Episodes

  • The Biology of Belief Part 3: Becoming Your Future Self (When Your Body Feels Safe to Move Forward)

    The Biology of Belief Part 3: Becoming Your Future Self (When Your Body Feels Safe to Move Forward)
    Apr 15 2026
    #207 - The Biology of Belief Part 3: Becoming Your Future Self (When Your Body Feels Safe to Move Forward) -Why change still feels like effort, how identity is shaped by safety, and the simple shift that helps your body finally move forward Ever notice how you can want something deeply… and still feel like you’re not fully stepping into it? Not because you don’t believe in it. Not because you’re not capable. But because something in you isn’t fully on board yet. In this final part of the Biology of Belief series, we’re closing the loop on something a lot of high-functioning, health-conscious people quietly feel but don’t always say out loud: “I’m doing everything right… so why does this still feel like effort?” This is where we move beyond habits, beyond mindset, and into something much more foundational. Your identity. Not who you think you are, but who your body believes you need to be to stay safe. What we get into in this episode: There’s a version of your life you’re working toward. Health, ease, energy, clarity, longevity. But your body has one job. Not to chase that vision. To ask one question: Is it safe to be that person? Your body doesn’t run on goals or logic. It runs on familiarity. And if the version of you that you’re working toward doesn’t feel familiar yet, your system will default to what it knows… even if what it knows feels like pressure, urgency, or constantly holding it all together. We talk about what that actually means in real life, how those patterns become your identity, and why change can feel harder than it “should” even when you’re doing everything right. In this episode, we cover: Why your body filters your future through the lens of safety, not desire The real definition of identity and how it shapes your health and behavior Why high-achieving, health-conscious people often feel like it’s all a grind How patterns like urgency and pressure become your baseline The role of fascia as stored memory and lived experience in the body What people call manifestation and what’s actually happening underneath it A simple 4 step process to help your body feel safe enough to change Timestamps: 00:00 The quiet frustration of doing everything right but still feeling effort 02:00 Why your body questions whether your future is sustainable 03:30 Safety and trust as the real gatekeepers of change 05:00 What beliefs actually are beneath the surface language 07:00 How identity is formed and why two people get different results 09:00 Fascia, stored stress, and how your body holds your past 12:00 What’s really happening when things finally start to “flow” 14:00 The 4 step process to shift your internal state and identity 18:30 A question that reveals where you’re still bracing The takeaway: You’re not trying to become someone else. You’re allowing your body to feel safe becoming who you already know you are. And until your system trusts that version of your life, it will keep pulling you back toward what feels familiar. Even if familiar feels like stress. The shift isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating enough safety that your body finally says, “Okay, we can go there.” If this episode made something click, pause for a second and stay with that. That’s not just insight. That’s your system starting to recognize something new. If you want a place to actually work through this, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked in the show notes. It’s free and a simple way to get your thoughts out of your head and start creating a different internal signal in just a few minutes a day. ❤️ Follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next, and if you haven’t yet, take a second to rate and review. It genuinely helps more people find these conversations. Keywords: nervous system safety, identity change, why change is hard, self trust, mind body connection, fascia and trauma, subconscious patterns, behavior change, stress physiology, functional medicine mindset 🔗 Resources & Links : The Morning Mindset Journal ❤️ http://lisasmithwellness.com/the-morning-mindset-journal 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or ...
