Straight Up With Steph

Stephanie Botts
  • 5.0 (17)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. Ep 91: How to Train Your Brain for Better Focus, Memory & Mental Clarity

    1H AGO

    Ep 91: How to Train Your Brain for Better Focus, Memory & Mental Clarity

    What if your brain isn’t declining… it’s just undertrained? What if simple brain games can improve it? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I sit down with Jules from BrainBodyByJules to break down what’s really happening with your focus, memory, and mental clarity—and why so many of us feel like we’re operating on autopilot. We talk about how your brain is actually trainable (just like your body), and why things like processing speed, attention, and even your thought patterns are skills you can improve—not things you’re stuck with. This conversation completely changed how I think about brain health… and I think it will for you too. In this episode, we cover: Why “autopilot living” is making your brain weakerWhat neuroplasticity actually means (and how to use it)How modern convenience is impacting cognitive healthThe difference between multitasking vs. dual-task trainingSigns your processing speed might be decliningHow your phone is silently destroying your focusSimple brain exercises you can start doing todayWhy memory problems are often actually attention problemsLifestyle habits that support long-term brain healthIf you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend who wants better brain health too! To watch on Youtube, click here Topics Discussed:  brain health, neuroplasticity, improve memory, processing speed, brain exercises, focus training, cognitive health, brain fog, dual task training About Jules Connect with Jules: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/brainbodybyjules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brainbodybyjuless Skool: https://www.skool.com/brainbodybyjules-9310   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.   Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click for hygiene week sale! Click here for video ergo courses (code RDHWEEK at checkout)  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    57 min
  2. Ep 90: Dermatologist Explains Why Your Skin Changes During Perimenopause

    APR 3

    Ep 90: Dermatologist Explains Why Your Skin Changes During Perimenopause

    Wrinkles, hormonal acne, melasma, and dry skin can suddenly appear in your 40s — and hormones may be the reason. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I’m joined by board-certified dermatologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Dr. Corinne Erickson to talk about the connection between skin health, hormones, and aging. If you’ve noticed changes like adult acne, pigmentation, dryness, or sagging skin during perimenopause, you’re not imagining things. Hormonal shifts can dramatically affect collagen production, skin hydration, and elasticity. Dr. Erickson explains what’s actually happening in the skin during midlife, which skincare products truly matter, and which trends are mostly marketing hype. In this episode we discuss:  • The most underrated skincare product everyone should be using  • Why women often experience hormonal acne again in their 40s and 50s  • What causes melasma and why it can be difficult to treat  • How perimenopause affects collagen, hydration, and skin elasticity  • Why women experience crepey skin and itchy skin during hormone shifts  • The truth about 10-step skincare routines and what actually works  • Treatments that can support healthy skin as we age Dr. Erickson is also the host of the podcast The Skin Pause, where she shares evidence-based insights about skin health during midlife. If you know someone navigating skin changes during perimenopause, send them this episode. Topics discussed: perimenopause skin changes, hormonal acne, melasma treatment, aging skin, collagen loss, skincare routines. About Dr Corinne Connect with Dr Corinne: Instagram: @drcorinneerickson   Website The Skin Pause Podcast  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.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click for hygiene week sale! Click here for video ergo courses (code RDHWEEK at checkout)  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    1h 2m
  3. Ep 89: Constipation, Gas, and What Your Poop Says About Your Gut Health

