Have you ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment? Lost your appetite under stress? Or turned to comfort food when you're down?

You're not alone—and you're not imagining it.

In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to unpack the powerful relationship between your brain, your emotions, and your digestion. Together, they break down why anxiety and appetite are so closely linked, how your nervous system plays a role, and what simple tools can help bring balance to your body and mind.

Whether you're dealing with nausea, overeating, or just wondering why your stomach reacts to stress—this episode will leave you thinking differently about the phrase “gut feeling.”

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How anxiety and digestion are connected

• Why your appetite changes when you’re stressed

• What it means to have a “gut feeling”

• How trauma or chronic stress can cause long-term digestive issues

• Easy holiday tips for emotional and digestive wellness

• A practical breathing technique that signals your body to relax

  
  

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

[00:02:15] Is “gut instinct” real? How our brain and body communicate
[00:04:08] Fight, flight—or digestion? How stress literally shuts down your gut
[00:07:22] Why anxiety can feel like a stomachache
[00:09:20] Top-down vs. bottom-up emotions—and how your gut and brain affect each other
[00:12:19] Why holidays throw off digestion and how to help your body adjust
[00:14:20] The small plate trick: easy mindful eating tip for big meals
[00:16:00] Appetite changes and mental health—what your eating habits are telling you
[00:20:00] A simple breathing exercise to calm your nervous system

Listen to all podcasts here: https://stellishealth.com/category/podcast/

The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore About Your Mental Health

Have you ever told yourself “I’m just tired” or “I’ll be fine once things calm down” - but deep down you weren’t actually fine?

This episode of Beyond the Checkup shares why those thoughts matter.

Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to explain what counseling really looks like, how to know when it might be time to reach out, and what small tools can help you start feeling better now.

Whether you’re curious about therapy or looking for simple ways to manage stress and overwhelm, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

[00:01:00] What a mental health counselor does and the different credentials you might see

[00:03:11] The power of daily self-care, including movement, gratitude, and connection

[00:05:00] Red and yellow flags: subtle signs it might be time to seek support

[00:07:59] Common myths and misunderstandings about counseling

[00:11:00] How Tom helps patients track progress and build coping skills

[00:13:28] Practical tools: journaling, grounding techniques, gratitude

Resources Mentioned

• Tom Hawkins, MHPRAC, Mental Health - Monticello location

• Quiet by Susan Cain

• Calm app

• Stellis Health Podcasts & Blogs

Summary:
In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, host Pete Waggoner is joined by three Stellis Health experts—Dr. Lindsey Latteman, Dr. Amanda Zehrer, and Dr. Danielle Schirm—for an open, honest discussion about menopause and perimenopause.

The team breaks down what these phases really are, how symptoms vary, and what treatments can help women feel their best.

What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between perimenopause and menopause
  
• Common symptoms and surprising myths
  
• When to seek help—and why hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all
  

Episode Highlights (Timestamps):

• 00:00 – Meet the Providers
  
• 00:38 – What Menopause Really Means
  
• 01:30 – Why It’s a Tunnel, Not a Doorway
  
• 02:09 – How Long Symptoms Can Last
  
• 03:41 – Top Symptoms: Hot Flashes, Brain Fog, and More
  
• 06:37 – Hormone Therapy: What It Is and Isn’t
  
• 08:42 – Support from Loved Ones
  
• 10:00 – Bioidentical Hormones Explained
  
• 12:00 – Why Hormone Testing Doesn’t Work
  
• 14:20 – Common Misconceptions & Cultural Attitudes
  
• 17:45 – The Importance of Pelvic Exams Post-Menopause
  
• 19:00 – Most Common Symptom Combinations
  
• 21:00 – Lifestyle Changes that Help
  
• 22:45 – The Menopause Society & Red Flags to Avoid
  
• 24:14 – Final Thoughts from Each Provider
  

Resources Mentioned:

• The Menopause Society
  
• Stellis Health Appointment Scheduling
  

Provider Bios:

• • Dr. Lindsey Latteman
  • Dr. Amanda Zehrer
  • Dr. Danielle Schirm, DO

Memorable Quotes:

“Menopause is a tunnel, not a doorway—you don’t just wake up one day and know you’re there.” – Dr. Lindsey Latteman

“This isn’t something you just have to live with. There are real solutions.” – Dr. Danielle Schirm

“It’s not about reversing age—it’s about feeling better today.” – Dr. Amanda Zehrer

Episode Summary

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Checkup, host Pete Waggoner sits down with Stellis Health CEO Brent Wilde and President Dr. Frank Anderson to discuss the heart of independent care, the power of community-rooted providers, and what’s ahead for Stellis Health. From the legacy of neighbor-driven care to future plans like imaging centers and ambulatory surgery, they open up about why leadership with values makes a difference.

Key Takeaways

• Independent clinics offer personalized, community-based care.
  
• Stellis is committed to keeping costs low while providing top-tier services.
  
• Teaching, teamwork, and continuous learning are pillars of Stellis culture.
  
• Big plans are in the works for an imaging center and surgery center.
  
• Leadership isn’t just about running a business—it’s about staying connected to patients.
  

