#Balance Banter

Kristie Lengel đŸ–€
  • 4.9 (13)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Struggling with chronic illness, unexplained symptoms, or feeling dismissed by doctors? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. #BALANCE Banter is the podcast for women navigating conditions like autoimmunity, MCAS, POTS, mold illness, chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, and more. Hosted by Kristie Calise—Board Certified Integrative & Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Exercise Physiologist, and founder of the Balance App—this show blends personal experience with professional insight to help you uncover root causes and feel at home in your body again. Each episode offers supportive, symptom-sensitive strategies for nervous system regulation, functional nutrition, gentle movement, and foundational habits that support healing—without the overwhelm. Whether you're newly diagnosed or deep in the weeds of your health journey, this podcast is your compassionate space to learn, heal, and feel empowered. ✹ You’re not broken. You’re just out of balance! Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

  1. FEB 2

    E87- Medical Gaslighting: How to Be Heard in Chronic Illness

    Medical gaslighting has become a silent epidemic within the healthcare system—especially for people living with chronic illnesses, invisible illnesses, and complex health conditions. In recent years, more voices across social media, online support groups, and media outlets have highlighted how often patients are dismissed, minimized, or told their symptoms are “just anxiety” despite very real physical suffering. In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise shares her own experience navigating the medical system for over a decade while living with chronic illness. From difficult medical encounters and poor communication in medical settings to emotional distress and medical trauma, Kristie understands firsthand how damaging medical gaslighting can be—especially when labs don’t yet reflect the full picture. This conversation is especially relevant for those navigating autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, long COVID, rare diseases, and women’s health issues, as well as individuals who have experienced bias within the medical community. Medical gaslighting disproportionately affects women, people of color, and those with invisible illnesses, often leaving patients feeling unheard and unsupported. In this episode, Kristie shares five practical strategies to help you prepare for medical appointments and reduce the likelihood of gaslighting—whether you’re seeing a new healthcare provider, seeking a second opinion, or feeling anxious after years of dismissal. You’ll learn how to organize your medical history, bring the right labs and test results, involve supportive family members, and set clear goals so appointments feel more collaborative and productive. If you’ve ever left a doctor’s office questioning your own reality, this episode is a reminder that your symptoms are valid—and that quality medical care starts with being heard! đŸ™ŒđŸŒ Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    14 min

  2. JAN 19

    E86- Vagus Nerve Stimulation: The Science, the Devices, and Why It Changed My Healing Journey

    In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the Balance App, dives into the science and lived experience behind vagus nerve stimulation—a powerful tool for nervous system regulation and healing. Kristie explains what the vagus nerve is, where it runs in the body, and why it plays such a critical role in heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, inflammation, and overall stress response. She explores how the vagus nerve can become dysregulated not only in chronically ill individuals, but also in those living high-stress, fast-paced lifestyles. Kristie also shares deeply personal insight into her own experience with nervous system overload, adrenaline surges, mast cell activation syndrome, and extreme fight-or-flight reactions—especially during treatments meant to help her heal. Vagus nerve stimulation became one of the most impactful tools in helping her body feel safe again. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn: What the vagus nerve is and how it supports the parasympathetic nervous systemHow stress, illness, trauma, and inflammation affect vagal toneWhy nervous system dysregulation can worsen conditions like MCAS and POTSHow vagus nerve stimulation helped reduce adrenaline surges and reactivityAn overview of three vagus nerve stimulation devices Kristie uses or recommends:Truvaga (neck-based stimulation; Kristie’s personal go-to)VagusStim (ear-based stimulation with strong research backing)Pulsetto (bilateral neck stimulation with app-guided programs)If you feel wired but exhausted, stuck in fight or flight, or are navigating chronic illness or high stress, this episode offers education, validation, and practical insight into whether vagus nerve stimulation may be worth exploring with your healthcare provider. Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    16 min

  3. JAN 5

    E85- 7 Ways to Boost Morning Energy with Chronic Illness

    If mornings feel like your hardest struggle, this episode is for you! ☕ In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie shares 7 practical tools that helped her wake up with more clarity, energy, and consistency — despite years of living with adrenal fatigue, low cortisol, and chronic illness. This is a judgment-free, pressure-free episode for anyone who wants to start their day with more ease — and fewer symptoms. 🎧 Hit play and try one new thing this week — your mornings may just surprise you! Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    16 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    E84- SMART Goals That Actually Stick: A Gentle Approach to Feeling Better This Year

    If setting goals has ever left you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or burnt out—this episode is for you. In this episode, Kristie Lengel, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the Balance App, walks through how to set SMART goals that actually support your body and your life—especially if you’re navigating autoimmunity, fatigue, hormone issues, or chronic stress. Kristie breaks down: What SMART goals really meanWhy broad, unrealistic goals failHow small, gentle goals create momentum and confidenceAutoimmunity-friendly goal examples for movement, food, sleep, and recoveryHow checking the box builds consistency without pressureThis episode is about progress—not perfection—and creating habits that help you feel better, one small step at a time! Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    12 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    E83- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: The Science, Symptoms & My Healing Journey