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    22 mins
  • The Biology of Belief Part 2: Why Your Body Won’t Let You Change (Even When You Know What to Do)

    The Biology of Belief Part 2: Why Your Body Won’t Let You Change (Even When You Know What to Do)
    Apr 8 2026
    The Biology of Belief Part 2: Why Your Body Won’t Let You Change (Even When You Know What to Do) Ever notice how your brain can be fully on board… and your body is like, “absolutely not”? Yeah. That’s where we’re going today. This episode starts with me sitting at my kitchen table, realizing I was basically inhaling my food like a Labrador… again. And what that moment uncovered had nothing to do with habits. You can understand something completely… and still watch yourself not do it. Not because you don’t care or lack discipline. But because something deeper hasn’t shifted yet. This is the part most people never get an explanation for. Why the habits don’t stick. Why the patterns keep repeating. In Part 2 of the Biology of Belief series, we’re going inside the mechanics of that gap. We talk about how your body has been programmed to respond. This isn't about learning more or trying harder. It’s about the patterns your system has rehearsed so many times that they’ve become automatic. In this episode, we cover: • Why knowing what to do doesn’t mean your body is available to do it • How self-talk becomes either makes or breaks your habits, goals, and dreams • Why emotions program your nervous system • Why affirmations don’t work unless they're connected to feeling • How repeated thoughts shape stress, inflammation, and behavior • The connection between subconscious patterns and daily habits • A simple way to start shifting patterns without forcing change Timestamps: 00:00 When your brain agrees but your body doesn’t follow 02:15 Why this isn’t about habits or discipline 03:15 How the limbic system overrides logic 05:00 Why your body can feel unsafe even when life looks stable 07:40 The bigger question behind thoughts and biology 10:00 How your internal dialogue becomes instruction 13:10 Why repetition alone doesn’t rewire your system 15:00 The missing link behind habits that don’t stick The takeaway: You’re not stuck because you don’t know enough. You’re stuck because your system is still running a pattern that feels safer than change. And until that pattern shifts, your body will keep choosing what’s familiar… even if it’s frustrating. If this episode made you see yourself a little more clearly, that’s real progress starting to take root. If you want a place to begin shifting those patterns, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked in the show notes. It gives you a simple way to start changing the signal consistently. ❤️ Follow the show so you don’t miss Part 3, where we bring this together and talk about what it actually looks like to become your next level self. 🔗 Resources & Links: The Morning Mindset Journal (it's free!) http://lisasmithwellness.com/the-morning-mindset-journal ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.
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    27 mins
  • The Biology of Belief Part 1: Why Your Body Doesn’t Feel Safe

    The Biology of Belief Part 1: Why Your Body Doesn’t Feel Safe
    Apr 1 2026
    #205: The Biology of Belief Part 1: Why Your Body Doesn’t Feel Safe -Your Body Is Listening to Something You’re Not Aware Of Ever have that feeling where nothing is technically wrong… but your body is bracing? You’re doing the things. Eating well. Taking care of yourself. Staying on top of it. And yet there’s this low-level tension running in the background like your system never fully powers down. This is where we start. Because what if that feeling isn’t random… and it’s not something you need to fix? Let me say something that might rattle the wellness algorithm a little: What if it’s actually your body doing exactly what it was designed to do? In this first episode of the Biology of Belief series, we’re zooming out and looking at the foundation most people never think about. The signal your body is constantly reading. The one that determines whether you heal, regulate, and expand… or whether you stay guarded, braced, and in protection mode. And here’s the part that changes everything once you see it: Your body isn’t responding to what you know. It’s responding to what it detects. What we get into in this episode: There’s a moment in this episode that starts with something simple. Standing in the kitchen, holding a cup of tea, realizing your body is already ten steps ahead of your day. Nothing is wrong. But nothing feels settled either. That moment opens the door to a much bigger question. What is your body actually responding to? We talk about why symptoms aren’t random, why your body doesn’t operate on logic, and how your nervous system is constantly scanning for safety before your conscious mind even catches up. This is the foundation everything else builds on. In this episode, we cover: Why your body prioritizes safety over everything else The difference between what you know and what your body detects Why doing everything right doesn’t always lead to results How symptoms like fatigue, gut issues, and anxiety are protective signals The role of predictability in calming your nervous system How self-trust is built through small, consistent actions Why pace and pressure shape your physiology Timestamps: 00:00 That constant “on” feeling you can’t quite explain 02:00 The kitchen moment that sparked a different question 03:15 Why your body doesn’t care how much you know 05:00 Protection mode vs growth mode and what your symptoms are telling you 07:00 Why logic doesn’t change how your body responds 09:00 Predictability as a signal of safety 12:00 How urgency keeps your body in stress mode 15:00 Why consistency matters more than intensity The takeaway: Your body isn’t fragile. It’s adaptive, intelligent, and constantly working to protect you. And when it doesn’t feel safe, it will always choose protection over healing. Not because it’s broken. Because it’s doing its job. If this episode made something click, stay with that. That awareness is where this whole series begins. If you want a simple place to start applying this, the Morning Mindset Journal is linked in the show notes. It’s a quick, structured way to build consistency and start sending your body a different signal. Follow the show so you don’t miss Part 2, where we get into why knowing what to do still doesn’t translate into change. 🔗 Resources & Links (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You): Free! The Morning Mindset Journal – A 5–10 minute daily structure to build predictability, coherence, and internal safety (free link in show notes). Where To Find Me Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePrettyWellPodcast Podcast: The Pretty Well Podcast (on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen) Your body isn’t broken. It’s responding intelligently. When belief becomes biology, healing starts to make sense. Stay, Pretty Well. 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for...
