Shows
Counterculture HealthConsistency Beats SpeedAre you ready to redefine consistency in your health journey? In Episode 47 of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed tackle the myth that consistency equals perfection. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t! Discover why aiming for 80% consistency over a month can be your golden ticket to sustainable progress in nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle changes. Kaitlin shares her insights on how to avoid burnout and frustration by setting realistic goals and using practical tools like Cronometer and Trainerize. Plus, learn how a simple consistency calendar can be your new best friend in tracking your progress. We also dive in...
2025-10-1622 min
Counterculture HealthHope in the Waiting with Dr. Amy BaleteHow do you find joy in the face of uncertainty? In Episode 46 of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Kaitlin Reed sit down with the inspiring Dr. Amy Balete, a clinical psychologist and life coach, who shares her unique approach to navigating the emotional complexities of infertility. Dr. Amy, founder of the Brave Hearts Community, opens up about her personal journey through secondary infertility, revealing the resilience she found amidst multiple miscarriages and professional burnout.Together, we explore the psychological impact of waiting, the importance of surrendering control, and how to maintain balance and pursue life goals...
2025-10-0244 minCounterculture HealthDebunking Weight Loss Myths: Fact vs. FictionIs your understanding of weight loss based on fact or fiction? In this episode of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed are here to set the record straight on energy balance and weight loss. We dive deep into the science of calories in versus calories out and how it aligns with the law of thermodynamics. Are marketing myths and misinformation clouding your weight loss journey? Kaitlin unravels these misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices and behaviors.Join us as we explore why maintaining a calorie deficit is crucial, the significance of nutrient-dense...
2025-09-1857 minCounterculture HealthQuit to Win: Embrace Strategic ChangeEver felt trapped in a job or relationship, wondering if it's time to walk away but fearing the label of a "quitter"? Join us on the latest episode of Counterculture Health, where Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed challenge the stigma around quitting, inspired by Annie Duke's book, "Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away".We dive deep into the art of quitting strategically—when quitting isn't about giving up but rather making a savvy choice. Discover why "winners quit fast, quit often, and quit without guilt," and how the sunk cost fallacy might be...
2025-09-0424 minCounterculture HealthSoul Care: Balancing Life and Well-BeingWhat does it truly mean to nurture your soul? How can you balance the busyness of life with personal well-being? In the final episode of our first season on Counterculture Health, I, Dr. Jen McWaters, take you on a solo journey as Kaitlin Reed enjoys a well-deserved break. We’re diving deep into the art of soul care, reflecting on the intricate dance between the soul and spirit through the lens of my Christian faith.Join me as we explore how overworking, excessive screen time, and unresolved emotional baggage can deplete the soul, and discover the rejuvenating po...
2025-06-1914 min
Counterculture HealthDesserts, Discipline, and Doing the Work: Lindsay Dills 90-pound TransformationWhat does it take to transform your health and embrace a sustainable lifestyle? In Episode 42 of Counterculture Health, join us as we dive into Lindsay Dill's remarkable weight loss journey. Hosts Jen McWaters and Kaitlin Reed welcome Lindsay, a wellness coach and cottage baker, who shares her inspiring story of losing weight and finding balance. Discover how Lindsay shifted from cardio to strength training with CrossFit, and how this change fueled her success. Hear about the pivotal moments, like her father's passing, that sparked her transformation.Lindsay's story is a testament to perseverance, patience, and the power...
2025-06-051h 06
Counterculture HealthUnlock Financial Peace: Transform Your Money MindsetAre your money habits helping or hindering your financial health? In Episode 41 of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed dive into the world of financial literacy with Brenna Greenwood, a financial education specialist from CAP Ed Credit Union. From understanding your money personality—are you avoidant or status-driven?—to tackling the scarcity mindset, Brenna offers a wealth of insights and practical tools to transform your relationship with money.Discover how financial personalities can impact relationships, especially in marriage, and why open communication is key to navigating financial challenges. Brenna also shares her journey from teac...
2025-05-221h 03Counterculture HealthFrom Avoidance to Action: Embrace Discomfort for GrowthEver wondered why you keep putting off that important task or shy away from tough conversations? In Episode 40 of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed dive deep into the world of avoidance—a behavior that quietly shapes our lives. Discover why we dodge discomfort and how this impacts our stress levels and overall well-being.Join us as we unravel the roots of avoidance, from procrastination to conflict evasion, and explore how fear of failure often drives these habits. Jen and Kaitlin share insightful reflective questions to help you unearth your personal avoidance patterns and mo...
2025-05-0831 minCounterculture HealthPregnancy Fitness: Debunking Myths and Embracing MovementEver wondered if exercise is safe during pregnancy? Or what myths might be holding you back from staying active? Join me, Dr. Jen McWaters, and my co-host, Coach Kaitlin Reed, who’s currently 26 weeks pregnant, on Episode 39 of Counterculture Health as we dive into these questions and more!Kaitlin shares her personal journey and evidence-based insights, debunking outdated beliefs about exercise risks during pregnancy. Discover why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology and the World Health Organization recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, and learn about the incredible benefits for both mom and baby—from...
