In this episode of the Well-ISH Podcast, Derek and Anthony discuss practical ways families can help children build healthier nutrition habits during the summer — without perfection, guilt, or rigid food rules.

They cover:

• Why summer structure matters for kids
• Snacking habits and “mindless grazing”
• Building balanced snacks and meals
• Helping kids understand hunger cues
• Modeling healthy eating behaviors as adults
• Giving children autonomy while still providing guidance
• Why family meals and food conversations matter
• Introducing new foods without pressure
• Exploring seasonal fruits and vegetables during Iowa growing season
• Using summer as an opportunity to build lifelong nutrition skills

This episode is not about strict plans or “perfect” eating. It’s about creating an environment where kids can learn confidence, balance, and healthy habits that last beyond the summer months.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn More:
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists: http://iowaweightloss.com
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics: http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/

Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

In this episode of the Well-ISH Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Asberry, founder of Low Toxy, to unpack the world of “cleaner living,” environmental exposures, and reducing toxic burden without becoming overwhelmed.

Ashley shares how pregnancy sparked her deep dive into ingredient safety, why she transitioned from paralegal work into health education, and how she now helps people simplify the process of finding safer products for themselves and their families.

We discuss:

• The truth about fragrance labels and hidden ingredients
• Toxins in water, air, skincare, and laundry products
• Why “natural” doesn’t always mean safe
• Iowa water quality, radon, and environmental health concerns
• The concept of “body burden” and cumulative exposure
• How small product changes can meaningfully reduce risk
• Practical low-toxic swaps that don’t require perfection
• Cost, accessibility, and avoiding overwhelm in the wellness space

This conversation is nuanced, practical, and grounded in the idea that “better is best.” You don’t have to change everything overnight to make meaningful progress.

If you’ve ever wondered where to start with cleaner products, safer ingredients, or reducing environmental exposures, this episode is a great place to begin.

Follow Ashley & Low Toxy:
Instagram: @lowtoxy
Visit the store in Valley Junction, West Des Moines

232 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn More:
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists: http://iowaweightloss.com
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics: http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/

Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas — a patient at Iowa Weight Loss Specialist — to talk about what a real health journey actually looks like.

From struggling with weight since childhood to reaching over 500 pounds, Thomas opens up about the deeper layers behind it all: binge eating, addiction, loss, and the turning point that led him toward sobriety and change.

We talk about:

• The connection between addiction and eating behaviors
• What sobriety changed — and what it didn’t
• Injuries, setbacks, and the mental battle of starting again
• Why progress isn’t linear (and never has been)
• What support, structure, and accountability actually feel like

This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s an honest look at the messy, nonlinear process of trying to build a better life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re starting over — this conversation will hit home.

🎧 Listen / Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other platforms.

Learn More:

• Iowa Weight Loss Specialists: http://iowaweightloss.com
• Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics: http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/

Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, help is available:

• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
  📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  🌐 https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

*Free, confidential, 24/7 support for individuals and families facing substance use and mental health challenges.

They break down the real cost of eating at home versus going through the drive-through, including a side-by-side comparison of a homemade burger, fries, and drink versus a typical fast food combo. The numbers might surprise you.

The conversation covers meal planning as the foundation of eating well on a budget, cost per calorie across different food options, why whole foods don't require a trip to the organic aisle, and how processed convenience foods compare nutritionally even when the price tag looks similar.

They also dig into the habit side of things — why fast food feels cheaper even when it isn't, how to start building a home cooking routine without overhauling everything at once, and why starting simple will always beat trying to do it all perfectly from day one.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (iowaweightloss.com)

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

They break down why sleep is foundational to everything from recovery and metabolism to mental clarity and emotional stability. While most people know sleep is important, far fewer are actually getting enough—or building routines that support it.

The conversation covers:

• Why nothing replaces sleep (no supplement, no shortcut)
• How sleep impacts physical and mental performance
• The role of routines in improving sleep quality
• Simple environmental changes (light, temperature, screens)
• Why “doing less” is often the answer when it comes to sleep
• The concept of giving yourself permission to rest

They also share their own routines, habits, and practical strategies you can start using immediately—without overcomplicating things.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that better health doesn’t always come from doing more. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as going to bed.

