EP 15. Ellen Postolowski was a professional chef who "walked the talk" — eating perfectly, exercising daily, even helping NBA stars with their nutrition! Then she got a diagnosis that shattered everything she thought she knew about health: at 50, she had the bone density of an 80-year-old.

Now health coach and author, Ellen joins me to discuss how the gut is the epicenter of wellness, and how health is not about what you can eat, but what you can DIGEST. Ellen is the author of Gut Driven: A Practical Guide to Whole Body Healing, and in this episode, she shares how her shocking health diagnosis forced her to completely rethink everything she knew about nutrition. We explore the critical connection between gut health and everything from bone density to mood, why traditional medical approaches often miss the mark, and how to become your own best health advocate.

You’ll learn:

• Why your blood work might look “normal” even when your body is screaming for help
• How you could be eating all the right foods but not absorbing any nutrients
• How long-term use of common acid blockers and pain relievers can destroy your gut lining
• A 4-step functional approach to gut healing
• Why probiotics alone won’t fix your gut—and what to do instead
• The top inflammatory foods to eliminate during gut healing (and why it's not forever)
• Where serotonin is actually produced in the body (spoiler: it’s not your brain)
• Simple daily practices for maintaining gut health long-term

Resources:

• Read Ellen’s book: Gut Driven: Jump-Start Digestive Health to Nourish Body, Mind, and Spirit
• Visit Ellen's website: www.chefellen.com
• Follow Ellen on social: @chefellen

Guest Bio:

Ellen Postolowski is a professionally trained chef, integrative health coach, and author dedicated to helping others heal their guts and reclaim their health. After spending years as a private chef for high-profile clients—including an NBA star—Ellen faced a life-changing osteoporosis diagnosis despite a seemingly “perfect” healthy lifestyle. Determined to find the root cause, she immersed herself in functional nutrition and gut health, ultimately healing herself and writing Gut Driven to share what she learned. Today, Ellen supports clients with personalized coaching and practical strategies to restore digestive health, balance hormones, and age vibrantly.

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com

EP 14. Are you drowning in beauty products but your skin still looks dull, irritated, or aged? In this episode of Well Done, I sit down with Jessica Rose, licensed cosmetologist, wellness educator, and author of "Healthier Beauty," to completely flip the script on everything you think you know about skincare and beauty.

Jessica reveals why the "more is better" approach to beauty is actually aging your skin faster, how your immune system is directly connected to your skincare routine, and why that expensive retinol might be doing more harm than good. As someone who's struggled with chronic skin issues myself, this conversation opened my eyes to how overuse of actives and products, and not paying attention to toxins, may contribute to a weakened skin barrier, and how a simpler, science-backed approach can transform not just how you look, but how you feel.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The surprising link between skin health and immune function
• What most people get wrong about “clean” and “natural” labels
• A game-changing method for achieving great hair that goes beyond knowing your hair type
• The ingredients Jessica considers most overrated
• Three product swaps you need to make TODAY
• The NUMBER ONE factor affecting how your skin looks
• The food that Jessica calls "liquid beauty gold"
• How lifestyle factors can age your skin faster than sun damage
• How Jessica uses goat kefir as a natural exfoliator and other must-try DIY beauty recipe

Resources from this episode:

• Jessica’s book: Healthier Beauty: The Ultimate Guide to Radiant Skin, Hair and Wellness (available on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, or Jessica’s website)
• Jessica’s Website: jessicarosewellness.com
• Follow Jessica on social media: @jessicarosewellness_

Guest Bio:

Jessica Rose is the Author of Healthier Beauty: The Ultimate Guide to Radiant Skin, Hair, and Wellness, Certified Nutritionist, Licensed Cosmetologist, and Holistic Beauty Expert. With over 15 years in the beauty and wellness industry, her mission is to empower women to create a wellness focused lifestyle for radiant beauty, inside and out.

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com

EP 13. Joy Kirst, founder of Modern Age Skin, joins me in this eye-opening episode of Well Done, to discuss how sudden skin breakouts, mood swings and sleepless nights could be a sign of perimenopause, and how she turned her own experience into a beauty brand supporting the changing needs of maturing skin. We talk about the beauty industry's "anti-aging" narrative, how Joy took matters into her own hands, and her mission to empower conversations about whole-body health and feeling good as we age.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How perimenopause can start in your 30s—and why most doctors still miss it
• The surprising connection between cortisol spikes, sleep issues, and food sensitivities
• How hormonal fluctuations affect your skin
• The concept of "anti anti-aging" and how it's gaining momentum in the beauty world
• Ingredients to look for in skincare if you’re navigating hormonal changes
• What it really takes to launch a skincare brand in a saturated market

Resources

• Modern Age Skin
• Follow @modernageskin on Instagram

Guest Bio

Joy Kirst is the founder of Modern Age Skin, a skincare line formulated specifically for the needs of women navigating perimenopause and beyond. After a successful career as an executive search consultant, Joy combined her research background and personal journey through hormonal upheaval to create products that work with the body—not against it. Her mission is to destigmatize aging, educate women about whole-body wellness in midlife, and create skincare that truly serves.

