Thrive with Carrie

Headed out for a summer adventure but don’t want to feel like your wellness goals get left behind?

In this episode, I’m sharing real-life, doable strategies to help you stay consistent with your health—without feeling deprived or obsessed—while traveling. Whether you're road-tripping, flying, or just juggling more social plans than usual, you’ll learn how to support your gut, balance blood sugar, stay regular, and protect your energy so you come back feeling refreshed, not depleted.

We’ll talk about:

You’ve tried the supplements, cleaned up your diet, addressed the mold and Lyme… but something still feels stuck. What if the final piece of your healing isn’t physical at all?

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, Dr. Daniel Johns joins Carrie to explore how unresolved emotional trauma—big or small—can shape immune function, hormonal balance, and even your body’s ability to detox. They dive into the fascinating connection between stress, early life experiences, and chronic illness, and how subconscious emotional patterns might be holding your body in a state of hypervigilance.

You’ll lea...

You’ve probably seen microgreens sprinkled on a fancy dish or tossed in a smoothie—but did you know they might be one of the most powerful foods for gut healing, hormone balance, and inflammation?

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, certified fitness coach and nutritional counselor Wade Ellinger joins Carrie to break down the real magic behind microgreens. From his roots in the Colorado Rockies to growing High Vibrations Microgreens in Annapolis, Wade shares how these tiny plants deliver massive nutrient density—and why they’ve been a game-changer for Carrie’s own healing journey with Hashi...

Have you ever felt like midlife has lost a little of its color—emotionally, physically, or even on your plate?

In this vibrant conversation, Carrie is joined by Dr. Deanna Minich—nutrition scientist, author of The Rainbow Diet, and a pioneer in connecting food, mood, and color. Together, they explore how eating a colorful, phytonutrient-rich diet can deeply support hormone balance, brain health, and emotional well-being—especially during perimenopause and menopause.

They talk about the underappreciated power of micronutrients, why diversity matters more than perfection, and how color is more than visual—it's medicinal. From food to...

We’ve been sold the idea that “eating clean” means cutting carbs, tracking every bite, and living in a constant state of food guilt. But what if clean eating wasn’t about restriction at all?

In this episode, we’re throwing out the rulebook and redefining what clean eating really looks like—especially in midlife. It’s not about giving things up. It’s about upgrading what’s on your plate so you can feel your best without the overwhelm.

We’ll cover:
– How to focus on food quality over quantity
– What "cutting the crap" actually means...

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, nurse practitioner and wellness expert Monique Willingham returns to the podcast to talk about what it really means to age gracefully—from the inside out. Together, Monique and Carrie explore the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that come with midlife and how simple, sustainable lifestyle shifts can help you feel vibrant, confident, and well-supported through it all.

They dive into skin health, hydration, collagen, gut balance, and how food, sleep, and even your morning sunlight routine play a role in graceful aging. Monique also shares tips on navigating adult acne, re...

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, Carrie chats with Aliesha Mann, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and founder of Zinda Integrative Health and Wellness. Aliesha shares her deeply personal journey—from burnout and infertility to building a functional medicine practice that empowers women to take control of their health.

Together, they explore Aliesha’s signature MANN Method, a holistic approach centered on Mindset, Alignment, Nutrition, and Nervous System Regulation. From gut health and hormonal balance to redefining what “healthy” really means, this conversation is full of practical tools, honest reflections, and gentle reminder...

For a long time, I thought I was starting my mornings with intention—exercise, meditation, even prayer. But something still felt off. I was doing all the “right” things, yet I didn’t feel fully grounded or aligned. When I discovered priming, it became the missing link—helping me connect my heart, mind, and body in a way that actually shifted how I showed up each day. My mornings no longer just help me get through the day—they help me create the abundant life I truly want.

In this episode, I’m sharing what p...

