The Health Detective Podcast by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition

Why does chronic acne keep coming back, even after antibiotics, Accutane, expensive skincare, supplements, and dietary changes?

What if the problem isn't just your skin?

Chronic acne can be influenced by gut health, hormone imbalances, inflammation, genetics, and lifestyle factors that conventional acne treatments may not fully address.

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, host Michele Scarlet sits down with Justin Harris, Functional Genomics Practitioner and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), to explore the connections between chronic acne, gut health, genetic testing, functional lab testing, and long-term health.

Justin shares his personal experience of spending nearly five years on antibiotics for acne, followed by Accutane, only to continue struggling with his skin and overall health.

His search for answers took him through ancestral nutrition, genetic testing, supplements, and even a $10,000 infrared sauna. But despite all the information and biohacking tools, something was still missing.

It wasn't until Justin began investigating his health through functional lab testing that he started connecting the dots between his genetic predispositions, gut health, hormone patterns, and daily habits.

Today, Justin shares how that experience changed his health and inspired his work as a functional health practitioner.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

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Why chronic acne can persist despite conventional treatments

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The potential connections between gut health, hormones, genetics, and acne

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How long-term antibiotic use affected Justin's health

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What genetic testing can and cannot tell us about our health

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Why expensive supplements and biohacking tools aren't always the answer

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How functional lab testing can help practitioners identify healing opportunities

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The difference between treating symptoms and investigating underlying patterns

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How lifestyle, nutrition, stress, and sleep influence health outcomes

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Why mindset and behavior change matter for long-term results

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Justin's controversial opinions on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), GLP-1 medications, the carnivore diet, and biohacking

WANT TO BECOME A FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER?

What if you could look beyond symptoms, understand functional lab testing, and help people connect the dots in their health?

Join us for Functional Health Practitioner School, November 9–30, 2026, where we're exploring what it takes to become a functional health practitioner and how to approach health through a root-cause investigative framework.

Whether you're a health coach, nutrition professional, personal trainer, or someone passionate about functional health, this is your opportunity to learn more about the world of functional health and practitioner education.

👉 JOIN FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER SCHOOL:
https://fdntraining.com/bf

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Can Chronic Acne Be Connected to Gut Health and Genetics?

03:02 Five Years on Antibiotics for Acne: Justin's Story

06:12 Primal Health, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Foundations

08:27 What Genetic Testing Revealed About His Health

11:18 Why Genetic Testing, Supplements, and Biohacking Weren't Enough

13:05 Functional Lab Testing and Hidden Healing Opportunities

15:24 Improving Chronic Acne Without Health Perfectionism

18:39 Mindset, Anxiety, and the Mind-Body Connection

24:04 How to Change Habits and Build Lasting Health

27:22 Epigenetics, Lifestyle Changes, and Practitioner Accountability

34:29 Rapid-Fire: TRT, GLP-1s, Carnivore Diet, and Biohacking

41:24 Connect With Justin Harris

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN HARRIS

Instagram: @justinharrisofficial

ABOUT THE HEALTH DETECTIVE PODCAST

The Health Detective Podcast explores functional health, functional lab testing, gut health, hormone imbalances, metabolic health, nutrition, and the investigative approach to uncovering hidden contributors to chronic health challenges.

Hosted by Michele Scarlet, FDN-P, the podcast features practitioners, researchers, and health experts who challenge conventional thinking and explore what happens when we look beyond symptoms.

Follow the Health Detective Podcast for new episodes, and leave a review if you're enjoying the conversations.

www.fdntraining.com/resources

#ChronicAcne #GutHealth #FunctionalMedicine #FunctionalLabTesting #GeneticTesting #FunctionalDiagnosticNutrition #HormoneHealth #HealthDetectivePodcast

Freddie Kimmel survived advanced testicular cancer at just 26 years old. Four rounds of chemotherapy and a massive abdominal surgery saved his life. But what followed was years of excruciating chronic pain, recurring bowel obstructions, debilitating fatigue, and a desperate search for answers.

What happens when conventional medicine saves your life, but you still can't get well?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, host Michele Scarlet sits down with Freddie Kimmel, cancer survivor, functional health educator, and host of the Beautifully Broken Podcast, to uncover what happened after his cancer treatment and why he eventually turned to functional medicine.

From performing on Broadway through unbearable pain to undergoing six surgeries, Freddie shares his extraordinary journey through cancer recovery, chronic illness, Lyme disease, and the search for lasting relief.

He explains how changing his nutrition, rebuilding his movement practice, exploring functional health, and incorporating biohacking technology became part of his personal recovery.

But this isn't another story about finding one miracle treatment.

It's a conversation about why functional lab testing doesn't always lead to better health outcomes, why health coaching and behavior change matter, and why the fundamentals of health are often more powerful than the latest wellness trend.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

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What happened after Freddie Kimmel survived advanced testicular cancer at 26.

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Why chronic pain, bowel obstructions, digestive complications, and fatigue continued after chemotherapy and major abdominal surgery.

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How changing his diet influenced Freddie's experience of chronic inflammation and pain.

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Why he began exploring functional medicine after conventional cancer treatment saved his life.

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His experiences with lymphatic health, nervous system regulation, red light therapy, PEMF technology, and other biohacking tools.

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Why more functional lab testing and health data don't necessarily produce better health outcomes.

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How Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) practitioners use lab testing, client history, lifestyle assessments, and health coaching to support meaningful change.

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Why lasting behavior change requires more than information, even when you know exactly what you should be doing.

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The role of consistency, resilience, mindset, and the foundational habits that support long-term health.

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Why Freddie describes surviving cancer as the best thing that ever happened to him.

WHAT CAN FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS LEARN FROM FREDDIE'S STORY?

Functional lab testing can provide valuable information, but knowing what's happening in the body is only part of the process.

Freddie and Michele discuss how FDN practitioners can use lab results as a starting point for deeper conversations about nutrition, sleep, stress, movement, and daily habits. They explore why a practitioner's ability to guide behavior change and provide accountability can be just as important as understanding the numbers.

Freddie also challenges the idea that health is something you fix once and never think about again.

His message is simple: The small things you do consistently can matter more than the expensive things you try occasionally.