    MAR 27

    Ep 89: Constipation, Gas, and What Your Poop Says About Your Gut Health

    Constipation, bloating, gas, and poop—these are topics people rarely talk about, but they can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside your gut. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I continue my conversation with gastroenterologist and bestselling author Will Bulsiewicz. If you listened to Part 1, we talked about the gut microbiome, inflammation, and why fiber is so important for gut health. In this second half of the conversation, we dive into the digestive symptoms people struggle with the most and what they might actually be telling us about the microbiome. In this episode we discuss: • Why fiber can sometimes make constipation worse  • The connection between constipation and bloating  • Why constipation can sometimes look like diarrhea  • What the Bristol stool scale tells us about gut health  • The science behind gas and fermentation  • Why gut bacteria produce methane  • What your poop can reveal about your microbiome  • The best position to sit in when you poop We also get into some of the more awkward—but important—questions people often wonder about, like why some people have “clean wipers” and what that might say about digestion. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from it. Topics Discussed: constipation podcast, gut health podcast, bloating and gas explained, Bristol stool scale, digestive health Episode 88 (Part One) To watch on YouTube, click here About Dr B Connect with Dr B: https://theguthealthmd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theguthealthmd/ https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd https://www.tiktok.com/@theguthealthmd https://theguthealthmd.com/plantpoweredplus/ https://38tera.com/ 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.   Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    50 min
  4. Ep 88: How To Heal Your Gut With Dr Will Bulsiewicz

    MAR 20

    Ep 88: How To Heal Your Gut With Dr Will Bulsiewicz

    Your gut microbiome affects far more than digestion. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I’m joined by gastroenterologist and bestselling author Will Bulsiewicz to talk about the science behind the gut microbiome and why fiber may be one of the most important nutrients most people are missing. Dr. B has spent years researching the gut microbiome and helping people understand how the trillions of microbes living inside our digestive system influence inflammation, chronic disease, and overall health. In this first part of our conversation, we break down the microbiome in a way that’s actually easy to understand—and talk about why modern diets may be disrupting gut health. In this episode we discuss: • What the gut microbiome actually is  • Why inflammation is linked to so many chronic diseases  • How the gut barrier works and what “leaky gut” really means  • The connection between oral health and gut health  • Why fiber feeds the microbiome  • The impact of ultra-processed foods on gut bacteria  • How the microbiome can influence cravings  • Why increasing fiber can transform gut health Stay tuned for Part 2, where we talk about constipation, bloating, gas, and what your poop can actually reveal about your gut health. Click here for Part Two If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with a friend who wants better GI health! Topics discussed: gut microbiome, gut health podcast, fiber and gut health, inflammation and gut health, digestive health podcast To watch on YouTube, click here About Dr B Connect with Dr B: https://theguthealthmd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theguthealthmd/ https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd https://www.tiktok.com/@theguthealthmd https://theguthealthmd.com/plantpoweredplus/ https://38tera.com/ 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.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    44 min
  5. Ep 87: Alternative Careers in Dentistry: Opportunities Beyond the Operatory

    MAR 6

    Ep 87: Alternative Careers in Dentistry: Opportunities Beyond the Operatory

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, we’re talking about something I get asked about all the time—career options in dentistry outside of clinical practice. After more than 17 years as a dental hygienist and building my company Polished Posture, I’ve learned there are far more opportunities available to dental professionals than many of us realize. If you’ve ever thought: “I’m just a hygienist or dentist”“I don’t know what else I could do.”“I want something different but I don’t know where to start.” This episode is for you. I’m sharing the paths I’ve personally explored, what I’ve learned along the way, and how your existing clinical skills translate into careers outside of the operatory. We talk about: • Starting a business in dentistry  • Becoming a speaker or educator  • Content creation and social media opportunities  • Working with dental companies or becoming a rep  • Teaching at dental schools  • Consulting and clinical training roles  • Networking and building industry relationships The truth is—dental professionals already have the communication, marketing, education, and leadership skills that companies are looking for. Sometimes we just need permission to think bigger. If you're feeling burnt out, curious about new opportunities, or wondering what your career could look like outside the chair, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible. 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.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click for hygiene week sale! Click here for video ergo courses (code RDHWEEK at checkout)  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    44 min
  6. Ep 86: Endometriosis Symptoms Every Woman Should Know Plus Tips for Hygiene Students

    FEB 27

    Ep 86: Endometriosis Symptoms Every Woman Should Know Plus Tips for Hygiene Students

