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Heart disease is largely preventable — so why aren’t we preventing it?

Dr. Kim Williams, Chair of Medicine at UofL and former President of the American College of Cardiology, joins us to discuss why lifestyle must be the foundation of cardiovascular care. From nutrition and plant-based eating to exercise, sleep, and stress, he explains how daily habits shape long-term outcomes.

Dr. Williams explains why:

• Nutrition isn’t optional in heart prevention — it’s central
• A plant-forward diet can rival medications in effectiveness
• Medications and lifestyle together can be even more powerful
• His concerns about the newest dietary guidelines
• Why prevention deserves more attention in modern medicine

If you’ve ever wondered what a prevention-focused cardiologist really thinks, this conversation is both eye-opening and practical.

Find Dr. Kim Williams, MD

Cooking For Your Heart and Soul cookbook

Study by Dr. Esselstyn on disease reversal with plant based diet

Life's Essential 8 from the American Heart Association

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

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The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

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If you’ve ever picked up your phone without knowing why—or felt more drained after “relaxing” with a screen—this episode is for you.

We live in a world of constant pings, scrolling, and screens—but what is that doing to our brains, our emotions, and our sense of control? In this episode of The Starting Gate, we’re joined by digital wellness specialist Dr. Mary Donohue to explore how nonstop screen exposure is reshaping the way we think, feel, and cope.

We talk about how digital overload dulls creativity, trains us to numb uncomfortable emotions, and pulls us away from the present moment. Dr. Donohue shares why even brief “micro breaks” can make a meaningful difference, how to build healthy guardrails around things like social media, gaming, and online gambling, and why awareness—not perfection—is the key to digital wellness.

If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, unfocused, or uneasy about your family’s screen habits, this episode will help you rethink your relationship with technology—without guilt or extremes.

Find Dr. Mary Donohue:

Dr. Mary Donohue on Linked in

@drmarydonohue

email: maryedonohue@gmail.com

Find out more about the Digital Wellness Center

thedigitalwellnesscdenter.com

@thedigitalwellnesscenter

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a text

What does it look like when lifestyle medicine works in real life?

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Schuetz interviews her patient, Kam, whose journey through lifestyle medicine led to a 50-pound weight loss, fewer medications, and a life filled with more energy, movement, and confidence.

Kam shares how she learned to truly understand nutrition, not just follow a guide, how she gradually built physical activity into her life through Pilates and weight training, and how she learned to navigate real-world challenges like large family gatherings without falling off track.

Dr. Schuetz reflects on how lifestyle medicine shifts the power back to the patient — providing tools instead of temporary fixes — and why this model creates lasting change.

This conversation is honest, hopeful, and deeply motivating for anyone who wants to believe that change is still possible.

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a text

In this episode, we talk with a physician whose frustration with the health of Kentuckians — and the way our healthcare system responds to it — became the catalyst for real change. Instead of accepting a system that often waits until patients are critically ill, she began searching for solutions that focus on prevention and early intervention.

That journey led to the creation of Prevent Scripts, an innovative app designed to identify disease risk and support true behavior change through personalized, practical strategies. We discuss why upstream care matters, how small habit changes can lead to meaningful health improvements, and how technology can finally support — not replace — human-centered medicine.

This conversation is about moving from complaint to action, and about empowering patients to take control of their health one small step at a time.

Find out more about Prevent Scripts at www.preventscripts.com

and find Dr. Natalie Davis at NatalieDavismd.com

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a text

In this episode, Dr. Kitty Dotson and Dr. Sarah Schuetz pause to reflect on the past year of The Starting Gate—and the clear themes that came up again and again, no matter the guest or topic.

From nutrition to mental health, menopause to dementia prevention, one message stood out: sustainable health is built through small, realistic habit changes—not massive life overhauls. Our guests consistently emphasized working changes into your existing routine to support long-term success.

We talk about what we learned about sleep (and why fearing a bad night may do more harm than good), the profound impact of exercise on brain health and quality of life, and the value of simple, whole-food nutrition—where B+ meals and a little prep go a long way.

We also reflect on stress, mood, and inflammation, the role of social connection, and how lifestyle medicine supported Sarah through a major life stressor this year. We discuss menopause, hormones, supplements, and why critical thinking matters more than chasing the latest trend on social media.

This episode is a reminder to stop collecting information—and start making small changes today.

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a text

The holiday season can make healthy habits feel overwhelming. In this episode, we share 12 realistic, low-pressure habits designed to help you get through the holidays without striving for perfection. From prioritizing protein and fiber, staying hydrated, protecting sleep, and moving your body—even for 10 minutes—to navigating social events and holiday treats with less stress, these habits focus on consistency, flexibility, and sustainability.

Designed for busy days, social events, and real people.

Download our free 12 Holiday Healthy Habits Guide

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a text

In this episode, integrative sports medicine physician Dr. Srikanth Nithyanandam reminds us that injuries don’t just happen to a body part — they happen to a whole person. He shares how healing accelerates when we address mindset, sleep, nutrition, and the fears that hold us back. We also dig into integrative modalities, including the theory behind energy medicine and acupuncture and how it compares to dry needling. Most importantly, he shows how staying connected to the movement we love is the key to getting back to ourselves.

This is a powerful, practical episode for anyone recovering from injury or supporting someone on that journey.

Learn more from Dr. Sri here and see the videos he has created to help patients.

Follow on instagram @drsrikanth_sportsmedmd

You tube: Dr. Srikanth Nithyanandam (Family & Sports MD)

You can schedule an appoint at UK healthcare

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a text

Chronic pain can feel isolating, frustrating, and exhausting — especially when no one can see what you’re going through. In this episode of The Starting Gate, we sit down with physical therapist Andrea Moore, an expert in helping people who feel stuck in long-term pain. Whether your pain began with an old injury that never fully resolved, or you’ve lived with pain for years without a clear diagnosis, Andrea explains why this happens — and what you can do about it.

We break down the science of chronic pain, including peripheral and central sensitization, how stress and past experiences shape pain, and why two people with the same injury can have completely different outcomes.

Andrea shares realistic strategies, from mind-body practices to movement, nutrition, and finding the right provider. Most importantly, she wants listeners to know that even if you’ve tried “everything,” there are ways to improve your pain and reclaim your quality of life.

Find Andrea Moore, DPT:

At Move + Smart Physical Therapy

Dr. Andrea Moore

Listen to more from Andrea on her podcast Unweaving Chronic Pain

thestartinggatepodcast.com

Email us with questions and topics you want us to cover at
contact@thestartinggatepodcast.com

Follow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcast




The content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any
specific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.