Whether you're a functional health practitioner, health coach, cancer survivor, or someone struggling with chronic health challenges, this conversation offers a thought-provoking perspective on recovery, resilience, and what it means to truly feel well.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 – Cancer Survivor Freddie Kimmel: The Story That Changed Everything

00:50 – Meet Freddie Kimmel: Cancer Survivor and Functional Health Educator

01:30 – Why Freddie Recommends Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN)

02:46 – From Broadway Performer to Sudden Full-Body Joint Pain

05:04 – The Warning Signs Freddie Ignored Before His Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

07:45 – Advanced Testicular Cancer at 26: Chemotherapy and Survival

10:07 – The Eight-to-Ten-Hour Cancer Surgery That Saved His Life

11:44 – Chronic Bowel Obstructions and Scar Tissue After Cancer Surgery

15:39 – How Changing His Diet Helped Freddie Manage Chronic Pain

19:00 – Life After Chronic Pain: Movement, Recovery, and Daily Training

21:12 – Why Freddie Turned to Functional Medicine After Cancer

22:53 – Cancer Survivorship: Safety Concerns Around Holistic Therapies

25:12 – Why Freddie Says Cancer Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Him

27:27 – Performing Through Chronic Pain and Exploring Biohacking Technology

29:14 – Why Long-Term Health Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix

31:21 – The Reality of Chronic Illness: Why Recovery Isn't Always Linear

33:01 – Red Light Therapy, PEMF, Sauna, and Freddie's Home Biohacking Setup

36:16 – Taking Ownership of Your Health and Asking Deeper Questions

37:22 – Functional Lab Testing: Does More Data Mean Better Health?

41:25 – How FDN Practitioners Connect Lab Results With Lifestyle Changes

43:04 – Why Health Coaching and Behavior Change Matter More Than Information

47:19 – Consistency, Resilience, and Getting Comfortable With Discomfort

50:42 – Lymphatic Health, Brain Drainage, and the Missing Pieces of Wellness Advice

52:32 – Extended Fasting: Potential Benefits, Risks, and Important Precautions

54:08 – Dopamine, Screen Time, and the Foundational Habits We Overlook

55:45 – How Leaving New York for Austin Changed Freddie's Health and Community

58:32 – Freddie Kimmel's Beautifully Broken Podcast and Biological Blueprint Academy

61:55 – Closing Thoughts: Keep Asking Deeper Questions

ABOUT FREDDIE KIMMEL

Freddie Kimmel is a metastatic testicular cancer survivor, patient advocate, functional health educator, and host of the Beautifully Broken Podcast.

After navigating advanced cancer, Lyme disease, toxic mold exposure, and years of chronic health challenges, Freddie dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of functional medicine, human resilience, science, and health technology.

CONNECT WITH FREDDIE KIMMEL

Website: https://beautifullybroken.world/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddie.kimmel/

Podcast: Beautifully Broken Podcast

EXPLORE FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC NUTRITION

Interested in functional lab testing, root-cause health education, or becoming a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner?

Explore FDN's educational resources, practitioner training, and functional health tools:

https://fdntraining.com/resources

DISCLAIMER

The Health Detective Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The experiences, opinions, and health approaches discussed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.

Individual experiences and outcomes vary. Discussions of cancer, functional medicine, supplements, fasting, health technology, and other wellness approaches should not be interpreted as recommendations for individual treatment.

Nothing discussed in this episode should replace personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medical treatments, medications, or health protocols, particularly if you have a history of cancer or another serious medical condition.

What if everything you've been taught about insulin resistance, antioxidant supplements, and cholesterol isn't the whole story?

Is cutting carbs really the best way to improve insulin sensitivity? Can taking too many antioxidants backfire? And are we overlooking the role of gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic stress when making nutrition recommendations?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, host Michele Scarlet sits down with Dr. Lori Rose, PhD biologist, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), registered herbalist, and college professor, to challenge some of the most persistent nutrition myths in conventional and functional health.

From mitochondrial health and insulin resistance to the debate surrounding cholesterol, statins, and dietary fat, Dr. Lori shares her perspective on why nutrition is far more complicated than simply cutting carbs, counting calories, or adding another supplement.

If you're a functional health practitioner, nutrition coach, health professional, or someone who wants to understand the science behind food and supplements, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

🔬 DR. LORI ROSE'S NEW FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION COURSE

Ready to take your nutrition knowledge to the next level?

Explore Dr. Lori Rose's new Functional Nutrition Advanced Course, featuring 30+ hours of education on nutritional biochemistry, nutrient interactions, and whole-body health.

Open to everyone. No FDN certification required!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/functional-nutrition-advanced-course/

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

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Insulin Resistance: Why carbohydrates aren't the only factor influencing insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.

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Mitochondrial Health: How nutrient intake, calorie balance, and chronic stress interact with cellular energy production.

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Antioxidant Supplements: Why Dr. Lori questions routine high-dose supplementation with certain antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.

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Gut Health: How digestive dysfunction and nutrient absorption can complicate nutrition recommendations.

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Keto and Carnivore Diets: Why short-term dietary approaches aren't necessarily appropriate as lifelong eating plans.

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Mineral Supplementation: Why zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and other nutrients need to be considered in context.

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Calories and Macros: When tracking food intake can be useful and why Lori changed her mind about it.

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Cholesterol and Statins: Dr. Lori's perspective on LDL cholesterol, dietary fats, and conventional medical recommendations.

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Functional Nutrition: Why understanding nutritional biochemistry matters more than memorizing supplement protocols.

🔬 FREE FUNCTIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Want to deepen your knowledge of functional lab testing, root-cause health, and practitioner education?

Explore FDN's free resources, guides, and educational tools to help you take your functional health knowledge further.

👉 GET YOUR FREE RESOURCES: https://fdntraining.com/resources

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Lori Rose and Functional Nutrition

01:03 – What Nutrition Myths Are We Still Teaching?

03:52 – Insulin Resistance, Blood Sugar and GLP-1s

04:38 – Is Keto Good for Insulin Resistance?

05:42 – Calories vs. Macros: What Really Matters?

07:49 – What Causes Insulin Resistance Beyond Carbs?

08:34 – Can Undereating Affect Your Metabolism?

10:02 – How Gut Health Affects Nutrient Absorption

12:01 – Can Antioxidant Supplements Do More Harm Than Good?

15:54 – Michele's Surprising Reaction to Antioxidant Research

17:14 – Selenium, Brazil Nuts and Thyroid Health

19:08 – Is the Carnivore Diet Missing Essential Nutrients?

21:07 – Why Restrictive Diets Can Become a Problem

25:10 – Can Zinc, Copper, Iron and Calcium Supplements Backfire?

27:32 – Why More Supplements Aren't Always Better

30:30 – Should You Track Calories, Protein and Macros?

35:14 – The Food Pyramid and Nutrition Guidelines

37:34 – What's Wrong With School Lunches and Preschool Nutrition?

41:13 – Cholesterol, LDL, Saturated Fat and Statins

45:07 – Why Do Medical Recommendations Take So Long to Change?

