The Wellness Effect (A Lifestyle U Podcast)

You've tried the topicals, the antibiotics, maybe even birth control — and your skin still isn't clear. That's because acne isn't a skin problem. It's an inside job. In this episode, Jensen, Kira, and Lacey break down the real root causes of acne — from gut health and mineral imbalances to blood sugar, hormones, and bile flow — and give you the actionable habits to finally address what's happening beneath the surface. KEY TAKEAWAYS Your skin is an elimination organ — when your gut, liver, or lymphatic system is overwhelmed, it shows up on your face. Hormonal acne is rarely a hormone problem; it's usually a downstream symptom of things like blood sugar dysregulation, poor bile flow, or chronic stress. Healing your skin starts with foundations — sleep, minerals, hydration, and drainage — before jumping to testing or treatments. CHAPTERS: [00:00:00] - Introduction: Why Your Skin Isn't Clearing [00:03:17] - Skin as an Elimination Organ [00:10:09] - The Gut-Skin Axis & Leaky Gut [00:22:28] - Mineral Imbalances & the HTMA Test [00:29:00] - Blood Sugar, Insulin & Androgens [00:31:14] - Hormones Are a Symptom, Not the Root Cause [00:35:08] - Bile Flow & Estrogen Clearance [00:36:55] - Why You Break Out Before Your Period [00:43:18] - Actionable Habits: Sleep & Circadian Rhythm [00:50:44] - Hydration, Minerals & Blood Sugar Support [00:57:10] - Lymphatic Drainage for Skin [00:58:52] - Skincare Minimalism During Active Acne RESOURCES & MENTIONS: High frequency wand (Amazon) — https://amzn.to/4oJ5sY2 Quinton Minerals - https://amzn.to/4w6nhCP Aussie Trace Minerals - https://amzn.to/4gqcnTJ / https://a.co/d/0gD6ueeX My Circadian app - https://mycircadianapp.com/ Root Cause Reset program - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 Blood Sugar Resource - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PUa-wZinrpzobigPES3bTW-5TwNOXVuK/view?usp=drive_link Psyllium husk (fiber support) Spearmint tea (for high androgens) EPISODES MENTIONED: Inflammation episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-down-the-inflammation-rabbit-hole-ep-70/id1561267131?i=1000767549037 Circadian Rhythm 101: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-medicine-peptides-relationships-a-candid/id1561267131?i=1000754622631 Lymphatic Drainage episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lymphatic-drainage-your-bodys-most-underrated-system-ep-68/id1561267131?i=1000764261331 Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/wellbykira/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

Your body already makes peptides every single day — so before you write them off as another wellness trend or jump on the Ozempic hype train, it's time to actually understand what they are. In this episode of The Wellness Effect, we breaks down peptides from the ground up — no hype, no fear, just a real explanation of what they are, how they communicate with your body, and why the conversation is so much bigger than weight loss. She walks through five specific peptides (semaglutide/Ozempic, retatrutide, BPC-157, GHK-Cu, and CJC-1295/ipamorelin), explains where they sit on the spectrum between supplements and steroids, and makes the case for why foundations always come first — even if you're curious about peptides for gut healing, skin, recovery, or longevity. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Peptides aren't supplements and they aren't steroids — they're precision keys that fit one specific lock and turn on one specific system. More targeted than a supplement, way less system-wide than a steroid. 2. "Peptides" ≠ "Ozempic." The peptide world covers gut healing, skin, recovery, longevity, and more. The weight-loss lens is exactly why everyone's either over-hyped or scared. 3. Foundations first — always. Sleep, food, movement, stress. No peptide, no matter how well-targeted, will land in a body running on empty. Chapters: (00:00) Welcome (00:51) What Even Is a Peptide? The Lego Brick Breakdown (05:45) Peptides as Messengers: The Lock and Key System (06:50) How Peptides Differ from Hormones (10:54) Peptide Levels Decline with Age (and Why That Matters) (12:44) The Spectrum: Supplements → Peptides → Steroids (19:24) Peptides vs. Endocrine Disruptors — Are They the Same? (25:20) Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About Peptides? (31:10) Peptide #1: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) (39:45) Peptide #2: Retatrutide — The Next Generation GLP-1 (42:52) Peptide #3: BPC-157 — Gut Healing & Injury Recovery (47:17) Peptide #4: GHK-Cu — The Skin, Collagen & Longevity Peptide (53:47) Peptide #5: CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin — Growth Hormone & Recovery (01:01:00) Why Foundations Always Come First (01:09:57) The Wrap-Up: What to Actually Take Away From This Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/wellbykira/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