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with dental hygienist, educator, and entrepreneur Dana Paladino, RDH, to talk about a topic that impacts millions of women yet is still widely misunderstood—endometriosis. Dana shares her personal 20-year journey to diagnosis, the medical gaslighting she experienced, and how chronic pain shaped her mental health, career path, and ultimately her decision to have a hysterectomy. We also dive into how endometriosis shows up in the workplace, the shame many feel when symptoms interfere with work, and why self-advocacy is critical when something doesn’t feel right.  Beyond health, Dana talks about the struggles dental hygiene students face today, burnout culture in dentistry, and how she created Dental Hygiene Basics to support students who need help passing boards and navigating school. In this episode we cover: What endometriosis actually is—and why it’s so hard to diagnoseCommon symptoms: pelvic pain, fatigue, bowel & urinary issues, “endo belly”Why imaging often misses lesions delaying diagnosisMedical gaslighting and learning to trust your bodyWorking full-time with severe periods and chronic painBurnout culture in hygiene school and in practiceCareer options outside the operatory and transferable RDH skills If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the medical system, exhausted in the operatory, or unsure what’s “normal” with your body—this conversation is for you. About Dana Connect with Dana: @dentalhygienebasics on Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube  The Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast : https://www.dentalhygienebasics.com/podcast 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.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click for hygiene week sale! Click here for video ergo courses (code RDHWEEK at checkout)  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    1 hr
  7. Ep 85: Your Best Years Aren’t Behind You In Midlife (Here’s Why)

    FEB 13

    Ep 85: Your Best Years Aren’t Behind You In Midlife (Here’s Why)

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Maggie Topham, integrative health coach and passionate advocate for helping women thrive in midlife. Maggie shares her powerful personal journey—from feeling lost, exhausted, and “fluffy” in her 40s to rebuilding her health through blood sugar awareness, strength training, and a muscle-centric approach to living. We talk about why what worked in our 20s stops working in perimenopause, how endless cardio can backfire, and why protein + lifting are the real game changers.  Maggie also gets real about GLP-1 medications, hormone therapy (especially testosterone!), and how to get out of the cycle of dieting and punishment workouts. If you’ve ever felt like your body isn’t your own anymore, this conversation will give you hope—and a practical roadmap to feel strong, confident, and energized again. We cover: Why midlife weight gain is metabolic, not a willpower problemHow Maggie went from size 16 → 0 without extreme dietingThe truth about cardio vs. strength training after 40Protein targets and how Maggie structures her day of eatingInsulin resistance, CGMs, and blood sugar basicsTestosterone for women and the mental health connectionGLP-1 pros, cons, and what scares us mostHow to start lifting—even if the gym intimidates youIf you’re tired of being told “this is just aging,” this episode is for you. About Maggie Connect with Maggie: Instagram: func_health TikTok @maggie.top Facebook: func.Health Warrior Babe Dynamic Health Institute 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. Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click for hygiene week sale! Click here for video ergo courses (code RDHWEEK at checkout)  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    1h 4m
  8. Ep 84: Sleeping but Still Exhausted? What’s Really Disrupting Your Sleep

    FEB 6

    Ep 84: Sleeping but Still Exhausted? What’s Really Disrupting Your Sleep

    In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Dr. Meredith Broderick, a neurologist and board-certified sleep and behavioral sleep medicine specialist, to break down what actually matters when it comes to sleep. We talk about why waking up at 2–3 a.m. is so common, how sleep architecture really works, and why chasing “perfect” sleep scores can backfire. Dr. Broderick also explains sleep apnea beyond the outdated stereotype, why women are often underdiagnosed, and what treatment options exist beyond CPAP. We also dig into: Why sleep trackers can help — and when they hurtAlcohol, THC, and sleep: what no one tells youMelatonin, sleeping pills, and what actually worksWhy airway health in kids matters more than we thinkThe surprising role GLP-1 medications play in sleep apnea If sleep feels confusing, frustrating, or broken — this episode will help! About Dr Meredith Connect with Dr Meredith: @SleepDoctorMer on Instagram and TikTok   Website: https://soundsleepguru.com/ 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.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click for hygiene week sale! Click here for video ergo courses (code RDHWEEK at checkout)  To connect with me:  🦷Polished Posture Club ➡️Instagram 💻My Website 📨Email: stephanie@polishedposture.net 💌Newsletter signup

    56 min
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5
out of 5
17 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
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Straight Up With Steph
  • Show Website
    Straight Up With Steph

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