49:41 – Dr. Lori Rose's Functional Nutrition Advanced Course

ABOUT DR. LORI ROSE

Dr. Lori Rose holds a PhD in biology and is a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), registered herbalist, and board-certified nutrition professional.

She is a college professor, creator of the Hill College Holistic Wellness Pathway, and educator behind multiple FDN advanced courses. Her work focuses on helping practitioners understand the science of nutrition and translate complex biological processes into practical strategies.

ABOUT THE HEALTH DETECTIVE PODCAST

The Health Detective Podcast, presented by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN), explores functional health, root-cause investigation, functional lab testing, gut health, metabolic health, hormones, nutrition, and practitioner education.

Each episode brings together experienced practitioners, researchers, and educators to explore the questions behind complex health challenges.

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the Health Detective Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with a practitioner who loves questioning conventional nutrition advice.

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Guest opinions and interpretations of scientific research do not necessarily reflect established medical consensus or FDN's positions. This content is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing supplements, medications, or treatment plans.

How do you get clients as a health coach without constantly posting on social media, sending cold DMs, or feeling like a pushy salesperson?

If you're a health coach, nutrition coach, or Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) practitioner struggling to attract clients, market your services, or grow your coaching business, this episode of the Health Detective Podcast is for you.

Michele Scarlet, FDNP, CPT, sits down with nutrition coach and business mentor Mike Millner to explore how to build trust, find coaching clients, and grow a sustainable health coaching business without complicated marketing strategies or high-pressure sales tactics.

Mike shares how his personal transformation, from gaining 80 pounds and struggling with restrictive dieting, yo-yo weight loss, and body image to building a nutrition coaching business, taught him the power of storytelling, vulnerability, and genuine human connection.

Together, Michele and Mike explore:

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How to get your first health coaching clients with a small audience or no email list

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How to market your health coaching business without posting on social media every day

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Why storytelling and vulnerability help attract clients and build trust

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How live workshops can turn interested prospects into paying coaching clients

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How to sell health coaching services without feeling uncomfortable or salesy

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Why AI-generated content and misinformation are contributing to a "trust recession"

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How to use client conversations to create better marketing content

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How to promote workshops through paid advertising and personal outreach

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What to do when workshop attendance or conversions are lower than expected

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Why tracking business metrics can help you improve without getting discouraged

Mike also shares his biggest workshop mistake, realistic expectations for new health coaches, and why personal connection may be your greatest competitive advantage in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Whether you're just starting your health coaching business, working toward your first five clients, or looking for a better way to grow an established functional health practice, this conversation offers practical strategies you can start using right away.

🎧 EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Why Building Trust Matters for Health Coaches

00:37 Meet Mike Millner: Nutrition Coach and Business Mentor

01:07 From Yo-Yo Dieting to Becoming a Health Coach

08:06 How Storytelling Helps Health Coaches Attract Clients

10:44 Why Marketing and Sales Feel So Hard for Health Coaches

14:29 How to Get Health Coaching Clients With Live Workshops

17:09 The Trust Recession: AI, Misinformation and Health Coaching

21:40 How to Sell Health Coaching Without Feeling Salesy

25:34 How Client Questions Can Improve Your Marketing

29:28 How to Get Your First Health Coaching Clients With No Audience

36:34 How to Promote a Workshop With Paid Ads and Personal Outreach

40:04 Mike's Biggest Workshop Mistake and Lessons Learned

43:28 The Best Way for New Health Coaches to Build Trust

46:20 Connect With Mike Millner and Final Takeaways

CONNECT WITH MIKE MILLNER

Instagram: @coach_mike_millner

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

ABOUT THE HEALTH DETECTIVE PODCAST

The Health Detective Podcast explores functional health, root-cause investigation, functional lab testing, and the science and business of becoming a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.

Hosted by Michele Scarlet, FDNP, CPT, the podcast features conversations with health experts, practitioners, and entrepreneurs who are challenging conventional approaches to health and helping people ask better questions.

Subscribe to the Health Detective Podcast for more conversations about functional health, practitioner education, and building a successful health coaching practice.

DISCLAIMER

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Individual health and business results vary. Always work within your professional scope of practice.

What happens when a health problem keeps getting treated but the deeper questions never get answered?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Diane Dahi, an FDNP, integrative health coach, massage therapist, and personal trainer, to explore a deeply personal health journey spanning decades of bodywork, wellness, chronic health challenges, and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.

Diane shares how a skin condition that was repeatedly dismissed as eczema was eventually diagnosed as skin cancer after more than 10 years of questions. That experience changed the way she approached her health, leading her to explore Natural Health, whole foods, product quality, and becoming a stronger advocate for herself.

Years later, another major health crisis left Diane hospitalized with a serious spinal infection, spinal abscesses, surgery, and months of recovery. After extensive antibiotics, she began looking deeper into her gut health and eventually discovered FDN.

Through Functional Lab Testing, Diane explored patterns involving gut dysbiosis, mold exposure, stress and hormones, and other health factors. She also discusses brain fog, stubborn midsection weight gain, ADHD symptoms, nervous system regulation, detox-supportive habits, and the lifestyle changes that became part of her ongoing health transformation.

Diane explains why she believes midlife women should pay closer attention when something in their body does not feel right instead of automatically labeling it as stress, aging, or hormones. She shares her experience with mold testing, GI Map testing, lifestyle changes, infrared sauna, movement, sleep, sunlight, nutrition, and creating sustainable wellness habits.

Most importantly, Diane shares the mindset that now guides her health journey: when you encounter a roadblock, pause, turn inward, listen to your body, and use it as a guide.

This conversation is about Functional Health, root cause thinking, gut health, holistic wellness, health advocacy, and creating a healthier and more intentional life.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Where to Find Diane:

https://www.DianeWellness.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dianewellness_movepastpain/

00:00 Diane’s Health Journey: When Symptoms Get Dismissed
04:05 Skin Cancer: Why Self-Advocacy Matters
08:35 Spinal Infection: The Health Crisis That Nearly Paralyzed Her
12:43 Mold, Gut Health & Functional Health Testing
14:27 How FDN Changed Her Massage Therapy Practice
17:56 Mold, ADHD, Dysbiosis & Looking for Root Causes
21:23 Daily Habits That Support Healing & Recovery
25:24 Eczema Progress, Movement & Healthy Aging
29:22 ADHD: What Changed After Addressing Her Health
30:51 Where to Start When You Want to Improve Your Health
32:15 Diane Wellness: Where to Find Diane Dahi

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

Is AI coming for health coaches, or is it about to make good practitioners even better?

In this episode, Michele Scarlet sits down with FDN business mentor Jenn Malecha to unpack what AI actually means for health practitioners.

