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GLP-1 medications have become synonymous with weight loss—but what if their impact on women’s health goes far beyond the number on the scale? Recorded live at SXSW in Austin, this special panel brings together experts in thyroid and metabolic health, fertility, menopause, and strength training to explore what women should really understand about GLP-1 medications. Moderated by Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT, the conversation features McCall McPherson, PA-C, Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD, and Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD. Together, they discuss appropriate use, microdosing, insulin resistance, inflammation, thyroid disease, PCOS, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, muscle preservation, side effects, long-term use, and the importance of individualized care. 🔑 In This Episode: What GLP-1 medications actually do beyond appetite suppressionWhy these medications were first used for diabetes and metabolic healthMicrodosing vs. traditional dosingWhy individualized dosing may help some women better tolerate treatmentGLP-1s, thyroid dysfunction, Hashimoto’s, and inflammationSeparating thyroid-cancer concerns from what the panel says current human evidence showsWhy adequate calories and protein matter while using a GLP-1The importance of preserving and building muscleGLP-1s, insulin resistance, PCOS, and fertilityWhy GLP-1 medications are not recommended while actively trying to conceive or during pregnancyPerimenopause, menopause, HRT, glucose regulation, and visceral fatWhen GLP-1 use may be short-term vs. longer-termSemaglutide, tirzepatide, and individualized prescribingDEXA scans, creatine, resistance training, and lean-mass preservationFasting insulin, A1c, leptin, and other metabolic markersSleep, HRV, hydration, and what wearables may revealFood noise, body image, and why appropriate medical screening matters Fertility, PCOS & GLP-1s Dr. Natalie Crawford explains that fertility is more than simply the ability to become pregnant—it can also reflect hormonal and metabolic health. For patients with PCOS and insulin resistance, improving metabolic health may help restore ovulation and support fertility. However, Dr. Crawford emphasizes that GLP-1 medications are not intended to be used while actively trying to conceive or during pregnancy and discusses stopping them before conception under medical guidance. She also highlights resistance training and skeletal muscle as powerful tools for glucose utilization, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and reproductive health. Thyroid Health, Inflammation & Microdosing McCall shares how her approach evolved toward lower, individualized doses after seeing patients struggle with nausea, inadequate nutrition, and difficulty consuming enough protein on standard dosing. The goal, she explains, is not simply appetite suppression or rapid weight loss. It is finding a dose that allows patients to nourish themselves, preserve muscle, and improve metabolic health while minimizing side effects. Menopause & Midlife Metabolic Health Dr. Jessica Shepherd explores how declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause and menopause influence the entire body—not just reproductive health. The panel discusses the relationship between hormone changes, glucose regulation, insulin, inflammation, visceral fat, joint symptoms, and the potential role GLP-1s may have alongside other individualized midlife interventions. Protecting Muscle on a GLP-1 Dr. Shannon Ritchey emphasizes that simply “lifting weights” is not always enough to preserve or build muscle. The panel discusses adequate protein and calories, monitoring body composition, potentially using tools such as DEXA scans, and performing resistance training with enough intensity to stimulate muscle adaptation. 📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus: 🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value OR 🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic 👉 https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/ Featured Panelists McCall McPherson, PA-C Founder, Modern Thyroid Clinic Thyroid & metabolic health Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD Fertility specialist and co-founder of Fora Fertility Author of The Fertility Formula Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD OB-GYN and women’s health expert Author of Generation M Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT Founder of Evlo Fitness Strength training and muscle-preservation expert 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness Modern Thyroid Clinic: https://modernthyroidclinic.com/ McCall McPherson: https://www.mccallmcpherson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_JyQdBAJwYT3rMDsvyriw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McCallMcPhersonPAC/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/thyroidexpert This episode is for educational purposes only. GLP-1 medications are prescription medications and treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional based on individual history, risks, goals, and current evidence.

What if insulin resistance is quietly driving inflammation, weight gain, and thyroid dysfunction years before blood sugar ever looks abnormal? In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Alessia Roehnelt for an in-depth conversation about insulin resistance and why it can be such an important marker of long-term metabolic health. Dr. Roehnelt explains how insulin functions in the body, what happens when insulin resistance develops, and why chronically elevated insulin can contribute to inflammation, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and disease progression. They also explore the bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance and hypothyroidism, including how thyroid dysfunction can worsen metabolic health and how insulin resistance can complicate thyroid function and treatment. 🔑 In This Episode: What insulin resistance is and how it developsWhy insulin resistance may appear before prediabetes or type 2 diabetesCommon physical and metabolic signs of insulin resistanceAcanthosis nigricans, carb sensitivity, and rapid weight fluctuationsThe relationship between insulin resistance and hypothyroidismHow insulin resistance may affect thyroid hormone absorption and conversionWhy fasting insulin can provide useful information beyond A1c alone“Normal” vs. optimal fasting glucose, insulin, and A1c valuesWhy population-based lab ranges do not always reflect optimal healthThe role of vitamin D in metabolic and hormonal healthFatty liver markers including AST and ALT 🏃‍♀️ Improving Insulin Sensitivity Dr. Roehnelt and McCall discuss foundational strategies including: Consistent, restorative sleepStrength and resistance trainingReducing refined carbohydratesPairing carbohydrates with protein and fatUsing continuous glucose monitors to better understand personal responsesStrategic intermittent fasting when appropriate 💊 Medications Discussed Metformin Improves insulin sensitivityHas a long history of clinical useCan be a cost-effective early intervention GLP-1 receptor agonists Reduce appetite and slow gastric emptyingLower liver glucose productionImprove insulin signalingMay help reduce inflammation in appropriate patients 🌿 Key Takeaways Insulin resistance can often be improved when identified early. “Normal” lab values do not always tell the entire story, and weight gain is far more complex than calories in versus calories out. One of the biggest themes in this episode is that inflammation connects metabolic dysfunction, thyroid disease, and autoimmunity, making individualized, whole-body evaluation incredibly important. 📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus: 🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value OR 🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic 👉 https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/ 📍 Connect with Dr. Alessia Roehnelt Website & Practice: https://www.endohealthdoc.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endohealthdoc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alessia.roehnelt 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness Modern Thyroid Clinic: https://modernthyroidclinic.com/ McCall McPherson: https://www.mccallmcpherson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_JyQdBAJwYT3rMDsvyriw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McCallMcPhersonPAC/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/thyroidexpert

What if the brain fog, forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, anxiety, or difficulty getting things done isn’t simply stress—or even your thyroid? In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson, PA-C sits down with Dr. Jolene Brighten, women’s health expert and bestselling author, to explore the often-overlooked connection between ADHD in women, thyroid function, hormones, perimenopause, inflammation, and brain health. Dr. Brighten explains why so many women reach adulthood without an ADHD diagnosis and why hormonal transitions can suddenly make symptoms that were once manageable feel impossible to ignore. She also explains an important overlap for thyroid patients: hypothyroidism itself can create ADHD-like symptoms, including brain fog, low mental energy, working-memory problems, changes in neurotransmitter function, and difficulty with executive function. In This Episode: Why ADHD in women is often missed or misdiagnosedHow female ADHD can look different from stereotypical hyperactivityAnxiety, depression, and undiagnosed ADHDHow hypothyroidism can mimic ADHD symptomsEmotional dysregulation, time blindness, and executive dysfunctionADHD, Hashimoto’s, PMDD, endometriosis, POTS, histamine issues, and other co-occurring conditionsDr. Brighten’s brain-immune-hormone modelWhy puberty, postpartum, birth control, perimenopause, and postmenopause can change ADHD symptomsEstrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, and brain energyWhy perimenopause can make ADHD much harder to manageGut health, sleep, exercise, protein, omega-3s, fiber, and polyphenolsHow to work with your healthcare provider instead of trying to DIY everything ADHD or Hypothyroidism? One of the most important conversations in this episode is the overlap between ADHD and low thyroid function. Dr. Brighten explains that hypothyroidism can affect brain energy, memory, attention, neurotransmitters, and executive function. Her approach is to address hypothyroidism first when it could be contributing to new ADHD-like symptoms. If difficulties with planning, organization, emotional regulation, focus, or executive function persist—especially when similar patterns have existed since childhood—it may be worth investigating another layer. Why Hormones Matter Dr. Brighten discusses important hormonal windows when ADHD symptoms may change or become more obvious: puberty, postpartum, the pill, perimenopause, and postmenopause. During perimenopause in particular, shifts in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin regulation, mitochondrial function, and brain energy may make brain fog, sleep problems, emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction more difficult. 📖 AVAILABLE NOW: ADHD and Women Dr. Brighten’s new book, ADHD and Women: A Guide to Optimizing Your Hormones and Thriving with ADHD, is available now. The book explores female ADHD through a hormone-focused lens and includes guidance on gut health, sleep, exercise, nutrition, supplements, hormones, quizzes, and a 14-day reset. 👉 https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-women/ 📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus: 🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value OR 🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic 👉 https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/ Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten Website: https://drbrighten.com/ 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or replace individualized medical care.

