Episodes

  • Stop Hustling, Start Ranking: SEO Tips to Make Your Content Count with Brittany Herzberg

    Stop Hustling, Start Ranking: SEO Tips to Make Your Content Count with Brittany Herzberg
    Aug 20 2025
    "It starts with you. What do you want to get found for? What do you want to open your schedule and see, and what projects do you want to be working on?" —Brittany Herzberg Feeling invisible online or too tired to keep up with the hustle? You’re not alone—building a business shouldn’t mean burning out or hiding your real self. There’s a smarter way to get seen, make an impact, and still have energy left for life. Brittany Herzberg started with zero clients and a lot of doubt, but a few smart SEO moves changed everything. Now known as the “SEO Queen,” she’s on a mission to help you use simple, human-centered SEO to get found, attract the right people, and grow your business—no matter your energy level or experience. Her approach flips the script: it’s about your story, your voice, and making SEO work for you. Tune in for real talk on SEO basics, practical website tips, content that connects, and how to show up online without losing yourself. You’ll get honest advice, a few laughs, and the confidence to let your words do the heavy lifting—so hit play and start getting found, your way. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedonnapiper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 03:49 Meet Brittany: From Struggling to Getting Found 06:15 Breaking Down the Basics: 3 Questions That Matter 14:00 Chronic Illness & Business: Making It Work Even When You’re Tired 19:46 DIY SEO: Simple Strategies Anyone Can Use 23:04 How to Spot Bad SEO Help 27:05 Blending Personality with SEO 32:48 How Long Does SEO Take? The Three-Phase Approach 36:21 No Social Media? How SEO Still Works 42:48 AI & SEO: Why Optimization Still Matters 53:48 SEO is the Magnet: Attracting the Right People 57:51 Business Building Despite Chronic Illness 01:05:09 No Apologies Needed 01:09:17 Make SEO Fun, Simple, and Yours X: Tired of hustling for every client? Let SEO work for you—even on your worst days in this week’s episode with Donna and “SEO Queen”, Brittany Herzberg. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #SEOTips #OnlineVisibility #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness Quotes: 08:23 "The three questions are: Who do you help? How do you help them? And what do you want to be known for?" —Brittany Herzberg 09:57 "You want your client to come buy stuff, but you have to really put yourself first. How do you want to be searched?" —Donna Piper 10:29 "You do not have to know anything about your ideal client. You are starting with you." —Brittany Herzberg 11:23 "It starts with you. What do you want to get found for? What do you want to open your schedule and see, and what projects do you want to be working on?" —Brittany Herzberg 15:20 "Chronic illness is super expensive. When you're sick, you still need to eat, you still need to make rent, and you have to pay all this extra money to get healthy." —Donna Piper 18:40 "There are lots of chronic illnesses where that's the case, and you do feel really bad. I know I felt really bad when I would have to cancel massage appointments or push deadlines for clients." —Brittany Herzberg 19:17 "You don't have to worry about that with SEO, because it's just plugging words into these different places. You can optimize stuff that you already have." —Brittany Herzberg 21:46 "Even just by having image titles change, the impact and the quickness of the impact, the fast turnaround, the fast ROI, is so huge for people." —Brittany Herzberg 24:49 "You want to know that you're spending money on something that is going to actually happen." —Brittany Herzberg 26:57 "I blend really well, making sure the personality is there and the keyword. So it's like the art and the science are both present." —Brittany Herzberg 38:29 "It's not about the numbers necessarily. It's like, are you attracting the right people, and are they then converting in whatever that converting means?" —Donna Piper 44:05 "SEO can grow with you. Maybe you have this anchor word, but that can change as you go into the next season." —Brittany Herzberg 44:23 “Once SEO is in place, it does all the heavy lifting for you. You just have to make sure that you're still consistent with what you're doing,” —Donna Piper 46:43 "SEO is front-loaded. You're doing a lot of work and putting a lot of time and effort in at the beginning, but then it gets easier, because you've already learned what this stuff even means." —Brittany Herzberg 54:19 "At the end of the day, if people can't find you, it doesn't matter how awesome you are." —Donna Piper 01:03:05 "If it's time to leave and you're getting the hint that it's time to leave, it's okay to end it. It was good for the time that it was in your life; you can go on to do something else." —Brittany Herzberg 01:07...
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • The Pain You Can’t See: Lipedema Hurts Like Hell