They discuss how tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can support practitioners, why the quality of the prompt matters, what happens when AI confidently gives you inaccurate information, and why critical thinking still matters. Jenn also shares how AI is beginning to be used alongside functional lab data and why not every AI system works the same way.

They also get into an increasingly important question for practitioners: what information should you actually be putting into AI? Michele and Jenn discuss client data, privacy concerns and why convenience shouldn't replace responsibility when working with sensitive health information.

If you're already a health practitioner, building a health coaching practice, or wondering whether AI is going to change the future of this industry, this episode offers a practical look at where AI can help, where it can fall short, and why the practitioner still matters.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Chapters:

00:00 Can AI Replace Health Coaches?
00:47 AI, Tech & the Future of Health Coaching
02:05 Why More Technology Isn't the Answer
04:04 How to Get Better Answers From AI
05:29 Why AI Gives You Generic Content
05:58 Will AI Replace Health Practitioners?
07:36 The Clinical Gaps in AI
10:25 Using AI to Interpret Functional Labs
13:53 ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini
16:41 Why You Can't Blindly Trust AI
17:21 What Happens When AI Makes Things Up
18:39 How Practitioners Should Actually Use AI
19:38 Should You Upload Client Labs to ChatGPT?
22:13 AI, HIPAA & Client Privacy
23:37 Why AI Isn't Replacing the Practitioner

What if a diagnosis could explain your symptoms without defining your future? In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Dr. Sierra Bains, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, best-selling author of Rooted, and founder of Lightstyle, for a powerful conversation about Multiple Sclerosis, root cause healing, nervous system health, chronic stress, and functional health.

Sierra shares the story of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 24 while completing her doctorate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being a competitive bodybuilder who closely tracked her nutrition, sleep, movement, and health metrics, she suddenly experienced severe pain, nausea, nerve pain, tingling, vibrations, confusion, and debilitating symptoms that dramatically changed her life.

After struggling to find answers through standard medical care, Sierra began exploring a different approach. With support from a practitioner, she focused on reducing inflammation, improving diet, circadian rhythm, supplementation, and stress management. Her symptoms gradually improved, and her experience ultimately led her to Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and a deeper understanding of root cause health.

Michele and Sierra explore how the body can communicate through symptoms, why stress is more than simply “feeling stressed,” and how physical, emotional, and environmental stressors can accumulate in the body. They discuss the nervous system, autoimmune symptoms, hormone signals, lifestyle, functional health, and why addressing the reasons behind a symptom may be more meaningful than simply managing the symptom itself.

The conversation also examines practitioner education, the dangers of overcomplicating health protocols, supplement overload, health tracking, technology consumption, and the importance of helping clients develop resilience and trust in their bodies.

Sierra shares how she moved from restrictive protocols toward greater metabolic flexibility, resilience, and the ability to enjoy real life without constantly managing every symptom.

This episode is for anyone interested in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, root cause healing, nervous system health, chronic health challenges, holistic health, functional medicine, and a more empowered approach to understanding the body.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Connect with Dr Sierra Bains

https://www.instagram.com/drsierrabains/

00:00 From Chronic Symptoms to Root Cause Healing
06:55 Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis: What Happened Next
14:10 Why Your Diagnosis May Not Be the Root Cause
20:02 How Chronic Stress Affects the Body
23:19 The Stress Bucket: What Happens When It Overflows
24:46 How Digital Overload Affects Your Nervous System
25:58 Why Getting Healthy Needs a Bigger Purpose
27:49 How to Make Better Decisions About Your Health
29:15 Why Chronic Disease Is Increasing
32:02 Environmental Toxins: How Much Is Too Much?
35:25 How to Build Resilience and Trust Your Body Again
40:01 Can Trying to Be Healthy Make You More Stressed?
43:32 How to Stop Outsourcing Your Health

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

What happens when weight loss becomes about more than the number on the scale? In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with FDNP Brandy Buskow for an honest conversation about GLP-1 medications, obesity, metabolic health, gut health, weight loss, and the role of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioners in supporting clients through this changing health landscape.

Brandy shares her personal journey with lifelong obesity, severe IBS, anxiety, digestive issues, and years of trying diets and other approaches to lose weight. After discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and improving many aspects of her health, she still struggled to lose weight and maintain it. By 2024, she was dealing with elevated fasting insulin, rising blood pressure, sleep apnea, and concerns about following the same path of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease she had seen in her family. That led her to discuss GLP-1 medication with her healthcare provider.

Brandy explains how GLP-1 signaling works, including its connection to appetite, fullness, digestion, blood sugar, and the gut. She also shares what it was like to experience less “food noise” and why her gradual weight loss has involved much more than medication alone.

The conversation then turns to an important question for Functional Medicine practitioners, FDN practitioners, and health coaches: how can they responsibly support clients who are using or considering GLP-1s? Michele and Brandy discuss practitioner scope, medication dosing, referrals, ethics, nutrition, movement, sleep, muscle maintenance, body image, and the mental-emotional side of sustainable change.

They also explore the risks of gray-market and black-market peptides, misinformation, unrealistic expectations, and the importance of working with qualified prescribers.

If you're interested in GLP-1 weight loss, metabolic health, obesity, food noise, gut health, Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, health coaching, or responsible practitioner education, this episode offers practical perspective on using GLP-1s as a tool while keeping long-term health and client support at the center.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Educational content only. Medication decisions, including whether to start, stop, or change a dose, should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.

What if lasting physical healing requires more than changing what you eat or taking another supplement?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Amber Romaniuk, an emotional eating, digestive, and hormone expert, to explore the powerful connection between mindset, self-worth, emotional healing, nervous system regulation, gut health, hormone health, and physical wellbeing.

Amber shares her deeply personal health transformation, including her experiences with food addiction, binge eating, bulimia, emotional eating, body image struggles, self-sabotage, and tying her self-worth to her weight and appearance. She explains how years of negative self-talk, unworthiness, stress, and difficulty processing emotions influenced her relationship with food and her body.

The conversation explores why mindset work can be an important part of a broader root cause healing approach and why supporting the gut, hormones, blood sugar, and nervous system while doing emotional and mindset work may create more capacity for lasting change.

Michele and Amber discuss nervous system dysregulation, cortisol, gut dysfunction, hormone imbalance, emotional triggers, perfectionism, people pleasing, boundaries, self-love, inner child healing, and the importance of learning to trust your own body and intuition.

They also explore the difference between simply checking wellness practices off a list and actually becoming connected to what your body needs. Amber shares practical tools including conscious breathing, journaling, tapping, movement, sunlight, grounding, and learning to pause before making decisions.

