The Health Detective Podcast by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition

Freddie Kimmel survived advanced testicular cancer at just 26 years old. Four rounds of chemotherapy and a massive abdominal surgery saved his life. But what followed was years of excruciating chronic pain, recurring bowel obstructions, debilitating fatigue, and a desperate search for answers.

What happens when conventional medicine saves your life, but you still can't get well?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, host Michele Scarlet sits down with Freddie Kimmel, cancer survivor, functional health educator, and host of the Beautifully Broken Podcast, to uncover what happened after his cancer treatment and why he eventually turned to functional medicine.

From performing on Broadway through unbearable pain to undergoing six surgeries, Freddie shares his extraordinary journey through cancer recovery, chronic illness, Lyme disease, and the search for lasting relief.

He explains how changing his nutrition, rebuilding his movement practice, exploring functional health, and incorporating biohacking technology became part of his personal recovery.

But this isn't another story about finding one miracle treatment.

It's a conversation about why functional lab testing doesn't always lead to better health outcomes, why health coaching and behavior change matter, and why the fundamentals of health are often more powerful than the latest wellness trend.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

What happened after Freddie Kimmel survived advanced testicular cancer at 26.

Why chronic pain, bowel obstructions, digestive complications, and fatigue continued after chemotherapy and major abdominal surgery.

How changing his diet influenced Freddie's experience of chronic inflammation and pain.

Why he began exploring functional medicine after conventional cancer treatment saved his life.

His experiences with lymphatic health, nervous system regulation, red light therapy, PEMF technology, and other biohacking tools.

Why more functional lab testing and health data don't necessarily produce better health outcomes.

How Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) practitioners use lab testing, client history, lifestyle assessments, and health coaching to support meaningful change.

Why lasting behavior change requires more than information, even when you know exactly what you should be doing.

The role of consistency, resilience, mindset, and the foundational habits that support long-term health.

Why Freddie describes surviving cancer as the best thing that ever happened to him.

WHAT CAN FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS LEARN FROM FREDDIE'S STORY?

Functional lab testing can provide valuable information, but knowing what's happening in the body is only part of the process.

Freddie and Michele discuss how FDN practitioners can use lab results as a starting point for deeper conversations about nutrition, sleep, stress, movement, and daily habits. They explore why a practitioner's ability to guide behavior change and provide accountability can be just as important as understanding the numbers.

Freddie also challenges the idea that health is something you fix once and never think about again.

His message is simple: The small things you do consistently can matter more than the expensive things you try occasionally.

Whether you're a functional health practitioner, health coach, cancer survivor, or someone struggling with chronic health challenges, this conversation offers a thought-provoking perspective on recovery, resilience, and what it means to truly feel well.

EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 – Cancer Survivor Freddie Kimmel: The Story That Changed Everything

00:50 – Meet Freddie Kimmel: Cancer Survivor and Functional Health Educator

01:30 – Why Freddie Recommends Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN)

02:46 – From Broadway Performer to Sudden Full-Body Joint Pain

05:04 – The Warning Signs Freddie Ignored Before His Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

07:45 – Advanced Testicular Cancer at 26: Chemotherapy and Survival

10:07 – The Eight-to-Ten-Hour Cancer Surgery That Saved His Life

11:44 – Chronic Bowel Obstructions and Scar Tissue After Cancer Surgery

15:39 – How Changing His Diet Helped Freddie Manage Chronic Pain

19:00 – Life After Chronic Pain: Movement, Recovery, and Daily Training

21:12 – Why Freddie Turned to Functional Medicine After Cancer

22:53 – Cancer Survivorship: Safety Concerns Around Holistic Therapies

25:12 – Why Freddie Says Cancer Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Him

27:27 – Performing Through Chronic Pain and Exploring Biohacking Technology

29:14 – Why Long-Term Health Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix

31:21 – The Reality of Chronic Illness: Why Recovery Isn't Always Linear

33:01 – Red Light Therapy, PEMF, Sauna, and Freddie's Home Biohacking Setup

36:16 – Taking Ownership of Your Health and Asking Deeper Questions

37:22 – Functional Lab Testing: Does More Data Mean Better Health?

