The Fatigue Fixer

Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, Story Studio Network

Join Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, a Naturopathic Doctor who's been the guiding light for thousands of women struggling with fatigue for over a decade. Dr. Sarah challenges the common misconception that feeling drained equates to being flawed. In "The Fatigue Fixer", she offers insights into our body's messages, reminding us that our tiredness isn't a sign of weakness, but a signal of misalignment. By truly understanding and caring for our bodies, we can navigate the road to better energy. In a world filled with immeasurable expectations, Sarah aims to support every woman, from the hands-on mom to the aspiring Prime Minister. Dive in as we dissect the physical, emotional and societal pressures draining our energy, and together, shift the narrative around fatigue. Your exhaustion has a story; let's rewrite it together. Get your daily dose of fatigue fixing tips over on Dr. Sarah’s Instagram @sarahvadeboncoeur or visit her website at www.docereclinic.ca to learn more about how you can work with her.

  1. 3d ago

    56. The One Where Strong Feels Better Than Skinny with Leslie Robertson

    Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself and immediately started picking yourself apart? If so, you're not alone In this episode, I sit down with my friend Leslie Robertson—health and fitness coach, former NCAA Division I athlete, and owner of Prime Personal Training Studio—for an honest conversation about what it really takes to make peace with your changing body in midlife. We talk about the pressure so many women feel to look a certain way, how our own bodies have changed over the years, and why chasing a smaller body often steals energy from the things that matter most. Instead, we explore what happens when you shift your focus toward strength, performance, health, and living a life that feels good. We also share practical strategies for quieting negative body talk, navigating those difficult moments when photos or videos trigger self-criticism, and raising children who have a healthier relationship with food, movement, and their bodies than many of us grew up with. If you've ever felt like your body has become the enemy, this conversation will remind you that you are so much more than your size—and that there is incredible freedom in learning to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer everyone else. Key Takeaways: Why body acceptance doesn't mean giving up on your healthHow shifting from appearance-based goals to performance-based goals can transform your relationship with exerciseWhy "leaner" doesn't automatically mean healthier—or happierPractical ways to challenge negative body thoughts when they show upHow to redefine fitness around strength, energy, confidence, and longevityWhy the way we talk about our own bodies matters for the next generationSimple ways to model a healthy relationship with food, exercise, and body image for your childrenEncouragement for anyone struggling to accept the body they're living in today Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: EP 44. The One Where Exercise Stops Feeling So Hard EP 19. The One Where You’re Stronger Than You Think EP 1. The One Where Your Pants Don’t Fit Connect with Leslie: Leslie Robertson is a dedicated health and fitness coach with a rich background in athletic performance and wellness. As a former NCAA Division 1 athlete and physical education teacher, Leslie holds a B.Sc. in Human Performance from Southern Miss. With 17 years of experience, she’s the founder, owner, and head trainer at PRIME Personal Training studio, where she empowers women to achieve sustainable health goals. As a passionate advocate for women’s health, Leslie understands the challenges busy moms face in regaining their energy and confidence. Through her coaching programs, she provides sustainable and realistic fitness strategies that seamlessly fit into the hectic lives of mothers. Having navigated her own health challenges, Leslie believes that wellness shouldn’t be an all-or-nothing endeavour. Her approach focuses on building healthy foundations with simple, achievable steps, fostering a mindset that values progress over perfection, and creating long-term success that doesn’t add to the stress of daily life. IG: Get Fit With Les Website: PrimePersonalTraining.ca 💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

