Episodios

  • 30. The One Where Your Digestion is Making You Tired with Dominique Vanier

    30. The One Where Your Digestion is Making You Tired with Dominique Vanier
    Apr 23 2025
    Is your digestion draining your energy? In this episode, Dr. Sarah is joined by gut health expert Dr. Dominique Vanier ND, to uncover how common digestive issues like IBS and bloating are secretly sabotaging your energy. They dive deep into the surprising gut-brain connection, the myths behind food sensitivities, and how to boost your energy by focusing on gut health—without restrictive diets or complicated changes.

    Key takeaways:

    • What’s normal? We ask all the TMI questions you feel embarrassed to ask about your poop
    • Why most gut issues start in the brain: And what kinds of management should be part of your gut health plan
    • The lowdown on Food Sensitivities: Whether food sensitivity testing is helpful and how to figure out what you’re actually sensitive to
    • The role of inflammation: And whether you need to limit or avoid certain foods to improve your gut health
    • The importance of Food Timing and Fasting: How fasting affects gut health and whether eating after 7pm is really that bad for you
    A mama and gut warrior, Dr. Dominique Vanier, ND, is a Naturopathic Doctor in Burlington, Ontario who helps patients overcome digestive issues, restore gut health, and find food freedom without fear or restriction.

    Dr. Vanier ND graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, where she obtained a four-year post-graduate Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.). She is in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and a member of both the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, and has successfully passed both the Ontario pharmaceutical prescribing and intravenous (IV) therapy board-level exams.

    Dr. Vanier ND has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Environmental Chem) from Queen's University. She completed her chemistry thesis in 2009 on chemical hydrogen storage under the Canada Research Chair in Green Chemistry. Dr. Vanier ND also has a Master of Science from the University of Toronto. She has been a consultant for various organizations in the health industry, including A. Vogel/ Bioforce Canada and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), and formerly developed economic and environmental policy in her role as Senior Policy Advisor for the Ontario provincial government.

    Dr. Vanier ND has completed a two-year fellowship in gastrointestinal health with the Confident Clinician, and has spoken numerous times with the Confident Clinician including presenting to over 700 clinicians on gastroesophageal reflux disease and disorders of gut-brain interaction. Recently, she also served five years as the Vice-Chair of the OAND Board of Directors and brings a perspective and understanding of policy and government to naturopathic medicine in Ontario.

    Learn more about Dr. Vanier at drvaniernd.com or follow her on Instagram.

    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    51 m
  • 29. The One Where You Start Playing Big with Jenna Sudds

    29. The One Where You Start Playing Big with Jenna Sudds
    Apr 9 2025
    Too often, women shrink themselves—holding back opinions, avoiding risks, and staying small to keep others comfortable. But at what cost? In this episode, I sit down with MP Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development*, to talk about the exhaustion of playing small, and why stepping into our full potential—whether in leadership, work, or everyday life—is essential for women’s well-being.

    We discuss why more women are needed in leadership (not just in politics), how to handle criticism when you take up space, and why speaking up and taking risks can actually be energizing. Whether you’re leading a team, advocating for change, or simply trying to show up more fully in your own life, this conversation is for you.

    Key takeaways:
    • Why playing small is draining and how stepping into leadership can actually be energizing.
    • The urgent need for more women in politics and the unique perspectives they bring.
    • How Minister Sudds navigates public criticism and stays true to her values.
    • What she’d tell her daughters if they aspired to a political career.
    Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing courage, taking up space, and leading with confidence.

    *Jenna Sudds is the former Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. She was minister at the time of this recording.

    The Honourable Jenna Sudds was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Kanata—Carleton in 2021 where she currently serves as the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. She has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

    Minister Sudds has worked as an economist, a municipal councillor, and a community advocate.

    Minister Sudds has received several awards, including a Special Recognition Award from the Kanata Food Cupboard and a 40 Under 40 Award from the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce in 2015. She is a long-time resident of Ottawa, where she lives with her husband and their three daughters.

    Visit Minister Sudds' website here: jennasuddsmp.ca

    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    50 m
  • 28. The One Where You Just Don’t Feel Like Yourself

    28. The One Where You Just Don’t Feel Like Yourself
    Mar 26 2025
    Feeling off but not sure why? Mood swings, low energy, and brain fog are often brushed off as “just stress” or “getting older,” but they could actually be signs of perimenopause. In this episode, Dr. Sarah unpacks the complex relationship between hormone shifts, mental health, and fatigue—so you can stop wondering What’s wrong with me? And start feeling like yourself again.

