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July 23, 2025 48 mins

What if the root of your fatigue, brain fog, weight gain—or even poor decision-making—wasn’t your hustle, but your hormones? In this episode of Decidedly, functional medicine expert Dr. Julie Kennedy reveals the invisible health disruptors most people overlook: from sleep-depriving stress hormones to thyroid dysfunction caused by mold, processed foods, and everyday household toxins.

We explore the true cost of running on cortisol and convenience, why you might be self-sabotaging your health goals without realizing it, and how to shift from survival mode into intentional living. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in a loop of “knowing better but not doing better,” this episode is your wake-up call.

KEY TOPICS

  • The surprising ways environmental toxins (like “fragrance”) are disrupting your hormones

  • How mold exposure hides in plain sight—and wrecks your energy, sleep, and focus

  • Why so many business owners are secretly running on stress instead of stamina

  • The one question to ask before taking on any new commitment (to protect your energy)

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to the Decidedly Podcast

04:38 The Importance of Sleep

06:16 Understanding Thyroid Health

09:14 Environmental Toxins and Health

11:16 Essential Oils and Their Benefits

17:59 Mold Toxicity and Its Impact

19:52 Holistic Health Solutions

21:09 Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Health

21:45 Reversing Long-Term Effects of Birth Control

22:32 Common Health Issues and Their Sources

23:12 Challenges in Removing Toxins

23:52 Alcohol and Its Impact on Health

24:38 Alternatives to Alcohol

26:28 Addressing Medication and Root Causes

29:45 The Importance of Accountability

33:48 Understanding Motivations and Patterns

45:17 Decision-Making Tips for Business Owners

46:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Listen to our first episode with Dr. Julie Kennedy: ⁠Ep.127 I Dr. Julie Kennedy I Deciding for Your Health: Stress, Sleep, and Sustainable Habits - Decidedly I Decision Tips for Business Owners | Podcast on Spotify⁠ 

 

CONNECT WITH US

⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠

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Shawn’s Instagram: @shawn_d_smith

Sanger’s Instagram: @sangersmith  

 

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

 

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

 

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

 

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?

At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy. 

LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:⁠https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠   

 

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