What happens when you’re doing everything “right” for your health but still don’t feel like yourself? In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Nicole Peterson Doran, co-founder of PUR-FORM, Humanaut Health franchisee, and host of The Healthspan Collective Podcast, to talk about her decades-long journey through PCOS, hypothyroidism, inflammation, fertility concerns, long COVID, mast cell activation symptoms, and ultimately finding a more personalized approach to health. Nicole’s story began at just 16 years old when she rapidly gained weight, developed facial hair, experienced irregular periods, severe fatigue, and intense brain fog. She was diagnosed with PCOS and later hypothyroidism, but traditional treatment did little to resolve how she actually felt. That experience eventually led her into integrative medicine, whole-food nutrition, mindfulness, and the concept of bio-individuality—the idea that what works for one person may not work for another. In This Episode: Nicole’s experience with PCOS and hypothyroidism beginning in her teensWhy whole foods and lifestyle changes became a turning pointThe importance of bio-individuality in thyroid and hormone healthWhy there is no single “best” diet, medication, or wellness plan for everyoneHow Nicole prepared her body for pregnancy after years of PCOSThe supplements and lifestyle changes she personally used while preparing for fertilityHer long-COVID journey and mast cell activation symptomsHer personal experience with microdosed tirzepatideThymosin alpha-1 and larazotideWhy gut health became an important piece of her recoveryWhat EBO2 is and how PUR-FORM uses regenerative therapiesThe evolution from struggling patient to health entrepreneur Fertility After PCOS Nicole shares how being told as a teenager that getting pregnant could be difficult stayed with her for years. When she decided she wanted to conceive, she worked intentionally with her practitioners, focused on reducing inflammation, prioritized rest, limited travel, reduced alcohol and sugar, and used supplements including CoQ10 and fish oil. She became pregnant after approximately three months, while emphasizing that fertility is deeply individual and there is still an element of uncertainty that cannot always be controlled. Long COVID, MCAS & Finding New Tools After COVID, Nicole experienced months of intense histamine-type symptoms, inflammation, brain fog, irritability, and weight changes. She describes working with practitioners and personally using several tools during her recovery, including microdosed tirzepatide, thymosin alpha-1, larazotide, nutritional support, and regenerative therapies. These are shared as Nicole’s personal experience and are not recommendations for every listener. About Nicole Peterson Doran Nicole Peterson Doran is a co-founder of PUR-FORM, a comprehensive health optimization clinic in Boca Raton, Florida. She is also involved with Humanaut Health and hosts The Healthspan Collective Podcast. Her work focuses on personalized health, metabolic and hormonal wellness, regenerative medicine, and helping people find answers when conventional approaches have not been enough. Connect with Nicole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolejdoran/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolejpeterson/ PUR-FORM: https://purformhealth.com/ Humanaut Health: https://humanauthealth.com/ This episode is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. 📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus: 🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course, a $399 value OR 🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic Pre-Order & Claim Your Free Bonus 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson, PA-C sits down with thyroid health expert and bestselling author Elle Russ to discuss why so many people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s continue experiencing symptoms even while taking thyroid medication—and what may be missing from conventional thyroid treatment. They break down the limitations of relying on TSH alone, the difference between “normal” thyroid labs and actually feeling well, and why thyroid treatment may need to consider the bigger picture, including T4, T3, reverse T3, medication type, dosage, timing, symptoms, and the individual patient. If you’ve ever been told your thyroid labs are normal while you still struggle with fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, mood changes, high cholesterol, fertility concerns, or other hypothyroid symptoms, this conversation will help you better understand the questions to ask about your thyroid care. 📖 PRE-ORDER TAKE BACK YOUR THYROID McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, is the science-based guide for people who are tired of being told everything looks “normal” when they still don’t feel well. Pre-order the hardcover and receive the Thyroid Empowered Course ($399 value) FREE with your pre-order. 👉 Pre-order here: https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=take_back_your_thyroid_preorder&utm_content=episode_62_elle_russ 🔑 IN THIS EPISODE: Why you may still have hypothyroid symptoms while taking thyroid medicationWhy relying only on TSH can leave important information out of the picture“Normal” thyroid lab ranges vs. optimal thyroid functionT4, T3, reverse T3, and thyroid hormone conversionT4-only medication vs. combination thyroid therapyNatural desiccated thyroid vs. synthetic thyroid hormonesHow medication dose and timing can affect thyroid treatmentThe connection between thyroid dysfunction, fatigue, weight, mood, cholesterol, and fertilityCommon misconceptions about thyroid hormone replacementWhy understanding your own thyroid labs mattersHow to become a more informed advocate for your thyroid health 👩‍⚕️ ABOUT ELLE RUSS Elle Russ is a bestselling author, thyroid health educator, and advocate. After experiencing years of hypothyroidism, misdiagnosis, and unsuccessful treatment herself, she became dedicated to helping others better understand thyroid health and advocate for more individualized care. She is the author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution and creator of The Ultimate Thyroid Course. 🔗 ELLE RUSS RESOURCES Website: https://elleruss.com Free Thyroid Guide: https://freethyroidguide.com 🌐 ABOUT MODERN THYROID CLINIC Modern Thyroid Clinic specializes in helping patients understand and address persistent thyroid symptoms through individualized, comprehensive thyroid care. https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com Subscribe for weekly conversations about thyroid health, Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, hormones, metabolism, functional medicine, women’s health, and longevity. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or replace individualized medical advice from your healthcare provider. #Hypothyroidism #Hashimotos #ThyroidHealth #ThyroidMedication #WomensHealth

Could a simple neck self-check help you notice a thyroid concern earlier? September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Rashmi Roy, a fellowship-trained, board-certified endocrine surgeon specializing in thyroid and parathyroid disorders. Dr. Roy practices at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in Tampa and has performed thousands of thyroid and parathyroid procedures. Together, McCall and Dr. Roy have an important conversation about thyroid cancer risk, early detection, diagnosis, thyroid nodules, surgery, Hashimoto’s, and how patients can make more informed decisions about their thyroid health. They discuss how to perform a neck self-check, potential signs and risk factors to be aware of, and when thyroid ultrasound or additional evaluation may be appropriate. Dr. Roy also explains what patients should know before thyroid surgery, including common misconceptions, potential complications, and why the experience of your thyroid surgeon can matter when evaluating surgical options. The conversation also explores Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, its relationship to overall thyroid health and thyroid cancer risk, evolving approaches to treatment and post-surgical management, and why learning to ask better questions can help you become a stronger advocate for your own care. Whether you are navigating a thyroid nodule, Hashimoto’s, a possible thyroid cancer diagnosis, or an upcoming thyroid surgery, this episode offers practical information to help you approach the next step with greater clarity. 🔑 In This Episode: How to perform a neck self-checkSigns, symptoms, and risk factors associated with thyroid cancerWhen thyroid ultrasound or additional screening may be consideredWhat patients should know about thyroid nodulesWhy surgeon experience matters when choosing a thyroid surgeonCommon myths about thyroid surgeryPotential risks and complications of thyroid surgeryHashimoto’s and its relationship to thyroid health and thyroid cancer riskNew and emerging approaches to treatment and post-surgical managementHow to advocate for yourself and ask better questions about your care 👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Rashmi Roy Dr. Rashmi Roy is a fellowship-trained, board-certified endocrine surgeon specializing in thyroid and parathyroid disorders. She practices at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in Tampa and has performed thousands of thyroid and parathyroid procedures. Her extensive surgical experience gives her a valuable perspective on thyroid cancer diagnosis, surgical decision-making, potential complications, and what patients should consider when selecting a thyroid surgeon. If you know someone navigating thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, Hashimoto’s, or an upcoming thyroid surgery, share this episode with them during Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. 📘 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, is available for pre-order now. Pre-order and receive FREE access to the Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value. 👉 Pre-order here: https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/ 📲 Connect with McCall & Modern Thyroid Clinic McCall McPherson, PA-C Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/ Modern Thyroid Clinic Instagram: @modernthyroid https://www.instagram.com/modernthyroid/ Learn more about Modern Thyroid Clinic: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/ This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical care. #ThyroidCancerAwarenessMonth #ThyroidCancer #ThyroidHealth #ThyroidCancerAwareness #ThyroidSurgery #ThyroidNodules #Hashimotos #HashimotosDisease #Hypothyroidism #ThyroidDisease #EndocrineHealth #WomensHealth #ModernThyroidClinic #McCallMcPherson #TakeBackYourThyroid