If you’ve been trying to improve your nutrition, energy, or consistency—this might be the place to start.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (iowaweightloss.com)
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Derek shares how his background in teaching, coaching, and nutrition shaped the way he connects with patients today. From substitute teaching and high school football coaching to becoming a registered dietitian, his career path was not exactly linear — but each step helped build the way he now educates, supports, and motivates people in their health journeys.

The conversation dives into what Derek focuses on most in practice: helping people build sustainable habits, understand movement and nutrition in a realistic way, and stop chasing extremes. He explains why there is no single “best” diet for weight loss, why consistency matters more than perfection, and why his real goal for patients is simple: to help them feel better.

They also talk about telehealth vs. in-person visits, identity and habit change, protein, exercise, food trends, and why the best plan is the one a person can actually sustain long term. Derek also shares a few lighter details about himself outside of work, including his love for mac and cheese and the occasional Guinness.

If you’ve listened to Derek ask the questions on past episodes, this is your chance to get to know the provider behind the mic.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (iowaweightloss.com)
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Lynzy shares her path from hospitalist into more preventive care, and why helping patients make changes earlier—before diagnoses like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol fully take hold—has become such meaningful work. The conversation explores how she approaches patient care, how the Iowa Weight Loss Specialists team works together, and why sustainable progress requires more than medication alone.

They also talk through non-scale victories, body composition, preserving muscle during weight loss, and how tools like GLP-1 medications can fit into a broader, more individualized care plan. Throughout the conversation, one message stays clear: the real goal is to help people feel healthier, happier, and build habits that last.

If you have ever wondered what a comprehensive, team-based approach to weight loss actually looks like, this episode is a great place to start.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (iowaweightloss.com)
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Lauren shares what her day-to-day work looks like, how therapy often becomes a safe space for people to process stress, trauma, and everyday life, and why many patients need more than nutrition or medication support alone. The conversation explores mindset, emotional barriers, self-sabotage, black-and-white thinking, and the role of permission — permission to struggle, permission to make mistakes, and permission to grow without needing to be perfect.

They also discuss toxic positivity, why “someone else has it worse” is not a helpful way to measure pain, and how real change happens when people learn to reflect, build confidence, and take ownership of their next steps. Lauren also shares a bit of her own story, including how a childhood injury and strong family support shaped her path into therapy.

This episode is a reminder that health is never just physical — and that progress often starts with feeling safe enough to be honest.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS
• Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (http://iowaweightloss.com)
• Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

After revisiting the foundations in Part 1, this episode dives deeper into some of the most debated areas of the guidelines — whole grains, processed foods, practical implementation, and how these recommendations play out in real life. Rather than arguing over headlines, Derek and Anthony focus on context: what the guidelines are designed to do, where they’re helpful, and where individualization becomes essential.

They unpack common misconceptions, explore why nuance gets lost in public conversations, and discuss how to translate broad public health guidance into practical, sustainable choices for individuals and families.

As always, the core Well-ISH principle remains: guidelines are a framework — not a mandate. They are meant to inform, not control, and they should be interpreted through the lens of personal goals, medical history, and lived experience.

If you’re looking for clarity beyond the noise — and practical insight on how to think through nutrition recommendations — this episode continues the conversation.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS
• Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (http://iowaweightloss.com)
• Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Steve reflects on nearly 30 years leading a rural healthcare system and shares how his perspective evolved over time — moving beyond finance-driven metrics toward a more patient-centered and people-focused approach to healthcare.

We sincerely appreciated Steve joining us. The conversation felt less like interviewing a CEO and more like learning from a colleague who is still actively pursuing growth and self-improvement.

We also discuss:

• Building culture in rural healthcare
• Why engagement matters more than happiness
• The role of mentorship and executive coaching
• Behavior modification vs. quick fixes in health
• His own journey through bariatric surgery, GLP-1 therapy, biking, and meditation
• Why growth never stops — even in your 60s

This is a conversation about the evolution of a leader, prioritizing wellness, and understanding that fulfillment comes from the journey — not just the outcomes.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who values growth, leadership, and real-life wellness.

