Optimal Metabolism

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to do everything "right"—eat nutritious foods, take quality supplements, exercise regularly, and prioritize sleep—yet still struggle with fatigue, inflammation, hormone imbalance, or stubborn metabolic issues?

In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with Dan Stachofsky, founder of Essential Energy, to explore one of the most overlooked influences on our health: the environment we live in every day.

Dan's journey into environmental health began after his daughter developed a chronic immune condition that didn't fully respond to conventional or functional medicine. His search for answers led him...

Obesity treatment has changed dramatically over the past decade. While nutrition and lifestyle remain the foundation of long-term metabolic health, today's medical landscape also includes bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications as potential tools for certain individuals.

In this episode, I sit down with board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Betsy Dovec to discuss how obesity treatment has evolved, who may benefit from bariatric surgery, how today's procedures differ from common misconceptions, and where GLP-1 medications fit into the conversation.

Whether you've considered surgery yourself, are curious about today's obesity treatments, or simply want...

What if the way you're aging has more to do with your metabolic health than your age itself?

In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I sit down with longevity physician Dr. Jennifer Timmons to discuss the powerful connection between insulin resistance, hormone health, disease prevention, and aging well.

Dr. Timmons shares how her experience in traditional primary care led her to pursue advanced training in functional medicine, precision medicine, and longevity medicine. Together, we discuss what it really means to optimize health as we age, why insulin resistance accelerates many age-related conditions, and how women...

Between constant notifications, endless scrolling, chronic stress, poor sleep, ultraprocessed food, and information overload, modern life is placing an unprecedented burden on our brains. It's no wonder so many people struggle with brain fog, forgetfulness, low energy, difficulty focusing, and concerns about long-term cognitive decline.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Marc Milstein, brain health researcher, international speaker, and author of the bestselling book The Age-Proof Brain. Dr. Milstein translates cutting-edge neuroscience into practical, evidence-based strategies that help people improve memory, focus, productivity, and long-term brain health.

We discuss how today's environment is...

Type 2 diabetes is often presented as a chronic, progressive disease that inevitably requires increasing medications over time. But what if that's not the full story?

In this week's episode of Optimal Metabolism, I sit down with Dr. Jason Shumard to discuss the root causes of type 2 diabetes, why conventional treatment approaches often fall short, and what it actually takes to reverse blood sugar dysfunction.

Dr. Shumard shares his perspective on insulin resistance, metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors that contribute to diabetes progression. We explore common misconceptions about blood sugar management and discuss practical strategies...

In this thought-provoking episode of Optimal Metabolism, Shana tackles four deceptively simple questions that reveal some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding metabolic health today.

Could eating too often be more problematic than eating too much? Can someone be overweight and undernourished at the same time? Is your fatigue really a food issue—or could your light environment be playing a larger role? And what if your nightly Netflix habit is affecting your blood sugar more than that dessert you enjoyed after dinner?

If you've been struggling with stubborn weight, fatigue, cravings, blood sugar issues, or si...

Cancer care is evolving, and today's conversation with Martha Tettenborn dives into one of the most overlooked aspects of healing and prevention: metabolic health.

Martha is a cancer survivor, author of Hacking Chemo, and currently works with Dietary Therapies, where she helps support patients using evidence-based nutritional and metabolic approaches alongside conventional cancer care.

In this follow-up conversation, we move beyond Martha's personal story and explore what she's seeing firsthand in patients today. We discuss the growing connection between insulin resistance, blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, and cancer progression — and why metabolic health deserves a much bi...

In today's episode, I'm answering some of the most common metabolic health questions I hear from people who feel frustrated, exhausted, and stuck — even though they're trying to "do everything right."

We're diving into the real root causes behind fatty liver, high triglycerides, stubborn weight gain, cravings, blood sugar instability, and rising blood pressure — and why insulin resistance is often at the center of it all.

Inside this Q&A Instagram Live, we discuss:

✨ What I would focus on FIRST if someone had fatty liver, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and 50 pounds to lose<...

What if weight loss wasn't the ultimate goal—but instead the starting point for true health?

In this episode, I sit down with longevity-focused coach Jason Nelson to discuss the hidden side of modern fat loss culture. While many people are finally losing weight through restrictive dieting, excessive cardio, or GLP-1 medications, they're often left with low energy, muscle loss, metabolic dysfunction, and bodies that still don't feel healthy.

Jason explains why focusing only on the scale can actually move people further away from long-term vitality, and why muscle, bone density, metabolic resilience, and biological ag...

What happens when a pharmacist of 30+ years realizes the system she was trained in isn't actually helping people heal?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Amanda Yue, PharmD, to discuss her journey from conventional pharmacy to root-cause healing—and the life-changing results that followed.