What if thyroid dysfunction isn’t always an isolated thyroid problem, but a signal that the cells throughout your body are under too much stress? In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Bill Rawls, physician, bestselling author, and co-founder of Vital Plan, for a fascinating conversation about cellular health, chronic illness, autophagy, microbes, stress, thyroid function, and the role herbs may play in supporting resilience. Dr. Rawls’ perspective grew out of his own health crisis. After years of intense work and inadequate sleep as an OB-GYN, his health deteriorated dramatically. He experienced fatigue, neurological symptoms, joint problems, cardiac symptoms, and eventually discovered evidence of Lyme disease. After conventional approaches failed to restore his health, his experience with herbal therapy led him into decades of research on chronic illness and cellular wellness. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why Dr. Rawls views cellular stress as a common thread in chronic illnessFive major categories that can stress our cellsWhy nutrition, environmental toxins, sleep, movement, and microbes matterWhat autophagy is and why cellular repair is essentialHow fasting, exercise, and stress can influence autophagyThe relationship between thyroid hormone and cellular metabolismWhy Dr. Rawls views thyroid dysfunction as a possible signal of broader cellular stressHis hypothesis about microbes, thyroid cells, and Hashimoto’sHow chronic psychological stress and cortisol affect cellular recoveryWhy whole foods, plant diversity, sleep, movement, and reducing toxic exposures form the foundation of his approachHow adaptogenic herbs may support cellular resilienceAshwagandha, rhodiola, reishi, cordyceps, Japanese knotweed, Chinese skullcap, dandelion, and milk thistleWhy herbs became central to Dr. Rawls’ approach to chronic illness The Five Drivers of Cellular Stress Dr. Rawls encourages listeners to zoom out from individual diagnoses and look at the health of the cells themselves. He organizes common sources of cellular stress into five broad areas: inadequate nutrition, toxic exposures, insufficient recovery and sleep, physical stress or inactivity, and microbes. His goal is not simply to suppress symptoms, but to create an internal environment that gives cells the resources and recovery time they need to function well. Autophagy: Your Cells’ Recycling and Repair System A major part of the conversation focuses on autophagy, the ongoing process cells use to recycle damaged components and maintain themselves. Dr. Rawls explains how fasting, movement, and other mild stressors may stimulate this process, while excessive stress can become counterproductive. He emphasizes balance between stress and recovery, rather than believing that more fasting or harder exercise is always better. What Does This Mean for Thyroid Health? Dr. Rawls describes thyroid hormone as an important metabolic signal that helps cells produce and use energy. His central argument is that when cells are chronically stressed, thyroid function may become part of that larger picture. Rather than viewing fatigue or thyroid dysfunction completely in isolation, he encourages looking at sleep, nutrition, stress, environmental exposures, movement, and overall cellular health. Connect with Dr. Bill Rawls 🌿 Dr. Bill Rawls at RawlsMD 📖 The Cellular Wellness Solution 📖 Unlocking Lyme 🌱 Explore Vital Plan RESTORE180™ Dr. Rawls also shares RESTORE180, Vital Plan’s six-month program for people navigating complex chronic illness. The program progresses through stress regulation, gut and detoxification support, and concentrated botanical formulations. Learn More About RESTORE180 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

With thousands of supplements promising more energy, better hair, improved thyroid function, and healthier aging, how do you know what your body actually needs? In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Melissa “Mel” Afflerbach, Clinical Director of Weight Loss & Supplement Programs, for a practical conversation about the supplements they use and recommend within their thyroid and metabolic health programs. They break down some of the most common concerns women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s experience—from persistent fatigue and low energy to hair loss—and explain why supplementation should support the bigger picture rather than replace investigating the root cause of a symptom. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why correcting thyroid function may not completely resolve fatigueHow adrenal and mitochondrial health relate to energy productionThe difference between stimulant energy and supporting cellular energyWhy thyroid dysfunction can contribute to hair shedding and changes in hair, skin, and nailsWhy ferritin and thyroid labs matter when investigating hair lossHow collagen, micronutrients, and antioxidants may support hair, skin, and nailsWhy myo-inositol and selenium are used in ThyroShield™Why testing and understanding the cause of a symptom still mattersHow McCall and her clinical team choose supplements for MDRN WellnessA sneak peek at what they are developing specifically for the thyroid community McCall also shares the deeply personal story behind the “Sol” found throughout the MDRN Health line. Her late brother, Solomon, had been working on the project before his unexpected passing, and the line now carries part of his legacy forward. Supplements Discussed in This Episode Adrena-Sol — adrenal and energy support Shop Adrena-Sol Mito-Sol — mitochondrial and cellular energy support Shop Mito-Sol Beauty Glow Collagen — collagen support for hair, skin, and nails Shop Beauty Glow Collagen Complete Beauty — micronutrient support for hair, skin, and nails Shop Complete Beauty Astaxanthin Antioxidant — antioxidant and skin support Shop Astaxanthin ThyroShield™ — myo-inositol + selenium thyroid support Shop ThyroShield™ Shop MDRN Wellness The MDRN Wellness store was created to make choosing supplements less overwhelming. Products are selected by McCall and the clinical team with the needs of people navigating thyroid dysfunction, hormone concerns, low energy, and related symptoms in mind. Shop All MDRN Wellness Supplements 📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus: 🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course, a $399 value OR 🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic Pre-Order & Claim Your Free Bonus 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if your thyroid symptoms aren’t an isolated problem, but one signal from a body asking you to pay attention? In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Kelly McKenna, CEO and Co-Founder of End Chronic Disease, to explore thyroid health, autoimmunity, chronic stress, environmental exposures, nutrition, and what it really means to focus on prevention. Kelly’s health journey began with a celiac disease diagnosis in high school, followed by nearly two decades of autoimmune and chronic health challenges. In her early 30s, thyroid labs disrupted her plans to freeze her eggs and pushed her to ask a different question: instead of accepting hypothyroidism as inevitable, what might actually be driving it? That curiosity eventually changed both her health and career. Key Topics Covered Kelly’s experience with celiac disease, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’sHow childhood stress may influence long-term healthWhy sleep, nutrition, movement, relationships, and environment matterEnvironmental exposures and thyroid healthThe conversation around paraquat and chronic diseaseWhy prevention should begin in childhoodIodine, selenium, vitamin D, iron, and thyroid healthWhy Kelly calls her thyroid a “barometer” for her whole bodySimple strategies for fatigue and autoimmune flaresThe importance of boundaries and emotional healthBringing preventive health education into schoolsWhy chronic disease prevention requires both individual and systemic change When Your Thyroid Becomes a Warning System After being re-diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, Kelly began closely observing how changes in sleep, nutrition, nutrient status, stress, and other aspects of daily life corresponded with her symptoms and thyroid labs. She focused on nutrients including iodine, selenium, vitamin D, and iron and experimented with dietary changes. As her thyroid markers improved, she noticed changes in her skin, digestion, fatigue, and overall wellbeing too. Today, Kelly describes her thyroid as a “barometer for my whole body.” When fatigue and familiar symptoms return, she views them as signals that her body may need more support, rest, or recovery. Stress, Environment, and Chronic Disease Kelly also shares how growing up with a brother who experienced significant disabilities and frequent seizures created a chronic sense of uncertainty and stress, even within a loving family. Only later did she recognize how those experiences may have shaped her stress response. The conversation expands into environmental health, including paraquat exposure, ultra-processed foods, school environments, movement, and why the places where we live, work, learn, and eat deserve a larger role in conversations about chronic disease prevention. What If You’re Already Exhausted? When someone is already depleted, complicated wellness routines can feel impossible. Kelly recommends returning to basics. Her personal recovery toolbox has included restorative yoga, putting her legs up the wall, prioritizing sleep, simplifying food, gentle walking, acupuncture, positive experiences with people she loves, and examining emotional stress or boundaries that may be draining energy. The goal is to learn your body’s signals and build a collection of tools you can return to when you need them. About Kelly McKenna Kelly McKenna is the CEO and Co-Founder of End Chronic Disease, an organization focused on chronic disease prevention, education, awareness, and policy change. 