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

• [00:00:00] – Meet Brent Wilde and Dr. Frank Anderson
  
• [00:01:30] – Their professional journeys into healthcare and leadership
  
• [00:03:45] – The value of rural medicine and community connection
  
• [00:07:00] – Stellis' independent model and how it benefits patients
  
• [00:11:50] – Growth, history, and the founding mission of Stellis
  
• [00:15:10] – Recruiting the right people: values-based hiring
  
• [00:21:30] – How independent status impacts pricing and access
  
• [00:26:45] – What makes patients feel at home at Stellis
  
• [00:31:10] – Future goals: imaging center, surgery center, Monticello expansion
  
• [00:36:00] – Differences between Stellis and Stellis Health Skin Care
  
• [00:39:15] – Final thoughts on trust, transparency, and the team mindset

Empowering Birth: Inside the World of Midwifery with Stellis Health’s Jessica Borgstrom and Kristin Hazeman

Summary

In this heartwarming episode of “Beyond the Checkup,” hosted by Pete Waggoner, Stellis Health midwives Jessica Borgstrom, CNM and Kristin Hazeman, DNP, APRN, CNM explore the holistic approach of midwifery and the dedicated care they provide for women through all stages of life.

Jessica and Kristin discuss the philosophy behind midwifery, their unique birthing and postpartum care methods, and the vital role of family involvement in prenatal and birthing experiences.

Their dedication shines through as they share touching stories of births, the importance of emotional support, and the resources available to support women’s health in every phase of life.

Join us as we celebrate the compassionate work of these providers, bridging the gap between natural care and medical support.

Takeaways:

• Comprehensive Women’s Health: Midwives provide care from adolescence to menopause, addressing a broad range of health needs beyond just pregnancy.

• Holistic Birthing Approach: Stellis Health’s midwives integrate natural birthing methods with modern medical safety, supporting a personalized, family-centered approach to childbirth.

• Postpartum Support: Emphasis on postpartum care, including mental health checks and lactation support, ensures mothers have continuous support after childbirth.

• Advocating for Women’s Choices: Educating patients on their options and empowering them to make informed choices is central to the midwifery philosophy.

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] – Introduction of midwives Jessica Borgstrom and Kristin Hazeman

• [00:00:25] – Jessica discusses her journey and passion for starting the Monticello midwifery practice

• [00:00:56] – Kristin shares her background and love for serving the Monticello community

• [00:01:30] – Defining midwifery care beyond home birth, including support for women of all ages

• [00:03:40] – Integrative birthing practices that bridge medical and natural approaches

• [00:05:36] – The benefits of mobility and varied birthing positions during delivery

• [00:07:45] – Physiologic birth and reducing medical interventions during labor

• [00:10:48] – Handling birth emergencies with calm expertise

• [00:12:32] – Developing a strong prenatal partnership and the importance of birth planning

• [00:14:22] – Empowering women to advocate for themselves and embrace options

• [00:17:42] – Importance of family support, especially from partners and siblings

• [00:20:04] – Detailed postpartum care at Stellis Health, including physical and emotional support

• [00:27:30] – The midwives share memorable and impactful birth experiences

Summary:

Welcome to another episode of "Beyond the Checkup," brought to you by Stellis Health, where neighbors care for neighbors. In this episode, host Pete Waggoner discusses Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with family medicine physician Dr. Beth Brinkman. As fall approaches and the days grow shorter, many people start to experience symptoms of SAD, often referred to as the “winter blues.” Dr. Brinkman shares insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatments for SAD, offering practical tips to combat its effects and maintain mental well-being through the winter months.

Takeaways:

• SAD is a subtype of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often occurring in the fall and winter when daylight hours decrease.

• Symptoms of SAD can include fatigue, increased sleep, weight gain, and feelings of sadness or disinterest in daily activities.

• Treatments like light therapy, antidepressants, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet can help manage SAD.

• Seeking help from a healthcare professional is important if SAD symptoms start to significantly affect daily life.

In this episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• [00:01:32] Differences between SAD and general depression

• [00:02:31] The role of daylight and circadian rhythm in SAD

• [00:04:00] Key symptoms to watch for

• [00:05:32] Light therapy as a treatment for SAD

• [00:07:20] Medications and therapy options for managing SAD

• [00:08:10] The importance of a healthy diet and exercise in combating SAD

• [00:09:56] When to seek help for SAD symptoms

• [00:11:09] Timing and onset of SAD symptoms during the fall and winter months

• [00:12:12] How long it takes to see improvements with treatments

• [00:14:00] Advice for individuals and their loved ones on dealing with SAD

Resources:

• Beyond the Checkup - Stellis Health (with Transcripts)

• Dr. Beth Brinkman

• E-Newsletter Signup

• SIGN UP & Win Prizes > October 25-29, 2024, Wizard of Oz Challenge - by Stellis Health Skin Care

Quotes:

"Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than just the winter blues—it’s a real form of depression that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life." - Dr. Beth Brinkman

"For those affected by SAD, getting outside in daylight, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet can make a world of difference." - Dr. Beth Brinkman