  2. Jul 29

    55. The One Where Honesty Gives You More Energy

    What does a birthday cake have to do with your energy? More than you might think. In this solo episode, I share a surprisingly emotional story about my birthday cake—and how a simple disappointment uncovered a much bigger conversation about emotional suppression. For years, I believed that keeping the peace meant keeping my feelings to myself. But what I've learned is that suppressing emotions doesn't make them disappear. It simply costs us energy. We explore why bottling up disappointment, anger, or sadness drains your emotional reserves, affects your physical health, and creates distance in your relationships. I also share the science behind emotional suppression, why speaking your truth is one of the most powerful forms of self-care, and practical ways to start expressing your needs with honesty and compassion. If you've ever told yourself, "It's not a big deal," while quietly carrying the weight of hurt or resentment, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: What emotional suppression is and why so many women fall into the habit of doing itHow holding in your feelings quietly drains your energy and contributes to emotional exhaustionWhy suppressing emotions can affect both your physical health and your relationshipsThe "beach ball underwater" analogy that explains why emotions eventually find a way to surfaceWhy expressing disappointment or anger isn't selfish—it's an important part of healthy communicationHow speaking your truth can improve your self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-beingSimple ways to start recognizing and expressing your emotions before they become resentmentWhy your voice may be one of the most powerful tools you have for protecting your energy Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: EP 51: The One Where Fibroids Get Mistreated with Nam Kiwanuka EP 45: The One Where You Feel Safe to Speak Up with Elise Besler EP 17: The One Where You Bite Your Tongue with Vivian Kaye EP 9: The One Where You Didn’t Sign Up for This with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish EP 2: The One Where You Hear Your Body Speak  💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

  3. Jul 15

    54. The One About Choosing Trust Over Control with Olga Lacroix

    Calling all control freaks: if you’re exhausted from trying to hold everything and everyone together, this episode is for you. Join me as I sit down with Olga Lacroix (Registered Social Worker and Master Certified Coach) to explore one of the biggest hidden drains on our energy: the need to control everything. We unpack why so many high-achieving women feel responsible for everyone else's happiness, why checking all the boxes still doesn't make us feel like we're enough, and how perfectionism quietly fuels burnout. Together, we explore the difference between control and trust, why boundaries are really about changing our own behaviour—not someone else's—and how shifting from an outcome-focused mindset to a process-focused one can create more peace, confidence, and joy. We also discuss practical strategies like conducting an energy audit, noticing negative self-talk, practicing mindfulness, and redefining success in a way that actually supports your well-being. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you're never quite enough, this conversation will leave you feeling lighter, more compassionate toward yourself, and with practical tools you can start using today. Key Takeaways: Why trying to control people and outcomes is one of the fastest ways to drain your emotional energy.The surprising relationship between perfectionism, achievement, and chronic fatigue.How childhood experiences often shape our need for control and external validation.Why success doesn't automatically lead to fulfillment and what actually does.The difference between an outcome mindset and a growth mindset.How self-compassion helps reduce burnout more effectively than self-criticism.Practical ways to challenge negative self-talk and become aware of your inner critic.Why boundaries are about what you will do, not changing someone else's behaviour.How to perform an energy audit to identify what's filling and draining your emotional, mental, and physical energy.Why measuring your life by joy instead of productivity can completely change the way you make decisions. Additional Episodes You Might Enjoy:  49. The One Where You’re in Energy Debt 41. The One Where Burnout Becomes a Wake-Up Call 12. The One Where You Redefine Success Connect with Olga: Olga Lacroix is a mom, Registered Social Worker, and Master Certified Coach who helps high achievers so they can feel calmer, more confident, and more fulfilled in both their personal and professional lives. With more than 20 years of experience, she works with ambitious professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, and parents who are ready to break free from burnout, perfectionism, and relentless self-pressure, and build a life that feels successful on the inside as well as the outside. Through her practice Olga’s Way, she helps clients overcome anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and chronic overwhelm so they can set healthier boundaries, trust themselves, strengthen their relationships, and lead with clarity and confidence. Her approach blends evidence-based psychology with practical coaching, compassion, and a healthy dose of real-life experience, empowering clients to create sustainable habits and meaningful results that last. When she’s not working with clients, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, writing, traveling, and exploring what it means to live a meaningful life beyond achievement. IG: Olga's Way Coaching Website: OlgasWay.com 💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