Amanda shares how her 80-year-old mother-in-law, who was facing foot amputation due to long-standing type 2 diabetes, was able to not only avoid surgery—but reverse her diabetes and regain her memory after early signs of cognitive decline.

We also dive into Amanda's personal health struggles, including 27 years of p...

Fatty liver is one of the most common metabolic conditions today—and many people don't even know they have it.

It's often discovered incidentally on lab work or imaging, and the typical advice is vague at best: lose weight, eat better, exercise more.

What's often missing from that conversation is this: Fatty liver is not just about fat. It's a metabolic and hormonal issue—driven largely by insulin resistance.

In this episode, we break down what fatty liver really is, why it develops, and most importantly, whether it can be reversed.

The...

What if the constant thoughts about food… just disappeared?

In this powerful success story, I sit down with Jill Kramer to talk about her transformation using the Feel Great System—and how it completely changed not only her body, but her relationship with food.

At 56 years old, Jill is now the leanest she's ever been, with better gut health, more energy, and zero obsession around food. But what makes this story even more incredible is what happened with her mom…

After years of struggling, her mother lost 40 pounds, came off all medications, and experi...

What if severe anxiety, depression, and brain fog aren't just mental health issues—but metabolic ones?

In today's powerful conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Matt Bernstein, a clinical psychiatrist and leading voice in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. We dive deep into the connection between metabolism and brain health—and why conditions like insulin resistance, blood sugar instability, and circadian disruption may be at the root of many mental health struggles.

If you've been dealing with fatigue, poor sleep, mood swings, or difficulty focusing—this episode will help you understand why your body feels out of...

Carbohydrates have become one of the most controversial topics in nutrition. Depending on who you follow, carbs are either the root of all metabolic disease or an essential part of a healthy diet.

In this episode, I'm sharing my personal and clinical approach to carbohydrates and answering a question I hear all the time:

Do you have to go keto to heal insulin resistance and metabolic issues?

The short answer is no — but the full answer is much more nuanced.

Carbohydrates do impact blood sugar and insulin more than any other ma...

What if cancer isn't just genetic — but deeply connected to your metabolism and your body's ability to manage infections?

In this powerful episode, Shana sits down with Mark Lintern, author of The Cancer Resolution, to uncover the overlooked connection between cancer, chronic infections, and blood sugar dysregulation.

If you're struggling with insulin resistance, fatigue, weight gain, or inflammation, this conversation will connect important dots. You'll learn how glucose, insulin, and mitochondrial dysfunction create an internal environment where both infections and cancer can thrive.

Most importantly, this episode breaks down practical, foundational steps you ca...

Is fasting helping your metabolism… or actually making things worse?

If you've tried fasting and felt shaky, exhausted, or stuck, or if you're fasting longer and seeing no results, this episode is for you. The truth is fasting isn't one-size-fits-all. The wrong approach can actually increase stress hormones, disrupt blood sugar, and stall your progress.

In this episode, I break down:

Ashleigh Di Lello is an international speaker, mindset and trauma expert, and the creator of Bio Emotional Healing®, a method designed to help people break free from trauma, chronic pain, and subconscious patterns that keep them stuck.

Ashleigh's journey is nothing short of remarkable. As a professional dancer who performed with legends like Michael Jackson and appeared on Dancing with the Stars, she seemed to be living a dream life. But behind the scenes, she was battling severe illness, chronic pain, and a life-threatening health crisis.

Through her healing journey, Ashleigh discovered how deeply trauma, e...

Most people think their metabolism is controlled by what they eat during the day. But the truth is, your hormones start being programmed the moment you wake up.

Your morning routine has a powerful influence on insulin, cortisol, melatonin, and other key hormones that regulate your energy, metabolism, sleep, and overall health. When your morning habits are aligned with your body's natural circadian rhythms, your metabolism becomes more stable, your energy improves, and your body becomes more resilient.

In this episode, we explore how simple morning habits can help reset your hormonal signaling and support...

In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I sit down with Dr. Michael Biamonte, founder of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition and author of The Candida Chronicles, to unpack the surprising connection between Candida overgrowth and metabolic dysfunction.

Candida is often reduced to "just a yeast infection," but Dr. Biamonte explains why chronic fungal overgrowth can disrupt insulin signaling, impair liver detoxification, drive inflammation, weaken immunity, and create the perfect storm for weight gain, fatigue, high cholesterol, and blood pressure issues.

If you've ever felt like your body is working against you, this conversation may...

If you're eating clean… exercising… and still struggling with blood sugar, cravings, or stubborn belly fat — this episode may change how you see your metabolism.

Because your blood sugar isn't just influenced by what you eat.

It's influenced by when you see light.

In this episode, I break down:

Are medications solving the root of metabolic disease — or just masking it?
In this powerful episode that started as a Instagram LIVE, I break down what you're not being told about the most commonly prescribed drugs for blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight loss: GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy), statins, and Metformin.

