The Elevated Health Podcast
by elevatedhealthtexas
Elevated Health is a podcast hosted by a nurse practitioner who’s not afraid to take her time. Born from a passion for digging deeper, listening longer, and empowering patients through education, this show breaks down complex topics in nutrition, hormones, lifestyle, and wellness into simple, actionable insights. Whether you're just starting your health journey or seeking a more holistic path forward, Elevated Health is here to guide you — with compassion, clarity, and a touch of rebellion.
Episodes
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CBT Unpacked: 31 Years of Therapy Wisdom with Dayna Schertler
On this episode host Vivian welcomes Dayna Schertler, an LCSW with over 30 years of clinical experience and a specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Dayna shares her journey into mental health, training at the Beck Institute, and how CBT became the backbone of her practice. They…
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Shelly Moss, LCSW: Encore
In this encore episode, Amanda interviews her mother, licensed clinical social worker Shelly Moss, about how negative and repetitive thoughts fuel anxiety and affect the body. Shelly explains the brain’s fight-or-flight response, how unresolved trauma can cause physical symptoms, and why silence...
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Jennifer Nix: Doulas, Yoga, and the Modern Birth
Host Amanda Jones sits down with Jennifer Nix—a DONA-certified doula, registered yoga teacher, birth assistant, and mom of four—to talk about five practical ways to prepare for the birth you hope to have. They discuss how to choose a supportive provider, prepare your body through prenatal…
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Cortisol: The Good, the Bad, and the Timing
Link to Amanda’s Fullscript Storefront: https://us.fullscript.com/s/amoss1554233494/shop This episode explains what cortisol actually does in your body: it helps regulate blood pressure, glucose, metabolism, inflammation, immune activity, and your sleep–wake cycle. Cortisol is not simply “bad” —...
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Dr. Bruce Clarke: Beyond Cholesterol
In this episode of the Elevated Health Podcast, host Amanda Jones talks with Bruce Clarke, MD about his journey into family medicine and his growing focus on cardiovascular health through a functional medicine lens. They discuss how traditional medical training emphasizes acute care, while...
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Cholesterol 101: What Your Numbers Really Mean
This episode is Cholesterol 101: a clear, approachable overview of what cholesterol is, why your body makes it, and what the common lab numbers mean. Learn the difference between cholesterol made by your body and cholesterol in food, and why the liver acts like a cholesterol warehouse and...
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Realistic Back-to-School Reset: Simple Habits That Actually Stick
This episode offers a practical back-to-school health reset that doesn’t require overhauling your life—use the season to tune routines to what will actually make your household function better. Start with sleep: shift bedtimes gradually and create a predictable wind‑down routine for both kids and...
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MASH & Your Liver: How Metabolic Dysfunction Causes Fatty Liver—and How to Turn It Around
This episode explains metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, why the name change matters, and how these conditions develop from chronic insulin resistance and fat buildup in the liver. We cover how MASH progresses—fat accumulation,...
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Shelly Moss: Happy 1st Birthday to the Podcast!
This episode marks the Elevated Health Podcast's one-year anniversary. Hosts Amanda and her mother Shelly Moss reflect on the nerves and uncertainty of starting the show, the messy behind-the-scenes moments (yes, even running over a drawer), and the many life changes they juggled while keeping…
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Peptides: What Every Patient Should Know
On this episode Amanda Jones welcomes nurse Lindsey Nidiffer, a new team member at Elevated Health with a background in trauma/surgical ICU, burn unit, home health, and nurse education. They reconnect over shared nursing roots and dive into why peptides are becoming popular in wellness medicine....
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Autoimmune Disease, GLP-1 Medications, and Inflammation
In this episode, Amanda Jones breaks down the emerging conversation around GLP‑1 medications and autoimmune disease, emphasizing that GLP‑1s are not a cure for autoimmune conditions but may influence symptoms. She explains what autoimmune disease is, why different autoimmune illnesses behave...