  4. Jul 1

    53. The One About Getting Out of Fight or Flight Mode with Valerie Beaulieu

    Nervous system dysregulation, chronic pain, migraines, fatigue, and perfectionism are all connected in ways most of us were never taught to understand. In this episode, I sit down with Valerie Beaulieu (former Athletic Therapist, Migraine and Neuroplasticity Expert) to explore what the nervous system actually does, what nervous system dysregulation looks like in real life, and why so many high-achieving women find themselves stuck in cycles of exhaustion, pain, people-pleasing, and survival mode. We discuss the role fear plays in chronic symptoms, how fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses show up in everyday life, and why silence can feel so uncomfortable when your nervous system is constantly scanning for danger. Valerie also shares the latest thinking on neuroplastic pain, including how the brain can continue to generate pain signals even after an injury has healed, and how our beliefs, emotions, and internal narratives can influence healing. If you've ever wondered why you feel stuck despite doing all the "right" things, this conversation offers a fascinating perspective on the connection between your brain, body, emotions, and energy. Key Takeaways: Your nervous system is constantly gathering information and determining whether you are safe or under threat.Many women spend years operating in survival mode without realizing it.Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses can show up as perfectionism, overworking, people-pleasing, procrastination, or feeling stuck.Fear is often at the root of chronic stress patterns, even when it appears as anger, guilt, shame, or frustration.The stories and beliefs you attach to your symptoms can influence how your brain experiences pain and fatigue.Neuroplastic pain is real pain generated by learned brain pathways rather than ongoing tissue damage.Chronic pain and chronic fatigue are not "all in your head," but your brain plays an important role in how symptoms are experienced. Additional Episodes You Might Enjoy:  32. The One That Sets The Record Straight on Cortisol45. The One Where You Feel Safe To Speak Up with Elise Besler22. The One Where You Take Care of Everyone But Yourself with Amanda Rocheleau Connect with Valerie: Valerie Beaulieu is a former Athletic Therapist, Migraine and Neuroplasticity Expert with over 17 years of experience helping people overcome acute sports-related injuries, chronic pain, and stress-related symptoms. After years of working with everyone from everyday individuals to Olympic athletes, she discovered that achieving freedom from chronic pain and symptoms goes far beyond the physical body and is deeply connected to the brain, nervous system, emotions, and identity patterns. Today, Valerie specializes in helping women break free from chronic migraines, pain, and symptoms by retraining the brain and nervous system through a powerful mind-body approach. Through her speaking, coaching, and signature R.I.S.E. program, she empowers women to stop living in survival mode, regain trust in their bodies, and reclaim agency over their health and lives. Linktree: Linktr.ee/ValerieMindBodyRx IG: @valerie_mindbody_coach FB: Valerie Beaulieu - Mind-Body Living Rx YouTube: Valerie Beaulieu | Rise Above Pain 💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

  5. Jun 17

    52. The One Where Insulin Resistance is Stealing Your Energy

    💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer If you’re struggling with fatigue, abdominal weight gain, brain fog, and cravings, you may be dealing with a very common metabolic dysfunction: insulin resistance. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur unpacks one of the most common—but often overlooked—causes of low energy: insulin resistance. You'll learn what insulin resistance actually is, why it can develop years before prediabetes, how muscle, sleep, stress, and hormones influence blood sugar regulation, and which lab tests can help identify it early. Most importantly, you'll walk away with practical, sustainable strategies to improve insulin sensitivity without restrictive diets or all-or-nothing thinking. If you've ever been told your blood sugar is "normal" but you still feel exhausted, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Insulin resistance often develops years—or even decades—before prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed.Normal blood sugar does not necessarily mean your insulin levels are normal.Common symptoms include:Afternoon energy crashesBrain fogIncreased cravings for sugar or carbohydratesFeeling irritable or "hangry" when meals are delayedWeight gain around the midsectionMuscle acts as one of the body's biggest glucose sinks, making strength training and movement powerful tools for prevention.Chronic stress, poor sleep, perimenopause, PCOS, a history of gestational diabetes, and certain medications can all increase risk.Waist circumference is one of the strongest predictors of future insulin resistance and metabolic disease.Whether or not Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are helpful for understanding your blood sugar levels Which exact labs can show early signs of insulin resistance Resources & Additional Episodes: Download my free lab guide The Missing Piece, to learn which lab markers every woman should know, and the optimal ranges I use in clinical practice.32. The One That Sets The Record Straight on Cortisol47. The One Where I Changed My Mind About Cholesterol44. The One Where Exercise Stops Feeling So Hard Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