In this vulnerable solo episode, I’m opening up about a season when I felt completely out of alignment. Chronic pain, digestive distress, hormonal imbalance, and constant irritability had taken over—and I barely recognized myself. As a wife and mom, it was heartbreaking to feel like I was just getting through the day, not truly living it.

That all began to change when I found the Plexus Triplex and the weed, seed, feed protocol. This wasn’t just another supplement—it was the catalyst that jump-started an incredible journey of root healing, balance, and vibrant health. In this...

In this episode, Carrie welcomes board-certified Ayurvedic practitioner Ileana Gonzalez to explore how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom can offer deep nourishment, healing, and clarity during the often chaotic transition of midlife.

They dive into what Ayurveda really is—more than just herbs and doshas—and how it can transform your relationship with your body, energy, and purpose. From aligning with circadian rhythms to embracing menopause as a time of spiritual evolution, Ileana shares practical and profound ways to reconnect with your natural cycles and rediscover ease, strength, and stability.

If you’ve been feeling depleted, disconnected, or pul...

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, certified trauma-informed breathwork coach and Reiki master Trish Brewer joins Carrie to explore the transformative power of intentional breathing. From stress reduction and emotional release to spiritual connection and trauma healing, Trish explains how breathwork is one of the most accessible yet profound tools we have for nervous system regulation and inner healing.

Together, they dive into the difference between breath tools and breath healing, how trauma lives in the body, and how something as simple as conscious breath can help release old stories, emotions, and energy that no longer...

In this episode, Dr. Molly Hutto—founder of Annapolis Family Acupuncture and affectionately known as "The Allergy Whisperer"—joins Carrie to demystify one of the most fascinating healing tools in holistic medicine: the Soliman Auricular Acupuncture Technique (SAAT).

Molly shares how SAAT is helping patients permanently eliminate allergies, sensitivities, and even conditions like Alpha-Gal and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)—some of which are resistant to traditional treatments. They also explore the power of auricular medicine, a highly advanced system of diagnostics and healing that taps into the body’s own electromagnetic field to reveal and resolve immune d...

In this episode, Carrie sits down with Pam Adams, a board-certified licensed nutritionist and certified personal trainer with over 20 years of experience. As a dedicated perimenopause fitness coach and the founder of Synergy Nutrition and Wellness in Annapolis, Pam shares her inspiring journey from the high-stress music industry to helping midlife women reclaim their energy and confidence.

Together, they dive into what makes midlife such a powerful time for transformation, why perimenopause is often misunderstood, and how fitness, nutrition, and mindset can come together to create sustainable wellness. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, fatigued, or unsure of...

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, we dive into natural ways to manage ADHD symptoms without relying on medication. Carrie shares her personal journey with ADHD, discussing the challenges of inattention and hyperactivity and how she has learned to navigate them. From the impact of diet—avoiding processed foods and artificial additives—to the benefits of structure, routines, and lifestyle adjustments, this episode offers practical strategies to help improve focus and daily functioning. Whether you or a loved one struggle with ADHD, tune in for tips on creating a more balanced and productive life naturally!

Follow Carr...

If you’ve ever tried a detox and felt worse instead of better, you’re not alone. In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, integrative health practitioner Grayce Muffler joins Carrie to break down the right way to support detoxification by focusing on drainage pathways first.

They dive into why detoxing without proper drainage can actually make you feel worse, how the body naturally eliminates toxins, and why focusing on gut health, liver function, lymphatic drainage, and even emotional well-being is key to long-term healing. Grayce also shares practical, non-restrictive strategies for supporting your body daily—without expens...

Many women see fitness as a punishment, but what if it could be empowering instead? In this episode, Carrie sits down with personal trainer, professor, speaker, and author Tara DeLeon to discuss how strength training can transform not just your body, but your mindset.

Tara shares her journey of breaking through fitness industry stereotypes, why women should take up space in the gym, and how shifting from a "have to" to a "get to" mentality around exercise can change everything. They dive into topics like weight-neutral fitness, strength training for midlife women, and how to navigate toxic...

