PRETTY WELL - Anti-Aging, Beauty, Balanced Hormones, Inflammation, Gut Health, IBS, Evidence-based cover art

PRETTY WELL - Anti-Aging, Beauty, Balanced Hormones, Inflammation, Gut Health, IBS, Evidence-based

PRETTY WELL - Anti-Aging, Beauty, Balanced Hormones, Inflammation, Gut Health, IBS, Evidence-based

By: Lisa Smith MS RD LDN |Functional Wellness| Holistic Gut:Mitochondria Expert
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TOP 2% GLOBAL PODCAST
Your science-backed guide to longevity, energy, and ageless skin.

Tired of feeling older than you are? Spent way too much time and money on “miracle” fixes that don’t work?

If you’re done feeling tired, achy, or like you're aging too fast—welcome home.

I’m Lisa, a Functional Health Practitioner who helps women find the why behind their inflammation, fatigue, and hormone chaos so they can feel and look amazing again.

Each week, we dive into the root causes of aging—from gut and hormone health to mitochondrial repair—so you can take the guesswork out of what your body really needs to thrive.

Lisa Smith, MS, RD, LDN |Functional Wellness| Holistic Gut:Mitochondria Expert Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Quantum Healing, Emotional Detox & The Science of Letting Go with Riana Malia

    Quantum Healing, Emotional Detox & The Science of Letting Go with Riana Malia
    Mar 11 2026
    #202 - Quantum Healing, Emotional Detox & The Science of Letting Go with Riana Malia Ever wonder why, no matter how much work you’ve done toward healing and life goals, you still hit the same walls—repeated patterns, anxiety, or that “stuck” feeling you can’t quite name? What if you don’t need to work on yourself anymore—what if it’s more about clearing old, inaccurate messages ? In this episode, I sit down with Riana Malia, creator of Quantum Time Release (QTR) and Quantum Goal Setting, to explore how stored emotions, subconscious patterns, and energetic imprints shape your physical health, your relationships, and even your sense of success. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at words like “quantum” or “energy work,” stay with me—because this one’s rooted in neuroscience, not hocus pocus or woo. Riana breaks down how unresolved emotions literally alter your nervous system, and how releasing them can create measurable shifts in your body and your life. 🌿 We Get Into: What’s really happening neurologically when emotions get “stuck”The science behind Quantum Time Release (and why it’s evidence-based)The difference between mindset work and full-body transformationHow to tell if your body is still carrying old emotional baggageA simple process you can try today to feel that energetic shift instantlyHow to live in alignment — where your nervous system, beliefs, and biology are finally on the same team What I love about Riana’s work is that it reminds us: healing isn’t just biochemical. It’s emotional, energetic, and deeply personal. Your body isn’t betraying you—it’s communicating with you. Those patterns and triggers aren’t flaws; they’re feedback. Once you see them as data—not drama—you can finally release what’s outdated and start creating something new. You don’t have to carry old stories, limiting beliefs, or emotions just because they’ve been there a long time. The moment you realize your nervous system can relearn safety, everything starts to shift. Pause for a second and ask yourself: What’s one emotional pattern or belief you’re ready to release—and what new version of yourself are you ready to make space for? Then, go check out Riana’s resources (linked below). And if you loved this conversation, share it with a friend who’s also ready to swap burnout and old programming for freedom, vitality, and glow. 🔗 Resources & Links (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You): Riana’s website: rianamalia.com Riana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rianamalia/?hl=enRiana’s FB: https://www.facebook.com/RianaMaliaRiana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rianamalia 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well Podcast is for private non-commercial use and our guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or company that they work for. In addition, opinions of interview guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lisa Smith and/or The Pretty Well Podcast. This content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.
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    52 mins
  • Stop the Hustle: How Doing Less Can 10x Your Success with Brannon Poe

