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As we reach the end of another year, I wanted to pause and share something I’ve never done before: a true reflection on what shaped me this year—both as a physician and as a person.

This wasn’t just a year of programs, podcasts, and plans. It was a year of learning how to protect my energy, lean into community, and appreciate the incredible people who make this work possible. Here’s a look back at the experiences that changed me, what I’m excited about for 2026, and the village I’m endlessly grateful for.

What This Year Taught Me

I entered 2025 with two words: connection and calm.

After too many conferences and too many commitments the year before, I knew I needed to strip things back and rebuild from intention.

Two guiding questions shaped everything I did this year:

1. What actually matters within my values of compassionate care and community?
   
2. And what does success look like if it’s not about the metrics?

I borrowed a definition from John Maxwell that stuck with me all year:
Success means the people who know me the best love and respect me the most.

This shifted everything, from how I structured my time, to what I said yes to, to how I supported my patients and clients. And it showed me just how deeply people thrive when they’re held in community.

Highlights That Shaped the Year 

• The Growth of the 30/30 Community

I ran three rounds of The 30/30 Program (January, April, and September), and each one felt like its own chapter of growth. What I witnessed in those groups confirmed something I've always believed: it's never a knowledge problem. Real change happens with accountability and connection.

The community grew so much that we had to restructure the WhatsApp group, splitting it into one space for coaching, support, and wins, and another for recipes and food finds. That shift alone made such a difference in how people could engage without feeling overwhelmed. And by the end of the year, multiple members were asking when we could meet in person, which led to planning our first live retreat for April 2026.

• Behind the Curtain + 21 Incredible Podcast Guests

This was the first year of the Behind the Curtain premium podcast seasons, and they became one of my favorite projects. Season one focused on clinical scenarios and answering your questions directly. Season two explored how to keep going when life is hard, complete with a December live challenge that brought the community together in real time.

Alongside that, I interviewed 21 experts on The Obesity Guide: physicians, nurses, coaches, therapists, and industry leaders. We covered addiction medicine, emotional eating, ADHD, grief, heart health, skin care, and so much more. Many of you wrote to tell me you've re-listened to episodes multiple times and that they helped you reframe your relationship with food, weight, and self-trust.

• Clinician Coaching + The Female Founders Accelerator

What started as a few physician friends asking for help with social media and practice growth turned into a thriving group of about 12 clinicians supporting each other. We meet regularly, share strategies, and help each other build strong, independent clinics that deliver better care to patients. This matters deeply to me because I believe strong clinics equal better outcomes for everyone.

Later in the year, I partnered with Amanda Sabicer, a business coach, to create the Female Founders Accelerator. We realized our clients were working with both of us separately and needed us together, plus additional support we could provide in one comprehensive program. Seeing these women grow their practices and serve more patients well honestly lights me up. This isn't just about business growth, it's about expanding access to the kind of care patients actually deserve.

My Own Inner Work

To sustain all of this, I had to get serious about managing my own energy. This wasn’t optional, it was necessary.

Daily morning walks at the local track became a grounding ritual (and an unexpected source of community). I added consistent strength training, focused on emotional regulation, and shifted my nutrition toward more whole-based foods, which genuinely changed how I feel in my body.

I also started working with Jane Pilger on emotional eating and nervous system regulation, which has been transformative. Monthly sound baths with Sarah Gardner became another anchor, helping me stay regulated and creative in the midst of a very full life.

This year reinforced something I’ll carry forward: none of the external work matters if the internal foundation isn’t steady. Protecting my energy isn’t selfish, it’s what allows me to show up fully for everyone I serve.

Where I’m Headed in 2026

My curiosity is pulling me in new directions:

• Genetics — how our reports can guide real-life decisions around nutrition, supplements, and exercise
  
• Physiology — explaining the complexities of obesity, metabolism, and health in more depth
  
• Addiction science + dopamine — not to pathologize food, but to understand the overlaps
  
• Nervous system regulation — because transformation simply can’t happen from a dysregulated place

You’ll hear more about all of this on the podcast and inside the programs next year!

I’m also moving toward more in-person connection with the April Beyond the Scale retreat and additional small, intentional gatherings. And for The 30/30 Program, I’ll be keeping groups intentionally small so I can give everyone the attention they deserve.

My 2025 Gratitude List

This year reminded me how big our village really is. None of what I do—this clinic, the coaching, the podcast, the programs—would exist without the people listed below.

Here are the individuals and businesses I’m deeply grateful for, along with what they do and where you can find them:

Business + Creative Support

• Lora LaPratt – Stylist
  Teaches me how to dress my body with confidence and intention.
• Abbie – Photographer
  Captures images that reflect my journey and message.
• Black Swan Beauty – Hair & Makeup
  The talented team behind my photo-ready looks.
• Julia – Professional Organizer
  Transforms my spaces so I can think clearly and create with ease.
  
• Sarah – Sound Baths
  Supports my nervous system with monthly grounding practices.
• Amanda – Business Coach
  Keeps me aligned with my values and focused on sustainable growth.
• Rebecca – Copywriter
  Captures my voice in writing better than I ever could on my own, from emails to blog posts, to landing pages.
  
• Gretchen – Website & Tech Support
  Makes the backend of my business run smoothly.
  
• Jane – Emotional Eating + Nervous System Coach
  Helps me deepen my own regulation and relationship with food.

Local Businesses That Bring Joy

• Field & Flour Market Café – Homemade treats, farm-fresh eggs, local products
  
• Filigree Bakery – The most stunning and delicious cakes
  
• Rosie’s Poseys – Flowers, cookies, sourdough, and custom embroidered gifts

Closing the Year With Gratitude

If you listened to the podcast, joined a program, came to a coaching call, sent a message, shared an episode, or were part of this community in any way… you’ve shaped my year more than you know.

This has been the most meaningful year yet, and I am so grateful to step into 2026 with all of you.

Here’s to a new year full of connection, calm, curiosity, and community.