41:25 – How FDN Practitioners Connect Lab Results With Lifestyle Changes

43:04 – Why Health Coaching and Behavior Change Matter More Than Information

47:19 – Consistency, Resilience, and Getting Comfortable With Discomfort

50:42 – Lymphatic Health, Brain Drainage, and the Missing Pieces of Wellness Advice

52:32 – Extended Fasting: Potential Benefits, Risks, and Important Precautions

54:08 – Dopamine, Screen Time, and the Foundational Habits We Overlook

55:45 – How Leaving New York for Austin Changed Freddie's Health and Community

58:32 – Freddie Kimmel's Beautifully Broken Podcast and Biological Blueprint Academy

61:55 – Closing Thoughts: Keep Asking Deeper Questions

ABOUT FREDDIE KIMMEL
Freddie Kimmel is a metastatic testicular cancer survivor, patient advocate, functional health educator, and host of the Beautifully Broken Podcast.

After navigating advanced cancer, Lyme disease, toxic mold exposure, and years of chronic health challenges, Freddie dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of functional medicine, human resilience, science, and health technology.

CONNECT WITH FREDDIE KIMMEL

Website: https://beautifullybroken.world

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddie.kimmel/

Podcast: Beautifully Broken Podcast

EXPLORE FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC NUTRITION
Interested in functional lab testing, root-cause health education, or becoming a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner?

Explore FDN's educational resources, practitioner training, and functional health tools:

https://fdntraining.com/resources

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER
The Health Detective Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The experiences, opinions, and health approaches discussed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.

Individual experiences and outcomes vary. Discussions of cancer, functional medicine, supplements, fasting, health technology, and other wellness approaches should not be interpreted as recommendations for individual treatment.

Nothing discussed in this episode should replace personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medical treatments, medications, or health protocols, particularly if you have a history of cancer or another serious medical condition.

What if everything you've been taught about insulin resistance, antioxidant supplements, and cholesterol isn't the whole story?

Is cutting carbs really the best way to improve insulin sensitivity? Can taking too many antioxidants backfire? And are we overlooking the role of gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic stress when making nutrition recommendations?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, host Michele Scarlet sits down with Dr. Lori Rose, PhD biologist, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), registered herbalist, and college professor, to challenge some of the most persistent nutrition myths in conventional and functional health.

From mitochondrial health and insulin resistance to the debate surrounding cholesterol, statins, and dietary fat, Dr. Lori shares her perspective on why nutrition is far more complicated than simply cutting carbs, counting calories, or adding another supplement.

If you're a functional health practitioner, nutrition coach, health professional, or someone who wants to understand the science behind food and supplements, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!
Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

🔬 DR. LORI ROSE'S NEW FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION COURSE
Ready to take your nutrition knowledge to the next level?

Explore Dr. Lori Rose's new Functional Nutrition Advanced Course, featuring 30+ hours of education on nutritional biochemistry, nutrient interactions, and whole-body health.

Open to everyone. No FDN certification required!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/functional-nutrition-advanced-course/

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

Insulin Resistance: Why carbohydrates aren't the only factor influencing insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.

Mitochondrial Health: How nutrient intake, calorie balance, and chronic stress interact with cellular energy production.

Antioxidant Supplements: Why Dr. Lori questions routine high-dose supplementation with certain antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.

Gut Health: How digestive dysfunction and nutrient absorption can complicate nutrition recommendations.

Keto and Carnivore Diets: Why short-term dietary approaches aren't necessarily appropriate as lifelong eating plans.

Mineral Supplementation: Why zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and other nutrients need to be considered in context.

Calories and Macros: When tracking food intake can be useful and why Lori changed her mind about it.

Cholesterol and Statins: Dr. Lori's perspective on LDL cholesterol, dietary fats, and conventional medical recommendations.

Functional Nutrition: Why understanding nutritional biochemistry matters more than memorizing supplement protocols.

🔬 FREE FUNCTIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Want to deepen your knowledge of functional lab testing, root-cause health, and practitioner education?

Explore FDN's free resources, guides, and educational tools to help you take your functional health knowledge further.

👉 GET YOUR FREE RESOURCES: https://fdntraining.com/resources

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Lori Rose and Functional Nutrition

01:03 – What Nutrition Myths Are We Still Teaching?

03:52 – Insulin Resistance, Blood Sugar and GLP-1s

04:38 – Is Keto Good for Insulin Resistance?

05:42 – Calories vs. Macros: What Really Matters?

07:49 – What Causes Insulin Resistance Beyond Carbs?

08:34 – Can Undereating Affect Your Metabolism?

10:02 – How Gut Health Affects Nutrient Absorption

12:01 – Can Antioxidant Supplements Do More Harm Than Good?

15:54 – Michele's Surprising Reaction to Antioxidant Research

17:14 – Selenium, Brazil Nuts and Thyroid Health

19:08 – Is the Carnivore Diet Missing Essential Nutrients?