I help you unpack:

Mo...

GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy are dominating the conversation around weight loss — but what happens when the prescription ends? In this episode, Shana sits down with Lindsay Venn, PA-C, RD, and Clinical Director of Insulin IQ, to unpack how to reverse metabolic dysfunction without relying on lifelong medication.

They explore why insulin resistance is the real root issue, how to safely taper off GLP-1s without losing your progress, what labs can reveal your true healing status, and why many chronic diseases — including cancer — are deeply tied to your metabolism. This episode is a must-listen if you're...

This episode was originally recorded as part of my Insulin Reset Facebook & Instagram LIVE series, where I go live weekly to teach the truth about insulin resistance, hormones, and metabolic health.

In this powerful session, I unpack:

The REAL reason your cholesterol and triglycerides are high

How fatty liver actually develops (hint: it's not from eating fat)

Why statins may lower numbers but don't solve the root issue

The overlooked roles of insulin, chlorogenic acid, and liver overload

How the Feel Great System (Unimate + Balance) can support...

What happens when a doctor leaves his practice, but finds his true mission? In today's episode of Optimal Metabolism, I'm joined by Dr. Kenny Harless—a retired chiropractor whose second act is nothing short of transformational. Through his own health journey and the discovery of the Feel Great System, Dr. Kenny has found new purpose: helping others reverse insulin resistance, regain energy, and restore hope.

We dive into why he left the conventional model, the breakthroughs he's seeing in his clients and the leaders he is training, and how this new chapter has brought not only healing—but...

If you've ever felt "hangry," needed a snack every 2–3 hours, or crashed after a meal—this episode, taken from Instagram LIVE is for you. Shana Hussin shares how meal timing and food order can drastically improve blood sugar stability, reduce cravings, and help women over 40 finally feel in control of their energy and weight.

You'll learn:

What if your body could heal—without more medications, specialists, or confusing diets? In today's episode, Wendy Knox shares her incredible journey of reversing Hashimoto's thyroiditis, terrible IBS, chronic pain, and losing 29 pounds—naturally—using the Feel Great system.

After years of living in discomfort, inflammation, and fatigue, Wendy found a sustainable path to true healing. Her story will inspire anyone struggling with autoimmune issues, digestive distress, or unexplained pain.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Wendy's lowest point—and the health conditions she thought she'd live with forever

How the Feel Great sy...

Could insulin resistance be the real root cause of Alzheimer's? In this powerful and personal episode, Shana Hussin, RDN, interviews Rachel Daughtery, the passionate voice behind Booty & Brains, whose mission is to shift the Alzheimer's conversation toward prevention and metabolic healing.

Rachel shares how her mother's diagnosis ignited a relentless pursuit of answers — leading her to the science connecting insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and neurodegeneration. She explains why building muscle, stabilizing blood sugar, and reducing inflammation are not just good for your waistline — they're critical for brain health. This conversation is equal parts science and soul, offering hope...

In this powerful interview, Shana sits down with Sam Hughes, VP of Sales at Unicity, to uncover the story and science behind the Feel Great System—a metabolic support protocol built on two potent products: Unimate and Balance.

Sam shares his unique journey from working in customer service to helping roll out this system across North America. He breaks down the ingredients inside each product, why they were chosen, and how they're helping thousands reverse insulin resistance, balance blood sugar, and feel better—often fast.

If you're ready to simplify your wellness journey and actually feel...

In this powerful solo episode, Shana breaks down two of the most overlooked drivers of weight gain, low energy, and chronic disease: insulin resistance and fatty liver. Discover why these silent conditions are skyrocketing, how to test for them (even if your doctor isn't looking), and the exact lifestyle steps that can start reversing them—naturally. Plus, hear why she recommends the Feel Great system and how her metabolic reset program works.

What We Cover:

Why fatty liver is now shockingly common 

How insulin resistance leads to liver fat, hormonal chaos, and stubborn wei...

What No One Tells You About Life After GLP-1 Meds

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have changed the game for weight loss—but what happens when the prescription ends and you need a plan?

This week, I'm joined by Dr. Jim Hill, leading obesity researcher and architect of the National Weight Control Registry, to uncover what really happens after GLP-1s—and how to maintain your results without spiraling into regain.

We'll explore the three types of weight regain, what makes maintenance so different from weight loss, and why your body is c...

The holidays bring joy, but they can also trigger emotional eating, guilt, people-pleasing, and that "I'll start over in January" mindset that sets you back. In this powerful re-air of one of Shana's most-shared episodes, you'll learn how to stay grounded and aligned with your health goals—without feeling deprived or isolated.