    The Pain You Can’t See: Lipedema Hurts Like Hell
    Aug 13 2025

    “The pain I carry is real, and I no longer have to carry it in silence." —Donna Piper

    How do you explain pain that no one can see? Lipedema isn’t “just extra weight”—it’s burning thighs, unexplained bruises, stabbing aches, and heaviness so dense it changes how you move through the world. This is the reality behind the polite smiles and quiet endurance.

    With unflinching honesty, Donna gives language to a pain that millions silently carry. She reveals how her lipedema symptoms were mistaken for lifestyle issues, while the truth was a chronic, progressive illness impacting every part of her life—from digestion to mobility.

    If you’ve ever been told you “look fine” while your body feels like a war zone, this conversation is for you. Hit play now to learn the signs, challenge the myths, and find solidarity in a community that sees you.

    Connect with Donna:

    Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_donna

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper

    Episode Highlights:

    01:20 Lipedema: The Physical and Emotional Toll

    03:43 Acknowledging and Validating Pain

    05:14 Creating a Supportive Community

    Resources:

    🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you!

    Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to donna@donnapiper.com, and you just might hear your answer on the show.

    X:

    Pain doesn’t have to look loud to be true. Lipedema is real— and it hurts like hell! In this episode, Donna exposes lipedema’s hidden pain & daily fight. Listen now. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #BodyAdvocacy #PainIsReal #PainValidation #HealthEquity #ChronicPain

    Quotes:

    01:46 “Lipedema pain just isn't uncomfortable. It hurts like hell— and not just sometimes." —Donna Piper

    02:16 "The worst part is being told you're fine." —Donna Piper

    03:09 "Lipedema is an excruciating, underdiagnosed, soul-bruising condition that deserves better awareness. End of story; full stop." —Donna Piper

    03:35 "Chronic pain doesn't always look loud." —Donna Piper

    03:46 "We're masters of masking. We smile with pain levels at 7, 8, 9, 10." —Donna Piper

    03:59 "Just because someone isn't writhing on the floor doesn't mean their pain isn't real." —Donna Piper

    04:04 "Pain doesn't have to be performative to be valid." —Donna Piper

    05:01 "The pain I carry is real, and I no longer have to carry it in silence." —Donna Piper

    05:22 "You're not crazy, you're not lazy, and you're definitely not alone." —Donna Piper

    Meet Your Host:

    Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions.

    With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships.

    Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams.
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    7 mins
  • Ground Control for Bendy Bodies: How to Move Without Pain (Finally!) with Dr. Melissa Koehl