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    33 mins
  • High-Functioning. Healthy. Still Exhausted. Interview with Jared St. Clair from Vitality Radio

    High-Functioning. Healthy. Still Exhausted. Interview with Jared St. Clair from Vitality Radio
    Mar 25 2026
    #204 - High-Functioning. Healthy. Still Exhausted. Interview with Jared St. Clair from Vitality Radio Over time we’ve learned that having the health we want comes down to how much discipline we have: better habits, more consistency, tighter routines. But what if the real reason those approaches keep falling short has nothing to do with what you’re doing—and everything to do with your nervous system? In this delightfully real conversation with Jared St. Clair from Vitality Radio, we go there. Diving beneath the usual performance-driven wellness talk and into what actually moves the needle in your overall energy, wellness, and vitality. We talk about patterns that look “high-functioning” but actually aren’t; why so many people feel a general sense of blah no matter how hard they try; and how pushing harder backfires when your nervous system is already overloaded. This episode connects the dots between your biology, behavior, healing, and identity—with a lot of raw truths (and laughs) along the way. It’s a grounded conversation about feeling safe, seen, and resilient. If you’ve ever wondered why you know what to do but can’t seem to sustain it—or why rest feels wrong—you’ll love this episode. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why willpower breaks down under chronic stress What “nervous system capacity” actually means in real life How high achievers unknowingly train themselves into burnout The difference between discipline and nervous system safety Why rest can feel like a threat—and how to rebuild tolerance for it How to create change that actually sticks (without forcing it) Time Stamps 00:00 — Why discipline isn’t the problem we think it is 03:00 — Stress, adaptation, and the nervous system’s role in behavior 06:30 — High-functioning burnout: when things look fine but feel off 10:00 — Why pushing harder often makes symptoms worse 14:00 — Regulation vs. optimization: what actually creates resilience 18:00 — Relearning rest, recovery, and safety in the body 22:00 — Building capacity instead of chasing performance Why This Conversation Matters Most wellness advice assumes your body is neutral and ready to comply. But when your nervous system is tapping out, no amount of discipline will work. Healing doesn’t start with better habits—it starts with creating enough safety and space for change to happen. This episode is a breath of fresh air—especially if you’re tired of trying harder and getting nowhere. Where to Find Jared Website: https://vitalitynutrition.com/pages/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOoqNMcBTmQ--3AVS4U0R75f3nstRJrxseq2xka5ClgOEOPso8lnb Podcast: https://www.vitalityradio.com/listen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredsaint/ https://www.instagram.com/vitalityradio/ Where to Find Lisa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast Website: https://lisasmithwellness.com Listen to The Pretty Well Podcast wherever you get your podcasts Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. ✨Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week.