    In one of her most personal episodes yet, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Lengel dives deep into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — a condition that played a massive role in her chronic illness journey long before it became widely recognized. Kristie shares how her symptoms began in 2016, years before MCAS had an ICD-10 code or mainstream awareness. Despite “normal” labs, mast cell–targeted treatment was one of the biggest turning points in her healing. Once she realized MCAS was a syndrome—a reaction, not the root—she kept digging until she uncovered the triggers driving her body into overactivation. 🔍 This episode blends storytelling, scientific research, and practical guidance, including: ‱ The history of MCAS as a diagnosis and how it only recently gained scientific attention ‱ Why so many people with MCAS have “normal” test results ‱ The symptoms that point toward mast cell activation—even when labs don’t ‱ The link between MCAS, chronic infections, mold exposure, long COVID, and nervous system dysregulation ‱  Pharmaceutical treatment options (H1s, H2s, mast cell stabilizers)  â€ą Natural supports including diet, flavonoids, nervous system tools, and environmental changes ‱ How to talk to your provider about testing (and why timing matters) MCAS can make everyday life unpredictable and overwhelming—but understanding how mast cells behave, what triggers them, and how to calm them is an empowering first step. If you’ve been brushed off, gaslit, or told “your labs are normal,” this episode is your validation and your roadmap. Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    32 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    E82- The Hidden Mold in Your HVAC: Talk with ProShine Professional Cleaning

    In this episode, Kristie chats with Cory from ProShine Professional Cleaning about one of the most overlooked factors in chronic illness—environmental exposure to hidden mold. They discuss how humidity in the Lowcountry makes HVAC systems a breeding ground for mold, why indoor air quality matters more than most people realize, and how professional duct cleaning can make a world of difference in your healing journey. Plus, they tease an exciting Instagram giveaway coming this December, where one lucky listener will win a free professional duct cleaning from ProShine! If you’re healing from mold illness, fatigue, or chronic inflammation, this episode will help you connect the dots between your home and your health. ✹ Follow along for the upcoming giveaway: @balance.workout.app@proshineprofessionalcleaning💡 Learn more about the Balance App → https://balanceworkoutapp.com Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    39 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    E81- What Balance Really Looks Like: Redefining Healing, Wellness, and Self-Compassion

    What if balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—but learning when to pause? In this empowering episode, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Balance App founder Kristie Lengel shares what true balance looks like beyond the all-or-nothing mindset. After years of navigating chronic illness, burnout, and healing, Kristie has learned that real wellness isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about attuning to your body, regulating your nervous system, and practicing grace. You’ll learn: Why the “perfect wellness” mindset keeps so many of us stuckHow to rebuild trust with your body after burnout or illnessHow the all-new Balance App supports real-life bodies through gentle movement, functional nutrition, and nervous system tools✹ The Balance App launches November 16th — join the waitlist and become a Founding Member at https://balanceworkoutapp.com Balance isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. And when you start listening to your body with compassion, everything changes! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health or wellness routine. Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    11 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    E80- Thyroid Truths: The Tests Your Doctor Might Be Missing (Rerun)

    If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, hair loss, or feeling cold all the time — but your doctor keeps saying your labs look “normal,” this episode is for you. In this listener-favorite rerun, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Lengel dives into the overlooked world of thyroid testing and explains why so many women are being misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. You’ll learn: Why standard thyroid panels often miss key markersThe full thyroid panel you should be requestingHow to advocate for proper testing and follow-up careSteps to support thyroid health naturally through lifestyle and nutritionKristie also shares practical ways to speak up for your health and get the complete picture of what’s really happening with your hormones. Don’t let unexplained symptoms go unchecked—empower yourself with the knowledge to take back control of your thyroid and your energy. 💡 Learn more: 🌿 Explore the Balance App for healing-focused fitness and functional health tools → https://balanceworkoutapp.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health or wellness routine. Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. âžĄïž https://balanceworkoutapp.com Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your initial consultation to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram ⚫Facebook ⚫Youtube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

    11 min
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4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Struggling with chronic illness, unexplained symptoms, or feeling dismissed by doctors? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. #BALANCE Banter is the podcast for women navigating conditions like autoimmunity, MCAS, POTS, mold illness, chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, and more. Hosted by Kristie Calise—Board Certified Integrative & Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Exercise Physiologist, and founder of the Balance App—this show blends personal experience with professional insight to help you uncover root causes and feel at home in your body again. Each episode offers supportive, symptom-sensitive strategies for nervous system regulation, functional nutrition, gentle movement, and foundational habits that support healing—without the overwhelm. Whether you're newly diagnosed or deep in the weeds of your health journey, this podcast is your compassionate space to learn, heal, and feel empowered. ✹ You’re not broken. You’re just out of balance! Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristie Lengel đŸ–€
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 #Balance Banter
  • Show Website
    #Balance Banter