Aligned Vitality | Midlife Leaders, Perimenopause, Holistic Health, Reduce Anxiety, Weight Loss, Balance Hormones, Fatigue, Brain Fog

249. From Symptoms to Strategy: What a Personalized Wellness Plan Actually Looks Like

Book a FREE functional health discovery call HERE.
Get on my Functional Health Coaching interest list HERE.
 
Do you feel like you’re doing everything right and still not seeing results in your health? Maybe you’re chasing symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight, bloating—without ever finding the root cause. In this episode of Aligned Vitality, Tanya unpacks how personalized wellness plans built on functional labs and holistic strategy offer a breakthrough for midlife women.
You’ll learn:
Why symptoms alone can’t guide your healing.
How functional lab testing uncovers hidden imbalances.
The 5 pillars for sustainable health.
How faith, mindset, and community play a role in lasting vitality.
If you’re tired of quick fixes and ready for a roadmap rooted in both data and grace, this episode will show you the difference between symptom-chasing and true strategy.
 
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
Episode Resources:
Episode Catalog
 
My trusted Supplement Dispensary: Aligned Vitality Fullscript Dispensary
My trusted Telehealth Peptide Provider:  EllieMD_Tanya Engesether
*I do get a small commission when you use one of the above affiliate links.
3 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Book a FREE discovery call with me to find out more about functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/coaching
 
2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
3️⃣ CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  It is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

248. Stop Guessing, Start Testing: The Power of Personalized Health in Midlife

Book a FREE Discovery call HERE.
Get on the waitlist for Functional Health Coaching HERE.
Get into drawing to win a $500 coupon toward Functional Health Coaching.  Send screenshot of a rating and written review of the show to tanya@alignedvitalityhealth.com
 
Are you tired of guessing what’s wrong with your health? In this episode of Aligned Vitality, Tanya dives into why symptom-chasing and one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work—and how combining your story with functional lab testing creates real results.
You’ll learn:
Why “normal” labs don’t always signal vitality
How functional labs—like hormone panels, GI-MAP stool testing, and metabolic profiles—reveal what mainstream tests miss
The impact of chronic stress and how thought patterns fuel physical symptoms
How the FDN D.R.E.S.S. framework creates personalized healing plans
Why symptoms aren’t shame—they’re signals from a body designed by God
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, listen in—and sign up at gracefilledleader.com/health to be the first to step into personalized coaching grounded in data and faith.
 
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
Episode Resources:
GFL Episode Catalog
 
3 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
2️⃣ COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Book a FREE discovery call with me to find out more about functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/coaching
 
3️⃣ CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

247. When Normal Isn’t Healthy: Why Midlife Women Feel Off (Even When Their Labs Look Fine)

Get on the waitlist for Functional Health Coaching HERE.
Do you ever feel exhausted, foggy, moody, or “off” in your own skin—even though your doctor says your labs look normal? You’re not imagining it. In this episode of Aligned Vitality, Tanya unpacks why “normal” isn’t the same as “healthy,” especially for women in midlife.
We’ll explore:
The gap between disease detection and true health
What functional health and functional lab testing reveal that standard labs miss
How chronic stress and hormone shifts in midlife affect your energy, mood, and metabolism
The spiritual truth that symptoms are signals, not shame
Practical first steps to begin reclaiming your vitality
If you’re tired of guessing and ready for answers, this conversation will give you hope, validation, and a roadmap forward.
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
Episode Resources:
GFL Episode Catalog
 
3 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
2️⃣ COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Book a FREE discovery call with me to find out more about functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/coaching
 
3️⃣ CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

246. A New Chapter: Why the Podcast Is Rebranding (and What It Means for You)

Book a FREE functional health discovery call HERE.
 
In this episode, Tanya shares the heart behind her podcast rebrand from The Grace Filled Leader to Aligned Vitality for Midlife Leaders. Discover why this shift matters, what’s staying the same, and what exciting new content is coming your way.
For years, Tanya has helped women lead with grace, overcome people-pleasing, and manage their time and energy with intention. But as God has expanded her calling, Tanya has been going “back to school” to earn her certification as a Functional Health Practitioner. This new training, combined with her 27 years in healthcare leadership, allows her to serve midlife women leaders with both professional expertise and personal experience.
If you’re a woman navigating leadership, faith, and the challenges of midlife health — from stress and burnout to perimenopause symptoms — this episode will encourage you, equip you, and give you a vision for what’s ahead.
Listen in to learn how aligning your health, leadership, and faith can help you thrive with vitality, purpose, and peace.
 
