In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Lauras sit down with Kylie Viens, registered dietitian and diabetes educator, to talk about something most people have been taught incorrectly:

How not to be on a diet.

We break down what the word “diet” actually means — and how diet culture turned it into restriction, deprivation, and short-term fixes that rarely work.

This conversation challenges the idea that your metabolism is “broken” or that the solution to better health is eating less. Instead, we focus on how to eat in a way that supports strength, energy, performance, and long-term health — without cutting out entire food groups or living in food rules.

We cover:

• Why most diets fail (and why that’s not a personal failure)

• What actually influences metabolism beyond calories

• The role of muscle, protein, and strength training in staying metabolically strong

• How fiber and whole foods support blood sugar, cholesterol, and satiety

• Why caffeine, sleep, and recovery matter more than most people realize

• How to think about carbohydrates and fats without labeling foods as “good” or “bad”

This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.
In Part 2, we’ll talk about navigating holidays, what dietitians really mean by “meal prep,” favorite go-to foods, and how to build an eating approach that fits real life.

🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2.

Connect with Kylie Viens & FlyFit Nutrition

Website: ⁠Fly Fit Nutrition

Book a Free 15 minute Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/flyfitnutrition/15min

Instagram: ⁠@dietitianforpilots

On The Ascent: Health is produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska — a clinic dedicated to helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life. Connect with Dr. Laura & Ascent Health & Performance

Website: ⁠https://ascentak.com/⁠

Podcast : ⁠ascentak.com/podcast⁠

Instagram: ⁠@ascenthealth_ak⁠

Pelvic floor issues are common — but they are not normal.

In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura Peterson Wright sits down with Dr. Laura Huie, Doctor of Physical Therapy at Point North Physical Therapy, to break down what pelvic floor therapy really is, who it’s for, and why so many women are told to “just live with” symptoms that are absolutely treatable.

They cover:

• What pelvic health actually includes (it’s more than Kegels)

• Urinary leaking, urgency, constipation, and bladder control

• Pain with intercourse — why it’s common but not normal

• Pelvic floor tension vs weakness (and why doing more Kegels can make things worse)

• How childbirth, C-sections, and athletic activity affect pelvic health

• The role of estrogen, perimenopause, and menopause in pelvic floor symptoms

• Why passive treatments like the Emsella chair aren’t one-size-fits-all

• What a pelvic floor exam and treatment really look like

• How pelvic floor therapy supports sexual health, lubrication, and arousal

• When joint pain, tendon pain, or “nagging injuries” may be hormone-related

• Practical myths to bust (frequent peeing, “just in case” pees, and more)

This episode is for women who:

• Leak when they run, jump, cough, or lift

• Experience pain during sex or pelvic discomfort

• Feel constant urgency to pee or struggle with constipation

• Are navigating perimenopause or menopause

• Have been told symptoms are “normal after kids” or “just part of aging”

If you’ve ever wondered whether pelvic floor therapy is for you — this conversation brings clarity without fear-mongering or fluff.

Connect with Point North Physical Therapy & Dr. Laura Huie

Website: ⁠https://pointnorthpt.com ⁠

Instagram: @pointnorthpt

On The Ascent: Health is produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska — a clinic dedicated to helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life.

Connect with Dr. Laura & Ascent Health & Performance

Website: ⁠⁠https://ascentak.com/⁠⁠

Podcast : ⁠⁠ascentak.com/podcast⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@ascenthealth_ak⁠⁠

In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura sits down with Marisa Scott, RNFA and owner of Aspire Med Spa, for an in-depth conversation on radiofrequency (RF)—a regenerative technology used for everything from skin tightening to scar release to vaginal rejuvenation.

They discuss:

• What radiofrequency actually is

• How RF remodels collagen, releases scar tissue, and triggers fat apoptosis

• Why RF microneedling helps pain, tightness, and deep tissue adhesions

• Using RF for stretch marks, stubborn fat pockets, pores, and fine lines

• RF for C-section scars and surgical scar remodeling

• Vaginal rejuvenation: lubrication, tightening, sexual function, and comfort

• How hormones influence treatment plans

• What makes someone a good or poor candidate

• Why proper training matters for safety and lasting results

• What to expect with pricing, treatment series, and outcomes

• The rise of regenerative aesthetics: exosomes, biostimulators, and more

Marisa also breaks down misconceptions about med spas and vanity culture, emphasizing why foundational health always amplifies aesthetic outcomes — and how these treatments ultimately support comfort, function, and whole-body wellness for women in midlife.

