Health Coach Talk: Conversations About Wellness Through Functional Medicine Coaching

What if fatigue is more than a lack of energy and is actually the brain trying to tell us something important? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes board-certified neurologist and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Ken Sharlin to explore fatigue, neurodegenerative conditions, and his Predictive Energy Allocation Model, or PEAM. Their conversation offers a fascinating look at how the brain manages energy, responds to stressors, and works to protect survival.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/ken-sharlin-196/

As lab testing, peptides, hormone therapies, and other health optimization tools become more accessible, where do health coaches fit into this evolving wellness landscape? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Andrea Corleto, founder and CEO of Altro Health, to explore the growing demand for longevity services, the importance of staying within scope of practice, and new models for bringing coaching and clinical care together.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/andrea-corleto-195/

Could health and wellness coaching be approaching one of the most significant turning points in the profession’s history? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes NBHWC leaders Deanna Fournier and Nicole Pope to discuss the proposed CMS reimbursement pathway, growing recognition of board-certified health coaches, and what these developments could mean for the future of the profession.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/deanna-fournier-nicole-pope-194/

What if seeing your blood sugar change in real time could make healthy habits easier to understand and sustain? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Functional Medicine Coaching Academy graduates Michelle Doel and Alicia Harding, co-founders of the Metabolism Mastery Method, to explore how continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, can support greater awareness of metabolic health and meaningful behavior change.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/michelle-doel-alicia-harding-193/

What if some of the most powerful forms of medicine are already available all around us? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes integrative and functional medicine physician Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark to explore how nature, sunlight, movement, belonging, and community can support physical and emotional well-being. Their conversation draws from Dr. Geeta’s book, Medicine for All People: Science and Ancient Wisdom for Revolutionary Healing, which invites readers to expand their understanding of what medicine can be.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/geeta-maker-clark-192/

What happens when fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, weight gain, and mood changes are dismissed because a standard lab result falls within the “normal” range? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Dr. Amie Hornaman, known as The Thyroid Fixer, for a wide-ranging conversation about thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes, personalized testing, and the importance of listening when the body signals that something is wrong.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/amie-hornaman-191/

Could the way wheat is grown and processed matter as much as the grain itself? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Jill Brockman-Cummings, mill manager at Janie’s Mill, for a fascinating conversation about organic farming, stone-milled flour, ancient and heritage grains, and the traditions that have largely disappeared from the modern food system.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/jill-brockman-cummings-190/

What if the first step to helping a struggling child has nothing to do with changing the child's behavior? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes psychologist, mental health expert, and The Dysregulated Kid author Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to explore why nervous system regulation is the foundation for emotional resilience, healthy behavior, and lasting change. Together, they unpack what dysregulation really means, why it has become so common, and how simple, consistent practices can help families move from survival mode toward calm and connection.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/roseann-capanna-hodge-189/

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing healthcare, but what happens to the human side of healing? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes physician, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and longtime FMCA supporter Dr. Pedram Shojai to explore how AI is transforming functional medicine, and why it will never replace the human connection at the heart of health coaching. Together, they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and exciting future of AI as a tool for delivering more personalized, root-cause care.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/pedram-shojai-188/

Could your home be affecting your health more than you realize? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes indoor air quality expert Jason Earle, founder of GOT MOLD?, to unpack one of today’s most misunderstood health topics: mold and the environments we live in. Together, they separate fact from fiction while exploring how healthy buildings support healthier lives.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/jason-earle-187/

Can a simple scent accidentally heal your mind and body? In this episode, we explore the fascinating science of how smell impacts your memory, emotions, and overall wellness.We are joined by Jennifer Pressimone, a clinical aromatherapist and founder of JennScents with over 23 years of experience. She breaks down exactly how essential oils interact with the brain’s limbic system to improve cognitive function, emotional wellness, and self-awareness.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/jennifer-pressimone-186/

What does a successful health coaching career actually look like? In this solo episode of Health Coach Talk, FMCA founder and CEO Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum tackles one of the most common questions aspiring and practicing coaches ask: “How will I work as a health coach?” Rather than focusing on job titles alone, Dr. Sandi paints a broader picture of a profession filled with opportunities to serve people in meaningful ways across healthcare, business, education, technology, community programs, and beyond.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/dr-sandi-185/

What if your oral health is influencing far more than your teeth and gums? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes registered dental hygienist, biological oral health advocate, podcast host, and FMCA graduate Amanda Hale for a fascinating conversation about the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Together, they explore why the mouth deserves a much larger role in conversations about prevention, chronic disease, and long-term health.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/amanda-hale-184/