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
Episode Resources:
GFL Episode Catalog
 
3 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
2️⃣ COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Book a FREE discovery call with me to find out more about functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/coaching
 
3️⃣ CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

245. From Surviving to Abundant Living: The Next Chapter as God Expands the Mission

Get on the waitlist for Functional Health Coaching HERE.
In this heartfelt episode, Tanya shares her personal journey from striving and burnout to discovering abundant living through God’s design for whole-person wellness.
The Grace Filled Leader began with a mission to help women surrender their leadership and daily lives to the Lord — finding victory and freedom from people-pleasing, anxiety, and exhaustion. But as Tanya continued to grow and heal, God led her deeper: into her own wellness journey, functional health training, and the realization that abundant living means aligning body, mind, and spirit with His beautiful design.
Listen in as Tanya celebrates passing her final oral exam to become a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, reflects on her spiritual and physical healing journey, and prepares listeners for the exciting rebrand ahead: Aligned Vitality for Midlife Leaders.
If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck in brain fog, overwhelmed by stress, or out of sync with your health, this episode will encourage you with hope, vision, and the reminder that God designed you for vitality and abundant life.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The origins of The Grace Filled Leader and its message of grace and surrender in leadership.
How Tanya’s own struggles with stress, burnout, and health became part of her faith journey.
Why she went “back to school” to become a Functional Health Practitioner.
What “abundant living” truly means in midlife.
How the upcoming rebrand reflects a mission expansion — not a departure.
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
 
Episode Resources:
GFL Episode Catalog
 
3 WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:
FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Get on the waitlist for functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/health
 
CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

244. From Anxiety to Hope: My Journey to Finally Feeling Happy ☺️

Get on the waitlist for Functional Health Coaching HERE.
For decades, Tanya lived with crippling anxiety. From pushing through finals in college to showing up for her family and leading in healthcare, she wore a mask of strength while silently dreading each new day.
In this deeply personal episode, Tanya opens up about the weight of living with anxiety since childhood, the years of silently wishing for relief, and the moment — at 51 years old — when she finally realized she could say, “I am happy.”
This isn’t a story of quick fixes or surface-level positivity. It’s a story of healing from the inside out: through faith, mindset renewal, and functional health at the cellular level.
If you’ve ever felt consumed by anxiety or wondered if joy was still possible, this episode will remind you that you are not broken, you are not alone, and you are not without hope.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why anxiety often hides behind achievement and responsibility
How Tanya pushed through decades of crippling anxiety while leading and caring for others
The role of spiritual health, mindset, and functional healing in her journey
Why hope and healing are possible, even after years of struggle
An invitation to embrace the messy middle as a launch pad for the best years ahead
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
Episode Resources:
GFL Episode Catalog
 
5 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE Coaching Call now! Get personalized and practical strategies for work-life balance. Start your grace-filled life and leadership journey ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workwithme
 
2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
3️⃣ FREE WORKSHOP: Watch my FREE “Conquer Your Email Inbox” workshop! It's your key to jumpstart productivity ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workshop
 
4️⃣ COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Get on the waitlist for functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/health
 
5️⃣CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

Light in the Darkness: Reflections on the Tragic Loss of Charlie Kirk💔

In today’s impromptu episode, I share my heart in response to the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. At just 31 years old, Charlie was a husband, father, son, and brother in Christ. He lived with conviction, courage, and deep faith, creating spaces for open dialogue and debate on college campuses.
No matter our political views, this loss should grieve us all. A young wife shouldn’t have to fear for her husband’s life because he used his voice for faith and freedom.
As believers, we grieve—but we don’t grieve without hope. Scripture reminds us that God can work all things for good (Romans 8:28), and that His faithful servants are welcomed home with joy (Matthew 25:23). In this episode, I reflect on Charlie’s legacy, the spiritual battle we face, and the call for Christians to shine brighter in a darkening world.
This episode is an invitation to pray for his family, to stand firm in God’s Word, and to recommit ourselves to living boldly for Christ.

