Functional Moms Podcast

Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

  1. 1d ago

    112. 3 Reasons Fat Loss Stalls in Menopause (And How to Fix It)

    Can't lose belly fat even though you're eating healthy and exercising? In this first "How Are You Functioning?" mini episode, Kristin and Raquel share three of the biggest reasons women struggle with stubborn fat loss after 40. Based on insights from over 100 women's health experts featured on Functional Moms Podcast, you'll learn simple, practical strategies to improve your metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and support healthy weight loss. If you're short on time but want actionable health tips, this quick episode is for you. What You'll Learn: Why insulin resistance blocks fat burning Simple signs you may have insulin resistance How eating habits affect your metabolism Why quality sleep is essential for weight loss Easy ways to improve metabolic health Small lifestyle changes that produce lasting results Connect with Functional Moms Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF) https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ DISCLAIMER *This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice or replace the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider. We are not medical experts and simply share what we've learned from our guests and our own experiences.

  2. Jul 9

    111. How to Lose Fat & Gain Muscle After 40 | Hailey Babcock (Dr. Stacy Sims' Fitness Collaborator!)

    This conversation is for you if you're struggling with weight loss in midlife. Our most popular episode ever featured Dr. Stacy Sims today we're talking to one of her fitness and nutrition collaborators. Hailey Babcock is a fitness and nutrition coach whose programs are built in collaboration with Dr. Stacy Sims and Dr. Vonda Wright, two of the leading experts in women's exercise science. In this episode, we cover the most effective ways to lose fat and gain muscle in midlife. You'll learn: How Hailey and Dr. Stacy Sims built fitness programs for midlife women looking to lose fat and gain muscleWhy you need to lift heavy and how to do it safelyWhat kind of cardio is actually best for fat lossThe role of HIIT and SIT training, and why recovery matters just as much as the workoutHow much muscle you can realistically expect to gainWhy stressful seasons of life (divorce, caring for aging parents, stressful teens) are not the time to chase weight lossWhy a structured training program beats random YouTube workoutsWhat to focus on if you have zero time to work out (stairs over elevators, walking after meals, more movement throughout your day)The real role of nutrition in fat lossWhy strength training is non-negotiable if you're trying to lose weight Connect with Hailey Babcock: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haileyhappensfitness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haileyhappensfitness/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haileyhappensfitness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haileyhappensfitness Website: https://www.haileyhappensfitness.com/ Thank you for listening! Please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store  25% OFF top quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms NOT MEDICAL ADVICE, ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. #WeightLossAfter40 #StrengthTraining #BuildMuscle #BurnFat #WomenOver40 #MenopauseFitness #Perimenopause #FitnessForWomen #HealthyAging #Metabolism #FatLoss #MuscleGain #WorkoutTips #Functionalmomspodcast #HaileyBabcock

  3. Jul 2

    110. The Truth About Hormones, Gut Health & Midlife Weight Gain | Dr. Andrea Colon

    Are you eating healthy, exercising, hitting your protein goals and still gaining weight after 40? The answer may not be your diet. In this episode, Dr. Andrea Colon explains why hormones, gut health, sleep, and stress all work together to influence metabolism, energy, inflammation, and weight loss. Learn why looking beyond estrogen is essential for lasting results and discover practical strategies to optimize your hormones naturally during perimenopause and menopause. If you've been frustrated because you're doing "everything right" but still don't feel like yourself, this episode is for you. You'll learn: Why women gain weight during perimenopause and menopause Why HRT alone isn't always enough The role of pregnenolone and DHEA in women's health How gut health affects metabolism and fat loss Why constipation may be slowing your weight loss How poor sleep impacts hormones and energy Why strength training is essential for bone health The importance of Vitamin D during midlife How stress influences hormones and metabolism Website: https://www.drandreacolon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandreanmd/ This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Andrea Colon and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Andrea Colon nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF) https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #Menopause #Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #WeightLossAfter40 #HormoneBalance #GutHealth #HRT #Metabolism #WomensHealth #HealthyAging #MidlifeWellness #Inflammation #VitaminD #FunctionalMedicine #Functionalmomspodcast

  4. Jun 23

    109. Why Women Over 40 Gain Weight Even When Doing Everything Right | Dr. Jason Shumard

    You're eating clean, hitting the gym, tracking your protein and the scale still won't move. You're not failing. Your metabolism might be. In this episode, Dr. Jason Shumard, a functional medicine practitioner with 20+ years helping women reverse insulin resistance, explains why weight loss resistance is actually a sign of cellular dysfunction, and what to do about it. What you'll learn: ✅ Why "eating healthy" can still sabotage fat loss after 40 ✅ The real role of insulin resistance in stubborn belly fat ✅ Why your bloodwork looks "normal" but you still feel off ✅ How poor sleep is blocking your weight loss not your diet ✅ The truth about GLP-1 medications and hidden muscle loss risk Dr. Shumard's mission became personal after losing his mother  to diabetes complications despite his best efforts to help her. Connect with Dr. Jason Shumard: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjasonshumard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjasonshumard Website: https://drjasonshumard.com/ FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple and Spotify! SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ Shop our Supplement Store  25% OFF top quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms #weightlossafter40 #insulinresistance #functionalmedicine #howtofixmetabolism #HbA1c #diabetes