Did you know that 80% of your immune system lives in your gut? In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, host Carrie Chojnowski shares her 5 R's approach to restoring gut health—a powerful step-by-step method to heal digestion, boost energy, and improve overall wellness.

Carrie explains why gut health isn’t just about digestion but is connected to everything from inflammation and hormone balance to mental clarity and immune function. She breaks down the essential steps to remove irritants, replace missing nutrients, re-inoculate the gut with good bacteria, repair the gut lining, and rebalance lifestyle habits for long-term heal...

Thyroid issues are more common than you think, yet many people are told their labs are "normal" while still experiencing fatigue, weight struggles, brain fog, and more. In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, Dr. Erin Kinney joins Carrie to break down why standard thyroid testing often misses key issues, what symptoms signal an underlying thyroid problem, and how stress, gut health, and toxins impact thyroid function.

They also dive into:
✅ The difference between TSH, T3, and T4—and why T3 is crucial
✅ Why many people need a deeper look at their thyroid beyond basic labs

Are you feeling stuck, exhausted, or like your body just isn’t responding the way it used to? In this episode, Coach Britt (Brittany Oliver) returns to share her journey of overcoming anxiety, hormonal imbalances, and the pressures of doing more to achieve results. Carrie and Britt dive deep into how gut health, the nervous system, and mindset all play a role in healing from burnout—especially for women in midlife. They discuss why traditional diet and exercise approaches often stop working, the power of listening to your body, and how true transformation comes from nourishment, not deprivation.

If...

In this episode of Thrive with Carrie, Dr. Ana Rodriguez returns to share her incredible home birth experience and insights into postpartum health. From the benefits of home birth to the challenges of postpartum recovery, Dr. Ana and Carrie dive into the importance of intuitive healing, nutrition, and the often-overlooked aspects of postpartum care. They discuss vital lab tests, the role of visceral manipulation in recovery, and how to support both body and mind during this transformative time. Whether you're expecting, postpartum, or just passionate about holistic health, this conversation is packed with invaluable wisdom!

About Ana<...

In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection and how it impacts everything from digestion and metabolism to mental health and immunity. Carrie breaks down the science behind why gut health is essential, how stress and lifestyle factors disrupt the gut-brain axis, and practical steps to restore balance. Learn how to optimize your nutrition, manage stress, and strengthen your gut for improved well-being. If you’re struggling with brain fog, digestive issues, or low energy, this episode is a must-listen!

Follow Carrie on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/
Face...

In this episode, Carrie welcomes Emily Finnell, a heart math coach and somatic expert, to explore the transformative power of somatic work. Emily shares her journey from special education to leadership coaching and explains how somatic practices can help us overcome resistance, process emotions, and find clarity in our lives. From managing stress with breathwork to rewiring negative patterns, Emily provides actionable insights to help listeners embrace change and enhance their well-being.

Discover the role of neuroplasticity, the importance of feeling emotions fully, and how even small steps can lead to profound personal and relational growth. Tune...

In this empowering episode, Carrie is joined again by Julie Blamphin, a speaker and expert in pelvic floor health. Together, they dive into the essential yet often overlooked topic of pelvic floor wellness. Julie explains the importance of a strong and stable pelvic floor, how it impacts everything from posture to bladder control, and why it's vital for overall health. Learn about common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, the myths around Kegels, and quick, practical tips you can incorporate into your daily life to improve strength and stability. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation about reclaiming your health and ho...

In this heartfelt episode of Thrive with Carrie, Carrie sits down with grief therapist Marie Burgess, owner of Genuine Connection Psychotherapy. Marie opens up about her deeply personal journey following the loss of her son, Harvey, and shares how it inspired her to help others navigate life after loss. Together, they discuss the challenges of grieving, the importance of community and support, and practical ways to honor loved ones. Whether you're supporting someone in grief or finding your own path forward, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and actionable steps for healing.