2025-04-2431 min
Counterculture HealthUnlocking Health: The Power of Proper BreathingCould the way you breathe be affecting your health? In this episode of Counterculture Health, we dive into the world of myofunctional therapy with our guest, Allison Schmidt, a speech-language pathologist from Eagle, Idaho. Allison is an expert in treating orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) that can lead to mouth breathing, snoring, and even sleep-disordered breathing. Discover how her holistic approach aims to retrain muscles for lasting health improvements.Join us as Allison shares her journey from EMT to myofunctional therapy specialist, revealing how proper tongue posture and nasal breathing can significantly impact your health. We explore the...
2025-04-101h 03Counterculture HealthBurnout Busters: Reclaim Your Well-BeingAre you feeling exhausted, demotivated, or just plain burnt out? In this episode of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed tackle the pervasive issue of burnout. We explore how this chronic state of exhaustion differs from everyday stress and why it's crucial to recognize the signs early. Dr. Jen opens up about her personal experiences with burnout in the high-stakes healthcare field, shedding light on the emotional toll it takes. We dive into societal pressures like the pandemic and social media that exacerbate burnout, and discuss the personality traits that make some of us more susceptible...
2025-03-2730 minCounterculture HealthPrayer: Unlocking Holistic Health and HappinessEver wondered how prayer could be your secret weapon for holistic health? In this episode of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed dive into the transformative power of prayer beyond its spiritual roots. Discover how prayer can actually enhance your mental, emotional, physical, and relational well-being.Dr. Jen kicks things off by unpacking the science behind prayer, referencing neurotheology expert Dr. Andrew Newberg. Learn how prayer activates your prefrontal cortex and releases mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Kaitlin chimes in on the cultural quest for quick dopamine fixes, highlighting prayer as a healthier...
2025-03-1321 minCounterculture HealthRedefining Health: Beyond the ScaleAre you tired of letting the scale dictate your mood and self-worth? Join us in this enlightening episode as Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed tackle the often deceptive nature of the scale and guide us to a healthier perspective on weight and wellness. Discover what the scale truly measures and why it often misleads us about our health journey. Kaitlin shares a game-changing approach with her T-chart method, helping us distinguish between slow-changing factors like muscle and quick fluctuations like water retention.We'll explore why building muscle and reducing body fat are the real markers...
2025-02-2729 min
Counterculture HealthStrength Training: Myths Busted, Benefits Unveiled!Is Strength Training Really Dangerous? Debunking Fitness Myths with Dr. Jordan ReedEver wondered if strength training is as perilous as some claim? Or how it could be your secret weapon against aging? Join us, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed, as we welcome back Dr. Jordan Reed, a physical therapy guru, to unravel these fitness mysteries on Counterculture Health!In this episode, we dive deep into the truth about strength training's safety and its surprising benefits as we age. Dr. Reed busts myths, revealing that strength training is far less risky than running...
2025-02-131h 05
Counterculture HealthUnlocking Health: The Magic of AcupunctureEver wondered how tiny needles can transform your health? In this episode of Counterculture Health, we dive deep with Dr. Sam Wisotsky, a seasoned expert in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Join hosts Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed as we unravel the ancient art of acupuncture, dispelling myths and uncovering its modern-day magic.Dr. Sam shares his incredible journey from a patient to a practitioner, revealing how acupuncture changed his life and can change yours too. Discover how acupuncture can alleviate sciatica, migraines, and even aid in hormone regulation, all while boosting your overall well-being. Curious...
2025-01-3038 minCounterculture HealthCholesterol Uncovered: Myths, Facts, and Heart HealthWelcome to Episode 32 of Counterculture Health with your hosts, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed! Ever wondered if cholesterol deserves its bad rap? Or how those "good" and "bad" cholesterols really work? Dive into this episode as we unravel the mysteries of cholesterol, exploring its vital roles and how to manage it holistically.Join us as Kaitlin breaks down the difference between LDL and HDL, and why the numbers game isn't as straightforward as it seems. Discover the truth about dietary cholesterol and the real culprits behind high cholesterol levels. From diet tweaks to exercise tips...
2025-01-1630 minCounterculture HealthIntention Setting: Your New Superpower for GrowthEver felt like "goal setting" is more of a burden than a boost? In Episode 31 of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed unravel the art of intention setting—offering a kinder, more adaptable path to personal growth. Why do we often flounder with our goals? Kaitlin points out that relying on fleeting motivation is a major pitfall. Instead, it's all about discipline and aligning actions with your core values. Jen shares the ACTS Success Plan—Accountability, Consistent Effort, Take Ownership, and Support Network—to transform intentions into reality. From overcoming self-sabotage to embracin...