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INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists
https://www.iowaweightloss.com/

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics
https://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/



Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

4:32 From paramedic to nurse practitioner

8:05 Moving across states + career transitions

10:18 Passion for men’s health

13:35 Mental health and stigma

15:51 How mental health fits into weight loss

18:50 What a typical day looks like

20:43 What to expect at your first visit

23:59 Follow-ups and long-term maintenance

25:39 Weight regain + realistic expectations

26:44 Food environment and modern challenges

32:05 Common nutrition questions (protein + fiber)

36:22 Hydration and daily habits

38:29 Behavior change and self-sabotage

41:18 Realistic weight loss timeline

42:14 GLP-1 medications explained

45:04 Final thoughts + encouragement

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INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists
https://www.iowaweightloss.com/

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics
https://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/




Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Rather than focusing on headlines or social media controversy, this episode zooms out to revisit the foundations of nutrition. Together, they walk through what’s actually changed, what hasn’t, and where nuance and context matter most. From protein recommendations and personalized calorie needs to fats, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and the limits of one-size-fits-all guidance, this conversation is about clarity—not extremes.

They also discuss the role these guidelines play in public health, why misinterpretation happens so easily, and how individuals should think about using them (and when not to). Most importantly, this episode reinforces a core Well-ISH principle: guidelines are a starting point, not a prescription.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, with more discussion on whole grains, processed foods, and practical application coming soon.

If you’ve felt confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed by the latest nutrition headlines—this episode is for you.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS
* Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (http://iowaweightloss.com)
* Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (http://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Dakota opens up about making a major shift during a low point, finding renewed direction through training, and committing to the structure required for competition prep. We talk about the realities behind the stage: long cardio sessions, progressive nutrition changes, body image challenges, the post-competition rebound, and why a coach (and community) matters even when you “already know how to work out.”

If you’ve ever struggled with motivation, consistency, or feeling stuck in your health, this is a practical and honest conversation about taking the next step—without pretending it’s easy.

Informational Links

• Iowa Weight Loss Specialists (iowaweightloss.com)
• Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/)
• Dakota VanHauen Instagram

  (https://www.instagram.com/kodavh/?hl=en)

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

We explore the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal health, the evolving nature of identity across different life stages, and how meaningful relationships are built in adulthood. The conversation highlights the importance of finding a supportive gym environment, the mental and physical benefits of challenging oneself, and the ripple effect that fitness and community can have on families and children.

Throughout the episode, Darci also discusses Burn Boot Camp’s comprehensive approach to fitness—including strength training, cardio, accountability, and community—and why a holistic perspective is essential for long-term well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Community and support are foundational to personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
• Balancing work, family, and personal health is challenging, and giving oneself grace is essential for sustainability.
• Identity is shaped by both internal self-perception and the relationships and environments we engage with.
• Meaningful adult relationships foster belonging, confidence, and empowerment.
• Supportive gym communities encourage consistency, accountability, and mental resilience.
• Physical challenges build mental strength, often influencing healthier habits beyond the gym.
• Burn Boot Camp offers a balanced mix of strength and cardio training with a strong emphasis on community, accountability, and long-term success.

Informational Links

• Iowa Weight Loss Specialists
  https://www.iowaweightloss.com/
• Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics
  https://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/
• Burn Boot Camp Waukee
  https://locations.burnbootcamp.com/locations/waukee-ia/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

In this final episode of 2025, we look back on the moments, voices, and themes that defined our journey — from patient stories and provider insights to conversations about healthcare, weight management, mental health, nutrition, movement, and what it really means to feel well.

Again and again, one truth kept showing up: wellness isn’t a finish line. It’s a daily practice. A system built on small habits, long-term thinking, compassion, and support.

This episode is a reflection on where we started, how far we’ve come, and why we feel these conversations are important. We’re also deeply grateful to Iowa Specialty Hospital for supporting this podcast and for the work they do to serve our communities every day. We’re excited to keep amplifying ISH services, spotlighting local experts, and sharing practical health and wellness conversations across the Des Moines area in 2026.