21:07 – Why Restrictive Diets Can Become a Problem

25:10 – Can Zinc, Copper, Iron and Calcium Supplements Backfire?

27:32 – Why More Supplements Aren't Always Better

30:30 – Should You Track Calories, Protein and Macros?

35:14 – The Food Pyramid and Nutrition Guidelines

37:34 – What's Wrong With School Lunches and Preschool Nutrition?

41:13 – Cholesterol, LDL, Saturated Fat and Statins

45:07 – Why Do Medical Recommendations Take So Long to Change?

49:41 – Dr. Lori Rose's Functional Nutrition Advanced Course

ABOUT DR. LORI ROSE
Dr. Lori Rose holds a PhD in biology and is a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), registered herbalist, and board-certified nutrition professional.

She is a college professor, creator of the Hill College Holistic Wellness Pathway, and educator behind multiple FDN advanced courses. Her work focuses on helping practitioners understand the science of nutrition and translate complex biological processes into practical strategies.

ABOUT THE HEALTH DETECTIVE PODCAST
The Health Detective Podcast, presented by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN), explores functional health, root-cause investigation, functional lab testing, gut health, metabolic health, hormones, nutrition, and practitioner education.

Each episode brings together experienced practitioners, researchers, and educators to explore the questions behind complex health challenges.

 

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the Health Detective Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with a practitioner who loves questioning conventional nutrition advice.

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. Guest opinions and interpretations of scientific research do not necessarily reflect established medical consensus or FDN's positions. This content is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing supplements, medications, or treatment plans.

How do you get clients as a health coach without constantly posting on social media, sending cold DMs, or feeling like a pushy salesperson?

If you're a health coach, nutrition coach, or Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) practitioner struggling to attract clients, market your services, or grow your coaching business, this episode of the Health Detective Podcast is for you.

Michele Scarlet, FDNP, CPT, sits down with nutrition coach and business mentor Mike Millner to explore how to build trust, find coaching clients, and grow a sustainable health coaching business without complicated marketing strategies or high-pressure sales tactics.

Mike shares how his personal transformation, from gaining 80 pounds and struggling with restrictive dieting, yo-yo weight loss, and body image to building a nutrition coaching business, taught him the power of storytelling, vulnerability, and genuine human connection.

Together, Michele and Mike explore:

How to get your first health coaching clients with a small audience or no email list

How to market your health coaching business without posting on social media every day

Why storytelling and vulnerability help attract clients and build trust

How live workshops can turn interested prospects into paying coaching clients

How to sell health coaching services without feeling uncomfortable or salesy

Why AI-generated content and misinformation are contributing to a "trust recession"

How to use client conversations to create better marketing content

How to promote workshops through paid advertising and personal outreach

What to do when workshop attendance or conversions are lower than expected

Why tracking business metrics can help you improve without getting discouraged

Mike also shares his biggest workshop mistake, realistic expectations for new health coaches, and why personal connection may be your greatest competitive advantage in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Whether you're just starting your health coaching business, working toward your first five clients, or looking for a better way to grow an established functional health practice, this conversation offers practical strategies you can start using right away.

🎧 EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Why Building Trust Matters for Health Coaches

00:37 Meet Mike Millner: Nutrition Coach and Business Mentor

01:07 From Yo-Yo Dieting to Becoming a Health Coach

08:06 How Storytelling Helps Health Coaches Attract Clients

10:44 Why Marketing and Sales Feel So Hard for Health Coaches

14:29 How to Get Health Coaching Clients With Live Workshops

17:09 The Trust Recession: AI, Misinformation and Health Coaching

21:40 How to Sell Health Coaching Without Feeling Salesy

25:34 How Client Questions Can Improve Your Marketing

29:28 How to Get Your First Health Coaching Clients With No Audience

36:34 How to Promote a Workshop With Paid Ads and Personal Outreach

40:04 Mike's Biggest Workshop Mistake and Lessons Learned

43:28 The Best Way for New Health Coaches to Build Trust

46:20 Connect With Mike Millner and Final Takeaways

CONNECT WITH MIKE MILLNER

Instagram: @coach_mike_millner

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

ABOUT THE HEALTH DETECTIVE PODCAST

The Health Detective Podcast explores functional health, root-cause investigation, functional lab testing, and the science and business of becoming a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.

Hosted by Michele Scarlet, FDNP, CPT, the podcast features conversations with health experts, practitioners, and entrepreneurs who are challenging conventional approaches to health and helping people ask better questions.