What if health coaching skills could help students navigate college, manage stress, and build confidence for adulthood? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes FMCA graduate and executive function coach Krisler Bailey for a conversation about using health coaching in innovative, non-traditional ways. By combining functional medicine principles with executive function coaching, Krisler supports teens and young adults as they build sustainable habits, improve focus, and develop the skills they need to thrive academically and personally.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/krisler-bailey-183/

How does betrayal shape our health, relationships, and ability to move forward in life? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes researcher, author, and Post Betrayal Transformation Institute founder Dr. Debi Silber for a conversation about the hidden effects of betrayal trauma and why it may be the missing piece behind so many persistent emotional and physical health struggles. Drawing from her groundbreaking research on Post Betrayal Syndrome, Dr. Debi explains how betrayal differs from other forms of trauma and why healing requires more than simply “moving on.”Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/debi-silber-182/

Could functional medicine reshape the future of healthcare? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes leading functional medicine expert  @DrWillCole  for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of root cause medicine, the growing public awareness around nutrition and chronic disease, and the opportunities that lie ahead for more collaborative, patient-centered care. Drawing from more than 16 years of experience running one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics, Dr. Will shares how dramatically the healthcare landscape has changed and where meaningful progress is still needed.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/will-cole-181/

How can health coaches and consumers make informed choices in a wellness industry overflowing with supplements, testing options, and conflicting advice? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes internationally recognized integrative physician and researcher Dr. Donese Worden for an eye-opening conversation about the realities behind direct-to-consumer testing, supplement quality, and the growing need for accountability in health and wellness. Drawing from decades of clinical and research experience, Dr. Worden shares practical insights into how coaches can better support clients while navigating an increasingly complicated healthcare landscape.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/donese-worden-180/

What if a chronic diagnosis did not have to define the rest of your life? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes FMCA graduate Jennifer Germain, functional medicine health coach, certified personal trainer, and founder of Compass Health Coaching, to share her powerful journey from inflammatory bowel disease to empowered healing. Jennifer opens up about how functional medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle change helped her reclaim her health and inspired her to help others do the same.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/jennifer-germain-179/

What if a child’s diagnosis did not have to be the end of the story? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes author, educator, and Documenting Hope founder Beth Lambert to discuss the rising rates of childhood chronic illness and neurodevelopmental conditions, along with the root-cause approaches that may help children heal.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/beth-lambert-178/

What does “gut health” really mean, and how do you know if your probiotic is actually working? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Tina Anderson, CEO and founder of Just Thrive, to break down the science and confusion surrounding probiotics and the gut microbiome. Their conversation brings clarity to a topic that is often discussed but not always well understood, especially when it comes to what truly supports gut health, mood, immune function, and overall well-being.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/tina-anderson-177/

How can healthcare truly address the root causes of chronic disease instead of just managing symptoms? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Dr. Innocent Clement, founder and CEO of Ciba Health, to explore a precision care model that is transforming chronic disease management. Together, they discuss how a collaborative, data-driven approach featuring physicians, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and health coaches is creating better outcomes, stronger engagement, and more accessible care for patients with complex conditions.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/innocent-clement-176/

What happens when chronic stress and low energy begin feeding each other in a loop that feels impossible to escape? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Dr. Scott Sherr, a board-certified internal medicine physician and expert in health optimization medicine and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, for a fascinating conversation about the connections between the nervous system, mitochondrial health, and healing. Together, they explore why so many people feel “wired but tired” and what may be happening beneath the surface when clients are doing all the right things but still not feeling better.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/scott-sherr-175/

What if the most important conversations about heart health are the ones happening outside the cardiologist’s office? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist known for his root-cause, holistic approach to cardiovascular wellness, for a conversation about what it really means to support heart health. Together, they explore why so much conventional care still overlooks foundational lifestyle factors like nutrition, movement, stress, and connection, even though these are often the very areas that shape long-term outcomes.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/jack-wolfson-174/

What if many of the symptoms women experience in midlife have as much to do with the gut as they do with hormones? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes nurse practitioner, author, and women’s health expert Cynthia Thurlow for a conversation about the profound connection between the microbiome and women’s health during perimenopause and menopause. Centered on Cynthia’s new book, The Menopause Gut, the episode brings fresh attention to a topic that has often been overlooked in conversations about this stage of life. Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/cynthia-thurlow-173/

What if high blood pressure is not the root problem but a signal pointing to something deeper? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Dr. Mark Young, CEO of Zona and a PhD in functional medicine, to explore a fresh perspective on hypertension and what it really takes to support cardiovascular health. Together, they unpack the science behind blood pressure, challenge conventional approaches, and introduce an innovative tool designed to work with the body, not against it.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/mark-young-172/