🌐 End Chronic Disease 💼 Kelly McKenna on LinkedIn 📸 Kelly on Instagram @earth.to.kelly 📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus: 🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course, a $399 value OR 🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic Pre-Order & Claim Your Free Bonus 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the foods, supplements, workouts, and hormone therapies that work beautifully for someone else are completely wrong for your biology? In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Kashif Khan, bestselling author of The DNA Way, celebrity longevity coach, and two-time TEDx speaker, for a deep dive into functional genomics and personalized health. Kashif explains how DNA acts as an instruction manual for the body and why understanding those instructions may help explain why people respond so differently to the same foods, environmental exposures, exercise programs, supplements, and hormone therapies. Drawing from his own experience with chronic illness and years of genetic research, Kashif explores the relationship between genetics and lifestyle, including thyroid health, Hashimoto’s, women’s hormones, detoxification, metabolism, gut health, sleep, cognitive function, inflammation, and longevity. The conversation offers a different way to think about personalized medicine: instead of simply asking what disease you may be genetically predisposed to, ask how your biology works and what choices may better support it. Key Topics Covered What DNA actually tells us about everyday healthWhy genetics are not necessarily destinyGenetics versus epigeneticsHow lifestyle, environment, and nutrition interact with genetic predispositionsKashif’s personal journey from chronic illness to genetic researchWhy two people can make the same health choices and experience very different outcomesGenetic differences in detoxificationWhy DNA testing is different from repeatedly testing hormones, cholesterol, or the microbiomeHow genetics may influence sleep and circadian preferencesPersonalizing nutrition and carbohydrate intakeGenetics, metabolism, and gut healthEnvironmental exposures and individual detoxification capacityWomen’s hormone health and estrogen metabolismGenetics, Hashimoto’s, autoimmunity, and thyroid healthWhy functional genomics goes beyond disease-risk scoresPersonalizing exercise according to individual biologyWhy nervous system regulation and gut health may need to come before advanced biohackingThe future of personalized medicine and longevityWhy understanding the biology underneath symptoms matters DNA as Your Body’s Instruction Manual Kashif describes DNA in practical terms as an instruction manual contained within the cells of the body. Genes provide instructions for countless biological processes, including producing hormones, metabolizing food, detoxifying compounds, and supporting cognitive function. The important difference is that everyone's instruction manual is slightly different. That helps explain why two people can follow the same diet, take the same hormone prescription, or perform the same exercise routine and experience dramatically different outcomes. Genetics Load the Gun, Environment Pulls the Trigger One of the central ideas in the episode is the interaction between genetics and epigenetics. Your DNA does not change every time you change your diet or lifestyle, but the choices you make interact with the biological instructions you inherited. Kashif groups those choices into three broad areas: EnvironmentNutritionLifestyle Environment includes what you are exposed to. Nutrition includes food, supplements, and other nutritional interventions. Lifestyle encompasses factors such as exercise, work, and sleep. Understanding genetics, therefore, is not simply about predicting disease. Kashif sees it as a way to understand how your individual body processes the choices you make every day. Kashif’s Personal Health Journey Kashif did not enter genomics through a traditional medical or scientific career path. Around age 38, after previously considering himself healthy, he developed multiple chronic health problems, including severe eczema, psoriasis, gut issues, migraines, reflux, and inflammation. He received diagnoses and prescriptions but remained focused on a different question: Why did this happen? His search took him through traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, functional medicine, hormone health, the microbiome, and eventually genetics. Understanding genetic differences helped him begin connecting his individual biology with environmental and lifestyle exposures. His recovery ultimately inspired him to leave his previous technology consulting business and build a genetic research company. Why Your Detoxification Genetics Matter Kashif uses his own GSTM1 genetics as an example of how individual differences can influence detoxification. He explains that glutathione plays an important role in neutralizing and removing unwanted compounds and that genetic differences can affect how those processes function in different areas of the body. In Kashif’s case, he discovered a copy number variation involving GSTM1, which became one piece of understanding why exposures that did not seem to affect someone living an otherwise similar lifestyle could affect him differently. This illustrates the broader problem with one-size-fits-all wellness advice: what is tolerated well by most people may not necessarily be optimal for every individual. Why DNA Testing Is Different Hormones change. The gut microbiome changes. Toxic burden changes. Cholesterol changes. DNA does not. Kashif explains that this permanence is part of what makes genomic information valuable. Rather than repeatedly testing DNA, the goal is to understand what your genetic information means and then use that knowledge alongside changing health data throughout your life. His current mission centers heavily on education and helping people better understand their own genetic information. Start With the Foundation Before Biohacking One of Kashif’s cautions is that people often enter the longevity and biohacking world by copying people who have already spent years optimizing their health. That can quickly become overwhelming. His suggested framework begins with identifying where you currently are. If there is an acute health problem, address that first. Then consider foundational areas such as: Nervous system regulationGut healthToxic burdenHealth optimizationLongevity and advanced biohacking Trying to fix decades of accumulated problems in two weeks is unlikely to create the sustainable outcome people are looking for. The goal is to work in the right order rather than doing everything at once. Five Areas Functional Genomics Can Help Personalize Kashif identifies several major areas where he believes functional genomics can provide useful insights. Cognitive Function Genetic differences may influence neurochemical pathways involved in behavior, reward, focus, and how people perceive and respond to their environment. Sleep Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, feeling restored, or naturally functioning better earlier or later in the day may involve different biological pathways. Metabolism People do not necessarily respond identically to the same macronutrient balance. Kashif shares an example involving female athletes who were struggling on a low-carbohydrate approach but performed better after carbohydrates were reintroduced based on their individual biology. Gut and Environmental Health Genetics may help provide context for how an individual responds to environmental exposures and how effectively certain detoxification processes function. Hormones This is one of the areas Kashif believes has enormous potential, particularly for women. Understanding how someone produces, binds, metabolizes, and clears hormones may provide a more personalized framework for women's health. Genetics, Thyroid Health, and Hashimoto’s McCall and Kashif take the conversation directly into thyroid health. Kashif explains that people may arrive with symptoms such as fatigue without realizing that thyroid physiology could be part of the picture. They discuss potential connections among detoxification pathways, environmental exposures, gut-brain signaling, autoimmunity, estrogen metabolism, and thyroid health. The bigger takeaway is that there may not be one universal reason someone develops Hashimoto’s or another thyroid problem. Kashif’s approach is to ask what biological pathways may be contributing in that particular individual so interventions can become more precise rather than simply adding more generalized recommendations. Why Women’s Hormones Need More Personalization Kashif describes women’s hormone health as one of the areas where his research revealed significant gaps in conventional approaches. The conversation explores estrogen metabolism and why understanding what happens after estrogen is produced may matter. Kashif discusses different estrogen metabolites and how genetics may influence their production and processing. For McCall, this aligns with what she sees clinically: thyroid hormones and reproductive hormones cannot always be treated as isolated systems. Understanding how an individual...

