The Health Detective Podcast by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition

🎓 FREE FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER SCHOOL | NOVEMBER 9–30

Join us and today's guest, Liz Roman, The Poop Queen, a keynote speaker at Functional Health Practitioner School!

Discover what it takes to become a Functional Health Practitioner through 25+ expert sessions covering functional health, root-cause investigation, and approaches to complex chronic health challenges.

Whether you're considering a career in functional health or want to expand your knowledge, this FREE online event is your opportunity to learn from industry experts.

👉 REGISTER FREE: http://fdntraining.com/bf

Functional Medicine Gone Wrong? $7,000, Chronic Constipation & Gut Health | Liz Roman
Why does chronic constipation persist even after seeing doctors, changing your diet, and trying functional medicine?

Functional health practitioner Liz Roman, known as The Poop Queen, shares her personal journey with chronic constipation, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, childhood rheumatoid arthritis, and a $7,000 functional medicine program that finally provided answers—but left her overwhelmed by restrictive diets, supplements, and limited support.

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, host Michele Scarlet and Liz Roman explore the connection between gut health, autoimmune conditions, nutrition, and the importance of personalized functional health care.

Liz explains how functional testing identified gut infections and Hashimoto's after years of unresolved symptoms, why receiving a diagnosis isn't the same as receiving comprehensive care, and how her experience shaped the way she now supports women and children at FitMom Functional Health.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why chronic constipation deserves a deeper conversation

How Liz's childhood rheumatoid arthritis and medication history influenced her health journey

What functional testing revealed about her gut health and thyroid

Why a $7,000 functional medicine program left her feeling unsupported

The difference between supplement protocols and comprehensive practitioner support

How nutrition, minerals, and hydration fit into individualized gut health strategies

Why restrictive diets can make long-term food diversity more difficult

How to approach dietary reintroduction and rebuilding tolerance

Why Liz believes bile and gallbladder function deserve more attention in recurring constipation and SIBO

Common Questions About Chronic Constipation and Functional Health
Why does chronic constipation keep coming back?

Persistent constipation can have multiple contributing factors. Liz discusses nutrition, restrictive eating patterns, gut health, and the potential role of bile in recurring digestive complaints.

Can functional medicine help uncover causes of chronic symptoms?

Liz shares how functional testing identified gut infections and Hashimoto's thyroiditis after years of unresolved symptoms, while also explaining why testing alone wasn't enough to support her recovery.

What should you expect from a functional health practitioner?

Michele and Liz discuss the importance of personalized guidance, practical nutrition support, realistic treatment plans, and ongoing communication rather than relying exclusively on tests and supplements.

Episode Chapters
00:00 Liz Roman's health story and the cost of being unheard
02:18 Why bowel movements deserve a daily report card
06:03 Childhood arthritis, chronic constipation, and years without answers
08:21 Functional testing identifies gut infections and Hashimoto's
09:16 What high-touch, supportive care can look like
12:55 A childhood rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and medication history
16:15 How symptoms, hormones, and restrictive dieting compounded
18:35 When a functional plan becomes another burden
22:00 Food guidance, minerals, and the missing foundations of care
24:26 Why nutrition changes are harder than pills or workouts
26:21 Rebuilding tolerance and expanding diet diversity
29:24 Bile, constipation, and potassium for poo

🎧 DON'T MISS PART 2 WITH LIZ ROMAN!
What if the missing piece in your chronic constipation or recurring SIBO isn't another gut protocol—but your bile?

Join us next Thursday for Part 2, where Liz reveals the often-overlooked connection between your liver, gallbladder, bile flow, and digestive health.

Follow the Health Detective Podcast so you don't miss it!

About Liz Roman, The Poop Queen
Liz Roman is a board-certified functional health practitioner and co-owner of FitMom Functional Health. Known online as The Poop Queen, she helps women and children navigate chronic constipation, gut health challenges, hormonal concerns, and autoimmune conditions through personalized functional health strategies.

Her own journey with childhood rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic digestive symptoms, and functional medicine inspired her approach to helping clients feel heard and supported.