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    51 mins
  • Who Said You Had To Be Perfect To Be Well? With Dr. Kim Howes

    Who Said You Had To Be Perfect To Be Well? With Dr. Kim Howes
    Mar 18 2026
    #203 - Who Said You Had To Be Perfect To Be Well? With Dr. Kim Howes If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not feeling my best because I’m not doing all the things right,” this episode is going to hit. Because somewhere along the way, a lot of high-capacity people accepted the idea that wellness equals doing all the things - just right. Perfect routines. Perfect mindset. Perfect food. Perfect supplements. Perfect activity. Perfect body. And that? That’s exhausting. And... It's a lie. In this episode of Pretty Well, I sit down with Dr. Kim Howes to unpack the quiet pressure so many of us carry: the belief that feeling great requires us to be perfect. And we get very honest about how that belief is keeping you stuck in cycles of over-functioning, analysis paralysis, and never quite feeling like you’re “there.” This is not a fluffy “just love yourself more” conversation. It’s nuanced. Grounded. Practical. And if you’re someone who does all the right things but still feels like you’re failing at them? You’re going to feel very seen. In This Episode, We Cover: [02:10] The Real Roots of Perfectionism Dr. Howes breaks down how perfectionism isn’t about high standards — it’s often about protection. Protection from rejection. Criticism. Not feeling enough. You’ll start to recognize how this pattern may have quietly shaped your relationship with food, productivity, health, and even rest. [07:45] The Hidden Cost of “Doing Everything Right” We talk about the mental load of constantly trying to optimize yourself — and why it creates more nervous system activation than progress. If you’ve ever thought: “Why am I still tired?” “Why doesn’t this feel easier?” “Why do I feel behind even when I’m ahead?” This section will hit. [14:30] When Wellness Becomes Another Performance There’s a difference between supporting your health and performing your health. We unpack how wellness culture can subtly reinforce the idea that you are only as good as your discipline. And how that belief undermines self-trust over time. [21:55] Self-Compassion (Without the Eye Roll) Not the soft, vague version. The evidence-based, nervous-system-regulating, behavior-changing version. Dr. Howes explains why self-compassion actually increases accountability and follow-through — instead of making you complacent. This is the part most high achievers misunderstand. [29:40] How to Interrupt the “Never Enough” Loop We get practical here. What to say to yourself in real time. How to catch the inner critic before it runs the meeting. How to build standards without building shame. Small shifts. Big relief. Why This Episode Matters Because if you secretly believe: I should be further by now I shouldn’t struggle with this If I were stronger, I’d have figured it out …then perfectionism is likely running more of your life than you realize. And the irony? The more you chase perfect wellness, the further you drift from actually living the life you love. This conversation isn’t about lowering your standards. It’s about removing the internal pressure that’s keeping you tense, reactive, and quietly dissatisfied — even when you’re doing everything “right.” If this episode resonates, share it with someone else who holds themselves to impossible standards. And if you’re ready to stop performing wellness and actually feel amazing — this is where to start. 🔗 Resources & Links - Connect with Dr. Kim: Website: DrKimHowes.com Instagram & TikTok: @drkimberlyhowes 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. ...
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    47 mins
  • Your Body Remembers: How Stored Emotions Shape Your Health, Success, and Relationships with Riana Malia

    Your Body Remembers: How Stored Emotions Shape Your Health, Success, and Relationships with Riana Malia
    Mar 11 2026
    #202 - Your Body Remembers: How Stored Emotions Shape Your Health, Success, and Relationships with Riana Malia Ever wonder why, no matter how much work you’ve done toward healing and life goals, you still hit the same walls—repeated patterns, anxiety, or that “stuck” feeling you can’t quite name? What if you don’t need to work on yourself anymore—what if it’s more about clearing old, inaccurate messages ? In this episode, I sit down with Riana Malia, creator of Quantum Time Release (QTR) and Quantum Goal Setting, to explore how stored emotions, subconscious patterns, and energetic imprints shape your physical health, your relationships, and even your sense of success. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at words like “quantum” or “energy work,” stay with me—because this one’s rooted in neuroscience, not hocus pocus or woo. Riana breaks down how unresolved emotions literally alter your nervous system, and how releasing them can create measurable shifts in your body and your life. 🌿 We Get Into: What’s really happening neurologically when emotions get “stuck”The science behind Quantum Time Release (and why it’s evidence-based)The difference between mindset work and full-body transformationHow to tell if your body is still carrying old emotional baggageA simple process you can try today to feel that energetic shift instantlyHow to live in alignment — where your nervous system, beliefs, and biology are finally on the same team What I love about Riana’s work is that it reminds us: healing isn’t just biochemical. It’s emotional, energetic, and deeply personal. Your body isn’t betraying you—it’s communicating with you. Those patterns and triggers aren’t flaws; they’re feedback. Once you see them as data—not drama—you can finally release what’s outdated and start creating something new. You don’t have to carry old stories, limiting beliefs, or emotions just because they’ve been there a long time. The moment you realize your nervous system can relearn safety, everything starts to shift. Pause for a second and ask yourself: What’s one emotional pattern or belief you’re ready to release—and what new version of yourself are you ready to make space for? Then, go check out Riana’s resources (linked below). And if you loved this conversation, share it with a friend who’s also ready to swap burnout and old programming for freedom, vitality, and glow. 🔗 Resources & Links (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You): Riana’s website: rianamalia.com Riana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rianamalia/?hl=enRiana’s FB: https://www.facebook.com/RianaMaliaRiana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rianamalia 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.