  5. Jun 16

    108. Simple Habits to Help You Age Strong after 50 | Jennifer Timmons, MD

    Feeling tired, weak, or like your body just isn't responding the way it used to? Menopause isn't a short phase you wait out--it's a turning point that shapes how strong and energized you feel for the rest of your life. In this episode, you'll learn simple, realistic ways to take back your energy, protect your strength, and feel like yourself again. Dr. Jennifer Timmons is a physician and the founder of Timmons Wellness, a personalized concierge medical practice. With over 10 years in primary care at UCLA Health, plus advanced training in functional medicine, she helps women age strong and live longer, healthier lives. In this episode you'll learn: Why menopause should be treated as a long-term turning point, not just a passing phase How to age strong through perimenopause and menopause Hormone therapy options — including timing and safety Why sleep is the foundation for your energy, health, and how you age How the right support can protect your muscles and joints Why short 10-minute workouts can beat long, occasional ones Connect with Dr. Timmons: https://timmonswellnessmd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jennifertimmonsmd/ Please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store — 25% OFF top-quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms

  6. Jun 10

    107. Why Your Body Won't Burn Fat After 40 (And How to Fix It) | Shana Hussin

    Struggling to lose fat after 40 even though you're eating clean and staying active? The problem may not be your diet at all--it could be that your body never actually switches into fat-burning mode and stays stuck running on sugar all day long. In this episode, registered dietitian Shana Hussin returns to Functional Moms Podcast to explain how to retrain your body to burn fat and work with your midlife metabolism instead of against it. In our last conversation (Episode 93), Shana broke down how insulin resistance drives belly fat, energy crashes, and cravings  and how it's even been linked to aging-related diseases like dementia and cancer. This time we go deeper into how to actually flip the switch. We learn: What is metabolic switching or metabolic flexibility and how it can help or hurt fat loss especially after 40 What is the difference between carb burning and fat burning  How ketogenic diets can help especially if you suspect you might be severely insulin resistant  How to improve metabolic flexibility through diet and lifestyle The role of insulin resistance in resistant weight loss How can you tell if you’re “carb intolerant” Using fasting to improve metabolic flexibility How outdoor and indoor light exposure impacts metabolism  Blue light’s impact on metabolic health Why it’s important to stop snacking and stop eating at night if you want to lose weight and heal your metabolism Try the Feel Great System: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/feelgreat/ Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shana.hussin.rdn/ https://www.facebook.com/fasttohealnutritiontherapy/ https://shanahussinwellness.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Heal-Achieving-Nutritional-Resistance/dp/B0874JXVP7 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimal-metabolism/id1532328889 FUNCTIONAL MOMS PODCAST — FIRST EPISODE WITH SHANA: https://youtu.be/EpHBytK0R4U?si=6WZY_XQWixZuHLn6 Please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store — 25% OFF top-quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Thank you for listening! Following the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify helps us bring you more episodes. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/

  7. Jun 2

    106. Fix Bloating, Heartburn & Constipation Naturally | Dane Johnson

    Are you struggling with bloating, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained gut symptoms? Gut health issues are becoming more common than ever, especially during perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, Dane Johnson shares practical, natural strategies to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support long-term gut healing. From IBS and SIBO to Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, you’ll learn why gut issues happen and what you can start doing today to feel better. If your gut has been trying to tell you something, this episode is a must-watch. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why gut issues are getting worse in 2026 ✅ How environmental toxins damage your gut ✅ The microbiome and its role in inflammation ✅ Why LOW stomach acid causes heartburn (not high) ✅ Simple strategies for IBS, SIBO, and gut healing ✅ How to navigate supplements and liver detox ✅ 2 simple things you can start doing today Connect with Dane Johnson: http://crohnscolitislifestyle.com https://www.instagram.com/danejohnson1/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/@crohnscolitislifestyle https://www.tiktok.com/@crohnscolitis_lifestyle Watch the First Functional Moms Podcast Episode with Dane: https://youtu.be/9QS-QMw9gcE?si=TnDaGdZMXSWbaMox Supplement Store (25% OFF): https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms Don’t Forget:Follow on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Subscribe for more expert health content https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ DISCLAIMER: This content is strictly the opinion of Dane Johnson and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dane Johnson nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers, especially those taking prescription medications, should check with their licensed medical provider. #GutHealth #IBS #Bloating #Heartburn #Constipation #MenopauseHealth #WomensHealth #GutHealing #Microbiome #FunctionalMedicine #NaturalHealing #Perimenopause #CrohnsDisease #UlcerativeColitis #IBD #DigestiveHealth #GutReset #WomenOver40

  8. May 26

    105. Why You Still Feel Bad on HRT (and what helps) with Dr. Blake Myers

    Are you in your 40s, 50s or 60s and feeling like a stranger in your own body? Hot flashes, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, brain fog — even on HRT? You're not alone, and today's episode has answers. Dr. Blake Myers, naturopathic physician and author of The Bridge System, joins us on episode #105 of Functional Moms Podcast to share over 10 years of clinical research on why hormones alone aren't the full picture — and what actually helps women feel like themselves again. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why menopause needs support beyond hormones ✅ Common misconceptions about menopause ✅ How stress and cortisol worsen symptoms ✅ The connection between gut health and menopause ✅ Brain changes during menopause and how to support them ✅ Natural herbs and supplements for symptom relief ✅ Blood sugar strategies for better hormone balance ✅ How inflammation impacts menopause symptoms ✅ The role of mitochondria and metabolic health ✅ How the “Bridge System” supports women naturally ✅ Herbs, supplements & mitochondria support ✅ Dr. Myers' Bridge System explained Connect with Dr. Blake Myers: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bridgesystem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr._blake/ Website: https://www.thebridgesystemmethod.com/ Shop Functional Moms Supplement Store — 25% OFF: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms FOLLOW on Apple Podcast & Spotify! SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/ #Perimenopause #Menopause #HRT #NaturalRemedies #FunctionalMedicine #WomensHealth

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About

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG! Connect with your hosts Kristin Brucker and Raquel B. Cartagena on Instagram and YouTube @functionalmomspodcast *Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

Information

  • Creator
    Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin Brucker
  • Show Website
    Functional Moms Podcast

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