Most importantly, this episode is about empowerment: understanding that healing is not a quick fix or a one-time protocol. It is an ongoing process of building awareness, rewiring old patterns, developing self-worth, regulating the nervous system, and learning to work with your body rather than against it.

If you are interested in emotional eating, food addiction, mindset healing, gut health, hormone health, nervous system regulation, self-worth, body image, functional health, functional medicine, root cause healing, or holistic health, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on the deeper side of health transformation.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

GLP-1 medications and peptide therapy are everywhere right now, but are they simply weight loss tools, or is there more to the conversation?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with holistic health practitioner Laura Young to discuss GLP-1s, peptide therapy, metabolic health, food noise, inflammation, healthy aging, and the importance of building strong health foundations first.

Laura shares her own experience using GLP-1 peptides after struggling with metabolic changes following pregnancy, including how reducing food noise changed her relationship with hunger and helped support her weight loss goals.

They discuss:

• How GLP-1s work alongside nutrition, movement, sleep, and lifestyle
• Food noise, cravings, hunger, and metabolic health
• Why GLP-1s should not be viewed as a magic fix
• Potential GLP-1 side effects
• Muscle loss and the importance of strength training and protein
• Peptide therapy beyond weight loss
• Inflammation, recovery, mitochondrial health, and healthy aging
• Why bioindividuality matters when considering any health intervention
• How to become a more informed advocate for your own health

Whether you're curious about Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, GLP-1 medications, peptide therapy, weight loss, insulin resistance, or longevity, this conversation explores the bigger picture behind one of the fastest-growing areas in health and wellness.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

CONNECT WITH LAURA

lytotalwellness@gmail.com

https://www.totalwellnessolutions.com

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Discussion of medications, peptides, supplements, or other therapies does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, peptide, supplement, or treatment.

What are the real benefits of red light therapy and infrared saunas, and how could infrared therapy support detoxification, inflammation, pain, recovery, and overall cellular health?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Robby Besner, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of Therasage, whose work with infrared technology began after his teenage daughter was diagnosed with Lyme disease.

Robby shares his daughter’s Lyme disease journey, the limitations they experienced with conventional treatment, and why he began researching infrared therapy as another way to support her quality of life.

They also explore:

• Red light therapy vs. infrared therapy
• Near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths
• Infrared sauna benefits and how often to use one
• Infrared therapy for inflammation, pain, and recovery
• Detoxification and supporting the body's elimination pathways
• Why consistency matters more than having the “perfect” wellness routine
• Full-body infrared saunas vs. targeted infrared pads
• How sunlight, nature, and infrared may influence cellular health
• Taking a more active role in your own health journey

Robby also shares how his daughter’s experience ultimately became the catalyst for his mission to make infrared technology more accessible to people looking for additional ways to support their health.

If you are interested in red light therapy, infrared sauna benefits, Lyme disease, detoxification, inflammation, holistic health, or functional medicine, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the story and philosophy behind infrared therapy.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information shared is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

What if you’ve spent years being told that everything is “normal,” while your body is telling you something completely different?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Chandra Marin, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, to explore her decades-long journey with chronic symptoms, digestive dysfunction, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and unexplained health challenges.

Chandra’s story began in her teens with severe constipation, episodes of passing out, chronic headaches, painful periods, and a feeling that her metabolism simply wasn’t working like everyone else’s. After contracting West Nile virus, her energy declined even further, making exercise, hiking, dancing, and everyday activities increasingly difficult. For years, conventional testing continued to come back “normal,” while her symptoms persisted.

Everything changed when Chandra discovered Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and Functional Lab Testing. Instead of relying on generic advice, she finally received personalized information about what was happening inside her body. Testing revealed significant gut dysfunction, food sensitivities, bacterial imbalance, digestive issues, and other areas requiring support.

One of the biggest turning points came from identifying foods her body was reacting to. Within about three weeks of following a personalized food-sensitivity-based protocol, her severe bloating and gas dramatically improved, her stomach felt normal, her energy began returning, and she lost 10–12 pounds.

Chandra also shares how personalized healing protocols, metabolic typing, hormone support, and a deeper understanding of her nervous system helped improve her energy, concentration, mood, anxiety, and brain fog.

Most importantly, this conversation explores the emotional side of chronic health challenges, including losing hope, gaslighting yourself, feeling ashamed, and eventually learning to trust your body again.

Discover why Chandra believes your body is not the enemy, it is the authority, and why becoming your own “health detective” can be the beginning of a completely different relationship with your health.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

If you’re interested in Functional Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Root Cause Healing, Gut Health, Functional Diagnostics, or personalized health transformation, this episode offers an honest and deeply personal perspective on finding answers and reclaiming your life.

CONNECT WITH CHANDRA

chandra.marin@gmail.com

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

What if sustainable weight loss isn't about eating less, but about fixing what's happening beneath the surface?

In this inspiring episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) Lori Balue shares how she transformed her health after decades of obesity, Metabolic Dysfunction, PCOS, Prediabetes, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Inflammation, asthma, and failed dieting. Despite trying countless calorie-restricted diets, lasting results only came after addressing the hidden stressors driving her body's dysfunction.

Lori explains how Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, Functional Lab Testing, and a Root Cause Healing approach helped uncover the underlying factors affecting her metabolism. Through Food Sensitivity Testing, GI-MAP analysis, HTMA mineral testing, metabolic typing, nervous system support, circadian rhythm optimization, and personalized nutrition, she developed a Functional Wellness strategy that ultimately helped her lose more than 100 pounds and maintain her results.

During this conversation, Michele and Lori discuss why Metabolic Health is about far more than calories. They explore how chronic inflammation, Food Sensitivities, Gut Health, insulin resistance, protein intake, Blood Sugar regulation, Nervous System balance, and personalized Healing Protocols influence long-term health, body composition, and healthy aging.

Lori also shares how removing inflammatory trigger foods, improving Gut Function, supporting Hormone Balance, restoring mineral status, and prioritizing protein transformed her energy, eliminated chronic asthma symptoms, reduced joint pain, improved mobility, and allowed her to confidently hike challenging mountain trails well into her sixties.

Whether you're struggling with Weight Gain, PCOS, Prediabetes, Chronic Inflammation, Gut Dysfunction, Food Reactions, Metabolic Dysfunction, or simply want to optimize your health through Functional Medicine, Functional Nutrition, and evidence-based lifestyle strategies, this episode offers practical insights and real hope that lasting Health Transformation is possible at any age.

______________________________________

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

______________________________________

Subscribe to the Health Detective Podcast for more conversations on Functional Health, Root Cause Medicine, Functional Diagnostics, Healthy Aging, and natural strategies for lifelong wellness.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with recent FDN graduate Jaime Dadd to unpack what a GI Map test finally revealed after a lifetime of guessing: H. pylori, low pancreatic elastase, bacterial overgrowth, and gut inflammation that had likely been building since her teenage years.