    Stop the Hustle: How Doing Less Can 10x Your Success with Brannon Poe
    Mar 4 2026
    #201 - Stop the Hustle: How Doing Less Can 10x Your Success with Brannon Poe, CPA, Author, Founder of Poe Group Advisors & Accounting Practice Academy Create More Time, Profit & Freedom—Without Burning Out What if the key to greater success wasn’t doing more—but finally doing less? In this episode, I talk with Brannon Poe, a CPA and entrepreneur who’s redefining what it means to “have it all.” Brannon helps accounting firm owners build, buy, and sell thriving practices—but the brilliance of his work isn’t just in business strategy. It’s in teaching high performers how to reclaim time, profit, and freedom without losing their sanity (or their marriages) in the process. We dig into how he discovered the power of margin, mindset, and unplugged vacations—and how every overextended professional can apply these same principles to their own lives. You’ll hear: Why busy is the new burnout—and how to stop wearing it like a badge of honor. The deceptively simple mindset shift that separates exhausted achievers from calm high-performers. How a cruise, a laptop ultimatum, and a good wife sparked Brannon’s “freedom revolution.” The truth about why stepping away (literally) makes your business—and your brain—work better. The 3-bucket strategy for reclaiming your calendar and your creativity. Why the most successful people he knows are also the most balanced. This conversation will challenge the part of you that thinks you can’t slow down. Step in closer: you can—and your work, health, and happiness will thank you. 🔥Takeaway: It’s not about doing it all. True success isn’t built on hustle—it’s built on margin. When you believe life can work better, it does. 💎 You’ll Learn Why busy isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a red flag. How Brannon’s “Unplugged Vacation” changed his life (and saved his sanity). The mindset shift that separates thriving business owners from burned-out ones. How to build true margin into your days—even if you think you can’t. The underrated link between mental health, leadership, and profitability. How to create space for better ideas, deeper focus, and actual joy. 🕰️ Episode Timestamps [00:02:15] – Meet Brannon Poe: The CPA who built a freedom-based business model. [00:05:20] – The cruise that changed everything—and the laptop that almost went overboard. [00:08:40] – Why the most successful people Brannon knows work less (and earn more). [00:12:10] – How the “Strategic Coach” method reframed his relationship with time. [00:14:55] – The first baby step to reclaim your weekends (and your sanity). [00:19:30] – The power of intentionality—and why “just a quick email check” is your downfall. [00:22:50] – The mindset myths keeping you stuck in stress and scarcity. [00:27:45] – How to stop wearing busy like a badge of honor. [00:31:00] – The 3-Bucket Tool: A simple framework for delegating and letting go. [00:37:10] – Why real creativity and leadership only happen when you unplug. [00:45:00] – Brannon’s wellness nonnegotiable: 25 years of consistent movement and mental clarity. [00:49:30] – The one belief that changes everything (and how to finally embody it). 🔗 Resources & Links: Brannon's books: https://amzn.to/4rtK0ad Brannon’s website: https://poegroupadvisors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poegroup/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCniu-SWqezXDabYtGMXK9IwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/poe-group-advisors/ 💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/ Disclaimer: Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. The Pretty Well...
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    38 mins
  • Miracle Cure or Internet Hype? The Truth About Castor Oil