If you want to age well, improve sexual wellness, understand tissue healing, or explore whether RF might be right for you, this episode brings clarity and science-backed insight.

Connect with Aspire Med Spa & Marisa ScottWebsite: https://aspirealaska.com/
Instagram: @aspirealaska

On The Ascent: Health is produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska — a clinic dedicated to helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life.

Connect with Dr. Laura & Ascent Health & Performance

Website: ⁠https://ascentak.com/⁠

Podcast : ⁠ascentak.com/podcast⁠

Instagram: ⁠@ascenthealth_ak⁠

Perimenopause can feel like your body has flipped a switch overnight—weight gain, joint aches, brain fog, mood swings, gut issues, and “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”

In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura is joined by Dr. Aderonke “Ade” Akindipe, DNP, FNP-C, founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness in Anchorage, Alaska. After working grueling 12-hour shifts during the pandemic and being told her symptoms were “just stress,” Dr. Ade eventually discovered she was in perimenopause—and that changing how she approached hormones, labs, and nutrition completely transformed how she felt.

Together, Dr. Laura and Dr. Ade unpack:

• What perimenopause actually is and when it really starts

• Why so many women are dismissed with “your labs are normal”

• Key symptoms of perimenopause vs. thyroid issues, “adrenal fatigue,” or blood sugar problems

• How hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect mood, joints, sleep, and belly fat

• Why women can become more insulin resistant in midlife—and what to do about it

• How stress, caffeine, alcohol, and over-exercising impact cortisol and midlife weight

• The difference between “normal” lab ranges and optimal ranges for women 35+

• How hormone replacement, nutrition, and lifestyle work together (and why it’s never just one thing)

• The kind of support and “handholding” many women actually need to feel better, not just get more prescriptions

Dr. Ade also shares real stories from her practice—like the woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia who improved dramatically with testosterone support and better hormone balance.

Connect with Dr. Ade & Rejuvenate Health & Wellness

Website: rejuvenatehealthak.com
Instagram: @rejuvenate_health_wellness

On The Ascent: Health is produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska — a clinic dedicated to helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life. Connect with Dr. Laura & Ascent Health & Performance

Website: https://ascentak.com/

Podcast : ascentak.com/podcast
Instagram: @ascenthealth_ak

In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura returns for Part 2 of her conversation with Justin Penny of Gameday Men’s Health — this time diving into one of the most talked-about areas in performance medicine: peptide therapy.

While peptides are often associated with men’s optimization, the truth is that women are seeking them out too — for recovery, gut health, libido, sleep, and longevity. Justin breaks down what peptides are, how they work at a cellular level, and why they’re becoming so popular among active adults who want to feel better, heal faster, and age stronger.

Together, Dr. Laura and Justin cover:

Peptides 101

• What peptides are and how they “unlock” cellular function

• Why aging cells become less responsive — and how peptides help

• Safety, dosing, and what injections are actually like

Popular Peptides and What They Do

• CJC/Ipamorelin and Sermorelin for boosting natural growth hormone

• BPC-157 and TB-500 for injury recovery, tissue repair, and post-surgical healing

• GHK-Cu for skin, collagen, and wound healing

• PT-141 for women’s libido and sexual motivation

• Melanotan II (the tanning peptide) and why people use it

• Dihexa for cognitive support and neurological function

Who Peptides Help

• Women with gut issues, fatigue, or chronic injuries

• Athletes wanting faster recovery

• Post-operative patients preparing for or healing from surgery

• Anyone already doing “most things right” wanting the extra 10%

• Women seeking libido support without hormones

What Peptides Cannot Do

• They’re not magic

• Foundational habits still matter

• Peptides work best when sleep, nutrition, stress, and movement are dialed in

Additional topics include:

• Oral vs injection BPC-157

• Why the internet is the “Wild West” for peptides

• Why Gameday’s medical oversight and lab testing matter for safety

• Real patient stories and surprising results

This episode is a clear, practical look at peptide therapy — perfect for anyone curious about safe, medically supervised tools for recovery, anti-aging, gut health, libido, or overall vitality.