Thank you for listening, learning, and growing with us this year. We’re excited for what’s next.

0:00 — Episode 001: Wellness in Real Life — How Little Habits Lead to Big Results
8:22 — Episode 004: Sidneigh O’Leary, RD | Exploring ISH Series
12:38 — Episode 005: Navigating Nutrition Choices
17:38 — Episode 006: Functional GI with Caitlin Larson | Exploring ISH Series
23:20 — Episode 007: Understanding Mental Health with Rachel Fletcher | Exploring ISH Series
27:15 — Episode 008: Why Wellness Programs Matter
31:13 — Episode 009: Surviving (and Enjoying) Holiday Family Meals
35:40 — Episode 010: The Weight Loss Renaissance — Surgery, Medications, and Mindset
39:09 — Episode 011: Jennifer Brown — Overcoming Challenges & Inspiring Change
43:48 — Episode 012: Pivots, Purpose, and Patient Care

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Kerby, Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) at Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, for an honest conversation about health, early detection, and resilience.

Wendy shares how a routine step toward a breast reduction led to a mammogram she almost skipped—and how that decision resulted in an early diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. We talk through the whirlwind that followed: scans, the anxiety of waiting for results, what chemotherapy was actually like day to day (including fatigue and changes in taste), and the relief of hearing the words “no residual disease.”

Wendy’s message is simple and urgent: get your mammogram—regardless of family history. This episode is about early detection, the power of community support, and what it means to hold onto purpose, humor, and heart in the middle of uncertainty.

We’re also thinking of Wendy this week as she recovers from surgery—she recorded this episode with remarkable honesty, strength, and generosity.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

We dive into:

• the pivotal career moments that shaped Jon’s philosophy
• why compassion and bedside manner matter as much as clinical expertise
• the emotional and psychological journey of bariatric patients
• how plateaus, setbacks, and “not enough” thinking affect progress
• what the first year after surgery looks like
• why long-term follow-up is essential in managing obesity
• where GLP-1 medications fit into the post-surgery landscape

Jon’s blend of clinical experience, humanity, and optimism makes this one of our most insightful conversations yet. If you’ve ever wondered what real weight-loss care looks like behind the scenes—or what it takes to support people through major health changes—you’ll want to listen to this episode.

Where to find Jon Hardersen:
www.iowaweightloss.com

Call: 515-327-2000

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Her story is powerful, real, and filled with lessons about perseverance, self-trust, and redefining what health truly means. Whether you're on your own health journey or supporting someone on theirs, Jennifer’s insights will leave you encouraged, grounded, and inspired to take your next step.

Tune in for a conversation that reminds us all: change is possible — and you don’t have to do it alone.

Find out more about Jennifer, her journey, and online coaching here:

On Facebook, TikTok & Instagram: @thisiowamom

Website (online coaching and more):

www.thisiowamom.com

Find out more about Iowa Weight Loss Specialists at: www.iowaweightloss.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Dr. Todd Eibes opens this episode with a message that far too many individuals navigating weight loss silently feel.

In this powerful conversation, we dive into the shifting landscape of obesity care — where surgery, medication, mental health, nutrition, and long-term support finally work together instead of alone. Dr. Eibes shares 25+ years of experience, discusses hormone-driven appetite biology, and explains why comprehensive programs change lives far beyond the scale.

This episode is both educational and deeply human — offering validation, options, and encouragement for anyone who feels stuck.

Where to find Dr. Todd Eibes:
www.iowaweightloss.com

Call: 515-327-2000

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Join them for an honest conversation about building healthier relationships, finding joy in everyday routines, and giving yourself space to breathe during the chaos. In other words, BE YOU.

Tune in for practical insights and relatable stories that will help you live fully, authentically, and a little more well-ish.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

https://www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/services/gastroenterology/functional-gi-program

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

As three registered dietitians, we also share how each of us might approach similar nutrition questions or patient situations differently — and why that variety in perspective can be such a strength in the world of nutrition and wellness.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any outcomes related to actions taken based on the content of this podcast.