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    52 mins
  • Stop the Hustle: How Doing Less Can 10x Your Success with Brannon Poe

    Stop the Hustle: How Doing Less Can 10x Your Success with Brannon Poe
    Mar 4 2026
    #201 - Stop the Hustle: How Doing Less Can 10x Your Success with Brannon Poe, CPA, Author, Founder of Poe Group Advisors & Accounting Practice Academy Create More Time, Profit & Freedom—Without Burning Out What if the key to greater success wasn’t doing more—but finally doing less? In this episode, I talk with Brannon Poe, a CPA and entrepreneur who’s redefining what it means to “have it all.” Brannon helps accounting firm owners build, buy, and sell thriving practices—but the brilliance of his work isn’t just in business strategy. It’s in teaching high performers how to reclaim time, profit, and freedom without losing their sanity (or their marriages) in the process. We dig into how he discovered the power of margin, mindset, and unplugged vacations—and how every overextended professional can apply these same principles to their own lives. You’ll hear: Why busy is the new burnout—and how to stop wearing it like a badge of honor. The deceptively simple mindset shift that separates exhausted achievers from calm high-performers. How a cruise, a laptop ultimatum, and a good wife sparked Brannon’s “freedom revolution.” The truth about why stepping away (literally) makes your business—and your brain—work better. The 3-bucket strategy for reclaiming your calendar and your creativity. Why the most successful people he knows are also the most balanced. This conversation will challenge the part of you that thinks you can’t slow down. Step in closer: you can—and your work, health, and happiness will thank you. 🔥Takeaway: It’s not about doing it all. True success isn’t built on hustle—it’s built on margin. When you believe life can work better, it does. 💎 You’ll Learn Why busy isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a red flag. How Brannon’s “Unplugged Vacation” changed his life (and saved his sanity). The mindset shift that separates thriving business owners from burned-out ones. How to build true margin into your days—even if you think you can’t. The underrated link between mental health, leadership, and profitability. How to create space for better ideas, deeper focus, and actual joy. 🕰️ Episode Timestamps [00:02:15] – Meet Brannon Poe: The CPA who built a freedom-based business model. [00:05:20] – The cruise that changed everything—and the laptop that almost went overboard. [00:08:40] – Why the most successful people Brannon knows work less (and earn more). [00:12:10] – How the “Strategic Coach” method reframed his relationship with time. [00:14:55] – The first baby step to reclaim your weekends (and your sanity). [00:19:30] – The power of intentionality—and why “just a quick email check” is your downfall. [00:22:50] – The mindset myths keeping you stuck in stress and scarcity. [00:27:45] – How to stop wearing busy like a badge of honor. [00:31:00] – The 3-Bucket Tool: A simple framework for delegating and letting go. [00:37:10] – Why real creativity and leadership only happen when you unplug. [00:45:00] – Brannon’s wellness nonnegotiable: 25 years of consistent movement and mental clarity. [00:49:30] – The one belief that changes everything (and how to finally embody it). 🔗 Resources & Links: Brannon's books: https://amzn.to/4rtK0ad Brannon’s website: https://poegroupadvisors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poegroup/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCniu-SWqezXDabYtGMXK9IwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/poe-group-advisors/ 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well...