If you've spent years doing cardio wondering why nothing is changing — or you've never picked up a weight in your life and aren't sure where to start — this episode is for you. Jensen, Lacey, and Kira break down everything you actually need to know about resistance training: what it is, why it matters more than almost anything else you can do for your health, and how to get started no matter where you're at right now. This isn't about getting toned. It's about building a body that works — at 40, at 60, at 80. In this episode, we talked about: What resistance training actually is (and why it's not just for gym people) Why women lose 3–8% of their muscle after age 30 — and what to do about it Why 2–3 days a week for 30 minutes is genuinely enough to start Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:03) Resistance Training: It's not about aesthetics — it's about longevity (06:08) Mind-muscle connection (13:40) Why cardio isn't the full picture (16:33) Insulin sensitivity + blood sugar (21:25) Cortisol — the nuanced truth (30:00) Estrogen dominance + hormonal balance (34:57) Testosterone — yes, women need it too (38:36) Resistance training as we age (48:35) How lifting actually strengthens your bones (49:44) Muscle loss after 30 (52:19) Where to start — beginner guide (01:00:13) Practical tips: workout clothes, habit anchors Resources Mentioned: Root Cause Reset Program — https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 use Wellness Effect for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Ep 42 - The Complete Guide to Mineral Testing & Balancing for Women (HTMA Episode) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-complete-guide-to-mineral-testing-balancing-for-women/id1561267131?i=1000734027057 Ep 56 - Your Health Net Worth: How Daily Habits Shape How You Feel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-health-net-worth-how-daily-habits-shape-how-you-feel/id1561267131?i=1000747996005 Ep 62 - Functional Fat Loss: Why You Can't Lose Weight (Inflammation, Metabolism & Hormones Explained) — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-fat-loss-why-you-cant-lose-weight-inflammation/id1561267131?i=1000755918799 Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/wellbykira/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

Inflammation gets a bad reputation — but did you know it's actually one of your body's most intelligent survival mechanisms? In this episode, Kira, Jensen, and Lacey pull back the curtain on chronic low-grade inflammation: what it actually is, why so many women are living with it without realizing it, and what's quietly driving it every single day. From brain fog to puffy morning eyes to stubborn weight that won't budge — this episode will completely change how you look at everyday symptoms you've probably been told to just accept. Key Takeaways 1. Your "normal" symptoms are not actually normal. Brain fog, fatigue that sleep doesn't fix, puffy eyes, bloating, mood swings, and recurring skin issues are not just part of being a busy woman. 2. Gut health is ground zero — and it affects everything. 80% of your immune system lives in your gut. When your gut lining is compromised (leaky gut), particles that shouldn't be in your bloodstream get through and trigger a constant, system-wide inflammatory response that can show up in your joints, skin, brain, hormones, and more. Healing the gut isn't a trend — it's foundational. 3. You can't out-supplement a fried nervous system. Nervous system regulation — breathwork, proper sleep, blood sugar stability — isn't a nice-to-have. It's the foundation everything else builds on. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome & Why Inflammation Matters 01:20 — What Is Inflammation, Actually? 05:13 — How to Know If You're Inflamed 10:45 — The Root Causes: Why This Keeps Happening 21:13 — Sleep, Blood Sugar & Your Nervous System 30:33 — Lymphatic Drainage & Why the Foundations Always Win 32:20 — How to Actually Support Your Body 38:09 — Inflammation & Fat Loss (The Missing Link) 45:16 — Raising Healthy Kids in a Toxic World 57:40 — The Origin of Processed Food (A Surprising Story) Resources & Mentions GI Map Testing — Functional gut test used with clients to assess inflammation markers, gut bacteria, pathogens & immune function HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) — Used to assess magnesium, zinc, copper ratios and their role in inflammation Supplements mentioned: Magnesium glycinate, zinc, omega-3 fish oil, L-glutamine, collagen, aloe vera juice Foods highlighted: Bone broth, fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi), fatty fish, colourful vegetables, bell peppers, oysters (for zinc) Trackers: Cronometer (for tracking fibre and micronutrient diversity) Book: The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post — mentioned by Jensen Previous episodes referenced: Gut Health 101 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gut-health-101-why-your-gut-controls-your-hormones/id1561267131?i=1000732955756 Functional Fat Loss - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-fat-loss-why-you-cant-lose-weight-inflammation/id1561267131?i=1000755918799 Lymphatic Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lymphatic-drainage-your-bodys-most-underrated-system-ep-68/id1561267131?i=1000764261331 Identity Shift Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindset-shifts-for-womens-health-why-your-identity/id1561267131?i=1000763028899 Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code *"Wellness Effect"* for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/kiraiskk/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @thewellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

