🎉 One Year of Digestible: Lessons, Pivots, and What We’re Taking Into Year Two

In this special anniversary episode of the Digestible Podcast, hosts Staci and Melissa celebrate one full year of bringing listeners accessible, actionable health and wellness insights. What started as a mission to bridge the gap between overwhelming scientific content and bite-sized social media tips has grown into a trusted resource for practical, expert-backed “pivots” that listeners can implement right away.

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Summary

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Gayle Bereskin, a hospice and palliative care physician, about the powerful role of ketamine-assisted therapy in healing—especially for those facing serious or life-limiting illnesses.

Dr. Bereskin explains how ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, is now helping people with depression, trauma, and emotional distress by quieting negative thought patterns and opening the brain to new perspectives.

We explore what a ketamine session looks like, the importance of preparation and integration, and how this work can help patients process trauma, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with meaning. She also shares how ketamine can ease fear around death, offering a unique way for patients to approach the end of life with more peace and acceptance.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—even in life’s most challenging moments.

https://revolutionary-care.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Ketamine can interrupt negative thought patterns and support new neural pathways for healing
• Preparation and integration are essential to meaningful, lasting change
• Ketamine-assisted therapy may help ease emotional and existential suffering at the end of life
• Healing is not just about reducing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming meaning, identity, and connection

A final reflection from Dr. Bereskin:
Be curious. And when life shifts, don’t panic—pivot with grace.

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Summary

In this eye-opening episode, hosts Staci and Missy sit down with food scientist and entrepreneur Beth Statkus to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of the modern food industry—and how it impacts our health.

Beth shares her journey from working at major corporations like Kraft and Mars to questioning the ethics of ultra-processed food development. She reveals how common products are engineered for cost savings and overconsumption, often using hidden additives and “processing aids” that don’t always appear on labels. From shredded cheese fillers to the science of the “bliss point,” listeners get a candid look at how our taste preferences have been shaped—and hijacked—by design.

The conversation dives deep into the gut microbiome, explaining how everyday food choices influence inflammation, digestion, and even brain health. Beth breaks down the critical role of fiber—not just in digestion, but in supporting the gut-brain connection, mood regulation, and long-term neurological health.

Inspired by her research, Beth left corporate food to create a new kind of functional snack: NeuroFiber, a fiber-rich bar designed to nourish the microbiome using whole foods and targeted fibers. She explains how these bars were developed, their potential benefits for conditions like Parkinson’s and MS, and why diversity of fiber matters more than simply adding “high fiber” labels to processed foods.

Listeners will walk away with practical, realistic advice—like starting small with dietary changes, reading ingredient labels more critically, and prioritizing whole foods whenever possible.

This episode is a powerful reminder that food is more than fuel—it’s information for your body. And small, consistent choices can have a lasting impact on your health.

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Summary

In this episode of the Digestible Podcast, Staci and Melissa sit down with licensed social worker Abby Gagerman to explore the powerful connection between mental and physical health—and how our thoughts, behaviors, and parenting styles shape both. From stress eating and “food noise” to the concept of your “future self,” Abby breaks down why we often sabotage our own well-being and how simple awareness can create lasting change.

The conversation dives deep into parenting, highlighting the importance of modeling healthy behaviors, setting boundaries, and shifting from control to guidance. Abby also unpacks how generational patterns—especially around body image, people-pleasing, and self-worth—impact both parents and children.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools for becoming more self-aware, responding instead of reacting, and making small shifts that lead to healthier relationships—with themselves and their families.

You can find Abby on TikTok and instagram, as @thetranslator91

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Summary:

In this episode, Staci & Melissa interview Catherine Durkin Robinson, a trained death doula and advocate, shares a compassionate perspective on end-of-life care, the importance of planning, and how doulas can help demystify death as a natural part of life. Her insights aim to comfort and empower listeners to approach mortality with openness and understanding. She will change your mind about how to face death for yourself and your loved ones.

https://anityadoulaservices.org/staff-catherine-durkin-robinson/

Key Topics Covered:

• What is a death doula and how do they differ from chaplains or hospice workers?
• The emotional and spiritual support provided to the dying and their loved ones
• How cultural background influences attitudes toward death
• The significance of advance care planning and communication
• Near-death awareness and mystical experiences at the end of life
• The use of psychedelic medicine, especially ketamine, to facilitate peaceful death
• Supporting families of children and young adults facing terminal illness
• Practical ways to connect meaningfully with someone who is dying
• Strategies for practitioners and individuals to become more comfortable with mortality

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In this episode of the Digestible Podcast, hosts Staci and Melissa chat with executive functioning coach Teri Arieti. They explore the intricacies of executive functioning, discussing how it impacts daily routines and productivity. Teri shares insights on creating effective systems to manage tasks, reduce overwhelm, and improve time management. The conversation covers strategies for different age groups, from young children to adults, and emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches. Teri also highlights the role of technology in both aiding and hindering organization, advocating for a return to traditional tools like paper planners to enhance focus and accountability. Staci and Missy MAY have asked for some personal advice - who can't use a little help in their every day, right?!

Main Topics:

• What is executive functioning and why it matters
• How systems can support different age groups (kids, teens, adults)
• Tools and techniques for managing distractions and interruptions
• Tips for organizing notes, calendars, and digital clutter
• The importance of space, grace, and accountability in building new habits

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Join Staci & Missy as they break down the Digestible episodes from health experts on therapeutic mushrooms, high-quality collagen, and the crucial role of protein in your body. They review why most store-bought supplements fall short and how to choose products that actually make a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned health enthusiast or just getting started, you'll find a recap of practical tips on sourcing safe, effective biohacks — including how to support your immune system, boost energy, and promote relaxation naturally.

Episodes covered:

Talking with Kevin Finnegan: Science-Backed Supplementing for Better Health

A Lesson from Ken & Roger of Fruiting Bodies on the Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms

Protein: It's Kind of a Big Deal - with Andrew Phelka, Sports Nutrition Specialist

Collagen, Colostrum & Clarity: What Really Works - with Parth Patel

The Case for Whole Food Supplements with Jack Dubois of Standard Process

From Roller Coaster to Steady Ride: Adaptogenic Herbs Explained

Creatine 101 with Kevin Finnegan

Detox Done Right: Science Over Social Media with Mitch Taylor

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Hosts Staci and Missy recap several past conversations centered on food and nutrition, highlighting the key lessons they took away from their guests.

Episodes Reviewed

School Cafeterias Could Save a Generation with Natalie Linden of Eat Real

Designed to Be Addictive: The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods with Dr. Ashley Gearhardt

Food Truths - Why Nutrition Isn't Complicated with Marion Nestle

Fueling Your Day: Eating for Energy, Gut Health & Satiety with Chef Rachel Portnoy

Why Microgreens Should Be Your New Best Friend with Local Leaf Farm

Farm to Fork: Closing the Gap, Part II with Farmer and Activist Marty Travis

Farm to Fork: Closing the Gap, Part I with Pete Bahe of Iron & Acre

Got Milk? Decoding Dairy and Plant-Based Alternatives with R.D. Natalie Rizzo

Animal Welfare on the Menu: Dining out with Julia Johnson

Glyphosate Exposed - Health Risks We Can't Ignore with Kelly Ryerson @glyphosategirl

Bread - as it was meant to be with Ellen King of Hewn Bread

Another Lesson with Julia Johnson - Pork & Beef & Dairy, Oh My! (& Fish!)

A Conversation with Julia Johnson - The chicken and the egg

A Chat with Mary Purdy - It's not your grandmother's broccoli

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