NTI PodTalk by Nutrition Therapy Institute

Herbal Medicine for Stress and Burnout | EP 118

In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne chats with NTI instructor, Megan Grover. They discuss chronic stress, burnout, and the role herbal medicine can play in supporting resilience and recovery. Megan explains the science behind adaptogens, like ashwagandha, and discusses how chronic stress impacts the nervous system, immune health, sleep, hormones, and digestion. They also discuss the realities of modern burnout culture, and practical strategies for supporting emotional regulation and nervous system balance. In today’s fast-paced, high stress world, the information in this episode is so relevant and beneficial for anyone. Tune in to learn how to build resilience with herbs and reduce your stress. About Megan Grover:Megan Grover is a nutrition scientist and educator, based in New York City. With a Master of Medical Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Sheffield and over a decade of experience bridging science, education, and public health, Megan has built her career on translating complex nutritional science into actionable strategies. As the former Director of Education and Research at a growing wellness company, Megan led clinical research initiatives, served as the Principal Investigator on IRB-approved studies, and supported product development. She also created and oversaw the nutrition continuing education department for integrative nutrition coaches and dietitians, and managed all science-facing content across the organization.Megan teaches multiple nutrition science classes at NTI and previously served as a full-time professor of human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition at the university level. She started MBG Wellness to address a critical gap she observed throughout her career: driven executives and professionals were experiencing burnout despite outward success. Through corporate wellness programming, Megan delivers the nutrition education, strategic support, and science-backed interventions that enable teams to sustain performance without sacrificing wellbeing.Connect with Megan:MBG Wellness [https://www.meganbgrover.com/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/meganbgrover/]Substack [https://megangrover.substack.com/]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbg-wellness/]**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page [https://ntischool.com/herbal-medicine-for-stress-and-burnout/],Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Holistic Vision and Eye Health with Dr. Pauline Buck | EP 118

There is so much more to eye health than 20/20 vision. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne Koehler chats with Dr. Pauline Buck, a developmental, behavioral, and neuro-rehabilitative optometrist who takes a deeply holistic approach to vision and eye health. Dr. Buck explains the powerful connection between eye health and nutrition, revealing how inflammation, diet, and lifestyle directly influence how you see and how your eyes function. Dr. Buck’s practice goes far beyond standard vision care, and included in the episode are holistic strategies you can implement right away to support your vision. 3 Activities to Enhance Your Vision  [https://www.drbuckvision.com/activitiesforchange] About Dr. Buck:Pauline K. Buck, O.D., FOVDR, is a fellowship trained optometrist with the OVDRA who served as chairperson of the membership and state coordinators committees. Dr. Buck developed and is the optometric director of Dr Buck Vision in Miami, Florida. The clinic focuses on improving the efficiency of the visual system in individuals of all ages, from children with visually based learning dysfunction, to teens with concussion, to post stroke adults. Dr. Buck utilizes tried and true vision therapy technologies and techniques and has been known to occasionally create her own. However, her strength is in the collaborative way she works with allied health professionals, teachers, and tutors. Her relationships with these professionals and their numerous information exchanges over the years has cultivated an awareness and understanding of how vision and the therapeutic disciplines of occupational, physical, and speech therapy complement each other for improved patient outcomes. Most recently she joined together with Tiffany Zakka, OTR/L to create Reset Rewire Restore, LLC with the goal of improving the balance of the autonomic nervous system using the synergy of syntonics and movement. Together they have created The Autonomic Protocol and The Kids AP programs, they have written several workbooks and guides to go with the program, and have lectured internationally to bring awareness in the education and medical communities. She is also a founding partner in The Brilliant Babes, LLC which serves the pre and post-natal population of families in supporting the parents and helping guide the development of the children. Connect with Dr. Buck: Dr. Buck Vision [https://www.drbuckvision.com/] Dr. Buck Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drbuckvision/] **Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page [https://ntischool.com/holistic-vision-and-eye-health/]. Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com [https://ntischool.com/] for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team. This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Male Fertility: The Overlooked Factor with Ayla Barmmer | EP 117