    Ground Control for Bendy Bodies: How to Move Without Pain (Finally!) with Dr. Melissa Koehl
    Aug 6 2025
    "You have to give your body the time to repair between sessions and respect from a cellular perspective how much energy they can effectively produce on any given day." —Dr. Melissa Koehl Why does exercise leave you in more pain—even when you're doing 'everything right’? If you’re hypermobile, traditional fitness advice might be sabotaging your body instead of healing it. The truth? Bendy bodies need a whole new rulebook for movement—one that prioritizes stability over stretching and rest over reps. Dr. Melissa Koehl is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pilates instructor, and founder of Chimera Health. With 24 years of experience—and her own late-stage EDS diagnosis—Melissa bridges clinical expertise with hard-won personal insight to redefine what "healthy movement" really means for connective tissue disorders. Ready to finally move without pain? Tune in to uncover why less is more, how to spot the hidden signs of overexertion, and the game-changing strategies Dr. Melissa uses to help her clients reclaim strength (and sanity). Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedonnapiper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 04:09 Melissa’s Journey Living with Hypermobility 07:15 The Ground Control Program 10:26 Common Symptoms and Misconceptions of Hypermobility 21:13 The Role of Rest and Recovery in Hypermobility 32:08 The Importance of Diagnosis and Self-Advocacy 36:31 Resources and Support for Patients 39:43 You Are an Orchid, Not a Dandelion Resources: Ground Control is starting again in October: https://www.chimera-health.com/ground-control-october-2025-waitlist Two courses that are always available: Navigating Healthcare as a Hypermobile Human: https://www.chimera-health.com/NavigatingHealthcareChimeraFit Video library: https://www.chimera-health.com/ChimeraFit-Video-Library X: If your joints are 'too flexible' but your pain is relentless, you’ve been lied to about exercise. Hypermobility isn’t just about bendy limbs—it’s fatigue, brain fog, and a body that rebels against normal workouts. Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pilates Instructor, Dr. Melissa Koehl, drops truth bombs on the shocking links between EDS, mast cells, and why your PT might be missing the big picture. Listen now to learn how to move smarter, not harder. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #dysautonomia #hypermobility #painmanagement #EDS Quotes: 02:54 "Even though I had been hypermobile my whole life, I had no idea it affected my daily living as much as it did." —Donna Piper 04:52 "I definitely didn't know anything about EDS or connective tissue disorders or anything like that. It just really like it made sense to me that, because I was bendy, I might have more injuries." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 11:40 "I think a big thing is understanding that your body shouldn't be in pain all the time." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 12:17 "Fatigue is a huge common symptom of hypermobility. I have yet to meet a patient or client of mine that doesn't struggle with it in a very serious way." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 17:02 "If more of your blood is hanging out in your feet and at the bottom of your pelvis, not as much as getting back up to your heart and up to your head, and that's a big driver of brain fog and fatigue as well." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 21:40 "It's not just your muscles that you're working out when we move, it's all of the tendons and the ligaments and the fascia, all of it needs to repair." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 22:24 "You have to give your body the time to repair between sessions and respect from a cellular perspective how much energy they can effectively produce on any given day." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 30:00 "There's a misconception that hypermobility spectrum disorder is a lesser than diagnosis than hypermobile EDS, when in fact, they are two completely overlapping things. " —Dr. Melissa Koehl 40:33 "I think the one important thing that everyone benefits from hearing is that it's not your fault." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 41:31 "There are extra things that need to be considered with a connective tissue issue. It is more challenging; give yourself the time to find the providers that truly understand it. “Give yourself the time to rest without apology, give your body the rest that it needs." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 43:40 "You don't need joint dislocations to have connective tissue disorder." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 46:10 “These symptoms are just not normal, so symptom management is huge. You don't have to be a pain all the time.” —Donna Piper Connect with Melissa: Melissa Koehl is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pilates instructor based in Chicago, IL, with over 24 years of experience. She's a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and spent more than a decade ...
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    49 mins
  • Wellness Culture, You Can Sit Down Now