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com

EP 12. What if the products you use to feel beautiful are actually making you sick? In Part 2 of my solo Toxin Detox series, I reveal the hidden dangers lurking in our everyday beauty and personal care products and provide practical tips on how to reduce our toxin exposure. We get into the harmful ingredients to watch out for, the marketing buzzwords we can ignore, and how to read labels. Plus, I share my holy grail products, ones I’ve used since having ultra-sensitive, eczema-prone skin, and which I still use today because they’re just that good.

What You'll Learn

• The harmful ingredients hiding in everyday beauty and personal care products
• How to spot red flag ingredients on labels and marketing buzzwords
• What third-party certifications and patient advocacy seals mean
• How common acne treatments could contribute to long-term health risks
• My exact method for vetting products I can’t find on clean beauty apps
• My current skincare essentials for ultra-sensitive skin

Studies & Research

• 2024 Front Public Health Article: “The Dark Side of Beauty”
• EWG Article on The Toxic 12 Ingredients in Cosmetics
• 2022 study that uncovered that 83% of products contained parabens
• ScienceNews article on PFAs found in cosmetics
• Helpful article breaking down Fragrance and Natural Fragrance
• Article on benzoyl peroxide causing benzene in common acne treatments
• 2022 study - “Natural is not always better”

Other Resources Mentioned

• EWG Skin Deep app/database for product safety ratings
• Think Dirty app for ingredient analysis
• Perplexity AI tool for researching product ingredients

Products Mentioned

• Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence
• Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil PHA
• The Klog Plant Rich Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
• Soon Jung 2x Barrier Cream
• Earth Mama Nose & Cheek Balm
• Ciele Prime & Protect SPF 30

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com

EP 11. When I got my toxin test results back, I discovered I had extreme levels of uranium in my system, and that was JUST the beginning. In Part 1 of my solo toxin detox series, I'm sharing the complete breakdown of what was found in my body and the initial protocol that changed everything. After years of dealing with severe eczema, I finally got answers to why my skin was flaring up on a regular basis—and they were more shocking than I ever imagined.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where I'll dive deep into beauty product ingredients, what I threw out, what I kept, and how to read labels like a pro.

DISCLAIMER: This episode shares my personal experience and is for educational purposes only. The information discussed should not be considered medical advice or used to diagnose or treat any condition. If you're dealing with chronic symptoms or health issues, please work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual situation.

In this Episode ,You'll Learn:

• The shocking heavy metals and toxins found in my system, including uranium and arsenic
• The hidden sources of toxins lurking in your beauty products, food, and water
• The connection between toxic load and skin inflammation
• How leaky gut and gut imbalances can lead to severe skin problems
• Why even “healthy” foods like oats and dried fruit may be harming you
• The exact detox protocol I used following my wake-up call
• Why I no longer need deodorant!

Resources

Previous episodes mentioned:

• Episode 2 - Tired, Bloated, or Foggy? What Your Body is Trying to Tell You with Mary Tufano
• Episode 3 - Is Your Home Making You Sick? Exposing Hidden Toxins with Caitlin Fierro

Products:

• Purity Coffee
• Aquatru Filter
• Zeolite Drops

Studies & Research:

• UK Food Safety Report (2020) about co-exposure of mycotoxins
• Ochratoxin A and Human Health Risk (2015)
• Columbia University Study 2022 where uranium was found in two-thirds of US community water systems
• Uranium's Hazardous Effects on Humans (2025 ScienceDirect Article)
• Michigan State University Study (2025) that found brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic than white rice
• Harvard Health article about supporting gut health and leaky gut
• CalMatters Water Contamination report that revealed P

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com

EP 10. Former ad exec turned clean beauty pioneer Lynn Power joins Well Done to share her unfiltered journey from leading the launches of the world's most iconic beauty brands, to building the mission-driven haircare brand, MASAMI. We dive into how cancer changed her relationship with wellness and business, what it means to be truly “clean” in an industry riddled with greenwashing, and how her platform the Power Beauty Collab is creating a space for indie clean beauty brands to learn and support each other.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What inspired a former ad agency CEO to walk away and launch a clean beauty brand
• The toxins lurking in your haircare, and why clean haircare is more than a marketing trend
• The hero ingredient in MASAMI's formula that also has cancer-fighting properties
• What beauty consumers need to know to avoid greenwashing and shop smarter
• Lynn’s honest take on entrepreneurship, burnout, and building community after a life-changing diagnosis
• How the Power Beauty Collab is changing the indie beauty landscape