If you've been bloated, puffy, fatigued, or breaking out — your lymphatic system might be the missing piece. We break down what the lymphatic system actually is, why it quietly affects everything from your immune health to your skin, and exactly how to start supporting it today — most of it free. Key Takeaways 1. Your lymphatic system has no pump — movement is the only way to keep it flowing. Even walking and belly breathing count. 2. A congested lymphatic system shows up as puffiness, brain fog, chronic fatigue, skin issues, cellulite, frequent sickness, and more. 3. Your brain has its own lymphatic system (the glymphatic system) that only activates during deep sleep — another reason quality sleep is non-negotiable. Chapters 00:00 — Intro 02:00 — What is the lymphatic system? 09:14 — Lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus, tonsils & why they matter) 13:20 — Why your lymph affects how you look and feel daily 19:38 — The glymphatic system & brain health during sleep 23:30 — Signs your lymphatic system is congested 27:42 — How to support it: movement & rebounding 32:33 — Diaphragmatic breathing for lymph flow 34:44 — The Big Six lymphatic activation 40:00 — Dry brushing, contrast showers & red light therapy 45:26 — Hydration, minerals & supportive foods Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/kiraiskk/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod (https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/) to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

The wellness tool that sounds wild — until you try it. If you've ever been curious about coffee enemas but didn't know where to start, this episode is your sign. Kira, Lacey, and Jensen share their personal journeys, break down the science behind liver detox and bile flow, walk you through how to do one safely, and explore the unexpected spiritual side that nobody else is talking about. Key Takeaways Coffee enemas support far more than digestion — the compounds in coffee travel directly to the liver via the portal vein, stimulating bile flow, boosting glutathione, and supporting full-body detox. Always replenish your minerals after — coffee enemas are mineral-intensive, and skipping this step is the number one reason people feel drained or get headaches afterward. They can double as a spiritual practice — when treated as a ritual with intention and stillness, many people experience emotional releases they didn't expect. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Why coffee enemas? Personal stories from Kira, Lacey & Jensen 09:50 – What is a coffee enema? History from the 1800s, WWI, and Gerson Therapy 13:12 – The liver & bile connection: how coffee compounds stimulate detox pathways 15:46 – Bile, fat digestion, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) 17:01 – Glutathione, Phase 2 liver detox, and why this matters for skin and hormones 19:35 – Full benefits list: parasites, candida, heavy metals, hormones, mental clarity, pelvic floor health 25:21 – How to do a coffee enema: coffee grade, kit types, temperature, and setup 30:24 – Tips for holding, breathing through waves, and releasing 34:29 – Post-enema support: binders, mineral replenishment, adrenal cocktails 36:38 – Coffee enemas as a supplement, not a foundation — know when you're ready 38:02 – The spiritual ritual: intention setting, journaling, playlists, red light therapy 42:03 – Important cautions: pregnancy, breastfeeding, and a reminder that they're not doctors Resources 📋 Kira's Coffee Enema Training Guide — full step-by-step instructions, binder list, mineral support protocol, and playlist — https://wellbykira.myflodesk.com/i9rr9lnmqu 💊 Lifestyle U — root cause health coaching with functional nutrition and lab testing. Use code WELLNESS EFFECT for a free functional lab when you join → https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 Connect with us Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/wellbykira/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @thewellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