Fertility is often viewed as a women’s health issue, but research tells a different story. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Ayla Barmmer joins Dianne Koehler to explore the overlooked role of male fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term child health. With male factors contributing to nearly 50% of infertility cases, this conversation unpacks why men are frequently left out of the fertility equation, and what that means for couples trying to conceive. Ayla shares her functional nutrition approach to preconception care, highlighting how oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and lifestyle habits directly impact sperm quality, DNA integrity, and reproductive outcomes. She also explains why standard semen analysis may not tell the full story, and what deeper markers of male fertility health should be considered. Beyond conception, this episode dives into how both male and female preconception health influences placental development, pregnancy complications, miscarriage risk, and even a child’s long-term metabolic health. Whether you’re a practitioner, a couple trying to conceive, or simply interested in optimizing health, this episode reframes fertility as a shared responsibility - and a powerful window into whole-body and generational health. Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN, is the founder and CEO of FullWell, the only registered dietitian-founded and formulated reproductive health supplement brand that supports women and men at every stage. With 20+ years of experience in fertility nutrition, Ayla has taken an evidence-backed, foundational approach in developing the highest quality, effective, and thoroughly tested offering that clinicians and customers love, which has allowed her to build FullWell profitably from the start without venture backing. While currently on sabbatical from private practice, Ayla owns and operates Boston Functional Nutrition and co-founded the Women's Health Nutrition Academy in 2018. Connect with Ayla: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylabarmmer/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aylabarmmer/]Substack [https://aylabarmmer.substack.com/?r=1hto3h&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnMPWhcAodNMBzQMynYaAChDYXqLp89Lo6xbzIhEuf_XRCTmM9ZIMFGYT8-mw_aem_s5STjKRkNQDb8W_BTvcZ3Q]FullWell Website [https://fullwellfertility.com/]FullWell Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fullwellfertility/] **Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page [https://ntischool.com/male-fertility-the-overlooked-factor/].Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com [ntischool.com], or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Medicinal Mushrooms: From Cultivation to Extraction | EP 116

Medicinal mushrooms have been gaining popularity in the wellness world due to their potential health benefits. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne interviews soon to be graduate, NTI staff member, and founder of Bloomcap Naturals, Andy Cappetta. Andy shares his journey into mycology, medicinal mushroom cultivation and extraction, and what truly defines a high-quality mushroom supplement. If you've been using medicinal mushrooms, or are curious about them but don't know where to start, this episode is for you! About Andy:Andrew Cappetta is a Colorado-based mycology enthusiast, functional nutrition professional, and the founder of Bloomcap Naturals LLC — a small-batch, fruiting-body-only mushroom extract company focused on purity, potency, and transparency.Andrew’s passion for mushrooms began as part of his own healing journey. After struggling with reactive hypoglycemia, nervous system dysregulation, and the emotional stress of losing his brother, he turned toward the world of functional mushrooms as a way to support his resilience and well-being. When commercial supplements only left him inflamed or anxious, he decided to dive deeper — learning sterile techniques, growing his own mushrooms, and eventually mastering dual-extraction methods.During his training at the Nutrition Therapy Institute, Andrew studied biochemistry, herbology, and the art of extraction, which shaped his approach to creating clean, potent tinctures rooted in tradition and backed by modern understanding. He now grows Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and other species on organic substrates, producing extracts crafted for people who want honest, high-quality mushroom tinctures and powders without grain fillers or mycelium.Through Bloomcap Naturals and his work in functional nutrition, Andrew helps people connect with the world of fungi, understand the science behind them, and use them as allies in supporting their body’s natural balance.When he isn’t cultivating mushrooms, you’ll find him outdoors in Colorado, crafting educational content, or diving into the microbiome research that continues to inspire his work.Bloomcap Naturals [https://bloomcapnaturals.com/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bloomcapnaturals/]intelligentfoods88@gmail.com**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page [https://ntischool.com/medicinal-mushrooms/]Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com [https://ntischool.com] for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Supporting Small Dairy Farms with Kalona Supernatural | EP 115

In an era of industrial agriculture and mass-produced food, small dairy farms are disappearing at an alarming rate. As large-scale operations dominate the market, many consumers are left disconnected from where their food comes from and how it is produced. In this episode of NTI PodTalk, Dianne sits down with Joe Miller, Managing Partner and Sales Director of Kalona Supernatural, to explore how regenerative agriculture is helping support America’s small family dairy farms and why it matters for human health, soil health, and the future of real, nutrient dense food. Beyond regenerative farming, Joe explains why Kalona avoids ultra-high-temperature pasteurization and homogenization, and how their processing methods protect milk’s natural structure, enzymes, and nutritional integrity. If you care about where your milk comes from, how your food is produced, and the long-term health of our land and farming communities, this episode is a must-listen. About Joe Miller: Joe Miller is Managing Partner at Kalona Organics, the company that markets and sells the Kalona SuperNatural brand. He joined the company in 2020, bringing a lifelong background in dairy and a passion for supporting small, family farms. Under his leadership, Kalona SuperNatural has expanded nationwide, supplying retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, and Natural Grocers. Follow Kalona on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kalonasupernatural_milk_dairy/]! On the first Friday of every month, a member of the Kalona marketing team does a 'live from the pasture' on one of their farms and you can ask them any questions you have! Joe on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegmiller/] Kalona SuperNatural [https://kalonasupernatural.com/] organic@kalonasupernatural.com  **Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page [https://ntischool.com/supporting-small-dairy-farms/]. Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com [https://ntischool.com/] for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.