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When Your Gut Talks to Your Brain Re-release: The Real Gut–Brain Connection
https://us.fullscript.com/s/amoss1554233494/shop/collections/Q29sbGVjdGlvbi0xNjk1OTY= This episode explains how your gut and brain are in constant two-way communication and why digestive symptoms and mental symptoms often occur together. If you’ve experienced anxiety, depression, fogginess, or…
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Dr. Audrey Lamberson: Breathe Better, Think Clearer with NRT
In this episode Amanda Jones welcomes Dr. Audrey Lamberson, a physical therapist with over a decade of experience, to discuss nasal release technique (NRT) and whole-body physical therapy. They cover how NRT is performed, why it can open airways, improve lymph and cerebrospinal drainage, and…
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Stop Waiting for Perfect: Find Your Minimum Effective Dose for Health
In this mini episode Amanda Jones explains why waiting for the perfect moment keeps us stuck and introduces the idea of the "minimum effective dose" for health — the smallest realistic action that still produces meaningful benefit. She shares practical examples across protein, movement, meal...
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Shelly Moss, LCSW on ADHD: Why Focus, Motivation, and Follow-Through Feel So Hard
In this two-part episode of the Elevated Health Podcast, host Amanda interviews her mom, Shelly Moss, a counselor, about ADHD in adults with a special focus on how it presents in women. They discuss why girls are often overlooked in childhood, how ADHD can be mistaken for anxiety or depression…
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Dr. Joshua Bowles: From Sidelines to Science
Please excuse the audio quality in this episode. Due to recording circumstances, some sections may sound rougher than usual. We appreciate you sticking with us and hope you enjoy the conversation. In this episode Dr. Joshua Bowles, a licensed athletic trainer and doctoral graduate in executive...
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Muscle: The Unsung Organ for Metabolic Health
This episode reframes muscle as a metabolic and endocrine organ—vital for blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, energy, and long-term independence, not just strength or appearance. Muscle pulls glucose from the bloodstream through GLUT4 transporters, helps regulate hormones, and modestly...
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Dayna Schertler, LCSW: CBT to Rewire Your Thinking
On this episode, host Amanda Jones, FNP welcomes LCSW Dayna Schertler, a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specialist with over 30 years of experience. Dayna and the host discuss what CBT is, how it developed, and why its structured, goal-focused approach helps people make measurable changes in...
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Glycemic Index vs Glycemic Load: What Actually Matters for Blood Sugar?
This episode traces the history and purpose of the glycemic index (GI), created by David Jenkins in 1981 to compare how foods affect blood glucose in controlled tests, and explains why glycemic load (GL) was introduced to account for portion size. It highlights the limits of GI testing—fasting...
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Dr. William Braudt: Chiropractic Care From People to Animals
Dr. William Braudt of 806 Chiropractic joins Amanda Jones for a deep dive into what chiropractic care actually is — and what most people misunderstand about it. The conversation explores the history and evolution of chiropractic medicine, how chiropractors are trained in the United States and...
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Why the Scale Goes UP When You’re Sick
When you’re sick, you probably expect the scale to go down. After all, you’re eating less, moving less, maybe even sweating or dehydrated. So why does the number sometimes go up? In this mini episode of The Elevated Health Podcast, Amanda Jones, nurse practitioner, breaks down the real physiology...
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GMO, Processed & Practical: How to Read Food Labels Without the Stress
In this episode Amanda Jones, a nurse practitioner and founder of Elevated Health, cuts through marketing noise to help you make calmer, smarter choices at the grocery store. She explains what GMOs (or "bioengineered" foods) actually are and why current evidence shows they’re safe and…
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Sick and Pregnant? Your Immune System Isn’s Failing…
In this episode Amanda Jones explains why pregnant people often feel like they get sick more frequently: pregnancy doesn’t weaken the immune system, it shifts it. To protect both parent and baby the body moves from a more aggressive, inflammatory response (Th1) toward a more tolerant,...
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Muscle: Your Secret Metabolic Organ
In this episode Amanda Jones reframes muscle as a powerful metabolic and endocrine organ — not merely for movement or aesthetics. Muscle helps clear glucose from the bloodstream via GLUT4 transporters, supports hormone balance, and plays a key role in long-term health, insulin sensitivity, and...
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When Allergies Feel Like Anxiety: The Histamine Connection
In this mini-episode of the Elevated Health Podcast, we explain how histamine — released during allergic reactions — can trigger not only sneezing and itchy eyes but also increased nervous system arousal, irritability, and anxiety. Youll learn why histamine acts as both an immune signal and a…
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The Day-After Reset: 4 Simple Steps to Bounce Back
In this episode Amanda Jones, nurse practitioner and host of the Elevated Hill podcast, reassures listeners that a weekend of different food, drink, or sleep doesn’t erase long-term progress. The focus is on what to do next, not punishing yourself. She explains common physiologic reasons you…
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Seed Oils vs Butter: Are Seed Oils Actually Bad for You?