What if menopause wasn’t something to fear or simply endure, but a transition you could actively prepare for? In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Lisa Jedan, creator and host of MenoPositive, to challenge the long-standing narrative that menopause automatically means decline. After a successful career in PR and marketing, where she helped build brands and shape stories, Lisa turned those same skills toward changing the conversation around women’s health and aging. Lisa shares what she has learned from interviewing experts across conventional medicine, Chinese medicine, longevity, breathwork, nutrition, and women’s health. The message she hears repeatedly is clear: hormones do not operate in isolation, and the earlier women invest in their health, the more options they may have as they age. Together, McCall and Lisa explore strength training, nutrition, metabolism, thyroid health, Hashimoto’s, mindset, digestion, protein, fiber, sustainable lifestyle changes, and why midlife may become one of the healthiest and most fulfilling chapters of a woman’s life. Key Topics Covered Why Lisa created MenoPositiveChanging the narrative around menopause and agingWhy menopause preparation should begin before symptoms become overwhelmingHow thyroid health and reproductive hormones overlapLisa’s personal experience with Hashimoto’sWhy women often put themselves lastMoving from perfection toward small, sustainable health changesWhy strength training becomes increasingly important during midlifeBuilding and preserving muscle for healthy agingProtein, fiber, metabolism, and digestive healthWhy regular bowel movements matterSimple ways Lisa adds flaxseed and sprouts to her dietHow mindset may influence the menopause experienceBuilding trust with yourself through consistent habitsMoving beyond biohacking toward “bioharmony”Why wellness optimization can become exhaustingThe importance of sleep, movement, and nutrition before advanced optimizationWhy your best years do not have to be behind you Changing the Menopause Narrative Lisa began her career as a dancer and performer before moving into PR and marketing, where she built a career around storytelling and changing narratives. When she entered perimenopause and menopause herself, she noticed that the cultural story surrounding this stage of life did not match her experience. So much of the messaging centered on loss, decline, and everything women should expect to go wrong. Lisa wanted a different conversation. That desire became MenoPositive, a platform and philosophy built around educating women about hormone changes while showing them what they can actively do to support their health. After interviewing experts from a wide range of disciplines, Lisa says one message consistently emerges: menopause does not have to equal decline. Why We Should Prepare for Menopause Lisa makes a compelling comparison: we prepare for pregnancy, retirement, and marathons, so why do so many women arrive at one of the biggest biological transitions of their lives without preparation? Historically, women have often been taught to wait until symptoms appear and then figure out how to manage them. Lisa wants to reverse that approach. Instead of asking, “How can I manage these symptoms?” she encourages women to ask how they can prepare their bodies for a more positive menopause experience. For Lisa, this is not about perfection. It is about preparation and beginning wherever you are. Thyroid Health and Menopause Symptoms Can Overlap Lisa also lives with Hashimoto’s, giving her firsthand experience with how difficult it can be to distinguish thyroid symptoms from hormonal changes during midlife. Mood changes, libido concerns, fatigue, brain fog, and changes in how the body feels can appear across both thyroid dysfunction and perimenopause. One of the biggest lessons Hashimoto’s taught Lisa was to become curious about what her body was communicating rather than automatically accepting symptoms as her new normal. McCall emphasizes that thyroid hormones and reproductive hormones do not exist in isolation. Understanding both can be especially important as women move through their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Why Women Need to Put Themselves Back on the List Whether a woman is the CEO of a company or the CEO of her household, Lisa observes that women often place themselves third, fourth, or fifth on their own priority lists. Midlife can offer an opportunity to change that. Lisa encourages women to believe they deserve to be healthy and to recognize that investing in themselves does not require changing everything overnight. Cooking one additional vegetable, adding a little movement, or making one sustainable change can begin shifting the trajectory. McCall connects this idea to the power of small habits. Tiny actions may seem insignificant in isolation, but when repeated consistently, they compound. Strength Training as a Midlife “Secret Weapon” For Lisa, two changes significantly influenced her menopause experience: strength training and nutrition. She had always been active because of her background as a dancer, but midlife encouraged her to change the way she exercised. Strength training became a priority. Lisa noticed changes not only in her body, but also in her mood, sleep, confidence, and mindset. McCall emphasizes that building muscle becomes increasingly challenging as women move through perimenopause and menopause, making it valuable to establish that foundation earlier. Lisa compares strength training to putting money in the bank. Building strength now creates reserves that may become increasingly valuable later in life. Keep the Schedule, Change the Scope One of Lisa’s favorite ideas comes from Atomic Habits by James Clear: “Keep the schedule, change the scope.” If you planned to exercise but suddenly only have ten minutes, doing those ten minutes still allows you to keep the promise you made to yourself. Lisa and McCall discuss how this consistency builds something even bigger than fitness: self-trust. Every time you follow through, especially when you do not feel like it, you reinforce the belief that you can rely on yourself. That mindset can make sustainable health changes much more achievable than an all-or-nothing approach. From Biohacking to Bioharmony Women today are surrounded by wellness advice. Eat more protein. Take supplements. Strength train. Optimize your hormones. Track your sleep. Improve your metabolism. Eventually, optimization itself can become exhausting. Lisa believes the conversation is beginning to shift away from constant “biohacking” toward what she calls bioharmony, a more sustainable approach to working with the body rather than endlessly trying to optimize every variable. The foundation remains surprisingly simple: Eat well. Move your body. Sleep. These habits are not always easy, but Lisa believes establishing them first creates a stronger foundation before adding more advanced interventions. Protein, Fiber, and Digestion in Midlife Nutrition is another major part of the conversation. Across Lisa’s interviews with experts, protein repeatedly emerges as an important topic, particularly alongside strength training and maintaining muscle. But protein is not the whole story. Lisa also emphasizes fiber and digestive regularity. She shares that many women assume having a bowel movement every two or three days is normal. Her own experience taught her how stress and rushed mornings could affect digestion. Two simple foods she regularly incorporates are flaxseed and sprouts. She prepares flaxseed ahead of time and adds it to yogurt, while sprouts can easily be added to eggs, salads, or meals. These small, affordable habits reflect Lisa’s larger philosophy: health does not always require expensive or complicated interventions. You Have More Influence Than You Think When McCall asks Lisa what mindset shift she wishes every woman could make, her answer is simple: You have a choice. Lisa believes women have more influence over how they approach and experience menopause than many have been led to believe. That does not mean every symptom can be prevented or that every woman will have the same experience. It means women can become informed, seek appropriate care, strengthen their health foundations, and make choices that support the decades ahead. Your Best Years Are Not Behind You Perhaps the biggest myth Lisa wants to challenge is the idea that a woman’s best years are over once she reaches midlife. She sees the opposite. Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are starting businesses, stepping into leadership, pursuing new goals, and redefining what aging looks like. Instead of treating menopause as an ending, Lisa sees it as an opportunity to enter the second half of life with greater wisdom, perspective, confidence, and purpose. For her, menopause can be a powerful new beginning. Final Takeaway Preparing for menopause does not mean pursuing perfection. It means starting where you...