    Key Takeaways:

    🔹 The Mood Shift in Perimenopause
    • Nearly 45-70% of women experience mood changes or depression during this phase.
    • Hormonal fluctuations play a huge role, but they’re not the whole story.
    🔹 More Than Just Hormones: The Biopsychosocial Model

    Dr. Sarah breaks down the three key areas affecting mood:
    • Biological: Nutrient deficiencies (Vitamin D, B12, Iron), thyroid health, blood sugar, inflammation, and sleep apnea.
    • Psychological: Past struggles with depression, thought patterns, and coping mechanisms.
    • Social: Relationships, support systems, and the pressure to “keep it together.”
    🔹 Getting the Right Diagnosis
    • Fatigue isn’t always depression—nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances can mimic mental health conditions.
    • Testing is crucial before jumping to medications or dismissing symptoms.
    🔹 Treatment Options That Work
    • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): A game-changer if mood issues are hormone-related.
    • Antidepressants: More effective when paired with estrogen therapy (for some women).
    • Exercise: One of the most powerful natural antidepressants.
    🔹 The Power of Community & Self-Compassion
    • Your mental health isn’t just about your biology—stress, relationships, and support systems matter.
    • Therapy, boundary-setting, and leaning on your community can be just as important as supplements and prescriptions.
    Final Thoughts & Next Steps

    You don’t have to suffer in silence. Understanding what’s really going on with your mood gives you the power to take action. If you’re struggling, start by getting the right tests, exploring treatment options, and surrounding yourself with support.

    ✨ Other episodes you may enjoy:
    • The One Where You’re A Raging Bitch is all about women’s anger, irritability and PMS
    • The One Where Perimenopause Comes Sooner Than You Think will help you understand exactly what’s happening to your hormones and why it affects so much more than just your period
    • The One Where You’re Tired Of Carrying The Mental Load explores mental, emotional and sensory fatigue (aka when everything feels too loud and too bright)
    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    45 m
  • 27. The One Where Menopause Messes With Your Memory

    27. The One Where Menopause Messes With Your Memory
    Mar 12 2025
    Ever walked into a room and forgotten why? Or struggled to recall a word mid-sentence? If menopause has made you question your memory, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Sarah sits down with Dr. Daiana Castleman, a naturopathic doctor and certified menopause practitioner, to unpack the science behind menopause-related brain fog. From estrogen’s role in brain function to practical steps for keeping your mind sharp, this conversation is a must-listen for any woman navigating midlife cognitive changes.

    Key Takeaways:

    🔹 The Brain Fog Struggle is Real
    • Two-thirds of women experience memory lapses and cognitive changes during menopause.
    • Fatigue and hormonal shifts play a major role in brain fog.
    🔹 What’s Happening in Your Brain?
    • Your brain is remodeling itself during perimenopause
    • Estrogen is crucial for brain health, and its decline impacts memory and cognition.
    🔹 What Science Tells Us (and What It Doesn’t)
    • Research shows changes in estrogen receptor density in the brain.
    • There’s still a frustrating lack of clinical trials on menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and cognitive decline prevention.
    🔹 What You Can Control
    • Lifestyle factors matter: Cardiovascular and metabolic health impact brain function.
    • Genetics aren’t destiny: The APOE gene influences Alzheimer’s risk, but modifiable factors have a bigger impact.
    🔹 Your Brain-Boosting Toolkit
    • Move daily: A 20-minute walk can do wonders for cognitive function.
    • Fuel your brain: A balanced diet with carbs, protein, and fiber supports brain health.
    • Stay social: Quality friendships and engaging conversations keep your brain sharp.
    • Challenge your mind: Cognitive activities, brain games, and managing mental load help maintain memory.
    • The MIND Diet: Eat to protect your brain
    Dr. Daiana Castleman’s passion for menopause care was ignited by witnessing her mother and aunt navigate their own transitions. Their experiences became the driving force behind her commitment to improving care for women in this life stage. Dr. Castleman’s goal is to empower women with evidence-based knowledge to help them thrive for as long as possible, in the best health possible. By offering holistic, comprehensive care, she ensures that no aspect of your health is overlooked.

    In addition to her naturopathic medicine degree, Dr. Castleman obtained her MSCP designation from The Menopause Society (formerly known as The North American Menopause Society) in 2022. Dr. Castleman is passionate about pioneering a new movement – one where women aren’t bound by the health outcomes of their mothers or grandmothers. We can start now, and we can achieve better outcomes.

