Advertise on podcast: The Health Hunt: Real Healing Journeys, Everyday Wellness & Expert Tips

What's really inside your supplements and are you getting what you think you're paying for? From hidden ingredient dosages and proprietary blends to misleading marketing claims and questionable quality control, the supplement industry may be far more complicated than you realize. And even if you're buying from a reputable brand, how do you know whether those supplements actually work? In this eye-opening episode of The Health Hunt, Sandi Magder and Dan Schuman sit down with Alex Joseph, co-founder of SensIQ, to pull back the curtain on the supplement industry and uncover what consumers should know before buying their next bottle. With a background in pharmaceutical brand management and business development, Alex brings an insider's perspective on supplement formulation, ingredient quality, clinical research, and the marketing tactics that can make even ineffective products look impressive. And we're putting him to the test! Alex walks us through two supplement labels, explaining what to look for, which red flags should raise questions, and why the amount, form, and potency of an ingredient can matter just as much as its name. Along the way, we discover why a supplement containing 15 impressive-sounding ingredients might not be as effective as it appears, what fairy dusting means in the supplement industry, and why even the inactive ingredients deserve a closer look. In this episode, we explore: Supplement label red flags: How to read ingredient lists, dosages, proprietary blends, and supplement facts panels.Are your supplements actually working? Why research on individual ingredients doesn't necessarily prove a finished product is effective.The proprietary blend problem: What companies are required to disclose—and what consumers may never know.Fairy dusting and marketing tactics: Why an ingredient can appear on a label without necessarily being present in a meaningful amount.Ingredient quality and bioavailability: Why different forms, concentrations, and extracts can make a difference.What's in the "other ingredients"? Excipients, fillers, and potential contamination concerns, including heavy metals.FDA oversight and third-party testing: What GMP and cGMP mean, what certificates of analysis can tell you, and how to evaluate quality claims.Marketing buzzwords: What to ask when you see terms like "clinically proven," "science-backed," and "doctor formulated."The science of sleep supplements: How SensIQ approaches ingredient selection, formulation, and research into its finished products.Smarter supplement shopping: Three questions to ask before buying your next supplement.We also revisit our previous conversations about supplement sourcing, magnesium, and sleep, while Sandi contemplates putting her entire supplement cabinet under an AI-powered microscope! Whether you take supplements for sleep, brain health, stress, energy, longevity, or general wellness, this conversation will give you new questions to ask and a better understanding of what to look for. About SensIQ SensIQ is a supplement company co-founded by Alex Joseph and board-certified neurologist Dr. Luke Barr, with a focus on cognitive health, sleep, stress management, and overall wellness. The company develops targeted supplement formulas using ingredients selected based on published clinical research, with an emphasis on ingredient quality, clinically studied dosages, and transparency in labeling. SensIQ's product lineup includes formulas designed to support sleep, focus, calm, and other aspects of cognitive and physical well-being. The company also offers supplement protocols that combine products to address specific wellness goals. Unlike companies that rely solely on research involving individual ingredients, SensIQ also conducts research on its finished formulations to evaluate their effectiveness. Connect with Alex Joseph and SensIQ SensIQ websiteAlex Joseph on LinkedInSensIQ InstagramContact Alex - E-mail: [email protected] offer for The Health Hunt listeners SensIQ is offering listeners 50% off the first shipment of a monthly subscription, including individual bottles and protocol bundles. Discount code: HEALTHHUNT50 Shop SensIQ Offer applies to the first subscription shipment. Check the subscription terms and subsequent shipment pricing before ordering. Mentioned in this episode The Health Hunt Episode 9 — Supplement Sourcing and Quality: The Health Hunt Episode 10 — The Magnesium Mistake Almost Everyone Is Making: SensIQ supplement label comparison - ExhibitText us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Is CPAP really the best treatment for sleep apnea if you can't tolerate wearing it all night? What if a sleep apnea oral appliance that doesn't reduce breathing interruptions quite as dramatically could deliver comparable real-world benefits simply because people actually use it longer? A fascinating study comparing CPAP and mandibular advancement devices raises exactly that question and the findings might surprise you. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette, Sandi and Dan dig deeper into obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), oral appliance therapy, CPAP alternatives, and what really matters when choosing an effective sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Forrester Cadette is a dentist with more than 15 years of experience who leads Boca Dentique and the Deep Sleep Center in Boca Raton, Florida. Her work in dental sleep medicine focuses on helping patients explore oral appliance therapy and find treatments they can realistically use. Dan, who has struggled with CPAP adherence and is now using a ProSomnus oral appliance himself, shares a 2026 study comparing CPAP with oral appliance therapy in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. While CPAP reduced the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) more dramatically, patients in the study wore their oral appliances longer each night. When researchers accounted for both treatment effectiveness and actual usage, the results were remarkably similar. But that's only the beginning of this conversation. Does health insurance cover sleep apnea mouthguards? Dr. Forrester Cadette explains why coverage can vary dramatically between insurance plans, how oral appliances are classified as durable medical equipment, and why some insurers dictate which devices patients can receive. We also explore an emerging concept in sleep medicine called hypoxic burden. Could the length and severity of oxygen drops during sleep be just as important as the number of times you stop breathing? And could this change how we measure sleep apnea severity in the future? Plus, we discuss some of the newer treatments being explored for sleep apnea, including medications, muscle stimulation, eXciteOSA and Inspire surgery. Dr. Forrester Cadette shares her perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches. And because this is The Health Hunt, we also manage to work in snoring apps, sleep divorce, and whether Sandi's French Bulldogs might benefit from their own mouthguards. In this episode, we explore: CPAP vs. oral appliance therapy: clinical efficacy versus real-world effectivenessA 2026 study comparing CPAP and mandibular advancement devicesWhy treatment adherence matters as much as treatment effectivenessProSomnus oral appliances and Dan's personal experienceWhether health insurance and Medicare cover sleep apnea oral appliancesWhy different insurance plans may cover different devicesSleep apnea, brain fog, cardiovascular health and cognitive concernsAHI versus hypoxic burden: are we measuring sleep apnea severity correctly?Emerging sleep apnea treatments, including medications and muscle stimulationInspire surgery versus oral appliance therapySnoreLab, snoring and the phenomenon of "sleep divorce"Why follow-up sleep testing is essential to evaluating treatmentMissed Part 1? Start with Sleep Apnea Without CPAP? How Sleep Mouthguards Actually Work | Sleep Dentist Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette, where we explore how oral appliances work, who may be a good candidate, and how the technology has evolved. Coming in a future episode: Dan will share his personal experience using his ProSomnus oral appliance and the results of his follow-up sleep study. Has his sleep apnea actually improved? Stay tuned to find out. About our guest Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette earned her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a master's degree in public health. She previously served on the faculty at Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry and now leads Boca Dentique and the Deep Sleep Center in Boca Raton, Florida. Contact Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette https://deepsleepcenter.com/ https://bocadentique.com/ https://www.instagram.com/boca_dentique/ https://www.facebook.com/BocaDentique Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

What if treating sleep apnea didn't always mean sleeping with a CPAP machine? Oral appliance therapy sometimes dismissed as simply a "snoring mouth guard" has evolved into a sophisticated treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. But how does an oral appliance actually keep your airway open, who is a good candidate, and can it help people with severe sleep apnea? In Part 1 of this fascinating two-part series, Sandi and Dan sit down with Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette, a dentist with more than 15 years of experience and a special focus on dental sleep medicine. Dr. Forrester Cadette leads Boca Dentique and the Deep Sleep Center in Boca Raton, Florida, where she works with patients using oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. This conversation is especially personal for Dan: after years of sleep studies, CPAP and exploring ways to improve his sleep apnea, he is now Dr. Forrester Cadette's patient and is using a new precision oral appliance himself. In this episode, we explore what separates a custom sleep apnea oral appliance from an over-the-counter snoring mouth guard, how advancing the jaw can help keep the airway open, and how newer materials and precision manufacturing have changed these devices. Dr. Forrester Cadette also explains potential concerns like bite changes, why follow-up sleep testing matters, and how dentists and sleep physicians can work together to make sure treatment is actually working. We also tackle an important question: Can oral appliance therapy work for severe obstructive sleep apnea? Dr. Forrester Cadette explains where CPAP still fits, what happens when someone can't tolerate CPAP, and how combination therapy may allow some patients to use an oral appliance alongside CPAP at a lower pressure. Plus, we look at the newest generation of oral appliances, including technology designed to provide objective information about oxygen levels and treatment use. And we're just getting started. In Part 2, we dig into how oral appliances compare with CPAP when you look beyond what works best in a controlled setting and consider something equally important: whether patients actually use their treatment. We also get into insurance coverage, AHI and emerging measures of sleep apnea severity, Inspire, new sleep apnea technologies and where treatment may be headed next. And stay tuned