Subscribe to the Health Detective Podcast for more conversations about functional health, practitioner education, and building a successful health coaching practice.

DISCLAIMER

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Individual health and business results vary. Always work within your professional scope of practice.

What happens when a health problem keeps getting treated but the deeper questions never get answered?

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Diane Dahi, an FDNP, integrative health coach, massage therapist, and personal trainer, to explore a deeply personal health journey spanning decades of bodywork, wellness, chronic health challenges, and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.

Diane shares how a skin condition that was repeatedly dismissed as eczema was eventually diagnosed as skin cancer after more than 10 years of questions. That experience changed the way she approached her health, leading her to explore Natural Health, whole foods, product quality, and becoming a stronger advocate for herself.

Years later, another major health crisis left Diane hospitalized with a serious spinal infection, spinal abscesses, surgery, and months of recovery. After extensive antibiotics, she began looking deeper into her gut health and eventually discovered FDN.

Through Functional Lab Testing, Diane explored patterns involving gut dysbiosis, mold exposure, stress and hormones, and other health factors. She also discusses brain fog, stubborn midsection weight gain, ADHD symptoms, nervous system regulation, detox-supportive habits, and the lifestyle changes that became part of her ongoing health transformation.

Diane explains why she believes midlife women should pay closer attention when something in their body does not feel right instead of automatically labeling it as stress, aging, or hormones. She shares her experience with mold testing, GI Map testing, lifestyle changes, infrared sauna, movement, sleep, sunlight, nutrition, and creating sustainable wellness habits.

Most importantly, Diane shares the mindset that now guides her health journey: when you encounter a roadblock, pause, turn inward, listen to your body, and use it as a guide.

This conversation is about Functional Health, root cause thinking, gut health, holistic wellness, health advocacy, and creating a healthier and more intentional life.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Where to Find Diane:

https://www.DianeWellness.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dianewellness_movepastpain/

00:00 Diane’s Health Journey: When Symptoms Get Dismissed
04:05 Skin Cancer: Why Self-Advocacy Matters
08:35 Spinal Infection: The Health Crisis That Nearly Paralyzed Her
12:43 Mold, Gut Health & Functional Health Testing
14:27 How FDN Changed Her Massage Therapy Practice
17:56 Mold, ADHD, Dysbiosis & Looking for Root Causes
21:23 Daily Habits That Support Healing & Recovery
25:24 Eczema Progress, Movement & Healthy Aging
29:22 ADHD: What Changed After Addressing Her Health
30:51 Where to Start When You Want to Improve Your Health
32:15 Diane Wellness: Where to Find Diane Dahi

⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

Is AI coming for health coaches, or is it about to make good practitioners even better?

In this episode, Michele Scarlet sits down with FDN business mentor Jenn Malecha to unpack what AI actually means for health practitioners.

They discuss how tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can support practitioners, why the quality of the prompt matters, what happens when AI confidently gives you inaccurate information, and why critical thinking still matters. Jenn also shares how AI is beginning to be used alongside functional lab data and why not every AI system works the same way.

They also get into an increasingly important question for practitioners: what information should you actually be putting into AI? Michele and Jenn discuss client data, privacy concerns and why convenience shouldn't replace responsibility when working with sensitive health information.

If you're already a health practitioner, building a health coaching practice, or wondering whether AI is going to change the future of this industry, this episode offers a practical look at where AI can help, where it can fall short, and why the practitioner still matters.

🔬 5 LABS IN 5 DAYS STARTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Join FDN's FREE 5-day practitioner workshop featuring 10 expert-led sessions, daily Q&A, and permanent replays.

🎟️ YOUR FREE TICKET IS WAITING!

👉 https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/op/exclusive-invite/

🎁 No coupon code needed! Just click the link above to claim your FREE access.

See you October 19–23!

Chapters:

00:00 Can AI Replace Health Coaches?
00:47 AI, Tech & the Future of Health Coaching
02:05 Why More Technology Isn't the Answer
04:04 How to Get Better Answers From AI
05:29 Why AI Gives You Generic Content
05:58 Will AI Replace Health Practitioners?
07:36 The Clinical Gaps in AI
10:25 Using AI to Interpret Functional Labs
13:53 ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini
16:41 Why You Can't Blindly Trust AI
17:21 What Happens When AI Makes Things Up
18:39 How Practitioners Should Actually Use AI
19:38 Should You Upload Client Labs to ChatGPT?
22:13 AI, HIPAA & Client Privacy
23:37 Why AI Isn't Replacing the Practitioner