Is your gut microbiome working for you, or against you? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes naturopathic physician and Genova Diagnostics Director of Product Innovation Dr. Michael Chapman to explore the rapidly evolving world of gut health and functional lab testing. Their conversation examines how advances in microbiome science are reshaping our understanding of digestive health, chronic disease, and personalized care.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/michael-chapman-171/

What happens when the clinician becomes the patient? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes executive health coach and former cardiovascular perfusionist Mark Brezzell to share how a life-altering diagnosis of type 1 diabetes reshaped his career, his mindset, and his mission. With decades of experience in acute care medicine and medical industry leadership, Mark now uses both clinical expertise and lived experience to educate individuals and organizations about metabolic health, stress, and prevention.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/mark-brezzell-170/

Could beta-glucan be a missing piece in the immune health conversation? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes epidemiologist and integrative medicine researcher Dr. Chris D’Adamo to explore beta-glucan, what it is, how it works, and why it is gaining attention in conversations about immune resilience and longevity. As Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a longtime leader in dietary supplement research, Dr. D’Adamo brings scientific rigor and practical insight to this important discussion.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/chris-dadamo-169/

Why do so many people with thyroid conditions continue to struggle even when their lab results are “normal”? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi sits down with Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef, FMCA graduate, and functional medicine health coach Ginny Mahar to explore a new functional framework for thyroid care rooted in personalization, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and sustainable lifestyle change. Drawing from her own experience with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, Ginny explains how moving beyond lab-based management toward a structured, whole-person approach can help individuals reclaim their energy, clarity, and long-term vitality.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/ginny-mahar-168/

What if the secret to lasting metabolic health isn’t about eating less, but about restoring what modern life has stripped away? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi sits down with cardiologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. William Davis to discuss his groundbreaking work on the microbiome and his latest book, SUPER Body. Dr. Davis challenges conventional wisdom on weight loss, shifting the focus from the numbers on the scale to the critical balance of muscle preservation and the elimination of internal visceral fat.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/william-davis-167/

Are you curious which health trends are fading away and which powerful movements are taking their place for your clients this year? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi hosts a solo episode to navigate the shifting landscape of wellness in 2026, identifying ten pivotal movements that are redefining how we approach everything from medical testing to the clothes we wear. Drawing on her decades of experience as a health psychologist and her deep roots in functional medicine, Dr. Sandi explains how the transition from passive patient to "health care CEO" is fundamentally changing the practitioner-client relationship.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/dr-sandi-166/

Can we actually transform our health by doing less instead of more? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi sits down with Amber Letz, an FMCA graduate and board-certified health coach, to discuss the power of simplicity in an often over-complicated wellness industry. Amber shares her "KISS" philosophy and explains how returning to the basics can lead to profound and lasting personal transformation.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/amber-letz-165/

Is it possible that our obsession with weight loss is actually keeping us from achieving true health? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi sits down with Ashley Koff, founder of the Better Nutrition Program and author of the new book Your Best Shot, to explore a revolutionary shift from weight loss to weight health. Together, they discuss the science of metabolic hormones and why focusing on building and repairing the body is far more effective than the traditional path of restriction.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/ashley-koff-164/

What if the symptoms you’ve been told to “push through” are actually your hormones asking for attention? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes women’s health leader Dr. Carrie Jones and Mira Clinical Manager Rose MacKenzie for a conversation about hormone tracking and how real-time data is changing the way women understand their bodies. Together, they explore how daily hormone monitoring empowers women to make sense of symptoms, cycles, and life transitions with clarity instead of confusion. Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/carrie-jones-rosemary-mackenzie-163/

Is there really a future in health coaching, and what does that future look like as healthcare continues to evolve? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Kasia Smith, founder of Pillar, to explore how health coaching careers are expanding within today’s healthcare system. As chronic disease rates rise and providers search for more sustainable care models, health coaches are increasingly being recognized as an essential part of the solution.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/kasia-smith-162/

What if the symptoms many people chalk up to “normal aging” were actually signals of chronic inflammation brewing beneath the surface? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Ayurvedic practitioner, inflammation researcher, and author Dr. Shivani Gupta for a powerful conversation about inflammation, individuality, and the wisdom that emerges when ancient traditions and modern science work together.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/shivani-gupta-161/

What role do health coaches really play in today’s healthcare system, and why is that role becoming more essential than ever? On this episode of Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi sits down with Amanda Grabot, a leader in functional medicine coaching and business development, to explore how health coaches are helping bridge the gap between clinical care and real-life behavior change in an evolving integrative health landscape.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/amanda-grabot-160/