for a future episode of The Health Hunt, when Dan will share the results of his own follow-up sleep testing to find out how well his new oral appliance is actually treating his sleep apnea. In this episode: • What dental sleep medicine is and why a dentist may be part of your sleep apnea care  • Why sleep apnea treatment can require collaboration between dentists and physicians  • Why testing before and after treatment matters  • Custom oral appliances vs. over-the-counter snoring mouth guards  • How mandibular advancement helps open the airway  • How oral appliance technology and materials have evolved  • Bite changes, jaw position and morning aligners  • Who may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy  • Oral appliances for mild, moderate and severe sleep apnea  • What happens when someone can't tolerate CPAP  • Combining CPAP with an oral appliance  • New technology for monitoring oxygen and treatment use Contact Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette https://deepsleepcenter.com/ https://bocadentique.com/ https://www.instagram.com/boca_dentique/ https://www.facebook.com/BocaDentique Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

If you're preparing for ACDF surgery, what do you actually need to know before surgery and what should you expect during recovery? After sharing his personal ACDF journey in Episodes 37 and 38 of The Health Hunt, Dan is answering the practical questions that kept coming up as he researched anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), talked with his medical team, and connected with other patients going through cervical spine surgery. Think of this episode as an ACDF surgery and recovery FAQ based on Dan's personal experience. We cover preparing your body before surgery, protein and hydration, pain medication and constipation, walking after ACDF, nicotine and bone fusion, GLP-1 medications, omega-3 supplements and NSAIDs, plus the practical realities of preparing your home for recovery. Dan also shares what he found helpful after surgery—including his five-motor recliner, bed wedge options, ice packs, long straws, slip-on shoes and other recovery items—and talks about whether you can recover from ACDF alone. Then we get into some of the questions people may not think about until surgery is approaching: What should you know about your incision? Will you need a neck brace? What's it really like living and sleeping in one? How much time should you take off work? When does physical therapy begin? And when can you drive again? In this episode, we answer: How much protein should I eat before ACDF surgery, and why?Does hydration matter before and after ACDF?What should I know about Percocet, oxycodone and acetaminophen after surgery?How important is walking after ACDF?Why is nicotine such a big concern with spinal fusion?What should I ask about GLP-1 medications before surgery?What about omega-3 supplements?When and why might NSAIDs need to be stopped?Do I need a recliner or bed wedge after ACDF?How should I prepare my home for ACDF recovery?What products are worth having before surgery?Can I recover from ACDF alone?What should I know about ACDF incision and wound care?Will I need a neck brace?What is living and sleeping in a neck brace really like?How much time should I plan to take off work?What should I expect from physical therapy after ACDF?When can I drive after ACDF surgery?Every surgeon, hospital and patient is different. Dan is sharing his personal experience and the questions he found helpful, not giving medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your own surgeon and medical team. Want Dan's full ACDF story? Listen to Episodes 37 and 38 of The Health Hunt to hear how his symptoms began, what his MRIs revealed, why three neurosurgeons gave him different opinions, why he ultimately chose ACDF surgery, and what surgery day and his first weeks of recovery were really like. If you're preparing for ACDF, have already been through it, or have a question Dan didn't answer, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out through The Health Hunt website or social media, or email us at [email protected]. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Dan made the decision to have ACDF neck surgery. Now comes the part you don’t see on an MRI: What is ACDF surgery and recovery actually like? In Part 2 of Dan’s cervical spine surgery journey, we pick up with the whirlwind of pre-op testing and follow him through surgery day, anesthesia, waking up in a cervical neck brace, and the unexpected news that he could go home that very same day. Then we get into the realities of ACDF recovery. Dan shares what the first days and weeks after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) looked like for him: the sore and scratchy throat, difficulty eating, sleeping in a neck brace, why a five-motor recliner became his favorite recovery purchase, getting back to walking almost immediately, and preparing to begin physical therapy. But some of the most interesting changes were neurological. Before surgery, Dan had experienced unusual cold sensations in his legs and feet and a gait issue that caused his right foot to kick outward. Less than a month after surgery, he shares what has and hasn’t changed, including one symptom that unexpectedly disappeared. We also talk about something that doesn't always make the ACDF recovery checklist: the mental and emotional side of having major surgery. Dan lives alone, and the experience gave him a new appreciation for family, friends, the people who show up when you need them, and the importance of having support during recovery. Plus, Dan takes us up close to his ACDF incision and explains what