Straight Up With Steph

Stephanie Botts
  • 5.0 (14)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

 Your podcast for real tips on healthy posture, healthy habits, and a healthy life! 

  1. Ep 81: Muscle, Metabolism & Perimenopause: What Women Need to Know

    2D AGO

    Ep 81: Muscle, Metabolism & Perimenopause: What Women Need to Know

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined again by registered dietitian and perimenopause expert Laura Berger for a deeper dive into muscle, metabolism, fat loss, and the biggest mistakes women are making with nutrition and training—especially in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. We unpack why muscle truly is the organ of longevity, why women are not “bulking up” from strength training, and how hormonal shifts during perimenopause change the way we need to eat and exercise. Laura also breaks down why calorie counting, macro tracking, and “eating less” often backfire—and what to focus on instead if you want sustainable fat loss and long-term health. We also tackle a hot topic that many women are curious (and conflicted) about: GLP-1 medications. Laura explains when they may be appropriate, when they’re likely doing more harm than good, and why preserving lean muscle is non-negotiable for aging well. In this episode, we cover: Why muscle is critical for longevity, metabolism, and hormone healthThe myth of women “bulking up” from lifting weightsStrength training vs yoga & Pilates—and why most women need a blendWhat functional strength training actually looks likeWhy protein alone doesn’t build muscle without the right stimulusHow meal timing and protein distribution change in perimenopauseThe biggest problems with calorie counting and macro trackingWhat GLP-1 medications do—and what most people aren’t being toldHow to start the new year strong without all-or-nothing thinking Ep 79: Why Your Old Diets Don’t Work Anymore: The Real Reason Women Gain Weight About Laura Connect with Laura: Instagram and TikTok: @theperimenopausediet Website Free Masterclass Easy Sheet Pan Recipe Easy Smoothie Recipe To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.   🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!  🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    1h 1m
  2. Ep 80: Early Signs of Hearing Loss You’re Ignoring — And How They Affect Your Brain

    12/19/2025

    Ep 80: Early Signs of Hearing Loss You’re Ignoring — And How They Affect Your Brain

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, hearing instrument specialist Madison joins me to unpack the surprisingly deep connection between hearing, cognition, memory, balance, and longevity. We talk about why hearing loss sneaks up on people, the common early signs that get ignored, and how untreated hearing loss dramatically increases the risk of dementia, falls, and social withdrawal. Madison also explains why dental clinicians are especially vulnerable to high-frequency noise exposure and the right way to use hearing protection. You’ll learn:  ✔️ How the auditory system feeds the brain  ✔️ Why background noise is exhausting  ✔️ When noise becomes dangerous (real decibel numbers!)  ✔️ Why hearing aids are not “just for old people” ✔️ The difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder ✔️ The research linking hearing loss and dementia ✔️ How to protect your hearing — at work, at the gym, and at concerts If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in loud places, relied on captions, or struggled in restaurants, this episode will make so much sense About Madison Connect with Madison: @madisonlistens on Instagram  Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/dFRvJcm6KKQ?si=_cZXHGjITFnaQaZI   Website To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!  🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    47 min
  3. Ep 79: Why Your Old Diets Don’t Work Anymore: The Real Reason Women Gain Weight

    12/12/2025

    Ep 79: Why Your Old Diets Don’t Work Anymore: The Real Reason Women Gain Weight

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by registered dietitian and creator of The Perimenopause Diet, Laura Berger, for a deeply validating and eye-opening conversation about body changes in your 30s and 40s, perimenopause, weight fluctuations, insulin resistance, and why traditional “eat less, move more” advice stops working during this chapter of life. Laura breaks down: Why fat gain and “fluffiness” can happen even when diet and exercise haven’t changedHow declining estrogen, stress, sleep, and insulin resistance interactWhat most women misunderstand about intermittent fastingWhy strength training is non-negotiable and how to do it correctlyThe real reason women feel out of control around food (hint: it’s not willpower)How to structure meals to stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, and improve sleepHoliday eating strategies that don’t derail progress or trigger guiltThis episode is full of reassurance, clarity, and truly empowering education for women navigating midlife shifts. If you’ve been feeling frustrated, confused, or stuck in your body…this one will feel like a breath of relief. 👉 Listen now and connect with Laura’s programs + masterclass in the show notes! About Laura Connect with Laura: Instagram and TikTok: @theperimenopausediet Website Free Masterclass To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.   🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!  🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    1h 4m
  4. Ep 78: Hair Myths Debunked: What Actually Works for Healthy Hair Growth

    12/05/2025

    Ep 78: Hair Myths Debunked: What Actually Works for Healthy Hair Growth

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with clinical trichologist Dorian White to talk about all things hair and scalp health. We cover everything from tight hairstyles and traction alopecia to the science behind scalp care, proper shampoo techniques, and what really causes hair loss. You’ll learn: The real difference between scalp serums and oilsHow to properly wash your hair for optimal scalp healthWhy you might be losing hair at your temples or crownThe truth about supplements like biotin and collagenScience-backed ingredients that actually help with regrowthDorian’s top tips for maintaining healthy hair as hormones shift This conversation is full of myth-busting advice, practical tips, and reassurance for anyone struggling with hair changes or loss. About Dori Connect with Dori: @dorian_marie_hair on instagram and titktok To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes. 🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!  🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    1 hr
  5. Ep 77: Top Ergonomic Mistakes Dental Clinicians Must Stop Making