Resources from this episode:

• MASAMI Haircare
• Instagram: @lovemasamihair
• Power Beauty Collab (previously Conscious Beauty Collective)
• Instagram: @powerbeautycollab
• Think Dirty App
  
  

Guest Bio

Lynn Power is the founder of MASAMI, a clean premium haircare brand powered by the Japanese ocean botanical Mekabu, and the visionary behind the Power Beauty Collab, a growing retail platform for indie beauty and wellness brands. With decades of experience in advertising—having worked with major haircare brands like L’Oréal and Nexus —Lynn left the corporate world to build something radically different. Her journey took a personal turn when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, deepening her commitment to health, sustainability, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Today, Lynn champions clean beauty and supports fellow founders in creating products that are as ethical as they are effective.

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com

EP 09. Diets don't work, and neither do extreme wellness goals. In this episode, I chat with certified health coach Lindsey Kaszuba about why chasing weight loss often leads to burnout, how diet culture and over-the-top wellness goals disconnect us from our bodies, and the mindset shifts that helped Lindsey—and now her clients—let go of guilt for good. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by supplements, strict food rules, or pressure to “do it all,” this episode will help you reset your approach to health in a way that’s sustainable, intuitive, and built for real life.

What You'll Learn:

• The mindset shift that helps women let go of guilt and take ownership of their health
• Why wellness routines are often unsustainable—and what to do instead
• How to build confidence and energy without counting calories or following strict rules
• The role of diet culture in shaping our relationship with food, movement, and self-worth
• How to simplify your habits without sacrificing results

Resources :

• Connect with Lindsey: lindseykaszubahealth.com
• Follow Lindsey on Instagram: @lindseykaszubahealth
• App mentioned: Yuka App

Guest Bio

Lindsey Kaszuba is a certified health coach, mom of three, and the founder of Lindsey Kaszuba Health, where she helps women simplify their wellness routines and build sustainable habits that support energy, confidence, and well-being—without guilt or overwhelm. With a focus on mindset, movement, nutrition, and intuitive daily rituals, Lindsey’s work empowers women to feel strong and grounded in their bodies.

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com

EP 08. If you get your nails done regularly (guilty), this episode will make you think before booking your next appointment. I chat with Dasha Minina, a licensed nail tech, beauty brand founder, and now tech entrepreneur, to explore the often-overlooked world of nail health and beauty service certification. Dasha is on mission to clean up the beauty services industry—literally! We talk about the risks most consumers overlook, the truth behind licensing (or lack thereof), and how Dasha’s tech platforms, Licensify and BeautyAList, are raising the standard for safety, hygiene, and accountability. But don't worry, we get into practical ways you can protect yourself while still enjoying your beauty treatments.

What You'll Learn:

• The hidden dangers lurking in your nail salon
• What to look out for before sitting down for your next manicure or pedicure
• Why proper licensing is so critical for beauty service professionals
• How Dasha's platforms will transform the ways consumers find and connect with beauty professionals
• How the beauty services industry s quietly being deregulated—and what that means for us, the consumer
• How mindset shifts can help you pivot in entrepreneurship and lead to successful outcomes
• How to handle rejection (as a woman in business!)

Resources:

• BeautyAList – Platform for finding and verifying licensed beauty professionals
• Licensify – The beauty licensing verification tech tool that Dasha built
• Maxus Nails – Dasha’s award-winning natural nail care line
• Book mentioned: Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman by Gail Evans

Guest Bio

Dasha Minina is a licensed nail technician, beauty founder, and tech entrepreneur on a mission to transform safety standards in the beauty industry. After creating the award-winning Maxus Nails product line (featuring a strengthener worn by Angelina Jolie), Dasha recognized deeper issues within the beauty sector. This led her to develop Licensify, a verification tool that automates licensing in the beauty industry, and BeautyAList, a certification program designed to raise the standards of nail salons, spas, and beauty services. With multiple patents under her belt, Dasha is dedicated to educating consumers about safety standards while elevating professionals who prioritize proper training and protocols.

Liked this episode? Share with a friend and follow Well Done wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode!

Connect on Instagram:

• Follow the show: @thewelldonepod
• Follow Kat Vong (me, the host): @iamkatvong

Have a topic suggestion or want to nominate a guest? Email me at:

kat@thewelldonepod.com