he learned about how the different layers are closed and how his scar is healing. Finally, we look back at the biggest lessons from his entire cervical spine surgery journey: listen when your body changes, get multiple medical opinions, ask questions—even a lot of them—and advocate for yourself when something doesn't feel right. In this episode: The pre-op testing and medical clearance before ACDFWhat Dan experienced on ACDF surgery dayGeneral anesthesia and intraoperative nerve monitoringGoing home the same day after neck surgeryWhat the first days of ACDF recovery felt likeSleeping and recovering in a cervical neck braceWhy Dan rented a five-motor reclinerEating and swallowing after anterior cervical surgeryWalking and mobility during early recoveryThe mental and emotional side of recovering from surgeryChanges in Dan's gait and neurological symptomsWhat an ACDF incision and scar can look likeWhy multiple medical opinions mattered in Dan's decisionThe importance of becoming your own health advocateIf you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, start there to hear how changes in Dan's gait led to MRIs, three different neurosurgical opinions, and ultimately his decision to undergo ACDF surgery. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

What do you do when three highly respected neurosurgeons give you different opinions? In this deeply personal episode of The Health Hunt, Dan shares the story behind one of the biggest health decisions of his life, undergoing ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) surgery after years of neck issues suddenly took a dramatic turn. It all started with one unexpected symptom: a subtle change in the way he walked. That single change led to new MRIs, consultations with multiple specialists, and the discovery of severe spinal cord compression, cervical spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and a herniated disc. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dan explains how he navigated conflicting medical opinions, what his MRI actually revealed, and why he ultimately decided that surgery was the right choice. Whether you're dealing with chronic neck pain, spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or simply facing a difficult medical decision, this episode offers practical insight into becoming a better advocate for your own health. In this episode, you'll learn: • The subtle symptom that changed everything • What severe cervical spinal stenosis really means • Bone spurs (osteophytes), herniated discs, spinal cord compression, and cervical myelopathy explained in plain English • Why Dan sought opinions from three different neurosurgeons • What ACDF surgery is and how it's performed • The surprising "33% Rule" discussed during surgical consultations • How to approach major medical decisions with confidence instead of fear This is Part 1 of Dan's spinal surgery journey. In Part 2, he takes you inside surgery day, shares what recovery has really been like, and reflects on the biggest lessons he learned along the way. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Can sleep apnea actually improve? Most people assume that once they're diagnosed with sleep apnea, they'll need treatment forever. But what if the story isn't that simple? In this episode, Dan shares something incredibly personal: the results of three sleep studies spanning seven years. From a diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea in 2019 to dramatically improved numbers in 2026, we explore what changed, why it may have happened, and what his experience could mean for others living with sleep apnea. You'll learn what AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) actually measures, why oxygen saturation and sleep position matter, and how weight loss, side sleeping, and lifestyle changes may influence sleep apnea severity. This isn't medical advice, and everyone's journey is different. But it's an encouraging reminder that some aspects of health aren't fixed in stone and that tracking your progress can be just as important as getting your initial diagnosis. In This Episode: • Dan compares three sleep studies over seven years • What AHI really means and why it matters • Why oxygen saturation may be just as important as AHI • The surprising impact of sleeping on your side • How a 20-pound weight loss changed Dan's numbers • Can CPAP therapy improve your breathing over time? • Why Dan is transitioning from CPAP to a new oral appliance • The importance of retesting instead of assuming your sleep apnea will always stay the same Mentioned in This Episode: • Obstructive Sleep Apnea • Home Sleep Studies vs. In-Lab Sleep Studies • CPAP Therapy • Oral Appliance Therapy (ProSomnus) • AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) • Oxygen Saturation • Positional Sleep Apnea Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