What does it actually look like to live a holistic wellness lifestyle? This week, we pull back the curtain — worms, cliffs, and toddler head-butts included. We are back with a full catch-up episode covering real life in the functional wellness world. Jensen is mid-parasite cleanse with results she didn't see coming. Lacey survived heli-skiing in Revelstoke and finally got her dream backyard sauna. And Kira is navigating the chaos of gentle parenting with a toddler who gives as good as she gets. Plus: why GLP-1 supplements while breastfeeding are a hard no, the moon's role in parasite activity, and building a personal brand in the health space. Key Takeaways Don't jump into a parasite cleanse unprepared. If your drainage pathways aren't open, your minerals are depleted, or you haven't addressed your gut environment, parasites will come back — and you'll have wasted your money. Gentle parenting isn't passive parenting. Holding natural consequences with a highly emotionally intelligent child takes serious nervous system regulation. Repeat yourself on social media. No one remembers what they saw yesterday. You become known for a topic by saying the same thing 50 times — not by constantly creating new content. Chapters 01:43 - Lacey and her building a personal brand presentation 08:04 - Jensen's parasite cleanse: coffee enemas, real results, and what nobody warns you about 22:23 - Why parasite cleanses aren't a "level one" protocol (minerals, drainage & environment first) 25:00 - Gentle parenting with a headstrong toddler: Kira's honest struggles with Ellie 33:22 - Lacey's heli-skiing trip to Revelstoke: avalanche risk, powder boards & expanding capacity 44:07 - Lacey's dream sauna is finally here: nighttime routine, cold plunge & grounding 45:00 - Does moonlight affect your circadian rhythm? Full moon, melatonin & parasite activity 48:36 - PSA: GLP-1 supplements while breastfeeding + why postpartum weight loss pressure misses the point 52:16 - Wrap-up & what's coming next Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/wellbykira/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

If fat loss feels like a constant battle, it's likely not a discipline issue — it's a physiology issue. In this episode, we break down how inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic stress can block fat loss, even when you're doing "everything right." Join us as we dive into functional fat loss — a smarter, more sustainable approach to losing fat by addressing the root cause instead of forcing restriction. We unpack why the traditional calories in vs. calories out approach doesn't work the same in stressed or dysregulated bodies, and how factors like inflammation, cortisol, insulin resistance, thyroid function, and nervous system stress directly impact your ability to lose fat. You'll learn why many women feel stuck despite eating less and exercising more, and why fat loss often becomes easier — not harder — when you focus on regulating your body first. We also walk you through a 3-step functional fat loss framework to help you lose fat and keep it off long-term. If you've been stuck in cycles of dieting, burnout, or "white-knuckling" your way through fat loss, this episode will help you understand what's actually going on in your body — and what to do instead. Key Takeaways • Fat loss resistance is often a physiology problem, not a willpower problem • Lowering inflammation and stress can lead to fat loss before dieting • Sustainable fat loss happens when you regulate, repair, then reduce Chapters 00:00 — Functional Fat Loss Explained: Why Weight Loss Feels So Hard 06:30 — Calories In vs. Calories Out (Why It Stops Working) 12:00 — Metabolism, Hunger Hormones & Energy Adaptation 18:00 — Inflammation vs. Fat: What You're Really Holding Onto 25:30 — Cortisol, Insulin Resistance & Thyroid Function 34:00 — Why Dieting Increases Stress & Blocks Fat Loss 41:00 — Signs Your Body Is Not Ready for Fat Loss 47:30 — The 3-Step Functional Fat Loss Framework 55:00 — Why Most People Regain Weight After Dieting 01:02:00 — How to Lose Fat & Keep It Off for Good Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/wellbykira/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @thewellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

