symptoms, body composition, and overall wellbeing, emphasizing longevity, self-awareness, and sustainable habits. 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Meet David 06:07 Distrust of Doctors 12:54 The Turning Point 23:04 Joining the Practice 29:09 The Lab Results 38:03 Insulin, Testosterone & Body Changes 44:39 Sustaining the Lifestyle 54:08 Food & Cooking YouTube Video Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

  6. May 28

    Soundbite Episode 006: How to Stop Overpaying for Prescriptions: Cash Pricing, Coupons, and Smarter Pharmacy Shopping

    Send us Fan Mail How to Stop Overpaying for Prescriptions: Cash Pricing, Coupons, and Smarter Pharmacy Shopping Dr. Angela explains why prescription costs can spike even with insurance, emphasizing that coverage depends on insurer formularies shaped by contracts among insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and manufacturers, which can change midyear and trigger denials, step therapy, and prior authorizations. She offers practical strategies to lower costs: start with manufacturer websites for brand-name drugs to find savings cards, copay assistance, or direct-to-consumer cash programs (not typically for Medicare/Medicaid); use generics when possible and compare transparent cash options like Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs and GoodRx; ask direct primary care practices about at-cost dispensing; price-shop across pharmacies and ask pharmacists for the best cash price; and request a 90-day supply when stable, noting stricter rules for controlled medications but potential cash-pay options.  For a list of websites for medication discounts, see the companion blog post: https://www.dpcwestmi.com/blog/why-your-medication-costs-so-much----and-7-ways-to-save-money-on-prescriptions 00:00 Stop Overpaying Intro 01:30 Why Insurance Denies 02:54 Prior Auth Chaos 03:45 Pricing Disclaimer 04:15 Manufacturer Savings 05:54 Generics And Cash 07:21 Direct Primary Care 07:47 Compare Pharmacy Prices 09:30 Ask For 90 Days 11:27 Final Checklist YouTube Video Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

  7. May 13

    Episode 043: Midlife, Menopause & Motivation: Staying Consistent with Healthy Habits When Life Gets Busy

    Send us Fan Mail Why does staying consistent suddenly feel so much harder in midlife and menopause — especially when life already feels overwhelming? f you’ve ever thought, “I know what I should be doing… I just can’t seem to stay consistent,” — this episode is for you. In this episode of The Lifestyle MD, Dr. Angela Andrews sits down with returning guest and midlife consistency consultant Cara Michelle to explore why so many women struggle with consistency in midlife, especially when balancing careers, family, changing hormones, stress, and the demands of everyday life. Together, they discuss a refreshing, realistic approach to self-care that moves away from perfection and focuses on building sustainable habits that actually fit your life. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, burnout, changing energy levels, sleep struggles, or simply feeling unlike yourself, this conversation offers practical encouragement and a framework for moving forward. In this episode, we discuss: ✔ Why consistency matters more than perfection  ✔ The role of vision and identity in lasting behavior change  ✔ Why healthy habits feel harder in midlife  ✔ Menopause, hormones, and changing energy levels  ✔ Creating realistic nutrition, movement, and sleep routines  ✔ Building a “bounce back” plan when life gets overwhelming  ✔ How women can redefine self-care without guilt Cara shares her Midlife Consistency Framework, which focuses on:  Anchoring your vision  Creating a realistic journey  Building an environment that promotes success  Developing a sustainable bounce-back plan This episode is a reminder that thriving in midlife isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about finding a sustainable path that works for your life. Connect with Cara Michelle: Website: strengthvitalitywellness.com Webinar: strengthvitalitywellness.com/msvwebinar Email: caramichelle@strengthvitalitywellness.com,  🎙️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation. YouTube Video Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

  8. Apr 25

    Soundbite Episode 005:   The Silent Risk - Protecting Your Heart Through the Menopause Transition

    Send us Fan Mail Perimenopause and menopause are about more than hot flashes and mood changes—they’re also a critical time to assess long-term health risks. In this episode, Dr. Angela explains why cardiovascular disease risk rises during the menopause transition, often silently, and why women should know their blood pressure, cholesterol, ApoB, Lipoprotein(a), and overall metabolic health. She also shares practical prevention steps and why the most important intervention may sometimes be reducing heart attack or stroke risk—not just treating symptoms. YouTube Video Support the show Follow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.

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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Lifestyle MD is a podcast for people navigating the complex, beautiful, and often overwhelming season of midlife and beyond. Hosted by Dr. Angela Andrews—a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Lifestyle Medicine—this show is for those ready to reclaim their energy, clarity, and strength without burning out or giving up what matters most. Whether you're managing a busy career, caring for aging parents, raising children (or doing all three), this podcast will help you prioritize your health in a way that feels doable, not draining. Join Dr. Angela—wife, mom, DPC physician, and former competitive bodybuilder—for honest conversations, root-cause insights, and practical strategies to support your physical and emotional well-being. Each episode helps you reconnect with your body, redefine success on your own terms, and build a lifestyle that honors both your goals and your values. You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to thrive in life or in your career. This podcast is your compass for finding strength, clarity, and balance in your next chapter. Subscribe now and follow Dr. Angela on Instagram @angelalifestylemd.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Angela Andrews
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Lifestyle MD
  • Show Website
    The Lifestyle MD