What do sleep trackers, naps, CPAP machines, sleep apnea, and even your dreams have in common? They're all part of the final installment of our three-part conversation with Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor. In this episode, Dr. Breus tackles some of the biggest questions in modern sleep health. Are devices like Oura Ring, Whoop, and Apple Watch actually accurate? How much deep sleep do you really need? Are naps helping or hurting your sleep? And if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are CPAP machines your only option? We also dive into the differences between obstructive and central sleep apnea, emerging treatment options, why sleep disorders in women are often overlooked, and what Dr. Breus believes is the next frontier in sleep science. If you've ever wondered whether you're getting enough deep sleep, whether your sleep tracker is making you anxious, or whether your daytime fatigue might be a sign of something more serious, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of the world's leading sleep experts. In This Episode: • How accurate are sleep trackers like Oura, Whoop, and Apple Watch?  • Why you should focus on sleep trends, not nightly scores  • What healthy REM, deep sleep, and light sleep percentages look like  • The truth about naps and who should avoid them  • Obstructive vs. central sleep apnea: what's the difference?  • CPAP alternatives, including oral appliances, Inspire, ExciteOSA, and emerging treatments  • Why sleep apnea in women is often missed or misdiagnosed  • The surprising relationship between sleep, dreams, and emotional processing  • How sleep can impact a relationship and what to do about it  • Why sleep may be the most important longevity tool available Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website Instagram YouTube Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Do you ever find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling while your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay every awkward conversation you've ever had or solve problems that don't even exist yet? You're not alone. In Part 2 of our conversation with renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, we tackle one of the most common sleep complaints on the planet: waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep. Dr. Breus explains why it happens, what you're probably doing wrong when it does, and shares the exact strategies he recommends to help you fall back asleep faster. Plus, he reveals his simple, science-backed 5-step framework for better sleep that anyone can start using tonight. Dr. Michael Breus is a double board-certified clinical psychologist, clinical sleep specialist, Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and one of the world's most recognized voices in sleep health. He has spent more than 25 years helping people improve their sleep and overall health and is the author of five bestselling books. In this episode, we discuss: • Why waking up between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. is actually part of normal human biology • The biggest mistakes people make when they wake up in the middle of the night • Why checking the clock may be making your sleep problem worse • Dr. Breus' "3 A.M. Wake-Up Protocol" • How 4-7-8 breathing can help lower your heart rate and calm your nervous system • The role of mindset and "monkey mind" in middle-of-the-night awakenings • When you should stay in bed and when you should get up • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep restriction therapy • Dr. Breus' 5-Step Plan for Better Sleep • Why wake-up time matters more than bedtime • The ideal caffeine cutoff time • How alcohol impacts sleep quality • The connection between exercise and restorative sleep • Why morning sunlight may be one of the most powerful sleep tools available Whether you're struggling with 3 a.m. wake-ups, trying to improve your sleep quality, or simply looking for practical sleep advice that actually works, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start using immediately. Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website Instagram YouTube Resources Mentioned Sleep Reset (CBT-I program) Sleep Doctor's Video "How to fall back asleep in the middle of the night" Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

Sleep is one of the most important and misunderstood pillars of health. We've spent a lot of time discussing sleep on The Health Hunt, including an entire three-part sleep series, but for this conversation we decided to bring in one of the biggest names in the field. Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, has spent more than 25 years helping people understand and improve their sleep. In this first part of our conversation, we explore why sleep is so foundational to health, how poor sleep impacts everything from memory and mood to relationships and longevity, and some surprising symptoms that could be signs your sleep isn't as healthy as you think. We also dive into one of Dr. Breus's most fascinating concepts: the idea that not everyone is designed to sleep, wake, and function the same way. Some people thrive in the morning, some come alive at night, and understanding your unique sleep type (your chronotype) may completely change how you think about your energy, productivity, and overall health. Whether you're someone who wakes up refreshed at dawn, struggles through every morning, or simply wants to sleep better, this episode is packed with insights that may change the way you think about sleep forever. In this episode, we discuss: • Why sleep is the foundation of overall health • The difference between sleep quantity and sleep quality • Surprising signs and symptoms of poor sleep • Why sleep affects memory, mood, focus, metabolism, and relationships • Sleep disorders people often overlook • The connection between sleep and long-term health outcomes • Why some people seem to function on very little sleep • Dr. Breus's four sleep types: Lion, Bear, Wolf, and Dolphin • The genetics behind sleep timing and energy patterns • Why your sleep patterns may change as you age • How understanding your sleep type can improve your daily routine Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website Instagram YouTube Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