Many women struggle with their relationship with food and their bodies, but healing often begins with one simple shift: learning how to listen to your body. In today's episode, Lacey and Kira are joined by Cassandra Bodzak, a holistic wellness guide, actress, and author of The Mindful Table. Cassandra shares her personal journey through mysterious health issues, body disconnection, and eventually rediscovering her health by learning how to listen to her body's signals. We dive into the complicated relationship many women have with food, dieting culture, and body image. Cassandra explains how mindfulness practices, intuitive eating, and self-compassion can help rebuild trust with your body and support long-term wellness. This conversation bridges both science and spirituality, offering a grounded perspective on healing your relationship with food, nourishment, and your body. If you've ever felt disconnected from your body, stuck in cycles of dieting, or unsure how to trust your body's signals, this episode offers a powerful new perspective. What You'll Learn In this episode, we discuss: Cassandra's personal journey with chronic pain and reconnecting with her body Why many women struggle with their relationship with food The difference between dieting and intuitive eating Why listening to your body is a key part of sustainable wellness Chapters: 00:41 — Introducing Cassandra Bodzak 02:00 — Cassandra's background in wellness, mindfulness, and nutrition 03:00 — Her journey from acting to holistic health work 05:30 — When she realized her relationship with food and her body needed to change 09:15 — Learning to listen to the body's signals 14:40 — Healing the relationship with food through mindfulness 22:10 — Why many women feel disconnected from their bodies 31:05 — The power of intuitive eating and body awareness 40:20 — Rebuilding trust with your body 49:30 — Practical steps to start reconnecting with your health Connect with Cassandra: Website: https://cassandrabodzak.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraBodzak/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrabodzak YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/CassandraBodzakTV Buy a copy of The Mindful Table by Cassandra Bodzak and get bonus content at https://cassandrabodzak.com/ Want to Work With Us at Lifestyle U? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/wellbykira/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @thewellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

Did you know? Sex isn't just physical. It is deeply connected to your nervous system, trauma history, body image, and sense of safety. In this episode of The Wellness Effect, we explore how intimacy can actually become a space for healing when it's rooted in trust and regulation. Today we're joined by Ivana Kolakovic, a registered Sex & Relationships Therapist from Kat Kova Therapy specializing in sex and relationship therapy. We dive into how trauma lives in the body, why shame blocks sexual desire, and the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire. We talk about brakes and accelerators in intimacy, body image struggles, hormonal shifts, parenting transitions, and how couples can rebuild connection through nervous system safety. This conversation is nuanced, compassionate, and deeply practical; especially if you've ever wondered, "What's wrong with me?" when it comes to sex or intimacy. What You'll Learn: In this episode, we discuss: What somatic therapy actually means (and how it differs from talk therapy) How trauma gets stored in the nervous system Why safety is the foundation of pleasurable sex Accelerators vs. brakes in sexual desire Why relationships are powerful tools for nervous system regulation Chapters: 01:21 - Meet Ivana + what somatic therapy means 06:44 - Talk therapy vs. somatic work 08:49 - Why sex can be a space for healing 10:05 - Low desire, shame & sexual disconnection 18:22 - Safety, ventral state & healing through intimacy 25:00 - Parenting, burnout & libido changes 29:33 - Responsive vs. spontaneous desire 33:04 - Accelerators and brakes explained 40:00 - Body image, shame & self-acceptance 48:31 -Trauma responses in intimacy 53:49 - Open relationships: when they work (and when they don't) Connect with Kat Kova Therapy: Website: https://katkovatherapy.com/ Email: info@katkovatherapy.com Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/kiraiskk/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

Most people know their bank balance — but have no idea what their health net worth looks like. In this episode, we break down how everyday habits either deposit into or withdraw from your long-term health. In today's episode, we introduce the concept of health net worth — a simple but powerful way to understand why you may not feel your best, even if nothing feels "that bad" on its own. Using financial analogies, we explain how sleep, nutrition, stress, movement, and lifestyle habits compound over time, just like money. Rather than chasing symptoms or quick fixes, this conversation encourages you to zoom out and look at the full picture of your health. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to "do everything right," this episode brings clarity, perspective, and a much calmer way forward. What You'll Learn In this episode, we discuss: What "health net worth" actually means Why small habits matter more than extreme overhauls. Consistency > Intensity How sleep, food, stress, and movement compound over time and why chasing symptoms keeps you stuck How foundations act like compounding interest for your health Why supplements amplify foundations — but don't replace them Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:28 Welcome to The Wellness Effect + What Is Health Net Worth 00:41 Why We Understand Money Better Than Health 02:05 Life Update: Jensen & Kira's Low Lift Updates, and Lacey's Winter Holiday Break 22:23 Health Net Worth + Small Habits Add Up (Even When They Don't Feel That Bad) 24:58 Foundations as Your Health "Bank Accounts" 27:02 Your Health Deposits vs. Withdrawals Explained 29:07 Why Symptom-Chasing Doesn't Work 29:47 Compounding Interest: Why Foundations Matter Most 30:02 Supplements vs. Foundations (Investment Analogy) 31:00 Long-Term Health vs. Quick Fixes 33:54 How to Start Raising Your Health Net Worth: Awareness Without Perfection 40:20 Health Is the Ultimate Investment Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/kiraiskk/ Video Podcast available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TzpiYNXqJZs Subscribe to our Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWellnessEffectPodcast Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod (https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/) to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