What if you've optimized your thyroid hormones, improved your nutrition, reduced inflammation, and addressed the underlying biochemistry, but you still don't feel fully well? In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes chronic illness recovery educator Faith Ashenden for a fascinating conversation about the neuroscience of healing and how the brain may continue reinforcing chronic symptoms long after the body has begun to recover. After overcoming Graves' disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, panic attacks, and years of debilitating illness, Faith now teaches women how to retrain subconscious patterns, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild confidence in their health. Together, McCall and Faith explore why healing is about more than lab work alone, how chronic illness can shape identity, and why combining functional medicine with nervous system work may help people move from simply managing symptoms to truly thriving. Key Topics Covered Faith's journey with Graves' disease and chronic illnessThe challenges of delayed diagnosis and years of debilitating symptomsGraves' disease versus Hashimoto's diseaseWhy treating thyroid disease doesn't always resolve every symptomThe role of functional medicine in Faith's recoveryWhat neuroplasticity is and how the brain adapts to chronic illnessHow chronic symptoms can become learned neurological patternsThe difference between biochemical healing and nervous system healingChronic illness identity and fear of relapseWhy trauma from chronic illness itself mattersCommon limiting beliefs that keep people feeling stuckPractical ways to begin retraining the brainWhy healing is rarely linearBuilding resilience through new beliefs and daily habitsCombining functional medicine with mindset and nervous system work Faith's Story of Chronic Illness Faith developed Graves' disease while attending college after experiencing severe anxiety, rapid weight loss, heart palpitations, overwhelming fatigue, and multiple unexplained symptoms. After months of searching for answers, she was finally diagnosed when an endocrinologist recognized the signs almost immediately. Although treatment addressed her hyperthyroidism, Faith continued struggling for years with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, anxiety, and other persistent health challenges. Her experience eventually led her into functional medicine, where she began addressing the underlying physiological contributors to her symptoms before discovering the important role that neuroplasticity and the nervous system would play in her long-term recovery. Why the Brain Matters in Chronic Illness Faith explains that when symptoms persist for months or years, the brain naturally adapts. Through neuroplasticity, the brain learns patterns that associate certain situations, environments, or activities with symptom responses. Even after many underlying physical issues have improved, these learned pathways may continue reinforcing chronic symptoms. Rather than suggesting illness is "all in your head," Faith emphasizes that biochemical healing and nervous system healing often work together. Healing Beyond the Lab Results McCall shares that many patients improve dramatically after optimizing thyroid hormones, inflammation, nutrition, and metabolic health, yet some continue feeling as though they cannot fully regain their confidence or resilience. Faith believes this is where subconscious beliefs, fear of relapse, and nervous system regulation become important. Together, they discuss how healing often involves addressing both physiology and psychology instead of viewing them as competing explanations. The Identity of Being Chronically Ill One of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is identity. After years of illness, many people begin organizing their lives around avoiding symptoms rather than building confidence in recovery. Faith encourages listeners to recognize when the identity of being chronically ill has become part of their daily thinking and to intentionally begin creating a new vision of themselves beyond illness. Trauma Doesn't End With the Diagnosis The conversation also highlights an often-overlooked form of trauma: the experience of living with chronic illness itself. Repeated medical appointments, unanswered questions, fear of relapse, canceled plans, and years of uncertainty can all shape subconscious beliefs about safety and health. Faith explains that recognizing and working through those experiences may become an important part of long-term recovery. Practical Steps to Retrain the Brain Faith encourages listeners to become more intentional about where they place their attention. Rather than constantly searching for evidence that reinforces illness, she recommends looking for evidence of healing, celebrating small improvements, and creating daily habits that reinforce resilience instead of fear. She also discusses limiting exposure to online communities or content that continually reinforces hopelessness while seeking stories of recovery, possibility, and growth. Healing Is a Journey Both McCall and Faith agree that healing rarely happens in a perfectly straight line. Setbacks and symptom flares do not necessarily erase progress. Instead, they can become opportunities to strengthen new patterns, build confidence, and continue developing trust in the body's ability to heal. The goal is not perfection but creating a healthier relationship with both the body and the mind. Final Takeaway Faith Ashenden reminds us that healing is about more than simply eliminating symptoms. Once the body's underlying physiology has been addressed, rebuilding confidence, changing limiting beliefs, regulating the nervous system, and creating new patterns of resilience may become the next layer of recovery. By combining functional medicine with neuroscience and mindset work, many people may discover possibilities for healing they never thought were available. About Faith Ashenden Faith Ashenden is a chronic illness recovery educator, founder of That Healing Feeling, and host of the That Healing Feeling Podcast. After fully recovering from Graves' disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, panic attacks, and multiple chronic health conditions, she now helps women understand the neuroscience of healing, nervous system regulation, and subconscious pattern change through her educational programs and coaching. Resources & Links 🌐 Faith Ashenden https://faithashenden.com/ 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thathealingfeeling/ 🎙️ That Healing Feeling Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5bOaTuON429YbnFesShdxt 🎓 Free Masterclass Available through Faith's website and Instagram. 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the key to better thyroid health, metabolism, and longevity starts at the cellular level? In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson is joined by David Roberts and Dr. John Gildea, the founders of Mara Labs, to explore the science behind chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, detoxification, and why bioavailability is one of the most overlooked factors in nutritional supplementation. David shares the deeply personal story that inspired Mara Labs after his wife Mara's battle with breast cancer, while Dr. Gildea explains how his own scientific research led him to develop innovative ways to improve the absorption of powerful natural compounds like sulforaphane and curcumin. Together, they discuss how environmental toxins, poor nutrition, gut barrier dysfunction, and chronic inflammation may contribute to many of today's chronic health conditions—and why supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways is more important than ever. Key Topics Covered The personal story behind the founding of Mara LabsWhy bioavailability matters more than simply taking supplementsWhat sulforaphane is and why it has become one of the most researched plant compoundsThe role of chronic inflammation in long-term healthOxidative stress and its relationship to chronic diseaseUnderstanding NRF2 and the body's natural antioxidant defensesPhase I, Phase II, and Phase III detoxificationHow gut barrier function influences toxin exposureEnvironmental toxins, microplastics, and endocrine disruptionPractical ways to reduce your toxic burdenThe connection between inflammation and thyroid hormone functionHow sulforaphane and curcumin may support healthy cellular functionWhy personalized medicine mattersThe science behind GLPerfect™, BrocElite®, CurcuElite®, BerbElite®, and Microplast-X™ From Personal Tragedy to Purpose Mara Labs was born from an incredibly personal journey. After David Roberts' wife Mara was diagnosed with breast cancer, he partnered with scientist Dr. John Gildea to better understand natural compounds that could support cellular health. Their research led them to sulforaphane, a compound naturally found in broccoli sprouts, but they quickly discovered that creating a stable, bioavailable form was one of the biggest scientific challenges. Following Mara's passing, David and John committed themselves to bringing scientifically formulated, highly bioavailable nutritional supplements to market in her honor. Why Bioavailability Matters One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is that the quality of a supplement depends on much more than the ingredient listed on the label. Many natural compounds show remarkable results in laboratory studies but are poorly absorbed by the human body. David and Dr. Gildea explain how Mara Labs focuses on improving bioavailability so these compounds can actually reach the cells where they are intended to work. Rather than simply increasing dosage, their research has centered on improving delivery. Chronic Inflammation Starts Long Before Disease The conversation explores how chronic disease often develops years before a formal diagnosis. Dr. Gildea explains that declining nutrient density, increasing environmental toxin exposure, oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation gradually affect cellular function over time. Whether those changes eventually appear as thyroid disease, metabolic dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, or another chronic illness often depends on an individual's genetics, lifestyle, and overall resilience. Detoxification Is More Than a Trend Detoxification is often misunderstood. The guests explain that true detoxification