    Wellness Culture, You Can Sit Down Now
    Jul 30 2025
    “If you have felt left out of wellness culture, it's not because you've failed; it's because it was never built for you in the first place. No matter what we look like, what our experiences are, what we're dealing with, we are all worthy of care. Healing is not a branding opportunity, and it is a birthright.” —Donna Piper Ever felt like wellness advice wasn’t written for your body—or your life? When smoothies, sunrise meditations, and superfoods feel more like pressure than peace, maybe the problem isn’t you… maybe it's the culture. If you’ve ever silently wondered, “Why does nothing work for me?”—this episode will hit home in the best way. Donna has done all the things wellness culture says should work—only to discover they often do more harm than good. And when she finally realized how her invisible, complex conditions intersect with fatphobia, performative health, and outdated medical systems, she stopped chasing quick fixes and started building a sustainable path rooted in self-trust, rest, and radical honesty. Join Donna as she reclaims healing as a birthright, unpacks the myths that dominate mainstream wellness, and gives practical, lymphatic-friendly tools that actually honor your body. You don’t need to be fixed—you need to be heard. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_donna Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 01:21 Unlearning the Wellness Culture 04:43 The Complexity of Chronic Conditions 16:14 Supporting the Lymphatic System 24:36 Myths and Misconceptions in Wellness 28:21 Embracing a New Wellness Paradigm Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to donna@donnapiper.com, and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Tired of being told to “just detox” when your body is fighting for its life? Your host, Donna Piper, unpacks the gaslighting in wellness culture + what real healing looks like. Tune in for truths, tools & lymphatic love. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #WellnessMyths #WellnessCulture #Fatphobia #HealingJourney #RestIsMedicine Quotes: 28:44 “If you have felt left out of wellness culture, it's not because you've failed, it's because it was never built for you in the first place. No matter what we look like, what our experiences are, or what we're dealing with, we are all worthy of care. Healing is not a branding opportunity, and it is a birthright.” —Donna Piper 02:11 “When you're navigating a complex diagnosis like lipedema, MCAS, hypermobility, the full spectrum of EDS to HSD, POTS and chronic fatigue... this wellness culture is not made for our bodies.” —Donna Piper 04:30 “There is no one map, one thing: Do this, and you'll get better.’ Actually doing those wellness culture things made me feel bad; it didn’t work.” —Donna Piper 04:55 “Even when I did get answers from my doctors, which—that was a relief—but they didn’t give me a straightforward plan.” —Donna Piper 07:34 “Our version of wellness isn’t what the mainstream version of wellness is.” —Donna Piper 10:07 “The only thing that's going to help realign your system is not about doing more, it’s about doing less.” —Donna Piper 10:57 “I had to stop viewing myself with harsh eyes and through other people’s expectations.” —Donna Piper 11:57 “You are doing healing right for you. We are not doing healing wrong.” —Donna Piper 12:26 “So much of wellness culture and just how people view things now… is rooted in ableism, fat phobia, and a polished aesthetic.” —Donna Piper 13:24 “It’s not about performative wellness. It’s not about trying to do things to force our bodies into a way.” —Donna Piper 23:11 “Resting—it's not laziness, it's not willpower—it's really more about biology. You need rest.” —Donna Piper 28:10 “I release all the shoulds. I let go of wellness shame and just feel good about that. I know that my wellness looks different, and I stand with pride in that.” —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen ...
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    31 mins
  • The Weight I Carry Isn’t Just Physical

