Asking For A Friend

Asking For A Friend

Hormonal mood swings. Uncomfortable digestion issues. The delicate balance of work, motherhood and sanity. Each episode of Asking For A Friend uses real-world experience and expert insight to tackle the struggles women don't get to openly talk about enough. No question is off the table once Carrie uncorks the cabernet with her cast of healthcare professionals, including Dr. Marguerite Weston and Dr. Michelle Sieffert! 

  1. Gynecomastia Surgery & Men's Health: A Patient's Journey | Asking For A Friend

    FEB 3

    Gynecomastia Surgery & Men's Health: A Patient's Journey | Asking For A Friend

    Gynecomastia affects far more men than we realize. And the worst part? You can’t always diet or lift your way out of it.  In this episode of Asking For A Friend, our experts sit down with a real patient to talk honestly about men’s health, confidence, hormones and the plastic surgery procedure that profoundly changed one firefighter’s life. This episode is for any man who’s ever hidden behind 2 T-shirts, questioned his body or wondered what options actually exist — & for anyone supporting the men in their lives. What We Cover in This Episode:  Jarrad’s real-life gynecomastia journey, from childhood to adulthoodHow to tell the difference between body fat and true gynecomastiaWhy you cannot outlift gynecomastia — & why weight loss can sometimes worsen its appearanceGynecomastia surgery explained (including when it can be done under local anesthesia)The most common procedures men choose today at our practiceSome of the more extreme surgical procedures that we don’t offerHow men’s hormones shift over time — & how that change impacts energy, focus, body composition & signs of agingPreventative aesthetic treatments men are actually doing to enhance their appearance & their skin healthMeet The Cast:  Carrie Esposito — Host, asking the questions men rarely hear asked out loudJarrad Tracey — Firefighter and patient sharing his unfiltered experienceJeffrey Donaldson, MD — Board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, Ohio specializing in gynecomastia surgeryMarguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP — Functional medicine physician focused on men’s hormones and healthStacie Isler, PA-C — Renowned aesthetics provider, with a unique eye for male facial balancing & other nonsurgical skin health enhancements

    1h 40m
  2. Get To Know Our Doctors | Asking For A Friend

    11/11/2025

    Get To Know Our Doctors | Asking For A Friend

    How Three Experts Took Different Paths To Create “Desired Healthcare” A great practice starts with great people. And so, this time, we’re doing a little consultation of our own to meet the minds behind Donaldson.  In this special episode of Asking For A Friend, host Carrie Esposito sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson, Dr. Michelle Sieffert and Dr. Marguerite Weston to explore how three very different career paths and upbringings came together to redefine what modern medicine can look like. This episode is for anyone curious about careers in medicine, the art of plastic surgery, the science of functional medicine or simply what they may be missing out of their own patient experience as they seek a more collaborative approach to their own care (instead of a compromise).  Everything We’re Covering: How Dr. Donaldson went from family medicine provider to plastic surgery entrepreneurHow Dr. Sieffert turned her childhood hobby of knitting & organic instinct to help people into surgical artistryThe vital differences between cosmetic and plastic surgeryDr. Weston's path from doing homework in the waiting room while waiting for her mother to get off her shift, to being the director of functional medicine at DonaldsonWhat makes a great functional medicine provider & why specific credentials matter (a lot!)What rap song did Dr. Weston perform at her wedding?Why is there often hip-hop playing in the operating room?How combining plastic surgery and functional medicine is helping create “Desired Healthcare” — not just required careMeet Your Experts: Jeffrey Donaldson, MD – Board-certified plastic surgeon, founder of Donaldson Plastic Surgery, and leader of the team redefining what a personalized patient experience looks like.Michelle Sieffert, MD – Board-certified plastic surgeon, celebrated for her precision, bedside manner and mastery of anatomy — known regionally for her natural, life-enhancing results and innovative surgical artistry, especially when it comes to facelift surgery.Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP – Double board-certified functional medicine physician helping patients uncover root causes and bridge the gap between traditional care and total wellness.Hosted by Carrie Esposito – The voice of Asking For A Friend, connecting expert insights with real stories and plenty of curiosity.