involves multiple phases that occur throughout the body—not just in the liver—and depends on properly transforming, processing, and eliminating toxins. They also emphasize that reducing exposure remains just as important as supporting the body's detoxification pathways. Simple strategies discussed include improving indoor air quality with HEPA filtration, drinking filtered water, choosing less processed foods, and purchasing food from trusted local sources whenever possible. NRF2: The Master Switch for Cellular Protection A major focus of the episode is NRF2, one of the body's primary cellular defense pathways. The guests explain how sulforaphane activates NRF2, supporting antioxidant production, Phase II detoxification, cellular resilience, and healthy inflammatory responses. Curcumin is also discussed as another compound that complements these pathways while supporting a balanced inflammatory response. Together, these compounds may help support overall cellular health through multiple biological mechanisms. Environmental Toxins and Microplastics David and Dr. Gildea discuss the growing concern surrounding microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They explain how microplastics may carry additional toxins into the body while potentially interfering with normal hormonal signaling. The conversation also introduces Microplast-X™, a newer Mara Labs product designed to support the body's natural ability to remove accumulated microplastics. Supporting Metabolic Health The discussion also explores GLPerfect™, a supplement developed to support healthy metabolism using highly bioavailable natural compounds. Rather than replacing prescription GLP-1 medications, the product was designed as a nutritional approach that supports several pathways involved in appetite regulation, blood sugar balance, fat metabolism, and muscle preservation. The conversation highlights the importance of viewing metabolism through a broader lens than weight loss alone. Thyroid Health and Cellular Function McCall connects many of the concepts discussed back to thyroid health. She explains that many patients produce adequate thyroid hormone but struggle with activation, conversion, or cellular utilization. Reducing inflammation, supporting antioxidant defenses, and improving overall cellular health may help create a healthier environment for thyroid hormone function. The discussion also explores the relationship between inflammation and Hashimoto's thyroiditis and why supporting the body's underlying physiology may benefit overall wellness. Final Takeaway David Roberts and Dr. John Gildea remind us that long-term health begins long before disease is diagnosed. Supporting healthy cellular function, reducing chronic inflammation, minimizing toxic exposures, and improving nutrient bioavailability all contribute to building a stronger foundation for lifelong health. Rather than searching for a single miracle solution, lasting wellness often comes from consistently supporting the body's natural systems and choosing interventions backed by thoughtful science. About the Guests David Roberts is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Mara Labs. Inspired by his wife Mara's battle with breast cancer, he helped establish the company to develop highly bioavailable nutritional supplements focused on supporting cellular health, detoxification, and longevity. Dr. John Gildea is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Mara Labs. A molecular biologist and researcher, his work focuses on cellular biology, oxidative stress, nutrient bioavailability, inflammation, and the development of innovative nutritional compounds that support healthy aging. Resources & Links 🌐 Mara Labs📸 Mara Labs Instagram🎙️ Mara Labs Podcast Special Offer Visit: mara-labs.com/mccall Use code MCCALL for a special listener discount available after the episode release. 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, chronic inflammation, fertility concerns, and post-viral illness aren’t completely separate health problems, but connected chapters of a much bigger story? In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Nicole Peterson Doran, co-founder of PUR-FORM and host of The Healthspan Collective podcast. Nicole shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with PCOS at just 16 and later hypothyroidism to discovering functional and integrative medicine, preparing for pregnancy, navigating long COVID and mast cell activation syndrome, and ultimately helping build businesses focused on personalized health optimization and regenerative medicine. Together, McCall and Nicole explore why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, how foundational habits and personalized care can work together, and how emerging tools such as GLP-1 medications, peptides, EBO2, and regenerative therapies are becoming part of a broader conversation around complex health challenges. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Nicole’s PCOS diagnosis at age 16Developing hypothyroidism after her PCOS diagnosisWeight gain, inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and hormonal symptomsWhy birth control and metformin did not address everything she was experiencingHow functional and integrative medicine changed her health journeyMoving beyond calorie counting toward whole-food nutritionWhy bio-individuality matters in nutrition and treatmentThe importance of sleep, blood sugar balance, nutrition, and stress managementNicole’s fertility fears after being diagnosed with PCOSHow she prepared her body before trying to conceiveHer experience becoming pregnant after years of worrying about fertilityHow severe stress and COVID triggered another health crisisLong COVID and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)The relationship between gut health, immune regulation, stress, and inflammationNicole’s personal experience with microdosed GLP-1 therapyThymosin alpha-1 and larazotide discussed during her recoveryEBO2 and its role in Nicole and McCall’s personal health journeysRegenerative medicine and stem cell therapies at PUR-FORMPUR-FORM’s newly launched MUSE cell offeringTherapeutic plasma exchange and health optimizationWhy finding one practitioner who truly listens can change your health journey Nicole’s Health Journey Started at 16 Nicole had been a healthy athlete when her health suddenly changed during her teenage years. Within months, she gained approximately 30 pounds, developed facial hair and irregular periods, struggled with severe fatigue, and experienced significant brain fog. After seeing multiple specialists, her mother took her to a trusted OB/GYN who decided to investigate her hormones and thyroid more deeply. Nicole was diagnosed with PCOS and, a year or two later, hypothyroidism. She was prescribed birth control and metformin. While these treatments addressed certain aspects of her condition, Nicole still struggled with her weight, inflammation, and energy. She knew she needed to look deeper. Discovering a Different Approach to Health A major turning point came after college when Nicole began working with a health coach. Instead of obsessively tracking calories and macros, she shifted her attention toward whole foods and began exploring how nutrition, stress, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing influenced her health. She noticed her inflammation gradually improving. The experience ultimately inspired Nicole to study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she was introduced to a concept that became central to her approach to health: bio-individuality. What works for one person may not work for another. Nicole personally thrives living gluten-free, but she emphasizes that this does not mean everyone needs to eliminate gluten. Intermittent fasting may transform one person’s health while being completely wrong for someone else. McCall sees the same principle in thyroid care. There is no universally “best” thyroid medication or diet because each person’s physiology and needs are different. However, certain foundations remain important for almost everyone: whole-food nutrition, balanced blood sugar, quality sleep, movement, and stress management. PCOS, Fertility, and Preparing for Pregnancy When Nicole was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager, she was told becoming pregnant might be difficult. The message stayed with her because she had always wanted to become a mother. Years later, when pregnancy became a priority, Nicole intentionally focused on creating the healthiest foundation she could. Working with her practitioners, she focused on lowering inflammation and supporting her overall health through personalized nutrition and supplementation. She discusses CoQ10 and fish oil, reducing sugar, eliminating alcohol, continuing her gluten-free lifestyle, temporarily removing dairy, and significantly reducing travel and stress. Perhaps most importantly, she gave herself permission to slow down. Nicole became pregnant after approximately three months of trying. She acknowledges that fertility is complex and that no lifestyle strategy can guarantee pregnancy. Still, her experience offers an encouraging perspective for women who fear that a PCOS diagnosis automatically means they will be unable to conceive. When Long COVID Triggered a New Health Crisis By 2023, Nicole felt healthier than she had in years. Then she contracted COVID during an intensely stressful period surrounding the launch of her business and her wedding. She became severely ill just days before getting married. After the acute infection passed, unusual symptoms remained. Nicole began experiencing significant histamine reactions, inflammation, weight changes, brain fog, fatigue, and irritability. Eventually, a practitioner recognized symptoms consistent with mast cell activation syndrome in the context of her post-viral health challenges. This became another turning point in how Nicole understood her body. Her immune system, gut health, inflammation, stress, and metabolic health were not operating independently. They were deeply interconnected. GLP-1s, Peptides, and Personalized Medicine Nicole worked with practitioners to explore different strategies during her recovery. She shares her personal experience with microdosed tirzepatide, a GLP-1-based medication, which she describes as an important tool for her own inflammation and metabolic health. She also discusses peptides, including thymosin alpha-1 in the context of