She Aligns the Body, Starting with the Feet
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Release Date: 10/29/2024
#334 Functional vs Conventional Medicine: How to Truly Heal Your Body with Andrea Balzer
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this episode of the Core Connections podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Andrea Balzer, functional health practitioner and founder of Counter Culture Health & Wellness, to explore why so many women still feel unwell despite being told their labs are “normal.” They dive into: The gap between conventional and functional medicine Why symptoms are signals—not problems How to advocate for your health The importance of trusting your intuition Practical steps to begin your healing journey If you’ve been searching for answers, this conversation will help you understand where...
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Hair Loss in Women: Root Causes of Alopecia, Postpartum Shedding & Thinning Hair with Johanna Dahlman
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast, Erica sits down with Johanna Dahlman, also known as the Alopecia Angel, to talk about hair loss, alopecia, and the root-cause factors that may be contributing to thinning, shedding, and poor hair health. Johanna shares her personal journey with alopecia areata, how that diagnosis led her into a deeper healing path, and what she now sees in women struggling with hair loss — from postpartum changes and thyroid issues to nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, autoimmune patterns, and lifestyle factors. This conversation is a powerful reminder...
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#332: Thyroid Symptoms But Normal Labs? Here’s What to Look At Next with Dr. Elena Genik
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this episode of The Core Connections Podcast, Erica Ziel sits down with Dr. Elena Genik to talk all about thyroid health, including the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s vs. Graves’ disease, why TSH alone is not enough, and the root-cause factors that may be driving thyroid dysfunction. They discuss the role of gut health, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalance, chronic stress, inflammation, food triggers, and functional lab testing, along with supportive tools like gentle movement, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. If you’ve ever been told your...
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Fascia & Pain: Why Less Intensity = Better Results
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
In this solo episode, Erica breaks down how fascia influences pain—and why gentle, consistent work often creates better (and longer-lasting) relief than intense release methods. You’ll learn why “less is more,” how smaller ranges of motion can help your body feel safer, and why diaphragmatic breathing + deep core alignment are foundational for reducing tension, improving posture, and getting out of pain patterns. Explore Erica’s programs + trainings: • Core Rehab Program (pain relief + deep core & pelvic floor connection): • Prenatal Program (Knocked-Up Fitness): •...
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#330 Why Midlife Weight Loss Stops Working (Even When Labs Are “Normal”) with Shay Pascale
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Midlife weight loss can feel impossible — especially when you’re doing “everything right” and your labs look normal. In this episode, Erica sits down with Shay Pascale to break down what actually drives sustainable body composition in midlife: muscle-centric nutrition, progressive strength training, reverse dieting for under-eaters, gut testing when nothing works, and a balanced conversation about GLP-1s. If you’re tired of dieting and ready for real metabolic clarity, this one is for you. Shay’s website: thebodybulletin.com Free masterclass: thebodybulletin.com/masterclass...
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#329 Strength Training & Pelvic Floor: Why Breath Matters More Than Bracing
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
If you or your clients leak, feel pelvic pressure, or struggle with back pain during strength training — this conversation is for you. In this Core Connections podcast interview, Erica Ziel sits down with Pilates instructor and powerlifter Lauren Carder to break down why so many movement professionals are unknowingly teaching breath and bracing strategies that drive pressure into the pelvic floor instead of supporting it. This episode dives into: 04:13 Why Pilates Feels “Too Easy” at First — and Why It’s Not 05:11 The Missing Mind-Body Connection in Modern Strength Training 06:22 A...
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#328: Peptides Explained: Healing, Weight Loss & Hormone Support with Dr. Kela Smith
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Peptides are everywhere — but are they actually safe, effective, and necessary? In this episode of Core Connections, I’m joined by Dr. Kela Smith, functional medicine practitioner and founder of the Hormone Puzzle Society, to break down the truth about peptides. 00:00 Introduction to Holistic Health and Peptides 04:09 Understanding Peptides: The Basics 06:56 The Benefits of BPC 157 and Other Peptides 10:05 Injectable vs. Oral Peptides: What You Need to Know 12:43 Cycling Peptides: How and Why 15:46 Peptides for Postpartum Recovery 18:38 Peptides and Weight Loss: A Cautious Approach 21:36...