    Miracle Cure or Internet Hype? The Truth About Castor Oil
    Feb 25 2026
    #200 - Miracle Cure or Internet Hype? The Truth About Castor Oil Castor oil is having a moment. Scroll social media for five minutes and you’ll see it: “Cured my endometriosis.” “Detoxed my liver.” “Regrew my hairline.” “Healed… well, everything.” And when something is suddenly the solution to literally every problem… it’s time to pause. Because while castor oil is absolutely powerful, not every claim floating around the internet deserves your blind trust (or all of your body parts). In this episode, I break down what castor oil actually is, what it’s scientifically supported for, what I personally use it for, and what I absolutely would not recommend—especially if you’re pregnant or thinking about putting it near your eyeballs. If you’ve been curious about castor oil packs, anti-aging benefits, hair growth hacks, stretch mark reduction, or lymphatic detox claims… this episode is your grounded, evidence-based (with a dash of anecdotal honesty) guide. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What castor oil is made of (and why omega-9 fatty acids matter)FDA-approved uses vs. influencer folkloreWhether castor oil actually helps with constipationSkin barrier repair, anti-aging, and collagen supportHair growth, scalp health, and rosemary oil synergyCastor oil for scars, stretch marks, arthritis, and cracked heelsThe truth about castor oil packs for liver detoxRegular vs. Jamaican black castor oil—is there a difference?Side effects, safety, and when to absolutely avoid it Timestamps 00:00 – Castor oil: miracle cure or marketing frenzy? 01:00 – Why the FDA cracked down on exaggerated claims 02:00 – What castor oil actually is (hello, omega-9 fatty acids) 04:30 – What it’s officially approved for 05:00 – Would I drink it for constipation? 06:30 – Traditional uses: skin conditions, infections, inflammation, lymphatic support 07:30 – Skin benefits that actually make sense 08:00 – Fine lines, wrinkles, and collagen support (why it may help) 09:00 – How to use it for hair growth 10:30 – Acne: helpful or hormonal disaster? (Bio-individuality matters) 12:00 – Castor oil packs for liver detox—worth it? 13:00 – Thyroid application (yes, I use it for Hashimoto’s support) 14:00 – Stretch marks & scars: how to use heat to enhance absorption 16:00 – Anti-aging layering method (this is worth the price of admission) 17:00 – Lips: hyaluronic acid + castor oil combo 18:00 – Cracked heels, cuticles, and nail growth 20:00 – The fern experiment (because why not?) 21:00 – Jamaican black castor oil vs. regular: which is better? 22:00 – Side effects and when not to use it 23:00 – Pregnancy warning (seriously, a hard no) 24:00 – My honest verdict Let’s Talk About What’s Real Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—an omega-9 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. That’s the magic. It’s thick. It’s deeply emollient. It seals moisture in like a champ. Which makes it excellent for: Dry skinEczema-prone areasCrepey skin in perimenopause and menopauseFine lines (temporarily plumping through hydration)Cracked heelsDry cuticlesScalp nourishment And when you layer it correctly, it acts like a sealant to hold hydration in. I personally use it nightly on my face, neck, thyroid area, lips, and brows. Am I shiny before bed? Yes. Do I care? Not even a little. What I’d Be Careful With Internal use for constipation (very effective but not my first-line recommendation)Anything near your eyes (I woke up with red, burning, and irritated eyes)Vaginal dryness or sensitive internal use (research first, please) When To Never Use It Pregnancy (it induces labor) Castor Oil & Hormones As estrogen drops in perimenopause and menopause, skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This is where castor oil shines—literally and figuratively. It supports: Skin barrier repairMoisture retentionElasticity appearanceThat “spring back” we start to lose Is it Botox? No. Is it still amazing and affordable? Absolutely. Bottom Line Is castor oil a cure-all? Nope. Is it a potent, multi-use, low-risk tool? Yes. In a world where we’re constantly sold $200 serums and complicated 12-step regimens, there’s something refreshing about a humble glass bottle that’s been used for centuries. If you try it: Buy organicMake sure it’s in a dark glass bottlePatch test firstUse cotton (preferably organic), not polyester, when covering treated areas And maybe—just maybe—pour it into something beautiful so you’ll actually remember to use it. One More Thing Pretty Well was shared more than 94% of other shows in Spotify Wrapped this year. That’s because of you. You share it. You text it. You send it to friends who need better information without the hype. And that means everything to me. If this episode helped you to decode the castor oil craze (or prevented you from putting it in your eyes), do me a favor and share it with a friend. 🔗 Resources & Links (As An ...
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    28 mins
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