Find Gameday Men’s Health
Website: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/anchorage-ak/
Instagram: @gamedayanchorage

Produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska.
Helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life.
More episodes and resources: https://ascentak.com/podcast/

In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura sits down with Justin Penny, owner of Gameday Men’s Health in Anchorage—a concierge hormone and performance clinic changing the way men access care.

While Gameday focuses on helping men optimize testosterone, energy, and performance, this conversation is can be so important for women. Justin breaks down how men’s hormones influence motivation, mood, relationships, fatherhood, and the energy they bring home at the end of the day.

Together, Dr. Laura and Justin explore:

• Why so many men feel exhausted, unmotivated, or “not themselves”

• How testosterone levels impact mood, drive, and presence at home

• Why normal lab ranges often fail men—and what “optimal” actually means

• What the free in-house blood panel includes and why it matters

• The early signs of low T that women often notice first

• How hormone balance can improve workouts, recovery, and mental clarity

• Why younger men are increasingly struggling with low testosterone

• Environmental, lifestyle, and sleep factors that quietly sabotage hormones

Justin also demystifies the clinical side of TRT:

• When testosterone therapy is appropriate

• How injections work and why dosing matters

• Fertility considerations

• Common side effects and safety guardrails

• Why men often feel more energized, confident, and productive within weeks

This is an honest, practical, judgment-free conversation about men’s health—perfect for women who want their partners to feel their best, and for men looking to regain energy, strength, drive, and presence.

Find Gameday Men’s Health

Website: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/anchorage-ak/
Instagram: @gamedayanchorage

Produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, AlaskaHelping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life.
Explore more episodes and resources: ascentak.com/podcast

In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura sits down with one of Alaska’s most respected physical therapists, Zuzana Rogers, owner of Runner’s Edge and a three-time Olympic physio. With decades of experience treating Olympians, elite runners, and everyday Alaskans, Zuzana delivers clear, evidence-based insight on the one topic too many women overlook until it’s too late: bone density.

Together, we dive into what your bone density really says about your health span, why running, swimming, and cycling aren’t enough to protect your bones, and how simple daily habits—done correctly—can dramatically reduce your risk of fractures, falls, and early loss of mobility.

Zuzana explains:

• When bone density actually peaks (hint: much earlier than you think)

• Why women start losing bone mass in their 40s—and what accelerates the decline

• The real role of estrogen, muscle mass, and heavy lifting in protecting your skeleton

• Why impact, not cardio, is the key stimulus for stronger bones

• How often to get a DEXA scan and what your scores actually mean

• The red flags that put you at higher risk for osteoporosis

• Why just being active isn’t enough (and what to do instead)

We also explore practical, doable strategies you can start today—no gym membership required. From partial squats and simple loading cycles to easy balance drills you can perform while brushing your teeth, Zuzana breaks down exactly how to build stronger bones and better balance at any age.

You’ll learn:

• Why only 20–40 impact reps twice a day can meaningfully stimulate bone growth

• The safest way to begin lifting if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis

• Why balance training should be specific, simple, and individualized

• How to train the feet, ankles, and joints for fall prevention

• Why even advanced athletes still need targeted upper-body loading

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too old” to lift, if running is wearing out your joints, or whether bone density really matters, this episode will change the way you think about your future strength.

About Zuzana Rogers:
Zuzana is a extensively trained physical therapist, international sports physio, and owner of Runner’s Edge PT. She specializes in treating runners, skiers, and active Alaskans, and has built one of the most respected bone-health programs in Anchorage. Her clinics offer one-on-one care, bone-loading classes, balance training, and extensive educational resources.

Find Runner’s Edge:
Website: https://runnersedge.physio/
Instagram & Facebook: @runnersedgealaska
Locations: Midtown Anchorage & South Anchorage

On The Ascent: Health is produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska — blending evidence-based chiropractic, physical therapy, and strength training to help people stay strong for the long run.
Explore more episodes and resources at ascentak.com/podcast.