  6. Jun 3

    51. The One Where Fibroids Get Mistreated with Nam Kiwanuka

    💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fibroids, heavy periods, iron deficiency, anemia, exhaustion, women’s health, and medical dismissal are at the center of this powerful conversation with Nam Kiwanuka, award-winning journalist and host of the podcast '(MIS)Treated'. Nam shares her deeply personal experience navigating years of debilitating symptoms, severe blood loss, and repeated dismissal within the healthcare system, before finally receiving appropriate care for fibroids. Together, we explore the enormous physical, emotional, financial, and systemic impact of untreated women’s health concerns — especially for women who have been taught to normalize pain, exhaustion, and suffering. This episode is an honest conversation about what happens when women are not listened to, the shame that often surrounds reproductive health, and why better advocacy, education, and healthcare systems are urgently needed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Key Takeaways: Fibroids affect a huge percentage of women, yet many still struggle for years to receive appropriate careHeavy periods and severe fatigue are often normalized, even when they are signs of significant blood loss and iron deficiencyMedical dismissal can have profound impacts on a woman’s body, mental health, relationships, career, and overall quality of lifeWomen and minorities were not required to be included in clinical trials until 1993, contributing to major gaps in women’s healthcare researchShame and stigma keep many women from openly discussing symptoms related to menstruation and reproductive healthThe economic costs of untreated women’s health conditions extend far beyond healthcare spending and affect productivity, careers, and familiesStorytelling and lived experience are powerful tools for creating awareness and driving systemic healthcare change------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You may also enjoy:  '(MIS)Treated' hosted by Nam KiwanukaEP 13: The One Where Your Period Is A Pain------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guest Info: Nam Kiwanuka is an award-winning journalist and the host/producer of TVO’s '(MIS)Treated', a podcast on women's health. She has hosted 'The Thread with Nam Kiwanuka', 'The Agenda in the Summer', and co-hosted 'The Agenda with Steve Paikin'. She also contributes to columns for TVO.org. Originally from Uganda, Nam spent her early years in a refugee camp in Kenya before settling in London, Ontario. She's lived and worked in the UK, the USA, and Sierra Leone. Her remarkable career in journalism includes roles as the first Black woman in Canada to host a magazine sports show with NBAXL and CFL Crunch on Sportsnet, as a VJ / videographer at MuchMusic, and writing a column for the BBC’s 'Focus on Africa'. She's interviewed Britney Spears, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, and Africa's first female head of state and Nobel Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, plus many more newsmakers.  Beyond her professional work, she’s a passionate plant collector with a collection to rival Allan Gardens, and is determined to perfect her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Learn more about '(MIS)Treated': TVO.org/podcasts/mistreated ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

