Push Pause To Heal

Dr. Emily Roedersheimer

This podcast is for high-performing women who are tired of pushing through pain, stress, and chronic illness and ready to finally feel better. Hosted by Dr. Emily Roedersheimer, founder of Balanced Living Functional Medicine, this show explores a truth too often overlooked: many modern health challenges don't start with a diagnosis, they start in the nervous system. When traditional medicine isn't providing answers, it's time to pause, listen to your body, and heal at the root. Each week, Dr. Emily shares practical tools, insights, and nervous-system-based strategies to help you reduce anxiety, manage stress, and understand the powerful connection between your mind and your physical health.

  1. 1d ago

    Functional Medicine Made Simple: How Small Daily Choices Can Change Your Health

    Has taking care of your health started to feel way too complicated? Between specialty testing, supplements, diets, wearables, biohacking, protocols, and conflicting wellness advice, it's easy to start believing that the answer to feeling better must be somewhere outside of you. In this solo episode of Push Pause to Heal, Dr. Emily Roedersheimer explores an unintended consequence of modern wellness and functional medicine: we can become so focused on finding the "right" intervention that we forget how much influence we already have over our health. Functional medicine was never meant to make health more overwhelming. At its best, it expands the possibilities by asking a different question—not only What's the diagnosis and treatment? but Why might this be happening, and what conditions could help the body heal? In this episode, you'll learn: Why complicated doesn't necessarily mean more effective when it comes to your health How to shift from feeling powerless to asking, "Where do I have influence here?" Why sleep, nutrition, movement, stress regulation, connection, rest, sunlight, and joy matter more than we sometimes give them credit for How your everyday habits create the conditions that support healing Why simple does not mean insignificant The difference between controlling your health and actively participating in it How one supportive choice can begin rebuilding trust in yourself Why consistency matters more than perfection Dr. Emily also shares a simple five-minute practice you can try tomorrow morning: before reaching for your phone, email, news, or to-do list, pause and ask yourself: How do I want to feel today? Then choose one thing you can do that supports that feeling. Because your health isn't only happening in a doctor's office or on a lab report. It's happening in your kitchen, your bedroom, your relationships, your calendar, your thoughts—and in the choices you make on an ordinary Tuesday. You don't have to do everything. You don't have to make the perfect choice. And you don't have to wait until life calms down. Before the world begins making decisions for you, pause long enough to make one for yourself. In this episode, Dr. Emily also introduces The Balanced Living Experience, a monthly community designed for women who are ready to stop collecting more health information and start practicing what they already know—with one clear theme, one meaningful practice, and a supportive place to keep coming back to their health. Website: balancedlivingfm.com

  2. Aug 12

    Back-to-School Stress: Calmer Routines, Less Anxiety & More Connection with Kate Miller

    Back-to-school season can bring excitement, but it can also bring anxiety, overwhelm, packed schedules, and a sudden shift in rhythm for the entire family. In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, Dr. Emily talks with elementary principal and health coach-in-training Kate Miller about how parents, kids, and teachers can move through the transition with more calm, connection, and intention. Drawing on more than 20 years in education, Kate shares practical ways to recognize when a child may be struggling—even when they can't put their feelings into words—and why "behavior is communication." She and Dr. Emily explore the power of validation, co-regulation, predictable routines, and the simple 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise for helping children feel safe and supported. They also talk about what the adults need during this season. You'll hear why a "to-be list" may matter more than your to-do list, how routines can reduce decision fatigue and support the nervous system, and how intentionally planning your week can keep your family from living in constant reaction mode. Kate also shares her NESTS "soul-care" check-in—Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Time, and Support—along with her practice of choosing one word to guide a season and using gratitude to retrain the brain to notice more of what's going right. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to help kids navigate back-to-school anxiety without passing along your own stress • Why validation and emotional safety matter when children are struggling • How nervous system regulation and co-regulation affect kids at home and at school • Simple routines that can make busy school mornings and evenings feel easier • The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique for anxious or overwhelmed kids • How to create a "to-be list" alongside your to-do list • Why giving kids age-appropriate responsibility builds confidence and agency • How the NESTS framework can help parents and teachers check in with their own well-being • Why gratitude, connection, and intentionality can change the way you experience a busy season The goal isn't a perfect school year. It's creating a rhythm that supports your family so everyone has a better chance to thrive—even when life gets busy. If the start of school has you feeling like life is suddenly speeding up, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to simply get swept along with it. You can slow down, reconnect, and choose how you want to move through the season. Here is a canva link for the to do list that was mentioned:  https://www.canva.com/design/DAG5QHfBuiE/SAutEljU1ugP3apxXwCaeA/edit