If you're eating more protein, tracking your glucose, taking supplements, and trying to make healthier choice, but still overlooking fiber, you may be missing one of the most important pieces of the health puzzle. In part two of our conversation with wellness educator and Holistic Business Network founder Michelle Fletcher, we dive into the surprising role fiber plays in colon health, blood sugar regulation, metabolic health, digestion, and long-term disease prevention. We also explore why most people aren't getting nearly enough fiber, how processed foods have changed the way we eat, and the simple habits that can have the biggest impact on overall health. In this episode, Michelle shares practical strategies for increasing fiber without completely overhauling your diet, why gradual changes are often more sustainable than dramatic ones, and how nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management work together to support long-term wellness. We discuss: How much fiber men and women should be getting each day Why most people fall far short of recommended fiber intake The connection between fiber, colon health, and digestion Fiber's role in blood sugar control and metabolic health High-fiber foods to prioritize, including fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds Why processed foods contribute to the fiber gap The risks of making dietary changes too quickly The "Core Four" habits of health: nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management Holistic wellness approaches and complementary health modalities The importance of community, connection, and social wellness Whether you're focused on gut health, improving your metabolic health, building healthier habits, or simply trying to feel your best, this conversation offers practical and realistic insights that anyone can start applying today. Connect With Michelle Fletcher Instagram:@theholisticbusinessnetwork  @healthcoachmichWebsite: TheHolisticBusinessNetwork.com Facebook: Michelle Fletcher South Florida LinkedIn: Michelle FletcherText us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out the “right” way to eat, this episode is for you. In part one of our conversation with Michelle Fletcher, founder of the Holistic Business Network and longtime wellness educator, we dive into plant-based nutrition, whole foods, processed foods, sugar, smoothies, protein, and the growing confusion around modern health trends. We talk honestly about veganism, vegetarianism, personalized nutrition, and why there may not be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to feeling your best. From blood sugar spikes and protein smoothies to cheese addictions and French fries, this conversation is packed with practical health insights, humor, and relatable moments that almost everyone will recognize in their own relationship with food. Michelle shares her personal journey from working in IT and data analysis to becoming deeply immersed in the wellness world after discovering the power of whole food nutrition and plant-based eating. She also explains why she believes modern society has become increasingly disconnected from where food actually comes from, and how that disconnect may be impacting our health. In this episode, we discuss: What “plant-based” actually means Plant-based eating vs veganism vs vegetarianism Why many people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables The decline in nutrient quality in modern foods Blood sugar spikes from smoothies and juices Protein, fiber, and balancing meals Why nutrition should be individualized Processed foods and the modern food environment Emotional relationships with food and cravings How to start making healthier choices without becoming overwhelmed And yes… there is also a very passionate side discussion about cheese, French fries, and why some of us are emotionally attached to comfort foods. In part two, we shift into a deeper conversation about fiber, colon health, metabolic health, holistic wellness, stress, movement, sleep, and the importance of community and human connection in overall health. Connect With Michelle Fletcher Instagram:@theholisticbusinessnetwork  @healthcoachmichWebsite: TheHolisticBusinessNetwork.com Facebook: Michelle Fletcher South Florida LinkedIn: Michelle FletcherText us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

If you’ve ever wondered whether brain fog, low energy, chronic stress, inflammation, emotional reactivity, and accelerated aging are all connected, this episode will completely challenge the way you think about health and human performance. In part two of our conversation with Ashley Grace, Chief Marketing Officer of Igniton, we move beyond supplements and into a much bigger discussion about cellular energy, consciousness, stress, cognition, nervous system regulation, quantum technology, and the future of health optimization. What starts as a conversation about NAD+, inflammation, and longevity evolves into a fascinating exploration of energy, vibration, emotional regulation, structured water, and whether improving our internal environment can actually change the way we experience the world around us. In this episode, Ashley explains why he believes supplements are only one piece of the puzzle and why diet, movement, meditation, gratitude, sleep, and stress management are foundational to healthy aging and cognitive performance. We also discuss: Why there is no “magic pill” for longevity The importance of exercise, movement, and nervous system regulation Meditation, prayer, gratitude, and emotional resilience How to think about supplements more intentionally Biomarkers that may help track inflammation and aging CRP, IL-6, GGT, blood pressure, and cognition testing Omega-3s, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Vitamin C, and other commonly used supplements Igniton’s cognition, longevity, and