MaryKate Smith is a functional medicine nutritionist who likes to take a whole body approach to health that includes the mind, body, and spirit. These days, many are waking up to the idea that their reality is not what it used to be and beginning to understand that in order to be healthy, you really have to make an effort and understand the body at a deeper degree than the Western Medicine Approach.
Each episode will be focused on understanding how to heal yourself through nutrition, tools on processing emotions, and getting to the roots of specific ailments. At times, topics may be controversial, but need to be talked about in order to have a deep sense of what is truly happening in the body and offering different solutions that have long term healthy outcomes. Prepare to expand your mind on topics and truly learn how to body works and what it needs to heal, which can sometimes be the opposite of the mainstream media's view.
S3. EP.2 What’s the PERFECT Diet? (The Truth Might Surprise You!)
With endless diet trends promising to be the one, how do you know what’s actually right for you? In this episode of Are You Awake Yet?, we break down the myth of the “perfect” diet and why it’s not that simple. Your metabolism, genetics, environment, and even stress levels all influence what foods will truly support your health. I’ll also dive into food sensitivity testing, metabolic markers, and other functional tools that help uncover the best approach for your unique body. If you're tired of diet fads and want real answers, this episode is for you!
13 Jan 2025
S3. EP.1 Nutrition, Motherhood, and the Art of Surrender with Taylor Rickrode, RD
In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Are You Awake Yet?, I sit down with my sister, Taylor Rickrode, RD, to explore her unique journey as a registered dietitian, mom, and spiritual seeker. Together, we dive into how she’s navigated nutrition with her kids—balancing the needs of one in the low percentile for body fat and another in the high—while creating a positive, loving environment for them to thrive.
Taylor shares how releasing control and trusting in the bigger picture has been transformative, not only as a mom but also in her work with patients. We talk about the challenges many women face, feeling like they have to "be all the things," and how her journey to let go of perfectionism has helped her step into the best version of herself.
With deep spiritual insights and a beautiful reminder to return to our essence, Taylor explains how reconnecting with her playful, silly side has brought more joy into her life and made her work more meaningful. As someone who’s always felt different in her field, Taylor’s story shows how embracing those differences can be a gift—to ourselves and others.
This episode is for anyone who needs a little lightheartedness and a reminder of how loving and joyful life can truly be. Don’t miss this uplifting conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and inspiration.
To contact Taylor directly, email her at taylor.rickrode@gmail.com
28 Oct 2024
S2. EP.12 Is Your Diet Sabotaging Your Dental Wellness? Insights from Ashley Beels MA, RDH, OMT
This episode of Are You Awake Yet? dives into the intricate connections between dental health and nutrition, hosted by MaryKate with special guest Ashley Beels from Rooted Dental Wellness. Building on Ashley’s expertise in holistic dentistry, the conversation explores the effects of diet on oral health from two perspectives: Ashley addresses jaw development, oral structure, and myofunctional therapy, while MaryKate delves into how nutritional choices—particularly for those on plant-based diets—impact dental well-being.
Throughout the episode, Ashley offers professional insights into myofunctional therapy, explaining how chewing, jaw development, and proper tongue posture are essential for long-term dental health. They also discuss how certain lifestyle trends and water additives, while popular for health, can sometimes negatively affect oral health.
MaryKate complements this discussion with essential tips on avoiding deficiencies common in plant-based diets, focusing on critical nutrients like vitamins A, D, K2, and B12 that support gum and tooth strength. She emphasizes strategies for improving mineral absorption, such as pairing foods and supplementing when needed, to promote strong enamel and healthy gums.
Resources:
Name of pH strips you can buy online
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Testing-Alkaline-Monitor-Accurate-Seconds/dp/B01GFSEB00/ref=sr_1_1?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.R76MBS0Holhh2dBHJUTD1AWN9TPr3cw4LdbUH3G8JUbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.dgXhPq7jfC3p6sK3ITBO6djDUjqExs9lT_WJKc_ua4E&dib_tag=se&keywords=pH+Test+Strips&qid=1730139968&refinements=p_89%3AJust+Fitter&s=industrial&sr=1-1&ts_id=3013605011
Fact Check - Yes, you do want to wait 30 minutes after having acidic drinks/food to allow your saliva to neurtalize the acid before you brush your teeth. You can swish your mouth with water right away
For those of you who want to Switch LMNT electrolytes because they contain citric acid and likely are causing lots of acid in the mouth. Consider switching to Paleovalley electrolyte (specifically the watermelon flavor was the one tested in this instance by Ashely and Ask the Dentist.
https://paleovalley.com/store/essential-electrolytes?srsltid=AfmBOorUlv8PXvp-SxVOeVt_IkOEj5TRohpem2kWYMYUuOtTLon_l32q
Root Dental Website - https://rooteddental.com
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YouTube views
1,499
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 59 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
67
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
60
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