Are seed oils actually bad for you, or is this just another nutrition myth? In this episode, Amanda breaks down the science behind seed oils, omega-6 fats, inflammation, and cooking oils. We compare seed oils to butter, olive oil, and animal fats, explain oxidation and smoke points, and cover…
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Part 2: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with Sarah Patschke, LCSW
This episode uses that image to show how basic needs — and missing ones — shape mental health. Hosts Amanda Jones and guest Sarah Patschke continue the series on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, moving up from survival and safety into love and belonging, self‑esteem, and self‑actualization. They...
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Drink Smarter: Alcohol, Blood Sugar & Hangxiety Explained
In this episode Amanda Jones explores how alcohol affects metabolic health, blood sugar, sleep, hormones and anxiety ("hangxiety"). She explains why the liver prioritizes clearing alcohol over making glucose, how different drinks can cause blood sugar spikes or drops, and why alcohol can disrupt...
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Part 1: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with Sarah Patschke, LCSW
In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker Sarah Patschke, LCSW, to explore how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows up in real life — especially for college students navigating stress, sleep deprivation, and unstable routines. They discuss how foundational needs…
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Heart Disease Prevention: Beyond Cholesterol with Dr. Bruce Clarke
Heart disease is the leading cause of death—but much of it is preventable. In this episode, Amanda sits down with family physician Dr. David Bruce Clarke to discuss cardiovascular health through a modern, prevention-focused lens. With additional training through the Institute for Functional...
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Why You’re Not Losing Weight: Insulin Resistance, Hormones, Muscle & the Willpower Myth
Why are you eating healthy, counting calories, exercising, and still not losing weight? In this episode, we explain the physiology behind weight loss resistance — including insulin resistance, cortisol, thyroid adaptation, perimenopause, and metabolic slowdown from chronic dieting. You’ll learn…
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Fatty Liver Disease Explained: The New Names (MASLD & MASH) and What They Mean for Your Metabolic Health
Fatty liver disease has a new name — actually, two. In this episode, we explain the shift from NAFLD to MASLD and MASH, what these updated terms mean, and why the change reflects a deeper understanding of metabolic dysfunction. You’ll learn: • Why NAFLD was renamed MASLD • The difference between...
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ADHD Treatment & Strategies: Sleep, Medications & Practical Tools with Shelly Moss, LCSW (Part 2)
How is ADHD treated in adults — and what actually helps? In Part 2 of our ADHD series, Amanda Jones and Shelly Moss discuss practical strategies for managing ADHD, including medications, sleep optimization, and nervous system regulation. You’ll learn: • The difference between stimulant and...
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ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Focus & Executive Dysfunction with Shelly Moss, LCSW (Part 1)
ADHD in adults is often misunderstood — especially in women. In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker Shelly Moss, LCSW, to explore adult ADHD, executive dysfunction, and how symptoms often overlap with anxiety and depression. You’ll learn: • What ADHD looks…
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Recovery Reset: Fatigue, Burnout & How to Rebuild Your Energy
Feeling constantly run down, exhausted, or stuck in a cycle of stress and illness? In this episode, we break down what true recovery requires — from immune resilience to nervous system regulation and metabolic repair. You’ll learn: • Why chronic stress depletes energy • How poor sleep disrupts...
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The Gut-Brain Axis: How Gut Health Affects Anxiety, Depression & Brain Fog
Your gut and brain are in constant two-way communication. In this episode, we explore the gut-brain axis and how gut health influences anxiety, depression, brain fog, focus, and stress tolerance. Inflammation, microbial imbalance, and poor detox pathways can alter neurotransmitters like…
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Detox Explained: Why Detox Teas Fail & How the Body Actually Detoxifies
Do detox teas actually remove toxins? In this episode, we break down the science of detoxification — how the liver, gut, kidneys, and lymphatic system work together to eliminate waste — and why most detox teas fail to deliver what they promise. You’ll learn: • How phase I and phase II liver detox...
