I’m back with another edition of my “In the Spotlight” series. Today, I’m interviewing podcast host Dr. Sarah Schuetz. On her podcast, The Starting Gate, she (and her co-host Dr. Katherine Dotson) talk about easy, science-based lifestyle changes that allow listeners to take control of their health.
I’m so excited to chat with her about her and her podcast. Everyone, let’s welcome Sarah!
Nicole: Welcome, Sarah! How did you come by your podcast name, “The Starting Gate”?
Sarah: The Starting Gate was inspired by a play on words—since we’re based in Kentucky, home to some of the world’s most famous horse races. But more importantly, we wanted our show to help people know where to begin when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes. While many podcasts dive into extreme routines or perfection-focused advice, we focus on the simple, practical steps that are realistic and doable for most people. Our goal is to make better health feel accessible, not overwhelming.
Nicole: I love that visual! That’s a perfect representation of beginning lifestyle changes. Why did you decide to start your podcast?
Sarah: My cohost, Dr. Katherine Dotson, and I started talking about how we could better educate people on the power of lifestyle medicine—beyond the limits of a typical office visit. We know how challenging it can be to cover everything in a short appointment, so we created a podcast as a way to share the deeper conversations we wish we had time for with every patient. A podcast also makes this information more accessible to a wider audience, helping us reach and impact more lives.
Nicole: I think that’s so amazing that you wanted a way to reach people that you don’t get to as physicians. What have you learned about yourself (and/or others) through your podcast?
Sarah: I’ve learned to never say never. If you had asked me five years ago whether I’d ever start a podcast, I would’ve confidently said no—and probably bet money on it. But stepping outside my comfort zone has taught me that the initial discomfort is often outweighed by the sense of purpose and fulfillment that follows. Sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from doing the very thing you thought you’d never do.
Nicole: I completely agree! How has your podcast evolved since you first started?
Sarah: When we first launched the podcast, most of our episodes featured just the two of us. We weren’t sure how often we’d have guests—or if many would even be interested in joining us. But as the show grew, so did the interest. Now, we feature more guest interviews than solo episodes, and it’s been incredible to learn from experts across so many areas of healthcare and wellness. The insights they’ve shared have enriched our conversations and expanded our own understanding along the way.
Nicole: I think that’s amazing! What’s been the biggest surprise or challenge you’ve experienced while podcasting?
Sarah: One of our biggest challenges has been the technology. Neither Dr. Dotson nor I would call ourselves tech-savvy, so we’ve definitely hit a few bumps—like accidentally losing an entire episode or dealing with mic issues we didn’t catch until later. But every obstacle has taught us something new, and we’ve grown a lot through the process. We’ve also been incredibly fortunate to record at our public library, where an amazing staff member has provided guidance and support that’s made a world of difference.
Nicole: I can imagine the tech issues being a challenge for many podcast hosts! What has been your most memorable episode(s) and why?
Sarah: The most memorable episode for me was the one we recorded on fire safety with our local police chief. Earlier this year, I experienced a house fire that destroyed my entire home and all of my belongings. Sharing my story on the podcast was emotional, but it also felt incredibly meaningful. It gave me a chance to turn a painful experience into something empowering—by helping others learn how to protect themselves and their families with practical fire safety measures.
Sidebar Note from Nicole: Listen to the episode here:
Nicole: I’m so sorry that happened to you, and I think it’s incredibly powerful that you shared that on an episode. How do you prepare for each show?
Sarah: Dr. Dotson and I start by discussing the key questions we want to cover. We research any topic we feel we need to review research on or a new guideline that may be out. We then send a list of proposed questions to our guest, giving them a chance to review and make sure they’re comfortable with the topics. Once we’re all on the same page, we create a simple show outline to guide the conversation. We keep it minimal—just enough to stay on track—so the episode feels natural and conversational.
Nicole: I love that you keep it conversational. If you could have a dream guest on your podcast, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Sarah: Dr. Dotson and I are big fans of the book Fiber Fueled, so one of our dream guests would be the author, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. We’d love to have him on the show to dive deeper into the science behind his book and explore the powerful connection between gut health and overall wellness.
Nicole: I hope he’s reading! Maybe you’ll catch his attention. What major accomplishment or milestone have you been most proud of through your podcast?
Sarah: One of the milestones we’re most proud of was releasing our first ten episodes. Those early shows took a lot of time and effort, but they helped us build a foundation and figure out what works. Since then, we’ve developed a better system and a clearer understanding of the process. As the podcast has grown in popularity, it’s also become easier to connect with guests who are excited to be part of the show.
Nicole: How amazing is that? Those ten episodes are a major milestone.
Thank you so much for chatting with me today!
Everyone, don’t miss The Starting Gate. It’s a fantastic show to watch if you want to take a step towards better health. Make sure you follow on Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you listen.
You can also learn more about their show by checking out their website, or following them on Instagram.