2025-01-0233 minCounterculture HealthHoliday Harmony: Stress-Free CelebrationsAre the holidays a source of stress rather than joy for you? Do family gatherings leave you feeling overwhelmed? Join Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed as they unpack the emotional complexities of the holiday season. In this episode, we explore how to manage expectations, set healthy boundaries, and approach the season with a compassionate mindset.Dr. Jen shares insights on handling stress from loss, unresolved trauma, and the pressures of consumerism. Discover practical strategies for self-care, financial boundaries, and having an exit plan for stressful events. We also discuss how to handle difficult family conversations...
2024-12-1923 minCounterculture HealthHolistic Living: Dual Citizenship to Health GadgetsEver wondered how dual citizenship, prayer, and health gadgets can intertwine to shape a holistic lifestyle? In this episode of Counterculture Health, join us as Dr. Jen McWaters takes us on a journey through her Brazilian roots and shares how they influence her love for food and cultural preferences. Discover how prayer anchors her amidst the whirlwind of running two businesses and raising a spirited toddler. Dive into Jen’s fascination with health gadgets, from her trusty PEMF mat to her hydrogen water bottle, and learn how they enhance her well-being.Curious about her mo...
2024-12-0522 minCounterculture HealthCraving Control: Holiday Feasting Without GuiltEver wonder why those holiday cravings hit harder than a Thanksgiving turkey-induced nap? In this episode of Counterculture Health, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed tackle the seasonal struggle of navigating food and cravings during the holidays. Is it possible to enjoy grandma’s famous pie without the side of guilt? Discover how to manage that all-or-nothing mindset and find moderation amidst the festive feast!Join us as we unpack the emotional triggers behind cravings and learn why labeling foods as "good" or "bad" might just be sabotaging your holiday joy. Kaitlin shares her top strategies fo...
2024-11-2626 minCounterculture HealthTattoos, Strength, and Desert Life with Kaitlin ReedEver wondered what tattoos and strength training have in common? Or how moving from the coast to the desert can transform your lifestyle? Join us for Episode 27 of Counterculture Health, where Jen flips the script and interviews Kaitlin, revealing the vibrant life and philosophy of our beloved co-host. From Kaitlin's amusing tattoo tales to her bold proposal for insurance-covered strength training, this episode is a rollercoaster of personal insights and professional wisdom. Kaitlin shares her passion for steak, rice, and strength routines, while debunking myths about her intimidating appearance. Discover how she adapts her coaching style like a chameleon...
2024-11-2122 min
Counterculture HealthGut Health Unplugged: Beyond the "Funny Shaped Donut"Is Your Digestive System a "Funny Shaped Donut"? Unpacking Gut Health with Dr. Meagan BreiningHave you ever wondered if your digestive system is more than just a "funny shaped donut"? Join us on Counterculture Health as Dr. Jen McWaters dives into the depths of digestive health with the insightful Dr. Meagan Breining, founder of Bold Natural Medicine.In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of gut health and its profound impact on everything from mental clarity to fertility. Dr. Breining shares her countercultural approach to healthcare, emphasizing the need for personalized treatments beyond the...
2024-11-1453 minCounterculture HealthMacronutrient Mastery: Energize Your Meals & LifeWhat are macronutrients, and how can they transform your meals and energy levels? Join us on Episode 25 of Counterculture Health as Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed unravel the mysteries of proteins, carbs, and fats, and how to balance them effectively throughout your day. We kick things off with a crash course on macronutrient basics and dive into practical tips for incorporating them into your daily meals. From calculating your needs to tackling common challenges like hitting protein targets, we've got you covered. Curious about the keto diet or how alcohol fits into your di...
2024-11-0738 minCounterculture HealthCalm Your Election Jitters: Mindfulness & Resilience TipsEpisode 23: Election Anxiety Unplugged - Find Your Calm Amidst the ChaosAre you feeling the election jitters? Wondering how the political whirlwind might be affecting your mental and physical health? Join us, Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed, on Counterculture Health as we tackle the timely issue of election anxiety. In this episode, we explore how the stress of upcoming elections can elevate anxiety levels and even impact your physical health.We dive into the addictive cycle of constant news consumption and the FOMO that keeps us glued to our screens. Discover how mindfulness...
2024-10-3118 minCounterculture HealthUnplugging the Social Media TrapIs social media silently shaping our mental and physical health? Join Dr. Jen McWaters and Coach Kaitlin Reed as they unravel the digital dilemma in this eye-opening episode of Counterculture Health. We explore the dual-edged sword of social media, from its conveniences to its darker side—affecting anxiety, depression, and even body image. With insights from key studies, we uncover how Instagram filters might be distorting our self-perception and how the dopamine-driven addiction to our screens parallels gambling. But fear not! Jen and Kaitlin are here with actionable strategies to reclaim your time and well-being. Lear...
2024-10-2437 min