Eat Kale and Cupcakes

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common, and often misunderstood, hormonal conditions. In this episode, we break down what PCOS actually is and how it’s diagnosed.Shannon shares her personal experience living with PCOS and how it shaped her path into doctoral research. We also take a critical look at the current PCOS literature, where it’s helpful, where it falls short, and what we consistently see in real-life clinical practice that isn’t being captured in the research.Whether you’re a clinician, someone navigating a diagnosis, or just trying to better understand hormone health, this episode offers a more nuanced, whole-person perspective on PCOS.We discuss:What PCOS is (and what it’s not)Common symptoms and presentationsHow PCOS is diagnosed (and limitations of current criteria)Shannon’s personal PCOS journeyWhat led to her dissertation research in PCOSGaps and limitations in existing PCOS researchWhat we see clinically that research often missesThe role of nutrition, metabolism, and behavior patternsWhy individualized, whole-person care mattersPCOS is not one-size-fits-allResearch doesn’t always reflect lived experienceMetabolic, hormonal, and behavioral factors are deeply intertwinedIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit or leave a review—it helps more people find the show. You can learn more about our work at www.lauracipullo.comOur Be Your Own Nutritionist course helps you build a personalized, sustainable approach to eating—grounded in science and self-awareness.And if you’re navigating or considering GLP-1 medications, our GLP-1 Masterclass breaks down everything you need to know—from metabolic changes to maintaining muscle, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting long-term health.

Menopause is having a moment—but with so much conflicting information about menopause hormone therapy, it can be hard to know what’s actually evidence-based.In this episode, Dr. Shannon Herbert and Laura Cipullo are joined by Dr. Anna Barbieri to unpack the science and nuance of menopause hormone therapy, including who it’s for, potential benefits and risks, and how it impacts metabolism, mood, bone health, and cardiovascular health.We also explore the often-overlooked intersection between perimenopause, eating behaviors, and body image, and why a whole-person, individualized approach is essential when supporting women through this transition.Whether you’re navigating symptoms yourself or supporting clients, this episode offers a grounded, clinically informed perspective on women’s health, hormones, and menopause care.📌 Resources & Links Follow the podcast for more conversations on hormones + nutrition Learn more about working with us.Explore our online course: Be Your Own Nutritionist Explore our GLP-1 & Metabolic Health MasterclassConnect with Dr. Anna Barbieri.

Your pelvic floor isn’t static—it changes throughout your life, influenced by hormones, pregnancy, aging, and lifestyle factors. In this episode, we explore how the pelvic floor adapts during key stages, from puberty and the menstrual cycle to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and menopause.Learn about:How estrogen and progesterone affect pelvic floor strength, elasticity, and responsivenessWhy Kegels aren’t always the answer and the importance of coordination and relaxationCommon symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction like leaks, pressure, constipation, and core instabilityPractical tips to support, protect, and optimize your pelvic floor at every stage of lifeWhether you’re a teen, new mom, or navigating menopause, understanding your pelvic floor is key to bladder health, sexual wellness, core stability, and overall quality of life.Listen now to separate myth from fact and empower your pelvic health journey!If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast so you never miss a new episode, and leave us a rating or review—it helps others discover the show and supports us in bringing more expert insights.Learn more about Dr. Trudy Pacifico.Follow Laura and Shannon on Instagram!@shannonherbertrd@lauracipullo

In this episode, join Laura Cipullo, RD, CDCES, CEDS-S, RYT and Dr. Shannon Herbert, PhD, RD, CDN, RYT as they sit down again with Dr. Trudy Pacifico, DPT, PRPC, PCES, CPT to discuss How to Poop. While it might seem taboo - everyone poops. We discuss how pooping is an indicator of your overall health and how the pelvic floor function is essential for having regular bowel movements. We talk about the connection between the pelvic floor, GI health, movement, and the nervous system. Hear Dr. Pacifico's top tips for having regular bowel movements and what she recommends for gas, bloating, and GI discomfort.Check out the Bristol Stool Chart and comment with what poop type you are!Here's to regular bowel movements! Happy pooping!Get in touch with Dr. Pacifico here.