In this episode:

Why bloating and gas on a clean diet almost always point somewhere deeper than food
What low stomach acid looks like decades before anyone connects the dots
How ten rounds of antibiotics for recurring mastitis reshaped her gut
What her GI Map, MRT, and cortisol results actually showed
The blood sugar and inflammation thread running through her whole story
Her breast cancer diagnosis at 45, and the shame that came with being "the healthy one"
Why healthy on paper and healthy in your labs are not the same thing

Six months after running her own labs and following her protocol, the gas is gone, the headaches are gone, and the afternoon crash is gone.

Connect with Jaime
Instagram: @functionally_well_with_jaime

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Medical disclaimer
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. FDN Practitioners do not diagnose or treat disease. They investigate, coach, guide, and address underlying imbalances. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your health protocol.

What happens when every medical test comes back "normal," yet your body is telling you something is seriously wrong?

In this powerful episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN Practitioner) Betsy Stevenson shares her remarkable journey through years of unexplained neurological symptoms that mimicked mini-strokes, debilitating fatigue, digestive dysfunction, insomnia, hormone imbalance, and overwhelming burnout. Despite extensive medical testing, including MRIs, heart evaluations, CT scans, blood work, and specialist visits, she was repeatedly told everything looked normal.

Everything changed when Functional Lab Testing revealed profound HPA Axis dysfunction, extremely low cortisol, disrupted hormone health, impaired detox pathways, and deeper physiological imbalances that conventional testing had overlooked. Betsy explains how discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, a true Health Detective approach, helped uncover the hidden stressors driving her chronic health challenges.

Together, Michele and Betsy explore why Root Cause Healing requires more than symptom management. They discuss the importance of Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostics, personalized healing protocols, metabolic typing, nervous system regulation, lifestyle changes, restorative sleep, stress reduction, and bio-individual nutrition. Betsy also shares how improving Gut Health through comprehensive testing uncovered IBS, colitis, bacterial imbalances, Candida, and digestive dysfunction, allowing her to rebuild health from the inside out.

This conversation highlights why Holistic Health means treating the entire body as an interconnected system rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. If you've been struggling with Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Issues, Digestive Problems, Food Sensitivities, Bloating, Blood Sugar instability, Metabolic Dysfunction, Burnout, or have been told your labs are "normal" despite feeling unwell, this episode offers hope, education, and practical insight into a different path forward.

Whether you're searching for Natural Healing, considering working with an FDN Practitioner, exploring Functional Nutrition, or looking for answers beyond conventional medicine, Betsy's story demonstrates how identifying hidden dysfunction can create lasting Health Transformation.

_________________________________

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

__________________________________
CONNECT WITH BETSY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionallybalancedwithbetsy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Functionally-Balanced-with-Betsy-LLC-61578846883630/

Subscribe, follow, and share the Health Detective Podcast for more expert conversations on Functional Health, Root Cause Medicine, Practitioner Education, and evidence-informed strategies for lifelong wellness.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

Why do so many women continue battling fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, hormone imbalance, bloating, and food sensitivities, even when their lab results come back “normal”?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and founder of RootRX, to explore why conventional medicine often overlooks early dysfunction and how a root cause approach can uncover the hidden patterns behind persistent symptoms.

After experiencing her own unexplained postpartum health crisis and repeatedly being told that everything was "normal," Dr. Dunlop began searching beyond conventional care for real answers. She shares how comprehensive blood work, Functional Lab Testing, and a systems-based approach helped identify overlooked dysfunction involving Hormone Imbalance, Gut Health, Leaky Gut, low stomach acid, adrenal dysfunction, HPA Axis imbalance, chronic inflammation, cortisol, DHEA, Brain Fog, Burnout, Chronic Fatigue, and stress-driven metabolic changes.

Michele and Stephanie discuss why true healing isn't about chasing symptoms or relying on a single solution. Instead, they explain why restoring the body's foundations—including Nervous System regulation, digestive capacity, gut lining integrity, nutrient absorption, quality sleep, and stress resilience creates the conditions for lasting Root Cause Healing and sustainable Health Transformation.

The conversation also explores why "normal" lab ranges don't always reflect optimal health, how Functional Medicine interprets blood work differently, the importance of looking beyond TSH with markers like Free T3, the connection between chronic stress and digestive dysfunction, practical at-home assessments for stomach acid and gut health, and why identifying hidden stressors is essential before symptoms progress into more complex Chronic Health Challenges.

Whether you're a woman searching for answers after being told your labs are "normal," a Functional Health Practitioner, FDN Practitioner, Health Coach, or someone passionate about Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, Functional Nutrition, Root Cause Medicine, Holistic Health, Natural Healing, Functional Wellness, and evidence-informed Health Coaching, this episode offers practical insights into understanding the whole body, recognizing dysfunction early, and building a personalized path toward long-term health.

What happens when every medical test comes back "normal," yet your body is telling you something is seriously wrong?

In this powerful episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN Practitioner) Betsy Stevenson shares her remarkable journey through years of unexplained neurological symptoms that mimicked mini-strokes, debilitating fatigue, digestive dysfunction, insomnia, hormone imbalance, and overwhelming burnout. Despite extensive medical testing, including MRIs, heart evaluations, CT scans, blood work, and specialist visits, she was repeatedly told everything looked normal.

Everything changed when Functional Lab Testing revealed profound HPA Axis dysfunction, extremely low cortisol, disrupted hormone health, impaired detox pathways, and deeper physiological imbalances that conventional testing had overlooked. Betsy explains how discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, a true Health Detective approach, helped uncover the hidden stressors driving her chronic health challenges.

Together, Michele and Betsy explore why Root Cause Healing requires more than symptom management. They discuss the importance of Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostics, personalized healing protocols, metabolic typing, nervous system regulation, lifestyle changes, restorative sleep, stress reduction, and bio-individual nutrition. Betsy also shares how improving Gut Health through comprehensive testing uncovered IBS, colitis, bacterial imbalances, Candida, and digestive dysfunction, allowing her to rebuild health from the inside out.

This conversation highlights why Holistic Health means treating the entire body as an interconnected system rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. If you've been struggling with Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Issues, Digestive Problems, Food Sensitivities, Bloating, Blood Sugar instability, Metabolic Dysfunction, Burnout, or have been told your labs are "normal" despite feeling unwell, this episode offers hope, education, and practical insight into a different path forward.

Whether you're searching for Natural Healing, considering working with an FDN Practitioner, exploring Functional Nutrition, or looking for answers beyond conventional medicine, Betsy's story demonstrates how identifying hidden dysfunction can create lasting Health Transformation.