Have you ever walked out of a medical visit feeling more dismissed and afraid than informed and supported? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes physician, author, and patient advocate Dr. Erika Schwartz to talk about what really goes wrong in our healthcare system and how patients can protect themselves. Dr. Erika, founder of Evolved Science and faculty at A4M, has spent decades pioneering bioidentical hormone therapy and speaking out about the arrogance and fear-based culture that so many patients encounter in conventional care.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/erika-schwartz-159/

What will it take to reverse the rising tide of chronic illness and mental health struggles facing today’s teens? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi sits down with 17-year-old national speaker, podcaster, and upcoming author Abdullah Ansari to unpack why young people are struggling like never before. Abdullah brings the perspective of a teen who has lived this reality firsthand and is calling for a health revolution led by youth themselves. Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/abdullah-ansari-158/

How do we take charge of our health in a world where information, technology, and healthcare options are expanding faster than ever? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes entrepreneur, author, and AI innovator Robin Farmanfarmaian to explore what it means for patients to become the CEOs of their own healthcare. Robin’s work sits at the intersection of patient empowerment and fast advancing medical technology, and her personal health journey brings powerful insight into how individuals can advocate for themselves and shape better outcomes.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/robin-farmanfarmaian-157/

How can we care for our skin in a way that reflects how we want to feel as we age? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi is joined by Cynthia Garcia, founder of Rewritten and a leader in identity-based transformation. Together, they explore the science behind skin aging, the emerging role of senolytics, and how daily skincare can become a meaningful ritual that supports both confidence and well-being.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/cynthia-garcia-156/

Where are the blind spots in our current standard of care, and what happens when a physician decides to search beyond them? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes family physician, clinical researcher, and author Dr. Aaron Hartman to explore how truly personalized medicine takes shape when curiosity, compassion, and evidence align. Dr. Hartman shares how his daughter’s early challenges became the catalyst for a new approach to care that honors biology, context, and the body’s capacity to heal.Show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/aaron-hartman-155/

What if recovery didn’t stop at sobriety? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Dr. Amy de la Garza and Linnea Offerman from Nosis Health to discuss how functional medicine and health coaching are transforming addiction treatment. Together, they share a groundbreaking model of care that integrates medical treatment, therapy, and coaching to support lasting recovery and whole-person healing.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/amy-de-la-garza-linnea-offerman-154/

Can what you eat shape how you feel and think? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes licensed clinical psychologist and FMCA-certified health coach Dr. Andrea Cook to explore nutritional psychology, the bi-directional relationship between food and mental health. Dr. Cook shares how this lens is reshaping psychotherapy training, clinical practice, and even college psychology curricula.Show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/andrea-cook-153/

What if the secret to aging well isn’t found in a pill or a protocol, but in your mindset and your community? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Sally Duplantier, gerontologist, public health educator, and founder of Zing. At 70, she’s pursuing her doctorate in public health while helping older adults around the world embrace vitality, connection, and lifelong learning through her organization and Wellness Wednesdays webinar series.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/sally-duplantier-152/

What if trauma isn’t just in your mind, but in your cells? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes double board-certified physician and trauma expert Dr. Amy to explore the biology of trauma and how it impacts both mental and physical health. Dr. Amy shares groundbreaking insights from her new book The Biology of Trauma, which reveals how the body stores fear, pain, and overwhelm, and how we can begin to heal.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/aimee-apigian-151/

What does it really mean when food is “grass-fed” or “regenerative”? This week on Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes regenerative farmer Joe Wanda, founder of Wanda Farms in Harvard, Illinois. Together they explore how farming practices impact the nutrient density of food, the health of our soil, and ultimately, the well-being of our families and communities.Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/joe-wanda-150/

What if the path to healing and growth started not with reinvention, but with radical self-acceptance? In this episode of Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi sits down with motivational speaker, author, and emotional fitness advocate Hakeem Bourne McFarlane to explore the power of choosing yourself: embracing your story, owning your identity, and doing the internal work that leads to external impact. Full show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/hakeem-bourne-mcfarlane-149/

What happens to healthcare when artificial intelligence gets faster, smarter, and more accessible? In this episode of Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi speaks with Stanford professor and AI pioneer Dr. Ronjon Nag about the future of AI in medicine, why human connection still matters, and how coaches can embrace technology without losing their impact. With decades of experience building AI systems and now leading longevity science initiatives, Dr. Ronjon offers a unique perspective on where we’re headed and what it means for personalized care.Show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/ronjon-nag-148/

What if treating heart disease meant going beyond prescriptions and procedures to ask what truly matters? In this episode of Health Coach Talk, Dr. Sandi welcomes Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a board-certified interventional cardiologist who found new purpose through functional medicine and personalized, lifestyle-based care.Show notes: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/podcast/sanjay-bhojraj-147/