In this episode, Laura Cipullo, RD, CDCES, CEDS-S, RYT and Dr. Shannon Herbert, PhD, RD, CDN, RYT, chat with Dr. Trudy Pacifico, DPT, PRPC, PCES, CPT. We discuss what is the pelvic floor, what is pelvic floor dysfunction, and what are the signs and symptoms of pelvic dysfunction. We learn how the pelvic floor is connected to the diaphragm and our breathing patterns. We dispel common pelvic floor myths, such as do men have pelvic floors?! Pelvic floor is of particular importance for the clients we work with as pelvic floor dysfunction often shows up in our clients with disordered eating, trauma history, stress, anxiety, and GI concerns. Stay tuned for additional conversations with Dr. Pacifico coming up on the podcast - including How to Poop and How the Pelvic Floor Changes Throughout the Lifecycle.Learn more about Dr. Pacifico here.If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider following and giving us a rating. We are so grateful for your support.

Continuing our conversation on GLP-1 medications and what we're seeing in practice, in this episode, Laura, RD, CDCES, CEDS-S and Shannon, PhD, RD, RYT, CDN chat with Pete Kupprion of Koop Strength.In this episode, we discuss concerns around muscle loss, changes in body composition, and the trends we are noticing in fitness and training in the context of GLP-1 use. We also explore how Pete thinks about the role of GLP-1s within a broader, long-term health and performance framework, and what he is seeing firsthand with clients. Pete takes us through his thoughtful and ethical approach to working with clients who use GLP-1 medications. We dive into how movement and training needs evolve across the lifespan, including how goals, recovery, and exercise selection should shift during different life stages, particularly in perimenopause and menopause. Together, we break down common myths about exercise during hormonal transitions and discuss what people actually need to support strength, muscle preservation, joint health, and long-term function.Pete also shares practical strategies for fitting exercise into an already very busy lifestyle, and explains what truly matters when time and energy are limited. He breaks down what the most efficient and effective forms of movement look like as we age, focusing on realistic, sustainable strength-based approaches that support function, recovery, and long-term health without requiring excessive time in the gym.Finally, we discuss how to take a more holistic view of movement, including how to think about inflammation, stress, and recovery when designing workouts. We explore why more is not always better, how training should be adapted for people living with hormonal conditions (including PCOS), and how chronic stress and under-recovery can worsen inflammation and undermine results. Pete underscores the importance of movement as a tool to support overall health, resilience, and quality of life.Be sure to check out Laura and Shannon's master class on GLP-1s.

In this episode of Eat Kale & Cupcakes, registered dietitians and yoga instructors Laura Cipullo, RD, CDCES, CED-S, and Shannon Herbert, PhD, RD, CDN, dive into GLP-1 receptor agonists and GLP/GIP medications.We explore where these medications might fit into care and why context matters—especially for those with eating disorders or disordered eating. Drawing from our clinical experience, we share the questions we’re asking and how we approach these medications through a lens of curiosity, safety, adequacy, and body trust—not just weight.This isn’t about promoting or rejecting GLP-1s—it’s about slowing the conversation down, acknowledging the gray areas, and offering an ED-informed, evidence-based perspective.Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or just curious about the buzz, this episode gives grounded insight and a reminder that nutrition care is never one-size-fits-all.Links to talks we discuss:Link to Laura's feature on the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast that we discuss in the episode.While the Renfrew conference is no longer active, you can register for our similar workshop with on A Patient Centered Approach for Clients with Eating Disorders and PCOS happening March 13th, 2026 12:00-1:30 pm EST hosted by the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia. Register here.Link to our GLP-1 Master Class! Get it here. This master class is perfect for anyone on or considering GLP-1/GIP medications who wants to feel confident, nourished, and supported on their journey.

In this episode of Eat Kale & Cupcakes, registered dietitians and yoga instructors Laura Cipullo, RD, CDCES, CEDS-S, and Shannon Herbert, PhD, RD, CDN explore the 5 Pillars of Positive Nutrition—a framework rooted in Laura’s bestselling book, Women’s Health Body Clock Diet (Rodale, 2015), and the philosophy that guides the work of the Laura Cipullo Whole Nutrition + Yoga team.Discover how an “all foods fit” approach supports overall health, why neutral food language matters, what it truly means to eat honorably, how to move beyond using food as a reward, and why dietary fat plays a vital role in satisfaction and well-being.Eating is not about deprivation—it’s about nourishing the mind, body, and spirit. The Five Pillars of Positive Nutrition reclaim the original meaning of the word diet, defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “habitual nourishment,” and are designed to support wholistic health, body trust, and improved self-esteem.

Meet registered dietitians and yoga instructors Laura Cipullo, RD, CDCES, CEDS-S, and Shannon Herbert, PhD, RD, CDN, as they share the story behind Laura Cipullo Whole Nutrition's tagline "Eat Kale and Cupcakes" — a lifestyle all about balance, not perfection. Discover what inspired the name, how Laura and Shannon met, and what's coming next!