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#327: Burnout: How Cortisol, Minerals, and Digestion Affect Weight & Energy with Monika Eva
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
If you’re eating well, exercising consistently, and still struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight, and burnout — this episode is for you. In this episode of Core Connections, Erica Ziel sits down with Monika Eva, Hormone Nutritionist, to unpack the hidden reasons women feel stuck despite doing everything “right.” We dive into cortisol dysregulation (especially low cortisol), mineral depletion, gut health, digestion, and why traditional testing often misses what’s really going on in the body. This conversation is empowering, educational, and deeply validating for women who have been...
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#326 Pelvic Floor Health: 5 Myths That Could Be Holding You Back
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
04:30 - Understand what your pelvic floor actually is 08:42 Myth Busting: Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Issues 10:28 The Kegel Controversy 15:02 The Importance of Breath in Pelvic Health 21:58 Hip Tightness and Its Connection to the Pelvic Floor 25:25 Learning a New Language: Pelvic Floor Awareness ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why incontinence is common but not normal • What the pelvic floor actually is (and how big it really is) • Why Kegels often don’t work—and can make things worse • How breath and the pelvic floor work together • The connection between hips, back...
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#325: Hidden Connection Between Your Spine & Nervous System Regulation with Dr. Veronica Schiltz
Core Connections with Erica Ziel
Learn how nervous system regulation impacts energy, pain, posture, stress, pregnancy, and healing. Erica Ziel interviews Dr. Veronica Schiltz on gentle, nervous system–focused chiropractic care and long-term wellness. 00:00 – Welcome & why nervous system regulation matters more than ever 03:30 – What nervous system–focused chiropractic care really means 07:45 – How chronic stress, pregnancy, and life experiences shape the nervous system 12:40 – Why gentle care is often more effective than force 17:20 – Understanding nervous system scans & what they reveal 22:30 –...
info_outlineWelcome to your deep dive into body alignment.
Oh yes, today, this conversation starts with the feet, but more importantly…
It explores how everything in the body is integrated, working together to create stability and power.
(Can you tell that I lo(ooo)ve talking about functional movement?)
Joining me today is none other than Dr. Emily Splichal, a podiatrist and movement specialist with a passion for helping people connect with their bodies. We’re talking all about how foot mechanics impact your entire body and sharing insight on one of our favorite topics...FACIA.
We’re also getting into how sensory stimulation can wake up the nervous system in the feet and hands (Emily is so passionate about this that she designed her Naboso products to support this connection).
Dr. Emily’s approach? It’s right up my alley—practical, insightful, and incredibly empowering. I have no doubt you're going to love this conversation as much as I did!
Click play to hear all of this and:
(00:02:11) Introduction to Dr. Emily's career as a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist.
(00:05:48) How pregnancy and postpartum hormonal shifts affect foot posture, gait, pelvic alignment, and overall movement patterns.
(00:10:00) The link between lower back pain, foot stability, and how foot-pelvic floor coordination impacts posture and movement.
(00:13:40) The importance of relaxing into your body.
(00:16:28) The power of tactile feedback from the feet.
(00:21:55) Dr. Emily's guidance on introducing sensory feedback safely using specialized tools to awaken nerves in the feet.
(00:24:30) How to improve foot arches and core stability.
(00:28:12) The connection between fascia, foot function, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and movement for whole-body integration.
(00:36:43) The mindset shift you need to make to develop new patterns for better physical alignment and relaxation.
(00:38:50) How Naboso products stimulate the nervous system and help create new neural pathways for better movement.
(00:44:13) Why Naboso technology's use of textured surfaces to enhance sensory input and brain engagement.
(00:47:48) Seeing movement as a personal journey of exploration, with new insights emerging as readiness and experience grow.
(00:50:54) Dr. Emily's upcoming book Sensory Sapiens, focuses on sensory movement and how it supports lifelong mobility and longevity.
Resources mentioned:
Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:
- Dr. Emily's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfootdoc
- Naboso's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naboso_technology
- Website: https://www.dremilysplichal.com
For full show notes, visit https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/318