    The Weight I Carry Isn’t Just Physical
    Jul 23 2025
    "Shame lives in the body, but so does compassion." —Donna Piper If shame could be seen, would you finally believe it’s not your fault? So many of us carry invisible burdens—chronic symptoms, exhaustion, and the silent weight of feeling misunderstood or blamed for what we can’t control. The real struggle isn’t just in our bodies, but in the stories we tell ourselves when healing doesn’t look the way the world expects. Donna Piper knows this journey firsthand. After years of being dismissed and doing everything “right” but still getting sicker, she’s learned how shame embeds itself in our bodies—and how compassion and psychological flexibility can set us free. Tune in as Donna unpacks the truth about shame, busts the myth of willpower, and guides you through a powerful practice to help you move from self-blame to self-love. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_donna Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 01:27 Understanding and Addressing Shame in Chronic Illness 03:15 The Role of Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility 09:34 The Impact of Shame on Healing and Relationships 17:04 Practical Techniques for Shame Release 23:10 Myth-Busting: Willpower vs Shame Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to donna@donnapiper.com, and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Ever feel like your body’s pain is only half the battle? Discover how shame shapes healing & learn to break the cycle in this week’s episode as Donna shares tips, tools, & truth! #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #BodyShame #SelfCompassion #InvisibleIllness #HealingJourney #PsychologicalFlexibility #ShameRelease #SelfCare #ChronicFatigue Quotes: 02:08 Shame lives in the body, but so does compassion." —Donna Piper 02:13 "Shame just isn't a feeling, it's a somatic experience. It gets stored in your body— in your thighs, and in your belly, and in your nervous system— and over time, it becomes a lens you see yourself through." —Donna Piper 03:35 "Shame is very prevalent. It's very silent. It hides in the shadows, and it's lurking over everything that we want to do, and how we see who we are." —Donna Piper 04:17 "Self-compassion means speaking to yourself in a way that you would to a dear friend, and it sounds like this: This part of me is hurting. This part of me deserves care." —Donna Piper 05:00 "We want to feel part of a group, that's just how we're made. We want to have community and connection and be understood." —Donna Piper 06:39 "Psychological flexibility... just really means allowing uncomfortable emotions to exist without letting them control your choices. It's noticing the shame without becoming ashamed, choosing your values over your fear, and letting your truth lead the way." —Donna Piper 09:21 "Shame is like any other emotion. Once it's seen, once it's acknowledged, then it can move through you. So it's not a life sentence, it's just another level of awareness." —Donna Piper 09:46 "Resting is self-care… Resting is critical. It's part of the healing." —Donna Piper 12:57 "[Lipedema] isn't about laziness. This isn't about willpower. It is a medical condition rooted in inflammation and hormones, and it deals with connective tissue issues." —Donna Piper 14:47 "Be compassionate with yourself and be loving with yourself. This is something that you didn't cause." —Donna Piper 15:47 "Willpower isn't the problem, it's the shame." —Donna Piper 16:43 "You could be doing everything right and still see no change. That doesn't mean that you or I have failed. It's just a mismatch about the care that's available and what our bodies are experiencing." —Donna Piper 17:51 "What I do need is a little more love and compassion and education for how my body responds." —Donna Piper 19:30 "You don't have to explain your shame to anyone— that's not really liberating… because the people around you may not be equipped to hear. If it doesn't land in the right place, then it creates more trauma, and it doesn't have the healing effect that you think it is." —Donna Piper 22:46 "I hold myself with love, even when the world doesn't." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate ...
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    26 mins
  • The Inflammation Fix: How Keto Diet Supports Your Lymphatic System

