Optimal Metabolism

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...

If you're dealing with anxiety, low mood, chronic stress, or hormonal chaos—you're not broken. You may just be out of rhythm.

In this powerful episode, Shana is joined by Dr. Kelli Ritter—licensed counselor, functional nutritional therapy practitioner, and quantum circadian specialist—to unpack how circadian disruption is a hidden root cause behind so many modern symptoms.

From anxiety and insomnia to burnout and hormone imbalance, Dr. Kelli reveals how our light environment, trauma history, and daily rhythms impact the nervous system—and what it really takes to heal.

This conversation is both sci...

In this episode, Shana Hussin, RDN, shares the replay of her recent webinar on GLP-1 — the hormone behind today's most popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

You'll learn:
✔️ What GLP-1 is and how it works in the body
✔️ Natural ways to increase GLP-1 for fewer cravings, better blood sugar, and fat loss
✔️ Lifestyle habits that decrease GLP-1 and fuel insulin resistance
✔️ The truth about GLP-1 medications: cost, side effects, and sustainability
✔️ How to safely transition off GLP-1 drugs by improving natural GLP-1 and gut health
✔️ The research behind Unimate Yerba Mate and Bal...

So many women feel broken, exhausted, and out of alignment with their bodies—and their faith.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Austin Lake, Christian functional medicine practitioner and founder of Wholly Health, to explore the deeper root causes of hormone imbalance, infertility, adrenal dysfunction, and weight gain through a biblical lens.

Dr. Lake shares how disrupted circadian rhythm, chronic stress, nutrient depletion, and over-medicalization are keeping women stuck—and how true healing begins by returning to God's design.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

Why hormone issues like...

Episode Summary:

Summer may have been fun, but if your energy, weight, or motivation feel off, you're not alone. This solo episode is your permission slip to stop the extremes and start fresh—with a metabolism reset grounded in balance, not burnout.

Shana walks you through why so many women feel worse after summer, and what to do now to feel amazing again—without restrictive dieting or relying on medications like Ozempic, metformin, or statins.

If you're feeling puffy, tired, or stuck, this episode will show you how to gently reset your metabolism, supp...

In this powerful episode of Hormones, Metabolism & You!, board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with nutrition pioneer Shana Hussin, RDN, for an open-hearted conversation about why the health trends we follow can sometimes backfire—especially when stress and burnout are involved.

What You'll Hear:

How fasting backfired during a season of high stress and adrenal exhaustion.

The role of hormones like leptin and cortisol in regulating appetite, sleep, and metabolic balance.

Why one-size-fits-all health plans fail, especially around hormone and gut health.

Shana's personal pivot—from rigid fasting to listeni...

If you've ever wondered what it actually feels like when your metabolism turns back on, or whether insulin resistance can creep back in after reversing it—this episode is for you. Shana Hussin, RDN, shares powerful answers to real questions from her community, including how the Feel Great system can support healthy cholesterol levels and even help some people get off statins. These bite-sized insights are perfect for anyone feeling stuck in their weight, blood sugar, or hormone healing journey.

What You'll Learn:

What real metabolic healing feels like (and how to know it's happening)

In this powerful episode, Shana Hussin sits down with fellow registered dietitian Shannon Davis to unpack her personal and professional journey through infertility, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease. Shannon shares how shifting to a low-carb lifestyle—and later discovering the Feel Great System—transformed her health, helped her conquer intense sugar cravings, and brought her cholesterol and triglycerides back into balance.

You'll hear how Shannon now uses these same strategies to help her clients reverse type 2 diabetes and regain control over their blood sugar, cravings, and energy.

✨ SPECIAL EVENT ALERT: On August 13th, join Shana and Sh...

Episode Description:
In today's episode (originally recorded as an Instagram Live), I'm answering some of your most pressing questions about insulin resistance and the buzz around GLP-1 medications—through the lens of real healing, root cause solutions, and God's design for the body.

We're talking about:

Why you might still have insulin resistance even if your labs look "normal"

What actually happens when insulin is high—even if your blood sugar isn't

How long it takes to reverse insulin resistance (and what most people get wrong)

Why some peop...

f you're stuck in a cycle of poor sleep, cravings, fatigue, and stubborn weight gain, this episode is for you. I sat down with Jill McRae, co-founder of Inactive Co., to dive into the often-overlooked link between sleep and insulin resistance—especially for midlife women battling hormone chaos.

We explore how modern life disrupts your natural sleep-wake rhythms and what it really takes to restore deep, healing rest without pills or complex protocols. Jill shares powerful insights from the Sleep 7 Playbook, a faith-rooted and biology-based approach to resetting your nervous system and supporting your metabolism through rest.

🔎 Episode Summary:
Are your high blood sugar readings truly coming from what you're eating—or is your nervous system the real culprit? In this solo episode (taken from Instagram LIVE), Shana unpacks the hidden connection between cortisol and glucose, sharing her personal journey of dealing with high morning blood sugars, plus how to identify whether you're dealing with insulin resistance or a stress response. She explains how to test and interpret both cortisol and blood sugar levels, and how to know whether Cortisol Calm, Low Insulin Academy, or the new Get Unstuck Audit is the right next step for y...

We've been told cancer is genetic… or just bad luck. But what if that's not the whole story?