  3. Aug 5

    Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Why Leakage, Constipation and Pain Aren't Normal

    Urinary leakage when you sneeze. Constipation that doesn't improve with more fiber and water. Painful sex, pelvic pressure, urinary urgency or stubborn hip and low-back pain. These symptoms may be common—but that doesn't mean they are normal or that you simply have to live with them. In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, Dr. Emily Roedersheimer talks with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Allison Ingley, founder of Core Strong Physical Therapy, about the often-overlooked signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. Dr. Allison explains what the pelvic floor actually is, how it affects your bladder, bowels, sexual health, hips and core, and why pelvic floor physical therapy is not just for people who have given birth or reached a certain age. You'll learn: • Why urinary leakage—even a few drops—is considered incontinence • How pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to constipation, pelvic pain, painful sex, urinary urgency, prolapse, hip pain and low-back pain • Why normal imaging doesn't always mean that nothing is wrong • What to expect during a trauma-informed pelvic floor evaluation • Why Kegels are not the answer for everyone—and may make an overactive pelvic floor worse • How stress, emotions and the nervous system can influence pelvic tension and chronic pain • A five-second "tension check" that can help you notice and release unnecessary gripping throughout your day Dr. Allison also offers an important reminder: chronic pain describes how long pain has been present—not how long it has to remain. With the right support, it is possible to feel more comfortable, connected and confident in your body. Because pelvic health isn't just about eliminating symptoms. It can be a gateway to enjoying your body and your life more fully. Guest: Dr. Allison Ingley, DPT Website: https://www.corestrongphysicaltherapy.com/ Other links mentioned... https://ourkindra.com/ https://slipperystuff.org/ https://uberlube.com/

  4. Jul 29

    How Clutter Affects Your Nervous System and Where to Start with Anne Almquist

    Is the clutter in your home making it harder for you to feel calm, focused, and at ease? In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, Dr. Emily Roedersheimer talks with professional organizer Anne Almquist, founder of The Savvy Sorter, about the powerful connection between clutter, overwhelm, decision fatigue, and your nervous system. Anne explains why clutter is rarely just an organization problem. It can build during demanding seasons of life, grief, family transitions, health challenges, or periods when you simply do not have the capacity to keep up. Instead of responding with shame or self-judgment, Anne encourages us to become curious about what our surroundings may be communicating. You'll also learn practical, approachable ways to begin decluttering without turning it into another overwhelming project. In this conversation, Emily and Anne discuss: Why clutter and emotional overwhelm often create a vicious cycle How visual clutter can act as an ongoing stress signal The role of decision fatigue in decluttering Why life transitions, grief, and unmet expectations affect our belongings How consumer culture encourages us to purchase more than we need Questions to ask yourself before buying something new How to release items connected to guilt, identity, or a past version of yourself Why creating one peaceful, clutter-free space can make a meaningful difference Anne's simple 20-minute strategy for getting started You do not need to organize your entire home in one weekend. Choose one small space, set a timer, start somewhere—and allow yourself to feel good about what you accomplished. Learn more about Anne Almquist and The Savvy Sorter at thesavvysorter.com or find her on Facebook and Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/the.savvy.sorter?utm_source=qr https://www.facebook.com/share/1LpPRf8Zmm/?mibextid=wwXIfr If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who could use a little more support, breathing room, and calm in their home and life.