    The Inflammation Fix: How Keto Diet Supports Your Lymphatic System
    Jul 16 2025
    "It's not all about obesity, it's not all about weight. It is about giving your body the nutrients it needs to be healthy." —Leslyn Keith Forget calories-in-calories-out. If you’re eating "clean" but still battling swelling, fatigue, or pain, the problem isn’t your willpower—it’s how your food fuels (or strangles) your lymphatics. Carbs don’t just go to our hips—they clog our body’s drainage system. And when our lymphatics are drowning in carbs, every symptom—from brain fog to stubborn weight—becomes a distress signal. Leslyn Keith, a lymphatic therapist and researcher with 25 years of clinical experience, reveals how the ketogenic diet isn’t just about weight loss—it’s a lifeline for stagnant lymphatics, inflammation, and conditions like lipedema. With brutal honesty and science-backed insights, she dismantles the myth that fat is the enemy and shares why protein and healthy fats are the unsung heroes of lymphatic drainage. Tune in as Donna and Leslyn unpack why carbs sabotage your lymph flow, how keto can reduce pain and swelling before the scale moves, and the one dietary shift that could finally make your body feel like yours again. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedonnapiper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 04:52 Why We Get Fat 09:43 The Impact of Keto Diet on the Lymphatic System 19:53 Understanding Your Body’s Needs 27:29 Body Fat vs Dietary Fat 34:03 Challenges, Benefits, and Practical Tips for Adopting to Keto Diet 47:13 The Lymphatic Code Correct 49:33 Proper Nutrients Matter Resources: Book The Lymphatic Code: Using a Ketogenic Lifestyle to Enjoy a Robust Lymphatic System That Promotes Overall Health and Wellness by Leslyn Keith Buy the print soft cover on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oAVSbQ X: Your ‘healthy’ diet could be starving your lymphatic system. Game-changing convo with lymphatic therapist and researcher Leslyn Keith on why keto = lymphatic rescue. and the #1 thing to eat instead. Don’t miss this week’s episode! #DearBodyImListening #KetogenicDiet #LymphaticHealth #ChronicInflammation #MetabolicHealing #FatDisorder Quotes: 03:38 “I was on a diet or a cleanse for 40 years because I was trying to figure out why my body didn't respond." —Donna Piper 04:25 "I wanted to make sure my food, what I could eat was servicing the body that I had with all these conditions." —Donna Piper 10:31 “There's something that is inflammatory about a high carbohydrate diet, and it's particularly inflammatory to the lymphatics, so they don't work as well." —Leslyn Keith 13:37 "We try to impress upon people is that you got to heal first, then the pounds come off." —Leslyn Keith 14:26 "It's all those other non-scale victories that are telling you that you are healing and you're doing better. For a lot of people, that pain reduction or resolution is the ultimate motivator, because they go into it thinking, ‘I just want the scale to go down, but if, in two weeks, they have a lot less pain, well, I'm going to stick with this way of eating just because of that’, because that that's huge." —Leslyn Keith 18:20 "Using a Keto or carnivore diet is the easiest to modify to accommodate each of those individual needs— your comorbidities, your preferences, what you like to eat— all those things. We can do this in a way that is going to promote your health." —Leslyn Keith 26:59 “There was a point where my body was craving more fat. Because I was a teenager in the 80s and up, so fat was bad, like fat would make you fat. And that is really not true." —Donna Piper 27:30 “It's quite a disservice that that we have the same word for body fat as what we eat in dietary fat. Because that's it's very easy to come to that conclusion that if I eat fat, it will make me become more fat. And it's simply not true. It is the carbohydrates that get turned into fat in your body." —Leslyn Keith 40:11 “It's daunting because of how people treat too, and how they perceive you because most people see obesity as a lifestyle poor willpower, and it is your fault that you're there." —Leslyn Keith 44:41 "It's not all about obesity, it's not all about weight. It is about giving your body the nutrients it needs to be healthy." —Leslyn Keith 43:57 “If I would have known that lipedema was a thing when I was 15, how I viewed my body and how I viewed dieting or not dieting would have been different." —Donna Piper Connect with Leslyn: Leslyn Keith is a certified lymphedema therapist and has a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with an emphasis on lymphedema and obesity. Dr. Keith has started four lymphedema therapy programs in California including two in private practice. She has treated lymphatic and fat disorders for ...
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    51 mins
  • My Body Changed Overnight… and Finally, I Got Answers