About Marie

Marie Burgess...

In this episode, we sit down with integrative health practitioner Grayce Muffler, founder of Giving Grayce. Grayce shares her personal story of battling chronic Lyme disease and mold toxicity, and how her experiences inspired her to help others address root causes of their health issues. Together, we explore the far-reaching effects of mold toxicity, how to recognize its signs, and actionable steps to support your body and create a healthier environment. Whether you're curious about mold, navigating your own health journey, or seeking practical tips, this episode is packed with insights and empowering advice.

About Grayce
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In this enlightening episode, Carrie sits down with Shannon Costello, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian and expert in plant-based nutrition and intuitive eating. Shannon shares her personal journey from gut health struggles to embracing a holistic, non-diet approach to food. Together, they dive into the principles of intuitive eating, the myths of diet culture, and the importance of reconnecting with food in a positive, nourishing way. Shannon offers practical advice on managing food cravings, adding more fiber to your meals, and balancing your relationship with food and body image.

Start the year off with empowerment and clarity...

Join Carrie and her son Jack as they kick off the new year with an inspiring activity to set intentions for 2025. In this heartfelt episode, Carrie shares her personal experiences with choosing annual focus words like "Intentional" and "Abundance" to drive growth and fulfillment. Jack sets his own goals for the year, including athletic milestones and cultivating a more positive attitude about school. Together, they explore how to stay consistent, embrace positivity, and create actionable steps toward achieving meaningful goals. This episode is perfect for parents looking to inspire their kids—and themselves—to approach the new year with purp...

In this episode, Carrie welcomes Hannah Mitchell, founder and CEO of Heart Health Coaches. As a cardiology nurse practitioner, Hannah shares her passion for lifestyle medicine and its power to prevent and reverse heart disease. From navigating heart health risks during menopause to practical tips on diet, exercise, and screening, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for living a heart-healthy life. Tune in to learn how small, consistent changes can transform your health and longevity.

About Hannah

Hannah Mitchell is a passionate and dedicated advocate for lifestyle medicine, specializing in heart health and preventative...

In this solo episode of, Carrie dives into the importance of sleep and how it impacts nearly every facet of our physical and mental health. From repairing muscles to regulating hormones and even processing memories, sleep plays a crucial role in keeping us balanced. Carrie shares her personal journey of overcoming sleep challenges, the science behind quality rest, and practical tips for creating a bedtime routine that works.

Discover how sleep hygiene, circadian rhythms, and small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your nightly rest. Carrie also explores natural supplements like magnesium, melatonin, and CBD...

In this festive episode of Thrive with Carrie, I welcome back my dear friend Abby Waleik, founder of Homebody Health, for a heartwarming and practical discussion on navigating the holiday season while staying mindful of our health. Together, we dive into the mindset shifts needed to balance enjoyment with wellness, the importance of staying intentional about nutrition, and simple strategies to minimize the impact of holiday indulgences on your body and energy levels. Abby shares her journey of overcoming autoimmune challenges, her passion for gut health and glucose stability, and tips for savoring the holidays without guilt or deprivation...

On this episode of, we sit down with Julie Blamphin, a dynamic speaker and founder of Stretch Your Spirit. Known for her passion for Yoga in Real Life and celebrating the pelvic floor, Julie offers practical, joyful ways to make wellness approachable and empowering for midlife and menopausal women. Together, we explore how simple shifts—like intentional breathing, embracing movement, and letting go of the “shoulds”—can bring balance, stability, and joy to your life. Tune in for inspiring insights on how to reconnect with yourself, honor your time, and embrace wellness with ease.

About Julie:

Juli...

In this candid and enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Erin Kinney to tackle a topic that often gets brushed under the rug—libido. From the intricate connection between stress and sex hormones to practical self-care tips for reigniting desire, this conversation is packed with insights every woman needs to hear. Dr. Kinney breaks down the science of how lifestyle, hormones, and mental health impact libido, while also sharing actionable strategies to improve intimacy and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating hormonal imbalances, stress overload, or simply want to reconnect with your partner, this episode is for you!