Title: Fertility Awareness Method (FAM): How to Track Your Cycle & Support Hormonal Health In this episode, we break down what the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) actually is, why it matters for women's health, and how to begin using it in a realistic, informed way. In today's episode, we're diving into the Fertility Awareness Method—what it is, why it's so important for understanding your body, and how to start using it in everyday life. We talk through common misconceptions, how FAM differs from cycle tracking apps, and why learning your natural hormonal rhythms can be empowering whether you're trying to conceive, avoid pregnancy, or simply understand your health better. This conversation is rooted in education, awareness, and making informed choices—not fear or perfection. If you've ever felt disconnected from your cycle or confused by hormonal symptoms, this episode offers clarity and practical guidance. What You'll Learn: In this episode, we discuss: What the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) actually is How FAM differs from period tracking apps Why understanding your cycle is foundational to women's health The key fertility signs your body gives you each month How FAM can be used for both pregnancy prevention and conception Chapters 00:00 Preview 01:27 Welcome + Why We're Talking About Fertility Awareness 02:16 What the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) Actually Is 05:24 How to Start Charting Your Menstrual Cycle 08:01 Using FAM as a Tool for Overall Health 10:55 Early Warning Signs Your Cycle Is Out of Balance 16:44 Mineral Deficiencies That Affect Hormones 26:17 How to Start Using FAM in Daily Life 30:13 Cervical Mucus: The Most Important Fertility Sign 32:58 How to Chart Your Cycle Accurately 35:49 How to Interpret Your Cycle Data 36:57 Using Cycle Awareness Based on Your Goals 46:42 Why Consistency Matters in Fertility Awareness Resources: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: https://www.tcoyf.com/ Download their FREE Charts: https://www.tcoyf.com/downloadable-charts/ Want to Work With Us? Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/kiraiskk/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod (https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/) to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.

If you feel like you're doing everything right — eating clean, taking supplements, working out, trying to sleep better — but your body still isn't responding… this episode explains why. Today we're pulling back the curtain on our full 4-phase Root Cause Reset program, the exact system that has helped hundreds of women heal chronic bloating, fatigue, burnout, hormone chaos, and stubborn weight when nothing else worked. You'll learn why most women unknowingly heal in the wrong order, why safety is the foundation of all progress, and how deeper testing (HTMA, GI Map, DUTCH) reveals the root causes that symptom-based protocols miss. We're walking through each phase step-by-step — including why sustainable fat loss only works after stress, gut health, and minerals are corrected. If you want to understand how your body actually works… this is the episode you've been waiting for. What You'll Learn • Why your symptoms aren't improving even with "healthy habits" • The 4 phases of the Root Cause Reset • Why true healing requires personalization — not symptom-based protocols • Why fat loss only works once stress, gut health, and minerals are corrected • How to maintain results long-term without restriction or burnout Chapters 00:00 — Why we created the Root Cause Reset 02:49 — Phase 1: Creating safety + foundations 06:10 — Why HTMA testing is the starting point 12:40 — Phase 2: Functional healing + GI Map + DUTCH 20:29 — Phase 3: Mindset + sustainable fat loss 28:42 — Phase 4: Long-term integration + reverse dieting 37:31 — What you get inside the program 42:00 — Why this framework works + a surprising waiting for you! Want to Work With Us? If this episode feels like the missing piece in your healing journey, connect with us below: Visit our website: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/ Join us in the Root Cause Reset Program: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/wellness-effect-906145 and use code "Wellness Effect" for a FREE functional lab test when you join the program. Follow us on Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesseffectpod/ Lacey Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/laceeiskk/ Jensen - https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswjensen/ Kira Iskra - https://www.instagram.com/kiraiskk/ Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.