    1h 39m
  3. Gut Health & Acne: What Your Stomach Is Trying To Tell You

    10/16/2025

    Gut Health & Acne: What Your Stomach Is Trying To Tell You

    The Intimate Connection Between Digestion Issues, Acne Breakouts & Feeling Better In Your Skin If your gut’s a mess and your skin is too — you’re totally not imagining it! In this episode, we connect the dots between digestion, inflammation and acne to help you understand what your body’s been trying to say all along.  Our skincare and functional medicine experts break down the science (and the symptoms) behind that stubborn skin and why your next step to clear, glowing skin might start in your stomach. This episode is for anyone struggling with GI issues, acne, or both — and ready to finally get real answers instead of quick fixes. Everything We’re Covering: How specific gut disorders are diagnosed (and what a GI Map test reveals)The rise of food sensitivities — and what’s really driving themThe science-backed benefits of intermittent fasting & how to personalize itWhy hormonal acne flares before your period (plus probiotics & omega-3s that help)The direct connection between gut health and acne breakoutsThe “Keto Smell” & what it says about your digestion and detox pathwaysWhy energy drinks may be sabotaging your skin healthHow functional medicine and skincare teams collaborate to treat root causesA story that reminds us clear skin is about confidence, not perfection“I had an acne patient go through the entire Acne Bootcamp. During one of her final appointments, she told me she was finally dating again! She was always self-conscious about her skin — & now she feels comfortable to put herself back out there.” — Nikki Rucinsky, LME Meet Your Experts: Dr. Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP – Double board-certified in family and sports medicine, now focusing on functional medicine to uncover the root causes of gut and hormone imbalances.Colleen Bush, RDN, LDN, IFNCP – Gut health dietitian with 16+ years of experience. After navigating her own autoimmune diagnoses (Hashimoto’s and rheumatoid arthritis), she now helps others find healing through functional nutrition.Nikki Rucinsky, LME – Licensed medical aesthetician and creator of the Adult Acne Bootcamp at Donaldson, specializing in customized skin plans that address diet, hormones and stress for long-term results.Hosted by Carrie Esposito – The voice of Asking For A Friend, connecting expert insight with real-world questions - and plenty of empathy (and wine).

    1h 49m
  4. "It Should Hurt A Little" | The Aesthetics Treatments That Actually Work

    09/09/2025

    "It Should Hurt A Little" | The Aesthetics Treatments That Actually Work

    Lasers. Fillers. Cosmetic Tatooing. What's Worth Your Time, Money & Discomfort? You should be skeptical of any new TikTok trend that no one has ever heard of but promises results!  In this episode of Asking For A Friend, Carrie Esposito sits down with Columbus’s go-to aesthetics dream team to unpack the lasers, injectables, facials and tattooing treatments that actually move the needle (literally and figuratively). This episode is for anyone who wants a year-long plan for skin health, real answers about lasers and injectables, and an honest take on the fads flooding your feed. Everything We’re Covering: Why the best treatments aren’t always the most comfortable — or as the experts like to say "spicy"Ultrasound-guided filler: how precision improves results & safetyLasers for fine lines, laxity, hyperpigmentation, scarring & hair removalWhat the MOXI Laser is best used for & who benefits the most from itBuilding a year-long, layered treatment plan that makes senseWhy filler has been unfairly vilified — & what good technique looks likeCosmetic tattooing explained: lip blushing, brows, eyeliner & scar revision“Regenerative” buzzwords decoded: PRF, PRP, exosomes, salmon sperm facialsTikTok Trends Ranked: red light masks, jaw bras, beef tallow, estrogen cream, microcurrent gadgets & moreMeet Your Experts: Carrie Esposito – Host, patient & the one who asks the questions you’re already thinking, but haven't been able to ask yet. Adrienne Yanich, APRN – Master injector, national aesthetics treatment trainer & filler/neuromodulator artist known for natural, balanced results & a transparent approach to each session.Stacie Isler, MS, PA-C – Experienced aesthetics provider offering Botox, filler, laser therapy, liquid rhinoplasty & cellulite treatments — along with an unfiltered understand about what each do.Andie Schroeder, LME – Licensed medical aesthetician, cosmetic tattoo artist & rising star in the aesthetics industry, specializing in skin health, facials & paramedical tattooing for scars & beyond.