    My Body Changed Overnight… and Finally, I Got Answers
    Jul 9 2025
    "Remember, your symptoms aren't just physical, and your healing won't be either. Listen to your body, it's been whispering the truth all along." —Donna Piper Your body changes overnight—sudden weight gain, relentless pain, and doctors who dismiss it as "just aging." What if it’s not? Donna shares her shocking journey from unexplained swelling and crushing fatigue to life-changing diagnoses: lipedema, mast cell activation syndrome, and hypermobility. For years, her symptoms were brushed off as "normal," but rapid physical changes forced her to dig deeper. As a movement therapist and chronic illness navigator, Donna reveals how these invisible conditions masquerade as everyday health struggles—and why trusting your body’s signals is the first step to answers. If you’ve ever felt betrayed by your body or gaslit by the system, this episode is your roadmap to validation and actionable next steps. Listen now—your healing starts here. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_donna Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 02:18 A Sudden Weight Shift 07:56 Exploring the Body’s Signals 11:07 The Importance of Tracking and Seeking Medical Advice 19:06 Weekly Feel Good Flow 22:36 Listen to Your Body! Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to donna@donnapiper.com, and you just might hear your answer on the show. 🔗Links Dr. Emily Iker: https://lymphedemacenter.com/ Dr. Perrin Technique: https://theperrintechnique.com/ X: Just exercise more’ didn’t fix my pain. Why? Donna found out the REAL culprit. If your body’s screaming, don’t silence it—investigate. Tune in to find out more! #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #Hypermobility #bonespurs #HealthAwareness #ChronicPain Quotes: 00:25 "Always know that your instincts are valid, and it could be a multitude of things." —Donna Piper 06:28 "When my body started screaming through the swelling, the weight gain, the pain, and the mobility loss, I had no choice but to listen." —Donna Piper 08:42 “It's not just fat. It was a disordered fat, a condition, a real one— one that I have never heard of before." —Donna Piper 11:55 "This sudden shift was my wake-up call. And as painful and scary as it was, I'm grateful for it now, because it cracked me open up to the truth, to the science, and to healing." —Donna Piper 22:38 "Just listen to your body, support, and allow the healing to begin." —Donna Piper 23:02 "If your body is changing fast, don't panic. Get curious. You pretty much know your body." —Donna Piper 23:19 "Remember, your symptoms aren't just physical, and your healing won't be either. Listen to your body, it's been whispering the truth all along." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams.
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    24 mins
  • Hot Girls Wearing Compression

    Hot Girls Wearing Compression
    Jul 2 2025
    "Compression might not be cute by mainstream standards... but compression is healing. And healing is hot." —Donna Piper What if compression gear could be your secret weapon against chronic pain and swelling— while making you feel confident, not constrained? This week, Donna reveals how symptoms like swelling and pain were once dismissed as "normal" struggles, and how compression has become a lifeline for managing inflammation, fibrosis, and daily discomfort. From decongestion wrapping to custom flat-knit garments, Donna breaks down the science and self-care rituals that help her reclaim her health—and her confidence—while navigating invisible illness. Listen now to discover how healing can be hot—and why your compression gear might just become your favorite accessory. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_donna Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 02:59 Body Positivity: More Than Just Feeling Hot 07:00 Lymphatic Rescue: Decodign Decongestive Therapy 10:30 Medical Gear and Compression Basics 13:00 Fashion Meets Function 17:04 Self-Care Lymphatic Massage 22:34 Thank Your Body For What It Can Do Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to donna@donnapiper.com, and you just might hear your answer on the show. 🔗Links Solidea Compression Garments https://solideaus.com/collections/active-compression/products/solidea-active-massage-compression-opaque-legging Complete Decongestive Therapy https://www.physio-pedia.com/Complete_Decongestive_Therapy_(CDT)#:~:text=Historically%2C%20it%20is%20an%20intensive,as%20psychologica X: Hot girls wear compression—and no, it’s not about aesthetics. Learn the truth about custom compression, lymphatic health, and self-love in this week’s episode, with your host, Donna Piper! #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #CompressionGear #painmanagement #ChronicIllnessWarrior #Inflammation Quotes: "There's absolutely nothing glamorous about pulling on full pantyhose or thigh-high compression hose or even socks, especially in the summer!" —Donna Piper "Function is not the opposite of beauty." —Donna Piper "It's about being present, it's being about hydrated and supported and doing what your body needs to make it feel good." —Donna Piper "I know when I wear my compression hose, I don't feel sexy, but I do know I have less pain, and I wear them a lot." —Donna Piper "Compression might not be cute by mainstream standards... but compression is "Sometimes you just have to make yourself feel cute, whether it's glasses or accessories." —Donna Piper "I have tried to integrate some of these practices a little bit more so I could start looking at my body and start accepting it more, and start giving a little bit more love and nourishment and thanking it for what it does do, not what it's not doing." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams.
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    24 mins