Shana shares practical strategies to help you recognize and overcome the most common holiday eating traps, all through the lens of metabolic health and faith-based wellness. If you've ever struggled with holiday parties, food pressure, or all-or-nothing thinking, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Links...

In today's episode, I'm sharing exactly how I lost weight while on a cruise and over Thanksgiving—yes, during two of my most food-filled weeks of the year!
No tracking, no food guilt, no agonizing gym workouts—just two meals a day, a simple fasting rhythm, and daily support from the Feel Great System.

✨ I'll walk you through what I ate, when I ate, how I felt, and the mindset shift that changed everything. Whether you're traveling, hosting, or just trying to make it through the holidays without backsliding, this is for you!

What You'll...

If you feel like you've tried everything—fasting, low-carb, supplements—and your weight still won't budge, this episode is for you.

Shana welcomes Craig Mullen, founder of Remedy Functional Health and a pioneer in root-cause healing, to unpack the deeper reasons behind weight loss resistance and metabolic burnout. Together they explore how hormone dysfunction, mitochondrial fatigue, and even your nervous system may be silently sabotaging your progress.

Craig shares cutting-edge strategies he's using with high performers to reverse fatigue, balance hormones, and restore metabolic flexibility—including the use of peptide therapy, regenerative tools, and advanced diagno...

Summary:
In this episode, Shana dives into one of the most overlooked yet reversible conditions in metabolic health — fatty liver. She explains why this isn't really a "liver problem," but a sign of insulin resistance and disrupted circadian rhythm. You'll learn how to heal your liver naturally through nutrition, light, and daily rhythms — and how the Feel Great System and 90-Day Reset provide a simple, effective framework for restoring energy, hormones, and metabolic balance.

What You'll Learn:

Why 1 in 3 adults now have fatty liver — and most don't know it

The difference between fatty...

Episode Summary:
What if your chronic symptoms aren't your fault—but the result of being failed by a broken system?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Aaron Hartman—author of UnCurable and founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine—to explore the deeper reasons behind weight loss resistance, autoimmune illness, trauma, and more.

We discuss the 4 reasons people struggle to lose weight (even when "doing everything right"), how to regenerate the body using light, food, and rhythm, and why addressing unresolved trauma may be the key to healing.

Dr. Hartman's story...

In this Facebook Live episode, Shana shares how she naturally lowered her total cholesterol by 58 points and LDL by 41 points in just 11 weeks—without statins—by addressing insulin resistance and easily adding 7 different fibers with the Feel Great System. You'll learn what causes "high" cholesterol beyond diet, how insulin and inflammation play a bigger role than fat intake, and how strategic nutrients like soluble fibers, phytosterols, and chlorogenic acid improve both lipid and glucose metabolism.

The real root of high cholesterol: insulin resistance and poor metabolic signaling.

Why statins don't fix insulin resi...

This week on Optimal Metabolism, Shana sits down with one of her greatest mentors in circadian and quantum biology, Carrie Bennett, to uncover the surprising science behind winter wellness. Together, they explore why embracing the dark may be the key to restoring your melatonin rhythm, healing adrenal fatigue, and boosting mitochondrial health this season.

You'll learn how our biology shifts during winter, why being more ketogenic and aligned with shorter days supports metabolic healing, and whether we really need to supplement with vitamin D—or if nature already built the answer into the circadian rhythm itself.

Are you on a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro — and wondering if there's a natural way to come off it safely?

In this powerful solo episode, Shana breaks down what causes GLP-1 to become depleted, how to rebuild your body's natural production, and the exact steps she recommends for weaning off meds. You'll also hear a detailed walkthrough of her proven weaning protocol (with screen recording!), plus the lifestyle strategies and tools that support long-term metabolic healing.

If you're looking for lasting freedom from weight struggles, blood sugar crashes, and medication dependency — this episode is f...

Heart disease is still the number one killer in the U.S.—but are we even looking at the right markers to prevent it?

In this eye-opening episode, Shana sits down with Dr. Urban Kiernan, founder and CEO of iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation, to break down what your lipid panel actually means, why total cholesterol and LDL often distract from the real risks, and how insulin resistance plays a central role in heart disease—especially during menopause.

Dr. Kiernan shares how his biotech company is leveraging AI, protein therapy, and root-cause science to transform how we prev...

What if you could reverse type 2 diabetes, drop 62 pounds collectively, and get off multiple medications — naturally? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brent and Tonya Vineyard, a couple who has experienced absolutely life-changing results using the Unicity Feel Great System.

After years of battling chronic health issues — including diabetes, migraines, acid reflux, restless legs, and dangerously high triglycerides — they decided to try a natural, two-step supplement system… and everything changed.

🎧 Whether you're struggling with weight, blood sugar, hormone chaos, or feeling stuck in a medical system that offers more meds than solutions, this episode is...