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Macros Explained: Protein, Fat & Carbs for Metabolism and Blood Sugar (Revisit)
This foundational nutrition episode is worth revisiting. Understanding macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) is essential for metabolism, blood sugar stability, hormone balance, and sustainable weight management. In this episode, we break down: • What macronutrients are and how they...
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Alcohol & Health: How to Drink Smarter Without Harming Your Metabolism
How does alcohol actually affect your metabolism? In this episode, we break down how alcohol impacts blood sugar, liver function, hormones, sleep, and weight gain — and how to approach drinking in a way that protects your long-term health. You’ll learn: • How alcohol affects insulin and blood…
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Blue Christmas: Grieving During the Holidays with Shelly Moss, LCSW
The holidays are not joyful for everyone. For many, Christmas and the holiday season intensify grief, loneliness, and emotional pain. In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker Shelly Moss, LCSW, to discuss how to navigate grief during the holidays. You’ll learn…
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Holiday Stress & Cortisol: Why Stress Hijacks Your Cravings
Why do cravings feel stronger during the holidays? In this episode, we break down how stress hormones — especially cortisol — impact blood sugar, appetite regulation, and emotional eating. Holiday stress does more than affect your mood. It changes your physiology. You’ll learn: • How cortisol...
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The 28-Day Menstrual Cycle Explained: Hormones, Ovulation & Cycle Phases
The menstrual cycle is more than just a period. In this episode, we break down the 28-day menstrual cycle, explaining what happens hormonally during each phase and how estrogen, progesterone, and ovulation shape mood, metabolism, energy, and fertility. You’ll learn: • The four phases of the...
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From Anxiety to Peace: A Mental Health Conversation with Shelly Moss, LCSW (Revisit)
This episode is one of our most listened-to conversations — and it is worth revisiting. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges today. But what actually drives it, and how do we move toward peace? In this conversation, Amanda Jones sits down with licensed clinical social worker...
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Building a Functional Medicine Practice: 5 Lessons from Five Years of Elevated Health
What does it really take to build a functional medicine practice from the ground up? In this five-year anniversary episode, Amanda Jones reflects on launching Elevated Health in 2020, navigating COVID-era pivots, expanding into telemedicine and metabolic care, and growing a practice centered on...
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Gloria Hargrave, LMT: Stress, Massage Therapy & Nervous System Healing
Self-care is often framed as indulgent. In reality, it is physiological. In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with Gloria Hargrave, Licensed Massage Therapist, to discuss how chronic stress, muscle tension, and nervous system overload impact physical and emotional health. You’ll learn: • How...
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Is BMI Accurate? Better Ways to Measure Health & Body Composition
Is Body Mass Index actually a reliable measure of health? In this episode, Amanda Jones breaks down the history of BMI, why it was never designed to assess individual health, and how it can misclassify muscle, bone density, and body composition. You’ll learn: • Where BMI came from and how it…
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Healthy Eating on Vacation: Protein-Forward Plates & the 80/20 Rule
Can you enjoy vacation without undoing your progress? In this episode, we discuss how to approach travel, social events, and time off without food guilt or metabolic backtracking. A protein-forward plate and the 80/20 rule create structure without restriction. You’ll learn: • How protein supports...
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Nasal Release Technique: Sinus Pressure, Headaches, TMJ Relief, and Trauma with Audrey Lamberson, DPT
Chronic sinus pressure, headaches, TMJ pain, and breathing dysfunction are often treated with medication. But what if the root cause is structural? In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with Audrey Lamberson, DPT, to discuss the Nasal Release Technique (NRT) and how specialized manual therapy…
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How to Optimize Recovery: Protein, Hydration, Sleep & Stress
Recovery is not just physical. It is metabolic, hormonal, emotional, and nervous system driven. In this episode, we explore what true recovery requires — whether you are healing from surgery, intense workouts, illness, or chronic stress. You’ll learn: • Why protein intake is critical for tissue...
About this show
Elevated Health is a podcast hosted by a nurse practitioner who’s not afraid to take her time. Born from a passion for digging deeper, listening longer, and empowering patients through education, this show breaks down complex topics in nutrition, hormones, lifestyle, and wellness into simple, actionable insights. Whether you're just starting your health journey or seeking a more holistic path forward, Elevated Health is here to guide you — with compassion, clarity, and a touch of rebellion.
Hosted by
elevatedhealthtexas