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    38 mins
  • Miracle Cure or Internet Hype? The Truth About Castor Oil

    Miracle Cure or Internet Hype? The Truth About Castor Oil
    Feb 25 2026
    #200 - Miracle Cure or Internet Hype? The Truth About Castor Oil Castor oil is having a moment. Scroll social media for five minutes and you’ll see it: “Cured my endometriosis.” “Detoxed my liver.” “Regrew my hairline.” “Healed… well, everything.” And when something is suddenly the solution to literally every problem… it’s time to pause. Because while castor oil is absolutely powerful, not every claim floating around the internet deserves your blind trust (or all of your body parts). In this episode, I break down what castor oil actually is, what it’s scientifically supported for, what I personally use it for, and what I absolutely would not recommend—especially if you’re pregnant or thinking about putting it near your eyeballs. If you’ve been curious about castor oil packs, anti-aging benefits, hair growth hacks, stretch mark reduction, or lymphatic detox claims… this episode is your grounded, evidence-based (with a dash of anecdotal honesty) guide. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What castor oil is made of (and why omega-9 fatty acids matter)FDA-approved uses vs. influencer folkloreWhether castor oil actually helps with constipationSkin barrier repair, anti-aging, and collagen supportHair growth, scalp health, and rosemary oil synergyCastor oil for scars, stretch marks, arthritis, and cracked heelsThe truth about castor oil packs for liver detoxRegular vs. Jamaican black castor oil—is there a difference?Side effects, safety, and when to absolutely avoid it Timestamps 00:00 – Castor oil: miracle cure or marketing frenzy? 01:00 – Why the FDA cracked down on exaggerated claims 02:00 – What castor oil actually is (hello, omega-9 fatty acids) 04:30 – What it’s officially approved for 05:00 – Would I drink it for constipation? 06:30 – Traditional uses: skin conditions, infections, inflammation, lymphatic support 07:30 – Skin benefits that actually make sense 08:00 – Fine lines, wrinkles, and collagen support (why it may help) 09:00 – How to use it for hair growth 10:30 – Acne: helpful or hormonal disaster? (Bio-individuality matters) 12:00 – Castor oil packs for liver detox—worth it? 13:00 – Thyroid application (yes, I use it for Hashimoto’s support) 14:00 – Stretch marks & scars: how to use heat to enhance absorption 16:00 – Anti-aging layering method (this is worth the price of admission) 17:00 – Lips: hyaluronic acid + castor oil combo 18:00 – Cracked heels, cuticles, and nail growth 20:00 – The fern experiment (because why not?) 21:00 – Jamaican black castor oil vs. regular: which is better? 22:00 – Side effects and when not to use it 23:00 – Pregnancy warning (seriously, a hard no) 24:00 – My honest verdict Let’s Talk About What’s Real Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—an omega-9 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. That’s the magic. It’s thick. It’s deeply emollient. It seals moisture in like a champ. Which makes it excellent for: Dry skinEczema-prone areasCrepey skin in perimenopause and menopauseFine lines (temporarily plumping through hydration)Cracked heelsDry cuticlesScalp nourishment And when you layer it correctly, it acts like a sealant to hold hydration in. I personally use it nightly on my face, neck, thyroid area, lips, and brows. Am I shiny before bed? Yes. Do I care? Not even a little. What I’d Be Careful With Internal use for constipation (very effective but not my first-line recommendation)Anything near your eyes (I woke up with red, burning, and irritated eyes)Vaginal dryness or sensitive internal use (research first, please) When To Never Use It Pregnancy (it induces labor) Castor Oil & Hormones As estrogen drops in perimenopause and menopause, skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This is where castor oil shines—literally and figuratively. It supports: Skin barrier repairMoisture retentionElasticity appearanceThat “spring back” we start to lose Is it Botox? No. Is it still amazing and affordable? Absolutely. Bottom Line Is castor oil a cure-all? Nope. Is it a potent, multi-use, low-risk tool? Yes. In a world where we’re constantly sold $200 serums and complicated 12-step regimens, there’s something refreshing about a humble glass bottle that’s been used for centuries. If you try it: Buy organicMake sure it’s in a dark glass bottlePatch test firstUse cotton (preferably organic), not polyester, when covering treated areas And maybe—just maybe—pour it into something beautiful so you’ll actually remember to use it. One More Thing Pretty Well was shared more than 94% of other shows in Spotify Wrapped this year. That’s because of you. You share it. You text it. You send it to friends who need better information without the hype. And that means everything to me. If this episode helped you to decode the castor oil craze (or prevented you from putting it in your eyes), do me a favor and share it with a friend. 🔗 Resources & Links (As An ...
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    28 mins