  5. Jul 22

    How to Trust Your Gut Again: Self-Trust, Intuition & Nervous System Healing with Katie Ruffino

    Have you stopped trusting your own body—and started looking outside yourself for every answer? In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, Dr. Emily Roedersheimer sits down with Katie Ruffino, PA-C, functional medicine practitioner, health and life coach, and founder of Sunnyside KT, to explore why so many women have become disconnected from their intuition. Katie explains how years of people-pleasing, overachieving, following outside expectations, and putting everyone else first can make it difficult to recognize what you truly need. Together, Emily and Katie discuss how slowing down, calming the nervous system, and paying attention to your body can help you rebuild self-trust. You'll learn: Why more information, testing, and expert opinions are not always the answer How to recognize the difference between fear and intuition Why intuition often feels quieter than anxiety How childhood experiences and unconscious beliefs shape your decisions The connection between people-pleasing, perfectionism, and losing yourself How listening to your body helps rebuild trust Katie's four-step "Trust Your Gut" decision-making framework A simple way to practice making intuitive decisions with less pressure Why caring for yourself does not make you selfish Katie also shares her own experience with Hashimoto's symptoms, chronic stress, and realizing that the life that looked successful from the outside was no longer supporting her health. This conversation is an invitation to clear away the noise, reconnect with yourself, and remember that you are not broken. Your body is always communicating—and learning to listen may be one of the most powerful steps you can take toward healing.   Ceremonial Cacao: https://cacaolaboratory.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoptHi2tRuGeTserNcA3dR3_l1_IcrH4rly-BlrIIuL6d3ky5Uqz   Connect with Katie Ruffino: Website: SunnysideKT.com Instagram: @bycatherineruffino Learn more about Katie's Food as Feedback course, Trust Your Gut Collective, and one-on-one coaching through the links in the show notes.

  6. Jul 15

    Fitness After 40: Why 15 Minutes a Day Matters More Than the Scale with Carly Fauth

    What if getting healthier didn't require longer workouts, stricter routines, or more pressure? In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, Dr. Emily Roedersheimer welcomes back fitness instructor, cancer exercise specialist, fitness mentor, and founder of Fit in Fitness, Carly Fouth. Carly believes fitness should fit into your real life—not take it over. Together, Emily and Carly explore how women can build strength, energy, and confidence through simple, consistent movement, especially as their bodies change during perimenopause, menopause, and midlife. They also challenge some of the most common beliefs women have been taught about exercise, weight, and aging—including why Carly wants many women to put away the scale and start measuring progress by what their bodies allow them to do. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why 15 minutes of movement can be a powerful place to begin • How to overcome an all-or-nothing approach to exercise • Why consistency matters more than workout intensity • How exercise supports energy, mood, sleep, and mental health • Why your fitness routine may need to change during perimenopause and menopause • How rest and recovery can actually help you become stronger • Why fitness trackers and health data shouldn't determine how you feel • Better ways to measure progress than the number on the scale • How to work with the body you have today instead of comparing it to your younger body Carly also shares how her experience as a triple-negative breast cancer survivor shaped her understanding of movement, resilience, and the importance of staying connected to your body. You don't need a perfect workout plan. You need movement that feels sustainable, enjoyable, and realistic enough to become part of your life. Start with 15 minutes. Pay attention to how you feel. And allow fitness to help you live more fully—not become another standard you have to meet. Connect with Carly: Instagram: @FitFunCarly Website: https://www.fitfuncarly.com/ If this episode encouraged you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that her health is about so much more than a number on the scale.