_________________________________

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

__________________________________

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

In this special episode of the Health Detective Podcast, FDN Founder Reed Davis shares the remarkable story behind the creation of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) and explains how a passion for helping people evolved into one of the world's leading Functional Health and Health Coaching education programs.

Reed reflects on his transition from environmental law into the wellness field after witnessing firsthand how conventional healthcare often failed to uncover the true causes of chronic health problems. Through years of working alongside chiropractors, nutrition professionals, and medical mentors, he developed a practical, data-driven system focused on identifying Hidden Stressors, restoring foundational health, and helping clients achieve lasting Health Transformation.

The conversation explores how Functional Lab Testing, saliva hormone testing, digestive assessments, detoxification markers, and other Functional Diagnostics shaped the FDN methodology. Reid explains why Root Cause Healing requires looking beyond symptoms to evaluate digestion, detoxification, hormone balance, immune function, energy production, and Nervous System health instead of relying solely on symptom management.

You'll also hear the origin of the FDN philosophy, including the development of the D.R.E.S.S. Protocol (Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction, Supplementation), why practitioners focus on identifying Healing Opportunities rather than diagnosing disease, and how personalized lifestyle strategies support Holistic Health, Functional Wellness, and long-term resilience.

Reed also discusses mentorship, practitioner education, business building, and his mission to educate as many people as possible to help others get well and stay well naturally. Whether you're an aspiring FDN Practitioner, Functional Health Practitioner, Health Coach, or simply passionate about Functional Medicine, Root Cause Medicine, Functional Nutrition, and sustainable wellness, this episode provides valuable insight into the philosophy that continues to guide thousands of practitioners worldwide.

What happens when every medical test comes back "normal," yet your body is telling you something is seriously wrong?

In this powerful episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN Practitioner) Betsy Stevenson shares her remarkable journey through years of unexplained neurological symptoms that mimicked mini-strokes, debilitating fatigue, digestive dysfunction, insomnia, hormone imbalance, and overwhelming burnout. Despite extensive medical testing, including MRIs, heart evaluations, CT scans, blood work, and specialist visits, she was repeatedly told everything looked normal.

Everything changed when Functional Lab Testing revealed profound HPA Axis dysfunction, extremely low cortisol, disrupted hormone health, impaired detox pathways, and deeper physiological imbalances that conventional testing had overlooked. Betsy explains how discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, a true Health Detective approach, helped uncover the hidden stressors driving her chronic health challenges.

Together, Michele and Betsy explore why Root Cause Healing requires more than symptom management. They discuss the importance of Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostics, personalized healing protocols, metabolic typing, nervous system regulation, lifestyle changes, restorative sleep, stress reduction, and bio-individual nutrition. Betsy also shares how improving Gut Health through comprehensive testing uncovered IBS, colitis, bacterial imbalances, Candida, and digestive dysfunction, allowing her to rebuild health from the inside out.

This conversation highlights why Holistic Health means treating the entire body as an interconnected system rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. If you've been struggling with Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Issues, Digestive Problems, Food Sensitivities, Bloating, Blood Sugar instability, Metabolic Dysfunction, Burnout, or have been told your labs are "normal" despite feeling unwell, this episode offers hope, education, and practical insight into a different path forward.

Whether you're searching for Natural Healing, considering working with an FDN Practitioner, exploring Functional Nutrition, or looking for answers beyond conventional medicine, Betsy's story demonstrates how identifying hidden dysfunction can create lasting Health Transformation.

_________________________________

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

__________________________________

What if one unexpected event, a partnership ending, a pandemic, a health crisis, or losing a major client could completely disrupt your business? More importantly, how do you build a health coaching business that can survive every setback?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet shares the real business journey behind building a resilient Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practice. From launching a personal training studio at age 22 to navigating failed partnerships, COVID shutdowns, personal health struggles, pregnancy, and unexpected client loss, Michele explains how every challenge became an opportunity to build a stronger business.

She reveals why relying on a single income source leaves many health professionals vulnerable and how creating multiple streams of income transformed her career. Michele discusses premium one-on-one coaching, scalable group programs, recurring memberships, digital products, affiliate partnerships, corporate wellness contracts, and practitioner supplement dispensaries as sustainable ways to create long-term business stability.

The conversation also explores how Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, Functional Lab Testing, Health Coaching, and a Root Cause Healing approach not only restored Michele's own health but also expanded her ability to help women struggling with Hormone Imbalance, Burnout, Bloating, anxiety, weight gain, and other chronic health challenges through Functional Health.

Designed for aspiring FDN Practitioners, Functional Health Practitioners, wellness entrepreneurs, and health coaches, this episode provides practical insights into building a business that supports both financial growth and personal freedom. Michele explains why boundaries, recurring revenue, diversified income, and scalable offers allow practitioners to serve more people without sacrificing their own health or family life.

Whether you're starting your first Health Coaching practice or looking to scale an established business, this episode delivers actionable strategies for creating a resilient, profitable, and purpose-driven business built to thrive through life's inevitable challenges.

What happens when every medical test comes back "normal," yet your body is telling you something is seriously wrong?

In this powerful episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN Practitioner) Betsy Stevenson shares her remarkable journey through years of unexplained neurological symptoms that mimicked mini-strokes, debilitating fatigue, digestive dysfunction, insomnia, hormone imbalance, and overwhelming burnout. Despite extensive medical testing, including MRIs, heart evaluations, CT scans, blood work, and specialist visits, she was repeatedly told everything looked normal.

Everything changed when Functional Lab Testing revealed profound HPA Axis dysfunction, extremely low cortisol, disrupted hormone health, impaired detox pathways, and deeper physiological imbalances that conventional testing had overlooked. Betsy explains how discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, a true Health Detective approach, helped uncover the hidden stressors driving her chronic health challenges.

Together, Michele and Betsy explore why Root Cause Healing requires more than symptom management. They discuss the importance of Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostics, personalized healing protocols, metabolic typing, nervous system regulation, lifestyle changes, restorative sleep, stress reduction, and bio-individual nutrition. Betsy also shares how improving Gut Health through comprehensive testing uncovered IBS, colitis, bacterial imbalances, Candida, and digestive dysfunction, allowing her to rebuild health from the inside out.

This conversation highlights why Holistic Health means treating the entire body as an interconnected system rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. If you've been struggling with Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Issues, Digestive Problems, Food Sensitivities, Bloating, Blood Sugar instability, Metabolic Dysfunction, Burnout, or have been told your labs are "normal" despite feeling unwell, this episode offers hope, education, and practical insight into a different path forward.