243. When Anxiety Runs Deep: Healing Beyond Pills Through Functional Health

Get on the waitlist for Functional Health Coaching HERE.
Is anxiety really “all in your head”? Not exactly.
In this deeply personal episode, Tanya shares her lifelong journey with anxiety — from childhood panic to decades on medication — and why, for the first time, she feels hopeful about a future beyond pills.
You’ll learn the truth about the gut-brain connection: while serotonin made in the gut doesn’t directly cross into the brain, gut health still plays a critical role in mood regulation. Discover how leaky gut, maldigestion, and liver congestion compromise nutrient absorption and neurotransmitter production, and how inflammation can shift the brain away from serotonin balance.
Tanya also explores:
The nutrients your body needs to build serotonin in the brain
How SSRIs work (and their long-term limitations)
Why gut and liver health matter for mental health
A functional health approach to addressing anxiety at the root
If you’ve ever wondered why anxiety won’t let go, this episode will give you hope, practical insight, and a faith-filled reminder: healing is possible.
 
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
Episode Resources:
 
GFL Episode Catalog
 
5 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE Coaching Call now! Get personalized and practical strategies for work-life balance. Start your grace-filled life and leadership journey ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workwithme
 
2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
3️⃣ FREE WORKSHOP: Watch my FREE “Conquer Your Email Inbox” workshop! It's your key to jumpstart productivity ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workshop
 
4️⃣ COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Get on the waitlist for functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/health
 
5️⃣CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

242. When Your Thoughts Become Energy Vampires: Taking Every Thought Captive for Health and Peace

Get on the waitlist for Functional Health Coaching HERE.
Do you ever feel like your thoughts are draining you more than the people around you? In this episode of the podcast, Tanya unpacks how our own minds can act like “energy vampires,” robbing us of peace, joy, and even physical health.
Discover the connection between chronic stress, cortisol, and functional health, and why your body can’t tell the difference between real events and the thoughts you replay over and over. Tanya also shares what Scripture teaches about renewing our minds and taking every thought captive—and how these truths align beautifully with what science reveals about the brain and body.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why negative thought loops trigger the same stress response as real danger
How chronic stress disrupts digestion, hormones, and immunity
Practical ways to pause, redirect, and reframe thoughts using both science and Scripture
Small, daily habits that busy women can use to protect their peace and restore energy
How practicing thought stewardship can help you lead, live, and love with greater freedom
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in worry, fear, or self-criticism, this episode will help you find practical tools and faith-filled encouragement to reclaim your joy and energy.
 
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
Episode Resources:
 
GFL Episode Catalog
 
5 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE Coaching Call now! Get personalized and practical strategies for work-life balance. Start your grace-filled life and leadership journey ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workwithme
 
2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
3️⃣ FREE WORKSHOP: Watch my FREE “Conquer Your Email Inbox” workshop! It's your key to jumpstart productivity ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workshop
 
4️⃣ COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Get on the waitlist for functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/health
 
5️⃣CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

241. Own the Morning, Win the Season: How Small Shifts Lead to Big Breakthroughs in Midlife

Get on the waitlist for Functional Health Coaching HERE.
In this episode, we are talking about the real reason so many high-capacity women feel burned out, overwhelmed, and spiritually depleted — and it’s not because they aren’t doing enough. It’s because they’re doing everything without margin, alignment, or presence.
You’ll learn how small daily shifts — starting with your mornings — can lead to massive breakthroughs in your health, mindset, and leadership impact. I’ll also share a simple framework to reset your rhythm, reclaim your mornings, and step into your next season with purpose and peace.
We’ll explore:
Why the idea of “doing more” is actually keeping you stuck
How the nervous system, hormones, and your calendar are connected
A 3-step morning reset to help you get out of survival mode
Why personal responsibility and surrender go hand-in-hand
I hope this episode blesses you!
Xoxo,
Tanya
 
#MidlifeReset #MorningRoutine #ChristianWellness #WomenInLeadership #FaithAndFocus
#Live100Inspired #PerimenopauseSupport #NervousSystemHealth #BurnoutRecovery #SmallStepsBigChange
#ChristianLifeCoach #MindBodySpiritWellness #ShowUpWithPurpose
 
Episode Resources:
GFL Episode Catalog
 
5 Ways To Connect With Me:
1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE Coaching Call now! Get personalized and practical strategies for work-life balance. Start your grace-filled life and leadership journey ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workwithme
 
2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/community
 
3️⃣ FREE WORKSHOP: Watch my FREE “Conquer Your Email Inbox” workshop! It's your key to jumpstart productivity ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/workshop
 
4️⃣ COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Get on the waitlist for functional health coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/health
 
5️⃣CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://gracefilledleader.com/contact
 
"Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they’re meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!" 
 
If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, I’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.
 
Click here to view our privacy policy.
 
Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, manage or treat disease.  Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.