    1h 51m
  5. 08/18/2025

    The Vagina Dialogues | What You Need To Know About Sexual Wellness

    Your Unblushing Foray Into Women's Sexual Health Women’s sexual health deserves straight answers, minus the shame and side-eye. In this episode, we get clear on what’s normal, what’s treatable and what actually helps you feel comfortable and confident in your body. 🌟 Everything We’re Covering: OB/Gyn vs. Uro/Gyn vs. Functional Medicine: who is responsible for what & and how the functional medicine approach connects hormones, lifestyle and outcomes.Pelvic Floor 101: what it is, how it works, and why it matters for leaks, pleasure, and support.Common Concerns, Real Causes: incontinence, UTIs, odor/BV, discharge, yeast infections, low libido and difficulty reaching orgasm.Vaginal Atrophy: what drives it (estrogen decline, time, stress) and what actually helps.Treatments That Move the Needle: O-Shot/PRP, diVa/Ariessence, vaginal estrogen, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), prescriptions, probiotics, cranberry and when to use each.Hormones & Gut Health: why estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and your microbiome shape symptoms.Kegel Exercises: what they are, when they help and when you need PT instead.Childbirth & Recovery: what changes, what you can do before pregnancy and how to heal afterward. The Labiaplasty Deep Dive With Dr. Donaldson: We go deep on what labiaplasty surgery is, who it actually helps and how Dr. Donaldson is able to perform it comfortably in an office vs. having to go to a surgery center. He breaks down our signature wedge technique and how it differs from a trim and what recovery really looks like, including realistic timelines for walking, workouts, tampon use and, of course, sex. Trends That We Debunk (& Some We Embrace): ✔ Vaginal steaming ✔ Jade eggs/balls ✔ “Private part" deodorants ✔ Refreshing wipes ✔ Toy hygiene ✔ Good lube & bad lube 🌟 Meet Your Experts: ⚕️ Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP: Double board-certified functional medicine physician in Columbus, Ohio, who is connecting hormones, metabolism, gut health and sexual wellness to treat root causes (not just symptoms). ⚕️ Courtney Gilbert, PA-C: Renowned physician assistant focused on women’s wellness and aesthetics, guiding patients through pragmatic, personalized plans for comfort, confidence and sexual health. ⚕️ Jeffrey Donaldson, MD: Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in precise, patient-centered procedures including labiaplasty, with an emphasis on natural form, function and comfort. This one is for anyone who is seeking validation about their situation and real solutions — isn't afraid to have a little laugh while learning about libido, comfort and vaginal health!

    1h 10m
  6. Work Like A Mother!

    06/12/2025

    Work Like A Mother!

    Tips, Triumphs & Real Talk About Balancing It All Motherhood isn’t always picture-perfect. Sometimes? It’s pure survival mode!  In this episode, we’re sharing the real, unfiltered side of being a mom: the never-ending multitasking, the overlooked wins, the fails and the constant pressure to “do it all.”  This episode is for any mom who needs validation, support, and a reminder that it’s OK to not have it all figured out. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do women do this ... without other women?” — we've got you!  Everything We're Covering: Why it’s healthy to let your kids fail sometimesUnderstanding the different "seasons of motherhood"How to be more present and make the most of these fleeting memoriesGetting caught mid-intimacy — and our favorite excuses! The miracle of home delivery services Mom guilt, mom brain & choosing between that solo Target run or just taking a napMeet Your Experts: Joining host Carrie Esposito (mom, podcast host, and functional & plastic surgery patient) is a powerhouse panel of mothers who get it — because they’re living it, too: Stacie Isler, PA-C – Mom of 3 and experienced physician assistant and aesthetic medicine professional who knows what it’s like to juggle family, thriving career and self-care.Dr. Marguerite Weston – Functional medicine expert, mom of 2 and trusted provider helping women optimize their health through all stages of life — from fertility to postpartum to menopause.Sami Bossert – Entrepreneur, mom and owner of PTULA athletic wear — with baby #3 on the way and an honest perspective on balancing business and motherhood.