Whether you're searching for Natural Healing, considering working with an FDN Practitioner, exploring Functional Nutrition, or looking for answers beyond conventional medicine, Betsy's story demonstrates how identifying hidden dysfunction can create lasting Health Transformation.

_________________________________

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

__________________________________

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

How do you help someone whose chronic bloating, abdominal distension, digestive issues, hormone imbalance, and fatigue keep returning, even after working with multiple practitioners? In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with FDN Practitioner Becca Chilczenkowski, co-owner of FitMom Functional Health, to break down one of her most complex Functional Diagnostic Nutrition case studies.

Together, they explore how a woman struggling with severe bloating, recurring H. pylori, parasites, reflux, constipation, dermatitis, fibroids, weight gain, exhaustion, and hormone challenges finally experienced lasting Health Transformation through a layered, whole-body approach. Rather than chasing symptoms or relying on aggressive protocols, Becca explains why supporting Functional Health begins with restoring digestive capacity, improving stomach acid, bile flow, nutrient absorption, and immune resilience before introducing targeted Healing Protocols.

She shares how Functional Lab Testing, blood work, and GI-MAP testing helped uncover hidden stressors driving chronic inflammation and why rebuilding the body's foundations produced long-term results.

The conversation also explores Gut Health, Hormone Health, Functional Medicine, Root Cause Healing, digestive enzymes, HCl, ox bile, immune support, fasting strategies, metabolic flexibility, and the importance of nervous system regulation. Michele and Becca discuss why many women dealing with Chronic Illness, Burnout, bloating, and hormone issues often need less stress, not more exercise, and why personalized care consistently outperforms one-size-fits-all protocols.

They also discuss collaborating with medical teams for hormone therapy and peptides while staying within the FDN scope of practice, highlighting how Health Coaching, Practitioner Education, and teamwork create better client outcomes.

Whether you're a Functional Health Practitioner, Health Coach, FDN Practitioner, or someone searching for answers to chronic digestive and hormone challenges, this episode delivers practical insights into Root Cause Medicine, Functional Nutrition, and sustainable healing that lasts

What happens when every medical test comes back "normal," yet your body is telling you something is seriously wrong?

In this powerful episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN Practitioner) Betsy Stevenson shares her remarkable journey through years of unexplained neurological symptoms that mimicked mini-strokes, debilitating fatigue, digestive dysfunction, insomnia, hormone imbalance, and overwhelming burnout. Despite extensive medical testing, including MRIs, heart evaluations, CT scans, blood work, and specialist visits, she was repeatedly told everything looked normal.

Everything changed when Functional Lab Testing revealed profound HPA Axis dysfunction, extremely low cortisol, disrupted hormone health, impaired detox pathways, and deeper physiological imbalances that conventional testing had overlooked. Betsy explains how discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, a true Health Detective approach, helped uncover the hidden stressors driving her chronic health challenges.

Together, Michele and Betsy explore why Root Cause Healing requires more than symptom management. They discuss the importance of Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostics, personalized healing protocols, metabolic typing, nervous system regulation, lifestyle changes, restorative sleep, stress reduction, and bio-individual nutrition. Betsy also shares how improving Gut Health through comprehensive testing uncovered IBS, colitis, bacterial imbalances, Candida, and digestive dysfunction, allowing her to rebuild health from the inside out.

This conversation highlights why Holistic Health means treating the entire body as an interconnected system rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. If you've been struggling with Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Issues, Digestive Problems, Food Sensitivities, Bloating, Blood Sugar instability, Metabolic Dysfunction, Burnout, or have been told your labs are "normal" despite feeling unwell, this episode offers hope, education, and practical insight into a different path forward.

Whether you're searching for Natural Healing, considering working with an FDN Practitioner, exploring Functional Nutrition, or looking for answers beyond conventional medicine, Betsy's story demonstrates how identifying hidden dysfunction can create lasting Health Transformation.

_________________________________

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

__________________________________

📲CONNECT WITH BECCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehormonequeen/

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

If you have lived with acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, or stomach pain that will not go away, even after PPIs, elimination diets, and round after round of doctor visits, this conversation is for you.

For over five years, Jessica Washington cycled through the ER, a PPI, a SIBO label, and increasingly restrictive diets, with no real answers. Her H. pylori test even came back negative, something that happens far more often than most people are told. Everything changed when she ran functional labs with a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner and finally saw what was driving her symptoms.

Host Michele Scarlet and Jessica, now an FDN practitioner and founder of The Gut Healing Ninja, get into:

• Why upper-gut symptoms like reflux and gastritis often start outside the stomach
• Why a negative H. pylori test does not always mean you are in the clear
• What a GI Map reveals that standard testing misses
• The gut-brain connection and the invisible weight of managing symptoms daily
• How addressing root causes gave Jessica her health, energy, and family back

Find Jessica, The Gut Healing Ninja:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealingninja
Website: https://theguthealingninja.com

What happens when every medical test comes back "normal," yet your body is telling you something is seriously wrong?

In this powerful episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN Practitioner) Betsy Stevenson shares her remarkable journey through years of unexplained neurological symptoms that mimicked mini-strokes, debilitating fatigue, digestive dysfunction, insomnia, hormone imbalance, and overwhelming burnout. Despite extensive medical testing, including MRIs, heart evaluations, CT scans, blood work, and specialist visits, she was repeatedly told everything looked normal.

Everything changed when Functional Lab Testing revealed profound HPA Axis dysfunction, extremely low cortisol, disrupted hormone health, impaired detox pathways, and deeper physiological imbalances that conventional testing had overlooked. Betsy explains how discovering Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, a true Health Detective approach, helped uncover the hidden stressors driving her chronic health challenges.

Together, Michele and Betsy explore why Root Cause Healing requires more than symptom management. They discuss the importance of Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostics, personalized healing protocols, metabolic typing, nervous system regulation, lifestyle changes, restorative sleep, stress reduction, and bio-individual nutrition. Betsy also shares how improving Gut Health through comprehensive testing uncovered IBS, colitis, bacterial imbalances, Candida, and digestive dysfunction, allowing her to rebuild health from the inside out.

This conversation highlights why Holistic Health means treating the entire body as an interconnected system rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. If you've been struggling with Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Issues, Digestive Problems, Food Sensitivities, Bloating, Blood Sugar instability, Metabolic Dysfunction, Burnout, or have been told your labs are "normal" despite feeling unwell, this episode offers hope, education, and practical insight into a different path forward.

Whether you're searching for Natural Healing, considering working with an FDN Practitioner, exploring Functional Nutrition, or looking for answers beyond conventional medicine, Betsy's story demonstrates how identifying hidden dysfunction can create lasting Health Transformation.

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🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

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This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.