On the Live The Width of Your Life podcast, we explore what it means to not only live the length of our life but instead the breadth, depth, and purpose of each day.

She shares her personal story of creating balance in her life by aligning her daily choices to life values, strategies to redefine success, and creating space for a bit of magic and synchronicity.

It's never too late to change! We don't need to have it all figured out to begin; we can take action daily, show up imperfectly, and be amazed and inspired by how beautiful life can be.

What if your exhaustion isn't a personal failing — it's a message you haven't learned to read yet?

So many high achievers have become incredibly skilled at pushing through. Ignoring the fatigue. Dismissing the chronic pain. Accepting "fine" as good enough — because life demands it and stopping feels impossible.

But what if those signals aren't signs of weakness? What if they're your body's most intelligent communication?

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Karyn Shanks — physician, author, and teacher whose work is dedicated to helping people recover from chronic complex illness. Drawing from more than four decades in medicine and her own healing journey, Dr. Shanks integrates functional medicine, epigenetics, neuroplasticity, and transformational psychology to help people understand one essential truth:

You are not broken. And healing begins by listening to the wisdom already within you.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why your body uses symptoms to get your attention — and how to start listening
How chronic stress and trauma affect your long-term physical health
Why treating symptoms alone is never enough
What functional medicine is and how it looks beyond the diagnosis
Why rest is not optional — it is essential for healing
How food, sleep, movement, and environment shape your wellbeing
How to become your own most powerful health advocate
Why purpose and connection are foundational to a healthier life

One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation: healing isn't about becoming someone new. It's about remembering who you've always been beneath the stress, expectations, and survival patterns.

Our bodies are remarkably intelligent. When we begin listening instead of pushing through, we create space for healing, resilience, and a deeper connection with ourselves. Living the width of your life means honoring those signals — and choosing to care for yourself with the same compassion you so freely give to others.

Perfect for: anyone living with chronic illness or unexplained symptoms, high achievers experiencing burnout or chronic fatigue, people curious about functional or integrative medicine, and anyone seeking a more holistic approach to health and healing.

Dr. Shanks' Book: Unbroken → UnBroken by Karyn Shanks MD

Connect with Dr. Karyn Shanks:
Website → https://karynshanksmd.com
Facebook → Karyn Shanks MD | Iowa City IA
Instagram → Karyn Shanks MD (@karynshanksmd) • Instagram profile
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karyn-shanks-md-9ba2a520/

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