  7. May 20

    50. The One Where a Diagnosis Changes Everything with Pam Conquest

    💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer Invisible illness, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis are often misunderstood, especially for high-achieving women who are used to pushing through and performing, no matter how they feel. In this episode, I sit down with palliative care nurse consultant and MS patient Pam Conquest to talk about what it’s really like to live with an illness that others can’t see. We explore Pam’s journey from early symptoms to diagnosis, and the emotional reality that comes with it, including grief, identity shifts, and learning to live within new limits. This conversation is honest, compassionate, and deeply practical for anyone navigating fatigue, chronic illness, or supporting someone who is. Key TakeawaysInvisible illness can be incredibly isolating, especially when you “look fine” on the outsideMany women dismiss or minimize early symptoms and delay seeking careChronic illness often comes with grief, even if nothing “visible” has changedHigh-achieving women tend to override their limits, which can worsen fatigue You cannot “push through” your way out of chronic fatigueTools like Spoon Theory and the PEARLS framework can help you communicate and manage your energy more effectivelySelf-compassion is not optional, it is essential for living well with chronic illness Pam Conquest is a palliative care nurse consultant who helps individuals with chronic and life-limiting illnesses to better manage symptoms, including fatigue. Her work is uniquely shaped by both clinical expertise and lived experience. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, Pam has navigated years of relapses, treatments, and the ongoing reality of fatigue. As a mother to one child on Earth and one in Heaven, she understands how invisible grief can quietly and deeply affect energy, and recognizes grief and loss as a common thread in people with chronic and life limiting illnesses. Blending professional insight with personal experience, Pam offers a compassionate and powerful perspective on how chronic illness and grief intersect, and how individuals can better understand and manage their energy. Follow her on Instagram. Other Episodes You Might Enjoy:The One Where We Tackle Autoimmune Fatigue with Alison Danby The One Where You Redefine SuccessThe One Where You Hear Your Body Speak ------------------------- Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

  8. May 6

    49. The One Where You're in Energy Debt

    💌 Leave Me a Voicemail! I want to hear from YOU! Share your questions, stories, or thoughts about this episode — your message might even be featured on a future show. Leave me a voicemail here: Speakpipe.com/TheFatigueFixer Fatigue, burnout, and low energy are incredibly common for high-achieving women who are used to performing at a high level in every area of their lives. If you are the one everyone relies on, the one who keeps things running, and the one who rarely drops the ball, this episode will feel very familiar. In this kickoff to Season 5, I introduce the concept of Energy Wealth and explain why so many capable, driven women end up feeling exhausted despite having created a life that checks all the boxes. When you are overgiving, overfunctioning, and constantly performing all day long, your energy gets depleted faster than you can replenish it. This leads to what I call energy debt. And no amount of pushing through is going to fix that. This episode will help you start seeing your energy differently so you can quickly know what’s making you tired and what you actually need in that moment. Key Topics & Takeaways:If you spent money the way you spend your energy… you’d be brokeChronic fatigue isn’t a personal failure, it’s often the result of energy debtHigh-achieving women tend to overfunction (hello, doing everything for everyone) and under-recoverYour energy isn’t just physical—it’s made up of four key accounts:Body → physical energy, sleep, nourishmentBrain → focus, decision-making, mental clarityHeart → emotional capacity, patience, connectionSpirit → joy, meaning, feeling like yourselfYou can’t fix energy debt by pushing harder, you rebuild energy through small, consistent deposits. The most powerful place to start: identify your most depleted account and support that first. Other Episodes You Might Enjoy:The One Where You Didn’t Sign Up for This with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish (overfunctioning in your relationship)The One Where You Stop Doing Everything For Your Kids (overfunctioning with your kids) ------------------------- Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca. The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.

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About

Join Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, a Naturopathic Doctor who's been the guiding light for thousands of women struggling with fatigue for over a decade. Dr. Sarah challenges the common misconception that feeling drained equates to being flawed. In "The Fatigue Fixer", she offers insights into our body's messages, reminding us that our tiredness isn't a sign of weakness, but a signal of misalignment. By truly understanding and caring for our bodies, we can navigate the road to better energy. In a world filled with immeasurable expectations, Sarah aims to support every woman, from the hands-on mom to the aspiring Prime Minister. Dive in as we dissect the physical, emotional and societal pressures draining our energy, and together, shift the narrative around fatigue. Your exhaustion has a story; let's rewrite it together. Get your daily dose of fatigue fixing tips over on Dr. Sarah’s Instagram @sarahvadeboncoeur or visit her website at www.docereclinic.ca to learn more about how you can work with her.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, Story Studio Network
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur
  • Show Website
    The Fatigue Fixer

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