Welcome to Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast where we delve into natural approaches to optimize and strengthen your bones while at the same time increasing your happiness and reducing your stress. This is the place where you can learn from leading experts what you can do to make sure you have healthy bones throughout your life.

From exercise to nutrition, mental health to happiness, toxins to stress reduction, we bring you on an incredible journey to live your best life.

Oxalates and Bone Health: What You Need to Know With Dr. Kim Millman

Many listeners ask whether foods like spinach, nuts, and beans could be affecting their calcium absorption and overall bone strength. Learn what’s in these foods, how they work, and what you can do to reduce risk.  In this episode, I share a masterclass recording from Dr. Kim Millman, a Stanford, UCSF, and USC-trained integrative medicine physician and osteoporosis expert, to explore the role of oxalates and their impact on bone health.  We also cover strategies to reduce oxalate impact safely, including boiling, steaming, soaking, fermenting, and pairing high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods. We discuss how supplements like calcium citrate and probiotics

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2026 Osteoporosis Updates: New Research, Estrogen & More With Margie and Dr. Craig Bissinger

Are you wondering what’s new in osteoporosis research for 2026? In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Dr. Craig Bissinger, as we review the most exciting osteoporosis updates from 2026. We share insights from the Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis in Washington, DC, covering everything from new medications and bone-building drugs to the latest research on estrogen therapy and early screening strategies. We discuss the FDA’s new endpoint for drug approval, which could speed up the availability of new medications like the oral version of Forteo. We also review the removal of the estrogen black box warning, showing that for many

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Shungite, EMFs, and Your Bones With Valerie Burke

Could the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in your environment be affecting your bone health? In this episode, I’m joined by Valerie Burke, also known as the “Shungite Queen,” to explore the potential impact of EMFs on bone health and how shungite, a rare carbon-based rock from Russia, may help mitigate those effects. We discuss the science, history, and properties of shungite, including its molecular structure with fullerenes and its unique interaction with electromagnetic fields. Valerie explains the ways EMFs may adversely affect bone health, including voltage-gated calcium channels, bone marrow interference, thyroid disruption, and decreased melatonin production. She also walks us through

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Stop Leaking, Lift Stronger: Pelvic Floor Health for Strong Bones with Isa Herrera MSPT, CSCS

Many women are not aware that the pelvic floor plays a key role in stabilization, posture, and overall bone health, whether you lift weights, practice balance exercises, or simply want to move confidently. In this episode, I’m joined by Isa Herrera, a licensed physical therapist and pelvic floor expert, to discuss why your pelvic floor is essential for strong bones. We explore common mistakes women make, such as ignoring the connection between the core, fascia, and the pelvic floor. Isa walks us through exercises like the transverse hold, baby Kegels, and reverse Kegels, demonstrating how to safely strengthen the pelvic floor

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Personalized Nutrition for Bone Health: Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work With Ashley Koff

Many people think there’s a single “perfect” diet for bone health, but the truth is, what works for one person may not work for another. In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian, USA Today bestselling author of Your Best Shot, and founder of The Better Nutrition Program, to explore why one-size-fits-all nutrition doesn’t work for bone health. We dive into the gut-bone axis, discussing how your digestion, nutrient absorption, and hydration impact whether your body can actually use the nutrients you consume to strengthen your bones. Ashley emphasizes that even if two people eat the same diet,

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What is Missing from Your Osteoporosis Exercise Program With Margie Bissinger

Are you exercising for osteoporosis but unsure if your program is truly effective? Many people miss key components that make all the difference in preventing fractures and building strong bones. In this episode, I dive into the essentials of a complete osteoporosis exercise program. As a physical therapist with over 40 years of experience, I’ve seen so many women doing “good exercises” but still missing critical pieces that protect their bones and reduce fracture risk. I break down the five core components every osteoporosis program should include and share practical tips for making these exercises effective. I also talk about balance

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Avoid These Ingredients if You Have Osteoporosis (New Research) | Mira Dessy and Margie Bissinger

Some of the biggest threats to your bone health may be hiding in foods you eat every single day, even foods marketed as “healthy.” Today, I’m revisiting one of the most popular conversations ever on my YouTube channel with nutrition expert Mira Dessy, The Ingredient Guru. This information is simply too important not to share again. We talk about the hidden ingredients commonly found in packaged and processed foods that may negatively affect both your bone health and your overall well-being. The good news? This episode is not about fear or perfection. It’s about awareness and making simple, realistic swaps over

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How to Build Strong Bones with Simple Nutrition Habits With Ashley Ondrick and Margie Bissinger

Are you eating healthy but still missing the key nutrients your bones need? The truth is, it’s not just what you eat, it’s how you build your meals that makes a difference. In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Ondrick, a personal chef, health coach, and author of the book Speranza: How Pain Became the Path to Hope, and she’s here to talk about how to nourish your bones through simple, nutrient-dense nutrition.  First, we discuss why undereating and low nutrient intake, especially with trends like GLP-1 medications, can increase the risk of bone loss, even in younger individuals. Ashley shares

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Thyroid and Osteoporosis: The Overlooked Tests You Need to Know With Dr. Hilda Maldonado and Margie Bissinger

Did you know your thyroid might be a hidden factor affecting your bone health? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Hilda Maldonado, a renowned physician specializing in thyroid hormone and metabolic health for women over 40. Dr. Hilda has over 30 years of experience helping women understand their thyroid and its impact on bone health, especially after menopause. We dive into the critical connection between the thyroid and bone health, exploring how low thyroid function can contribute to bone loss and increase your risk for fractures. Dr. Hilda explains why so many people are told their thyroid is normal, even

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3 Must-Do Functional Exercises for Osteoporosis With Susan Servetnick and Margie Bissinger

Staying strong and independent can be a challenge as we age. Today, I’m excited to have Susan Servetnick, a physical therapist and osteoporosis specialist, talk about the importance of functional exercises for women with osteoporosis. Susan shares three must-do exercises that can help you stay independent, strong, and fracture-free, no matter your age. The first exercise we cover is the hip hinge squat, which teaches you how to get out of a chair properly, activating your core, glutes, and legs without straining your back. Next, we dive into the step-back lunge, which helps you build leg strength and prepare for life’s

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