immune support and larazotide in relation to gut barrier health. Gut health has been a recurring theme throughout Nicole’s health journey. She describes how periods of intense stress seemed to coincide with worsening inflammation and digestive health, reinforcing her belief that the body must be viewed as an interconnected system. The larger message is not that everyone needs the same medication, peptide, diet, or intervention. Personalized medicine means selecting tools according to the individual. What Is EBO2? McCall and Nicole also discuss EBO2, short for extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation. Nicole explains that PUR-FORM offers EBO2 and trains other clinics in the protocol. The procedure involves circulating blood outside the body through a system involving filtration, oxygen, and ozone before returning it to the patient. Nicole shares that EBO2 has been part of her own health strategy outside of pregnancy. The topic is also deeply personal for McCall, who shares that she underwent EBO2 while struggling significantly with long COVID and credits the treatment as an important turning point in her own recovery. Their experiences lead to a broader conversation about the evolving field of regenerative medicine and the need to evaluate advanced therapies based on each patient’s individual circumstances. From Patient to Entrepreneur Nicole’s difficult health experiences eventually became part of her professional mission. She remembers working incredibly hard on her health while feeling as though her body simply would not respond. Years of inflammation, fatigue, weight struggles, and frustration also contributed to an unhealthy relationship with food at different points in her journey. Today, Nicole is running multiple businesses while preparing to become a mother. Her transformation inspired a commitment: if she could better understand her own health, she wanted to help other people avoid some of the confusion and frustration she experienced. That mission became part of the work behind PUR-FORM. Regenerative Medicine at PUR-FORM PUR-FORM is a comprehensive health optimization clinic based in Boca Raton, Florida. Nicole discusses working with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Purita and her family to expand access to integrative and regenerative therapies. Services discussed during the episode include: Stem cell and regenerative therapiesEBO2Therapeutic plasma exchangeIV therapiesRed light therapyInfrared saunaCold plungeCryotherapy Nicole also shares an important new development: PUR-FORM recently launched a MUSE cell offering as part of its regenerative medicine services. She

What if one of the most overlooked causes of fatigue, joint pain, thyroid dysfunction, and even heart disease wasn't iron deficiency, but iron overload? In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes Christy Sutton, chiropractor, functional medicine clinician, educator, and author of The Iron Curse. Inspired by her husband's diagnosis with hereditary hemochromatosis, Dr. Sutton has dedicated her work to helping patients recognize and address iron overload before it leads to serious long-term health complications. Together, McCall and Dr. Sutton explore why hereditary hemochromatosis is far more common than many people realize, why millions of people may unknowingly carry high-risk genes, and how excess iron can silently damage the liver, heart, pancreas, brain, thyroid, and other organs. McCall also shares her own personal experience with iron overload, walking through her lab work live during the episode while Dr. Sutton explains what the results reveal and why early detection can make all the difference. Whether you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, elevated ferritin, thyroid issues, or have a family history of iron overload, this episode offers practical guidance on testing, treatment, and understanding one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in modern medicine. 🔑 Key Topics Covered What hereditary hemochromatosis is and why it's commonly missedWhy iron overload can be just as dangerous as iron deficiencyThe three HFE gene variants associated with hereditary hemochromatosisWhy being told you're "just a carrier" may not tell the full storyHow excess iron creates oxidative stress throughout the bodyThe connection between iron overload and liver diseaseHow excess iron may contribute to cardiovascular disease and plaque formationIron overload and its relationship with thyroid dysfunctionWhy iron can accumulate in the brain, pancreas, pituitary gland, and jointsThe impact of iron overload on hormone production and fertilityWhy women often develop iron overload after menopause or uterine ablationMcCall's personal lab review and genetic resultsUnderstanding ferritin, transferrin saturation, and inflammatory markersWhy ferritin should always be interpreted alongside CRPThe role of therapeutic blood removal in treatmentBlood donation versus therapeutic phlebotomyDietary strategies to help manage iron overloadWhy vitamin C supplementation may increase iron absorptionFoods and beverages that influence iron absorptionSupplements that may support healthy iron regulationThe relationship between celiac disease genes and iron metabolismWhy family history plays an important role in early detection 🩸 Iron Overload Is More Common Than Most People Think When most people think about iron, they think about deficiency. But according to Dr. Sutton, hereditary hemochromatosis affects far more people than many realize, with a significant portion of the population carrying one or more HFE gene variants that can increase iron absorption. Because the body has very limited ways to eliminate excess iron, levels can gradually increase over decades, especially after menstruation ends or blood loss decreases. 🧬 Why Excess Iron Can Damage the Entire Body Iron is essential for life, but too much can become harmful. Dr. Sutton explains that excess iron contributes to oxidative stress, allowing iron to accumulate within tissues where it may damage organs over time. Areas commonly affected include: LiverHeartPancreasBrainThyroidPituitary glandJoints Because this process develops slowly, many people don't recognize the problem until significant health issues appear. 👩 Why Women Often Don't Develop Symptoms Until Midlife Premenopausal women naturally lose iron through monthly menstrual cycles. As a result, many women remain protected from iron accumulation for years. However, after menopause, hysterectomy, uterine ablation, or other situations that reduce menstrual blood loss, iron levels may begin rising much more rapidly. McCall shares her own experience of seeing her iron markers increase after uterine ablation, creating an opportunity to discuss how these laboratory changes may appear before significant symptoms develop. 🩺 Looking Beyond a Single Lab Value One of the most educational moments of the episode comes when Dr. Sutton reviews McCall's laboratory results in real time. She explains why evaluating multiple markers together provides a more complete picture, including: FerritinTransferrin saturationComplete blood countRed blood cell markersC-reactive protein (CRP) Because ferritin can rise with both inflammation and excess iron, understanding the broader laboratory context becomes essential when determining the underlying cause. ❤️ Iron Overload and Heart Health The discussion also explores the relationship between excess iron and cardiovascular health. According to Dr. Sutton, elevated iron may contribute to oxidative stress that damages blood vessels and promotes inflammation. Over time, this process may play a role in plaque formation and increase cardiovascular risk in susceptible individuals. McCall also shares the personal story of losing her brother unexpectedly to a heart attack, highlighting why this topic carries such deep personal significance for her family. 💉 Treatment Starts by Reducing Iron The primary treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis involves removing excess iron through therapeutic phlebotomy or blood donation when medically appropriate. By removing blood, the body uses stored iron to produce new red blood cells, gradually lowering overall iron stores. Dr. Sutton explains that treatment plans should always be individualized and that blood removal is not appropriate for everyone. 🥩 Everyday Habits That Influence Iron Levels In addition to therapeutic blood removal, lifestyle choices can influence iron absorption. Dr. Sutton discusses strategies such as: Moderating red meat intake when iron levels are elevatedPairing iron-rich meals with tea or coffee, which may reduce iron absorptionAvoiding unnecessary vitamin C supplements with iron-rich mealsSupporting overall health through individualized nutrition and supplementation She also discusses compounds such as curcumin, green tea extract, quercetin, and alpha-lipoic acid that are being studied for their role in supporting healthy iron regulation. 🌟 Final Takeaway Iron deficiency deserves attention, but so does iron overload. Because hereditary hemochromatosis often develops silently over many years, understanding your genetics, reviewing your laboratory markers, and paying attention to family history may help identify problems before long-term complications develop. As Dr. Sutton explains throughout this conversation, awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have. Early testing, thoughtful interpretation of laboratory results, and individualized treatment can help protect long-term health while preventing unnecessary organ damage. 👤 About the Guest Christy Sutton is a chiropractor, functional medicine clinician, educator, and author specializing in genetics, iron metabolism, and chronic disease prevention. Inspired by her husband's diagnosis with hereditary hemochromatosis, she developed educational resources to help patients and practitioners better understand iron overload, genetic risk factors, and root-cause approaches to long-term health. 🔗 Resources & Links 📖 The Iron Curse by Dr. Christy Sutton The Iron Curse Book 🎓 The Iron Curse Educational Workshop The Iron Curse Workshop 🌐 Website: Dr. Christy Sutton 📸 Instagram: Dr. Christy Sutton Instagram 🎵 TikTok: Dr. Christy Sutton TikTok 💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Christy Sutton LinkedIn 📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube:a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_JyQdBAJwYT3rMDsvyriw"...