Liz is also a keynote speaker at Functional Health Practitioner School, November 9–30.

Continue Learning
Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the Health Detective Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a rating or review to help more people discover the show.

🎓 JOIN LIZ AT FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER SCHOOL

November 9–30 | FREE Registration

👉 http://fdntraining.com/bf

Why does chronic acne keep coming back, even after antibiotics, Accutane, expensive skincare, supplements, and dietary changes?

What if the problem isn't just your skin?

Chronic acne can be influenced by gut health, hormone imbalances, inflammation, genetics, and lifestyle factors that conventional acne treatments may not fully address.

In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, host Michele Scarlet sits down with Justin Harris, Functional Genomics Practitioner and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), to explore the connections between chronic acne, gut health, genetic testing, functional lab testing, and long-term health.

Justin shares his personal experience of spending nearly five years on antibiotics for acne, followed by Accutane, only to continue struggling with his skin and overall health.

His search for answers took him through ancestral nutrition, genetic testing, supplements, and even a $10,000 infrared sauna. But despite all the information and biohacking tools, something was still missing.

It wasn't until Justin began investigating his health through functional lab testing that he started connecting the dots between his genetic predispositions, gut health, hormone patterns, and daily habits.

Today, Justin shares how that experience changed his health and inspired his work as a functional health practitioner.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

Why chronic acne can persist despite conventional treatments

The potential connections between gut health, hormones, genetics, and acne

How long-term antibiotic use affected Justin's health

What genetic testing can and cannot tell us about our health

Why expensive supplements and biohacking tools aren't always the answer

How functional lab testing can help practitioners identify healing opportunities

The difference between treating symptoms and investigating underlying patterns

How lifestyle, nutrition, stress, and sleep influence health outcomes

Why mindset and behavior change matter for long-term results

Justin's controversial opinions on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), GLP-1 medications, the carnivore diet, and biohacking

WANT TO BECOME A FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER?

What if you could look beyond symptoms, understand functional lab testing, and help people connect the dots in their health?

Join us for Functional Health Practitioner School, November 9–30, 2026, where we're exploring what it takes to become a functional health practitioner and how to approach health through a root-cause investigative framework.

Whether you're a health coach, nutrition professional, personal trainer, or someone passionate about functional health, this is your opportunity to learn more about the world of functional health and practitioner education.

👉 JOIN FUNCTIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER SCHOOL:
https://fdntraining.com/bf

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Can Chronic Acne Be Connected to Gut Health and Genetics?

03:02 Five Years on Antibiotics for Acne: Justin's Story

06:12 Primal Health, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Foundations

08:27 What Genetic Testing Revealed About His Health

11:18 Why Genetic Testing, Supplements, and Biohacking Weren't Enough

13:05 Functional Lab Testing and Hidden Healing Opportunities

15:24 Improving Chronic Acne Without Health Perfectionism

18:39 Mindset, Anxiety, and the Mind-Body Connection

24:04 How to Change Habits and Build Lasting Health

27:22 Epigenetics, Lifestyle Changes, and Practitioner Accountability

34:29 Rapid-Fire: TRT, GLP-1s, Carnivore Diet, and Biohacking

41:24 Connect With Justin Harris

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN HARRIS

Instagram: @justinharrisofficial

 

 

ABOUT THE HEALTH DETECTIVE PODCAST

The Health Detective Podcast explores functional health, functional lab testing, gut health, hormone imbalances, metabolic health, nutrition, and the investigative approach to uncovering hidden contributors to chronic health challenges.

Hosted by Michele Scarlet, FDN-P, the podcast features practitioners, researchers, and health experts who challenge conventional thinking and explore what happens when we look beyond symptoms.

Follow the Health Detective Podcast for new episodes, and leave a review if you're enjoying the conversations.

 

www.fdntraining.com/resources

 

#ChronicAcne #GutHealth #FunctionalMedicine #FunctionalLabTesting #GeneticTesting #FunctionalDiagnosticNutrition #HormoneHealth #HealthDetectivePodcast

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.