    11/28/2025

    Ep 77: Top Ergonomic Mistakes Dental Clinicians Must Stop Making

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m diving into the most common ergonomic mistakes dental clinicians make — and the exact corrections that will help you start the new year with less pain, better posture, and more confidence in the operatory. This solo episode breaks down years of assessment experience and everything I personally struggled with early in my career—the same habits that led me straight into chronic pain. If you want to feel better in 2025, these are the habits to stop today. In this episode, I cover: The #1 posture mistake fueling neck and back painWhy the wrong clock positions are wrecking your bodyThe exact height your patient’s mouth should beHow death-gripping your instruments leads to injuryWhy circulation is everything (and what instantly improves it)Microbreaks, movement, standing, walking & blood flowOut-of-operatory habits: sleep, diet, protein, inflammation & exercise If you want to start feeling better, working safer, and building a body that lasts throughout your career, this episode is your roadmap. To watch on YouTube, click here Links for mentioned resources: Free Posture Mini-Course Ergo Courses + Monthly Club Membership Microbreak Download Corrective Exercise Specialist (for clinicians) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.   🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!  🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    36 min
  6. Ep 76: Is Dental Marketing a Scam?

    11/14/2025

    Ep 76: Is Dental Marketing a Scam?

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Gary Bird, founder and CEO of SMC National, to talk all things marketing in dentistry.  Gary shares eye-opening insights on where dental practices lose potential patients, how to track what’s actually working, and all about AI being used in marketing. We cover: The #1 marketing metric most practices ignore (and how it’s costing you new patients)Why 35% of dental calls go unanswered — and what that means for your ROIThe real difference between good marketing and good operationsThe truth about AI marketing, social media, and the future of practice growthGary’s candid takes will make you rethink how your front desk, systems, and social strategy all connect to practice profitability. About Gary Connect with Gary: https://www.facebook.com/smcnationalinc  https://www.instagram.com/smcnational/ https://www.youtube.com/user/SMCNational/videos Trackable App To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.   🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!  🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    50 min
  7. Ep 75: Tired of Patients Not Understanding Their Treatment? Here’s How AI Can Help

    11/07/2025

    Ep 75: Tired of Patients Not Understanding Their Treatment? Here’s How AI Can Help

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Sofie, a dental hygienist who transitioned from clinical care to the world of dental technology and AI. Now working at Overjet, Sofie shares her journey from the operatory to dental sales, what it’s like being the only clinician on her team, and how AI is transforming patient communication, diagnosis, and insurance efficiency in dentistry. We talk about: Sofie’s transition from hygiene to dental tech and salesHow Overjet helps clinicians present treatment and improve case acceptanceCommon misconceptions about AI in dentistryHow Overjet supports both providers and insurance communicationWhy clinicians should stay curious about opportunities beyond the operatory🦷 Whether you’re a dental clinician curious about career transitions or a practice looking to streamline efficiency and accuracy, this episode gives you a real-world look at how AI can elevate your workflow. This episode is sponsored by Overjet: Overjet helps dental professionals elevate patient care, streamline diagnostics, and simplify insurance communication with advanced AI technology. 👉 Learn more about Overjet About Sofie Connect with Sofie: Book a Demo Book A Discovery Call with Sofie Email: sofie.kissinger@overjet.ai LinkedIn To watch on YouTube, click here Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    41 min
  8. Ep 74: Thriving in Your First Years as a Dental Hygienist

    10/31/2025

    Ep 74: Thriving in Your First Years as a Dental Hygienist

    Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph — part two of my two-part series with Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, co-founder of Hygiene Edge — we dive into what life looks like after dental hygiene school. From first-day nerves to finding the right office fit, we cover everything new grads wish someone had told them before starting. Whether you’re just entering private practice or a few years in and still finding your rhythm, this one’s packed with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement. We discuss: What to expect in your first year as a new gradHow to find an office that supports you (and your ergonomics!)Building confidence and learning to ask for helpManaging time, burnout, and the steep learning curveWhy your education doesn’t stop at graduationThe importance of networking, continuing education, and staying curiousIf you’re a new grad, this one’s for you! To watch on Youtube, click here Episodes mentioned in this podcast:  Top Tips on Thriving in Dental Hygiene School About Melia Connect with Melia: @hygieneedge @meliardh Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  🛒 Want to visit my store? Find ergonomic tools, courses, and more—click here!  🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

 Your podcast for real tips on healthy posture, healthy habits, and a healthy life! 

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Botts
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Straight Up With Steph
  • Show Website
    Straight Up With Steph

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