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, I share the journey of my mom—a nurse, a night-shift worker, and a fighter who passed away just 7 months after her pancreatic and liver cancer diagnosis. For well over a decade, she was told to "watch" elevated liver enzymes while living in a circadian storm of artificial light, disrupted sleep, and minimal sun exposure.

Her story—combined with the latest research—is a powerful case study for rethinking cancer as a met...

Could the invisible waves around us be damaging our children's brains, hormones, and fertility? In this critical episode, Shana Hussin, RDN, interviews Arthur de Calenge, founder of HAVN (Havnwear), about the powerful yet often overlooked effects of EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure on human health.

Arthur breaks down what EMFs really are, how they affect our biology—especially in children and reproductive health—and why 5G presents new concerns. They also explore how silver-lined clothing can serve as a powerful shield, and how you can take simple, meaningful steps to protect your home and family.

If you...

If you've ever wondered why you feel great one minute—and crash the next—or why your weight won't budge despite healthy eating, it might be time to try a CGM.

In this solo episode, Shana Hussin, RDN, breaks down what a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is, why it's one of the most powerful tools in metabolic healing, and how to use it effectively. Whether you're managing insulin resistance, adrenal fatigue, or just curious about your patterns—this is the clarity you need.

You'll learn:

How CGMs work and why real-time glucose data matter...

In this raw and deeply personal episode of Optimal Metabolism, I'm opening up about something far beyond food, fasting, or hormones: my spiritual transformation.

Over the past several years, I've experienced tremendous success—and tremendous loss. What started as a nutrition therapy business rooted in service began to feel more like striving. I found myself chasing downloads, metrics, and content calendars… and losing sight of who I was really called to be.

✨ In this episode, I share:

Why I stepped away from social media and podcasting for a season

How I realiz...

Join Shana Hussin, RDN for an in-depth conversation with board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith of Modern Endocrine. We dive into:

How gut health drives hormone balance, metabolic function, and cortisol regulation

Practical strategies for reducing stress, improving circadian rhythm, and restoring foundations of health

The lowdown on microdosing GLP‑1 medications—safe, effective, and who may benefit

Testing guidance: what labs to run for insulin resistance, cortisol, gut markers, thyroid, and circadian balance

Dr. Smith brings a unique blend of conventional endocrinology and functional medicine to help listeners understand testing, defi...

Episode Summary:
Most women think their high morning blood sugar is from what they ate the night before—or not fasting long enough. But after tracking her own numbers with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), I discovered that the real culprits were much deeper.

In this solo episode, I share how I brought her fasting blood sugar back to normal (hello 70s and 80s!), and what truly made the difference. This episode is for any woman who's tried "everything" and still feels stuck with stubborn glucose spikes.

Links Mentioned:

🎧 Listen to the Podca...

Episode Summary:
If you're navigating midlife, battling stress, and struggling with sleep, this episode is for you. Shana welcomes Elizabeth Grosjean, founder of Baloo Living, to explore how cooling weighted blankets can naturally support nervous system regulation and sleep quality—without medications or synthetic materials.

Learn how deep pressure stimulation improves HRV, calms cortisol, and why the right kind of blanket can make all the difference—especially for hot sleepers and hormonally sensitive women.

Elizabeth also shares what makes her blankets different (hello, breathable cotton and glass microbeads!) and how to choose the right weig...

Episode Summary:
Are you sleeping enough but still exhausted, anxious, or gaining weight? The issue might not be how long you're sleeping—but when. In this episode, Shana explains why the circadian timing of your sleep is critical for hormone balance, metabolism, and adrenal health.

Discover how getting to bed by 10 PM supports the natural flow of cortisol, melatonin, insulin, and leptin, and why late-night sleep (even if it's 8 hours) can disrupt your hormonal repair cycles.

Links & Resources:

Cortisol Calm Course – Reset your circadian hormones naturally:
shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/cortisol-calm-signature-course

P...

Episode Summary:
Are carbs really the enemy? Not when they're eaten in sync with seasons, hormones, and metabolic rhythms. In this episode, Shana breaks down why many women feel worse—not better—after long-term low-carb or keto, and how reintroducing seasonal, local carbohydrates can actually improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and energy.

You'll learn how to shift from fear and restriction to trust and flexibility—rooted in both biology and God's design.

Links & Resources:

Join Low Insulin Academy (On SALE the first week of June!):
shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/low-insulin-academy-on-demand

Free F...

Episode Summary:
In this eye-opening interview, Dr. Peter Martone reveals how the structure of your cervical spine could be the hidden culprit behind your blood sugar instability, adrenal fatigue, and infertility. We explore how modern posture—from phone use to poor sleep position—disrupts the central nervous system and hormonal balance. Dr. Martone also shares how his Neck Nest sleep pillow is helping people improve HRV, sleep quality, and overall nervous system health—without supplements or complex protocols.

This episode is a must-listen if you've been doing "everything right" and still feel stuck, tired, or inflamed.

📝 Episode Summary:
Exhausted. Wired. Bloated. Belly fat. Stuck in survival mode.

If you're nodding along, this episode is your invitation to pause, breathe, and believe that healing is not only possible—it's how your body was designed.

In this deeply personal episode I share my own burnout story and walk you through the rhythms and rituals that brought me back to energy, clarity, and peace. You'll learn how to rebuild your cortisol curve naturally—without pills, caffeine, or extreme protocols.

Plus, I introduce the Cortisol Calm course, now open with a special Mother...