sleep-focused products Quantum energy, structured water, and energetic “charging” The relationship between consciousness, emotional regulation, and physiology Why Ashley believes improving your “internal environment” changes how you experience life And yes… this is also the episode where the word “fascinating” may have been used enough times to unintentionally create a drinking game. Whether you’re deeply into biohacking and longevity or simply trying to understand why modern life leaves so many of us feeling exhausted and disconnected, this conversation is guaranteed to make you think differently. Resources Mentioned Igniton 15% off for Health Hunt listeners:  https://www.igniton.com/HEALTHHUNT Ashley Grace The Biohacking Standards Podcast - with Ashley GraceIgniton cognition and memory quizzes Biomarkers & Testing Mentioned CRP (C-Reactive Protein) IL-6 (Interleukin-6) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Blood pressure Vitamin D levels Omega-3 testing Zinc + copper testing Supplements Mentioned Omega-3 Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin K2 CoQ10 PQQ Resveratrol NADH Nicotinamide Riboside Reduced Glutathione BerberineText us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

If you’ve ever wondered whether aging, brain fog, low energy, inflammation, and burnout are really just “normal” or if there’s something deeper happening underneath the surface, this episode will completely challenge the way you think about health. In part one of this fascinating conversation, we sit down with Ashley Grace, Chief Marketing Officer of Igniton, to explore cellular health, NAD+, mitochondria, inflammation, stress, and why so many people feel depleted in modern life. What starts as a conversation about supplements quickly turns into a much bigger discussion about how the body actually creates energy, why recovery changes as we age, and whether we’ve been thinking about health at the wrong level entirely. Ashley shares his personal story of surviving a devastating accident, navigating chronic pain, and eventually entering the alternative health and CBD world through Charlotte’s Web, the company that helped bring CBD into the national spotlight after the remarkable story of Charlotte Figi. We also dive into: What mitochondria actually do and why they matter NAD+ explained in simple terms Why energy production changes as we age Brain fog, inflammation, stress, and modern life The connection between cellular health and longevity Why Ashley believes health should be viewed as an interconnected system, not isolated symptoms The role hydrogen may play in the body The science and philosophy behind Igniton’s products Why some supplements may work differently than others The future of health optimization and biohacking And honestly… this is one of those episodes where our minds were genuinely blown in real time. This is part one of a two-part conversation. In part two, we go even deeper into supplementation, biomarkers, cognition, sleep, consciousness, energy, and the future of wellness technology. Where to Find Igniton and Ashley Grace Igniton Website The AshleyOn Podcast Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

If you’ve ever wondered whether a full body MRI can actually detect cancer early, or just leave you more anxious than informed,this episode breaks down what these scans really show, what they miss, and how to make sense of the results without spiraling. Full body MRI scans are exploding in popularity, but most people still don’t fully understand what they are, what they’re for, or how to interpret the results without going down a Google rabbit hole. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Giuliana Zaccardelli, Chief of Staff at Prenuvo, to unpack the reality behind preventative imaging—what it can detect, what it can’t, and how it fits into the future of healthcare. If you’ve listened to our recent episodes, you know we both went through the full body MRI experience ourselves, including the anxiety leading up to it and what it actually felt like inside the machine. Now, we’re going deeper with an expert to answer the big questions:  What does a full body MRI actually detect?  How often do these scans find something serious?  What do terms like “nodules,” “cysts,” or “no evidence found” really mean?  And how do you interpret all of this without assuming the worst? Dr. Zaccardelli walks us through the concept of interpretive care,arguably the most important part of the process,helping you understand how to take your results and turn them into meaningful, real-life decisions about your health. We also explore the bigger picture: the shift from reactive medicine (treating disease) to proactive, preventative care—and why patients are increasingly driving that change. This conversation is equal parts practical, reassuring, and eye-opening, whether you’re considering a scan yourself or just trying to better understand how to stay ahead of your health. 🔍 What We Cover  What a full body MRI scan is—and how it differs from diagnostic imaging  Why Prenuvo scans are screening tools, not replacements for tests like mammograms or colonoscopies  The difference between nodules vs. cysts (and why they’re often not scary)  What “no evidence found” actually means (and its limitations)  The role of the post-scan consult and why it matters more than the scan itself  How concerning findings are handled and communicated  The emotional side of preventative testing: anxiety, reassurance, and decision-making  The future of preventative health, wearables, and early detection Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: [email protected] Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)