    1h 54m
  7. Sex, Drugs & Menopause

    05/14/2025

    Sex, Drugs & Menopause

    Peeling Back The Curtain (& Bedsheets) To Highlight Misconceptions About Menopause! We kicked off Asking For A Friend live with cocktails and a candid conversation about a topic that affects every woman eventually: menopause. In this special episode, we’re laying it all out with unfiltered insight and expert perspectives, along with some good laughs about sex, hormones and the real-life experience of aging in a woman’s body. This episode is for anyone out there who wants honest answers about menopause, hormone health and intimacy — without the awkwardness!  Everything We're Covering: Why menopause happens Menopause vs Perimenopause: how to know what you're experiencing What a DUTCH test is and how it can reveal hormone imbalancesRoot-cause treatment options that go beyond symptom maskingIs "Man O Pause" a real thing for men?The sad realization that alcohol and menopause don’t mix wellThe truth about declining libido and what to do about itTips for navigating this new phase with confidence, connection and compassionMeet Your Experts: Joining host Carrie Esposito (who’s asking all the questions you’ve been too shy to bring up) are three bold and brilliant guests ready to make menopause make sense: Dr. Marguerite Weston – A double board-certified functional medicine physician helping women understand what’s really happening during menopause and how to get back to feeling like themselves again.Kim Pheiffer – Interior design CEO and empowered woman currently navigating her own menopause journey with honesty, humor and the perfect blend of HRT.Chris Ebert – Dentist, husband and hormone health advocate sharing what it’s like to support a partner through menopause while exploring his own path with hormone therapy.

    1h 6m
  8. Estrogen, Progesterone & That First Hot Flash

    04/22/2025

    Estrogen, Progesterone & That First Hot Flash

    We Don't Have To Go Through Menopause The Way Mom Did! We need to have the talk. You know the one! The one about hormones — because they do way more than just cause hot flashes. In this episode, we’re breaking down the role estrogen and progesterone play in everything from mood to memory to metabolism, and why the first signs of perimenopause are often easy to miss (until they’re not!). Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or beyond, understanding your hormones is one of the most powerful things you can do for your energy, your mindset and your overall well-being. ⭐Everything We're Covering⭐ The impact of low estrogen beyond just hot flashes and low libidoBrain fog and how hormones might be to blameWhy creatine could be your new best friendIs hormone replacement therapy (HRT) actually safe?What to take for hormone balance and lasting energyHow to reduce brain fog during perimenopauseWhy building and maintaining muscle becomes critical as we ageThe hormonal impact of alcohol (and how much is too much)Tips to naturally balance hormones and boost energy… & more insight you won’t find on your "For You" pageMeet Your Experts: Joining host Carrie Esposito (who's asking all the questions we've been too shy to bring up) are three passionate experts dedicated to helping women feel like themselves again: ⚕️ Dr. Marguerite Weston — A double board-certified functional medicine physician who helps women uncover the root cause of their symptoms and take back control of their health using evidence-based lifestyle, supplement and hormone strategies. 👩‍⚕️ Angie Scala, NP – Nurse practitioner and fertility specialist who offers a fresh, compassionate take on hormonal health, from perimenopause to postmenopause. 🧘‍♀️ Tiffany Wagner – Health-minded working mom, runner and yogi, bringing her honest perspective on what it’s really like navigating hormonal shifts while balancing a full life.

    1h 28m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hormonal mood swings. Uncomfortable digestion issues. The delicate balance of work, motherhood and sanity. Each episode of Asking For A Friend uses real-world experience and expert insight to tackle the struggles women don't get to openly talk about enough. No question is off the table once Carrie uncorks the cabernet with her cast of healthcare professionals, including Dr. Marguerite Weston and Dr. Michelle Sieffert!