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Maureen Benkovich, founder of Sober Fit Chick Coaching and a certified gray area drinking coach. Maureen shares her personal journey of breaking free from alcohol’s grip and how she now empowers others to do the same.

We dive into the fascinating science behind alcohol's impact on the brain, body, and emotions—revealing why even moderate drinking can lead to anxiety, depression, and other health challenges. Maureen explains the detox-retox cycle and how understanding the chemistry of alcohol can help you make more informed, empowered choices for your health and...

Hi, everyone! Welcome back to Thrive with Carrie. Today, I’m diving into a topic I get asked about all the time—supplementation and why it’s so important for our health. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and it’s easy to feel confused or overwhelmed about what we really need to be taking and why. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the main reasons supplements have become essential in today’s world, especially with all the toxins, processed foods, and nutrient-depleted soil we encounter daily.

We’ll discuss how factors like long-distan...

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Thrive with Carrie! I’m so excited about today’s episode because I’m joined by my friend, Dr. Cristine Ehly, an incredible naturopathic doctor who works with women managing ADHD and overwhelm. Cristine helps women harness their energy, confidence, and focus through somatic therapy, nervous system support, and natural approaches to health.

In this episode, Cristine shares her journey with ADHD and how it inspired her to help others who feel frustrated and misunderstood. We dive into how ADHD often looks different in women, the powerful role of the nervous system...

Today, I'm thrilled to sit down with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Sara Poldmae, who is a doctor of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and a functional medicine practitioner. With over 20 years of experience, she brings such a deep, holistic approach to wellness, especially when it comes to women’s health. From balancing hormones to supporting women through the transitions of perimenopause and menopause, Dr. Sara shares how powerful the mind-body connection truly is in our overall health.

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges women face in midlife—from stress and hormonal changes to managing it a...

Hey friends! Welcome to Thrive with Carrie. In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Daniel Johns, an integrative chiropractor and founder of Elevate Life Clinic in Annapolis. We dove deep into his incredible personal story of overcoming autoimmune disease through alternative therapies, and how his experience shifted his entire practice.

Dr. Johns shared how healing isn’t just about treating the physical body—it’s about addressing the subconscious mind and past traumas that hold us back from real recovery. We explored how things like childhood trauma, unresolved emotions, and even mold exposure can ha...

In this special episode, I sat down with Lynda Dardick, a licensed massage therapist with decades of experience in therapeutic bodywork. We dive deep into her journey from Ireland to becoming a master of deep tissue massages, lymphatic drainage, and and more! We talk about the magic of sound bowls, the power of touch, and how massage can be a tool for both relaxation and revitalization. Linda shares her love for the human body and her approach to healing, offering practical insights on how we can all manage stress and nurture our nervous systems.

What struck me...

In this special episode, I sit down with my 13-year-old son, Jack, to explore a topic that hits close to home: how to reduce stress in family life. Jack and I share some candid moments as he offers his take on what helps us manage the stress that builds up in our household, from box breathing to simply taking time alone. As a mom juggling the challenges of raising teenagers, I know firsthand how overwhelming family dynamics can get. This conversation with Jack gave me a refreshing perspective on the small but impactful ways we can create a calmer...

Hey friends! Welcome back to another episode of the *Thrive with Carrie* podcast! I am *so* excited about today's conversation with my wonderful friend Megan Wade, the owner of Barre Forward. Megan has created this incredible community in her studio where women come together, not only to build strength but to build each other up. In this episode, we dive into Megan's journey of opening Barre Forward, how she developed her unique approach to barre workouts, and the amazing physical and mental benefits her classes offer. Spoiler alert: barre isn't just for dancers!

During our chat, Megan...