    Find her on Instagram @drdaianacastleman.

    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    48 m
  • 26. The One Where You Build Habits That Last

    26. The One Where You Build Habits That Last
    Feb 26 2025
    Struggling to make new habits stick? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Fatigue Fixer, I’m joined by habit change expert Katie Falloon-Drew to unpack why behavior change is so hard—and what actually works.

    We dive into:
    ✅ Why your brain literally resists change (and how to work with it, not against it)
    ✅ Why shame-based goals (like weight loss) are doomed to fail—and what to do instead
    ✅ The power of accountability and why it’s a game-changer for habit success
    ✅ Why your beliefs matter more than your actions when creating lasting change
    ✅ What led to Katie’s breakdown—even when her life looked “perfect” on the outside—and what she learned about real confidence
    ✅ Why so many women are happy with their life, but not happy in their lifeIf you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of setting goals and abandoning them, this conversation will change the way you think about habit change forever.

    Love this episode? You might also enjoy:

    🎙️ The One Where You Find Your Soul Sisters – If your goal is to spend more time with your friends, don’t miss this one.
    🎙️ The One Where You’re Hungry For More – Struggling with mindless snacking? This episode is for you.
    🎙️ The One Where You’re Stronger Than You Think – Ready to start exercising or lifting weights? Listen to this first.

    Katie Falloon-Drew is a Health Behaviour Change Expert with a Master’s in Health Psychology, who helps busy women cut through the noise of health 'shoulds' to make realistic + lasting mental and physical health habit shifts that make them FEEL good, at any age/phase/size.

    Katie is a sought-after speaker, bestselling author, mental health ambassador, and Health and Confidence Coach. As a busy mom in her 40s, she’s mastered how to prioritize health and build authentic confidence in a realistic way. After experiencing a mental breakdown in her 30s chasing “external confidence,” Katie now helps women create a healthy + confident life from the inside out—for the right reasons.

    Find Katie on Instagram or book your free connection chat at healthyconfidentyou.com.

    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    45 m
  • 25. The One Where You Stop Chasing More Time

    25. The One Where You Stop Chasing More Time
    Feb 12 2025
    Do you ever feel like no matter how much time you have, it’s never enough? You’re constantly busy, but somehow, you’re still exhausted and not making the progress you want.

    In this episode of The Fatigue Fixer, we’re tackling the real issue behind time management struggles—spreading your energy too thin.Instead of chasing more time, what if the real solution was learning to focus your energy on what matters most?

    I’ll break down:
    ✅ Why multitasking is a myth (and how it drains your energy)
    ✅ The hidden tradeoffs of trying to “do it all”
    ✅ How competing goals keep you stuck and exhausted
    ✅ Why being just okay in some areas can help others thriveIf you’ve ever caught yourself saying, If I just had a few more hours in the day…, this episode is for you!Listen now and start managing your energy, not just your time.

    ✨ Love this episode? You might also enjoy:
    🎙️ The One Where You Redefine Success – Learn how to decouple your worth from how productive you are.
    🎙️ The One Where You Start Living the Life You Want Now – Stop putting off what truly matters and make time for it today.

    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    29 m
  • Welcome to The Fatigue Fixer, Season 3!

    Welcome to The Fatigue Fixer, Season 3!
    Jan 29 2025
    The Fatigue Fixer is back for season 3!

    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is back to continue the discussion and explore why 1 in 5 women say that most days, they feel exhausted. From thyroid, to cortisol, to perimenopause, and more, she and her guests are talking about it all, as well as giving you insight into things you can do to help you feel better and more like yourself. Join Dr. Sarah for more honest, no-BS conversations in season 3.

    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    1 m
  • 24. The One Where You’re A Raging Bitch

    24. The One Where You’re A Raging Bitch
    Oct 30 2024
    It’s time to have an honest conversation about why so many women are angry, irritable, impatient, and struggling with raging PMS. Dr. Sarah shares why anger shows up, what it’s here to show you, and why suppressing it is making you both physically and mentally unwell. Learn what actually causes PMS (hint: it’s not a hormone imbalance), and what you can do to not feel like a raging bitch every month.

    Key takeaways:
    • Anger is an action emotion and it’s showing up to get you to change something that isn’t working for you
    • The two key reasons women get angry
    • What to do (and not do) when PMS shows up and you hate everyone around you
    Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

    The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.
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    40 m
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