  7. Jul 8

    How Improving Your Gut Health Fixes Fatigue, Sleep, and Midlife Burnout with Lauren Callahan

    Are you constantly pushing through exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed, or assuming that midlife fatigue is just your "new normal"? In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, Dr. Emily Roedersheimer sits down with Lauren Callahan—a health and performance coach, founder of the Spark Framework, and former licensed therapist—to discuss how to move beyond burnout and create lasting health from the inside out. Lauren shares her incredible personal transformation from a completely sedentary lifestyle to becoming an ultrarunner and Ironman athlete. The secret key that unlocked her physical potential and cured her chronic fatigue? Gut health. Dr. Emily and Lauren dive deep into the gut-brain connection, exploring how 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut and how a compromised microbiome directly impacts your mood, sleep, and resilience to daily stress. Lauren introduces her "Fiber First" framework, breaking down practical, easy ways to feed your gut bacteria, balance your blood sugar, and build a "burnout-proof" life. If you are ready to stop punishing your body and start proactively creating vibrant wellness, this episode is for you! In this episode, you'll learn: The Gut-Brain Link: Why anxiety, depression, and poor sleep might actually be a cry for help from your microbiome. The "Fiber First" Framework: Why 97% of Americans are deficient in fiber and how incorporating more plant-based proteins (like beans, nuts, and seeds) transforms digestion. Burnout-Proof Wellness: How to look past your symptoms (like skin rashes or exhaustion) and focus on the fundamental pillars of health: nutrition, movement, and sleep. The Power of Self-Love & Turning Off the "Push Through" Mindset: Shifting away from cultural expectations to prioritize your own recovery and run your own "smoothie blender." Listening to Your Body: How to differentiate between healthy discipline and punishing yourself in the name of health. Connect with Today's Guest: Guest Name: Lauren Callahan Guest Information... Website: https://www.laurenbcallahan.com/ Instagram: @laurenbcallahan

  8. Jul 1

    Why High-Achieving Women Stay Stuck in Survival Mode with Dr. Alaina Puff

    What if the very habits that helped you succeed are also keeping you stuck? Many high-achieving women spend years pushing through exhaustion, taking care of everyone else, and believing that if they just worked a little harder, everything would finally feel easier. But what if your body has been asking for something entirely different? In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, I sit down with psychologist, speaker, and trauma-informed coach Dr. Alaina Puff to explore why so many women become disconnected from themselves and how chronic stress can keep us living in survival mode. Together, we discuss why slowing down feels so uncomfortable, how our childhood experiences shape the way we respond to stress, what it really means to have a dysregulated nervous system, and why healing begins by creating safety—not by doing more. One of my favorite moments in this conversation is when Dr. Alaina reminds us that busyness can become a shield of armor. So many of us wear productivity like a badge of honor, never realizing that constantly staying busy may be keeping us from the very healing we're searching for. In this episode, we discuss: • Why high-achieving women often live in survival mode • How childhood experiences shape the nervous system • The connection between chronic stress and chronic illness • What it means to reconnect with the wisdom of your body • Simple practices to begin regulating your nervous system • Why slowing down is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still don't feel like yourself, I hope this conversation reminds you that your body isn't broken. It may simply be asking you to slow down long enough to hear what it's been trying to tell you all along. Connect with Dr. Alaina Puff Website: https://www.flowstatecc.com/ Instagram: @dralainapuff  Learn More About Balanced Living Functional Medicine Website: www.balancedlivingfm.com Health Begins Here: www.balancedlivingfm.com/schedule If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow Push Pause to Heal, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use this message today.

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About

This podcast is for high-performing women who are tired of pushing through pain, stress, and chronic illness and ready to finally feel better. Hosted by Dr. Emily Roedersheimer, founder of Balanced Living Functional Medicine, this show explores a truth too often overlooked: many modern health challenges don't start with a diagnosis, they start in the nervous system. When traditional medicine isn't providing answers, it's time to pause, listen to your body, and heal at the root. Each week, Dr. Emily shares practical tools, insights, and nervous-system-based strategies to help you reduce anxiety, manage stress, and understand the powerful connection between your mind and your physical health.