The Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast

Ep 073: DEPRESSION: It's Not a Chemical Imbalance. A conversation inspired by Johann Hari's Book, "Lost Connections"

In this thought-provoking episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz, sits down with fellow FNTP, Patti McCoy, Assistant Instructor at the Nutritional Therapy Association and long-time adult educator, to unpack one of the most paradigm-shifting books on mental health today: Lost Connections by Johann Hari. What if depression and anxiety are not primarily caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but by a series of broken connections in our lives? Together, Patti and Jamie explore how this book, combined with their work in functional nutrition and the Foundations of Health, can completely reframe how we view mental health, burnout, and the endless "hustle and numb" culture so many of us are stuck in. Some Topics Touched on: * Disconnection from meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status and respect, the natural world, etc., and how all of this shows up as very real symptoms in the body: depression, anxiety, chronic stress, poor sleep, blood sugar swings, and "feeling like a shell" of yourself * Many people are told, "Your brain is broken, here's a pill," and are given an SSRI instead of being asked, "What happened to you—and when did this start?" * How childhood trauma and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) can shape the HPA axis, stress response, food relationships, and long-term health * The impact of intergenerational trauma, and how science now shows that stress imprints can be passed down biologically through both mother and father * The "dash lights" on your body's dashboard and why symptoms (including nausea, anxiety, insomnia, low mood) are messages, not design flaws to be suppressed * How screens, constant notifications, and the pressure to respond to everyone all the time are quietly eroding our capacity for deep connection, quiet, and repair * Coping mechanism: alcohol, sugar, shopping, scrolling, gaming, pornography, or Netflix - and how these become nurseries for more trauma and disconnection * How the Foundations of Health: digestion, blood sugar regulation, a nutrient-dense diet, sleep, stress management, hydration, and movement - create the biological stability we need to heal * Marriage and relationships in the age of screens – the difference between being in the same room and actually being together * The loneliness of remote work and why some of us didn't realize how much we needed daily in-person interaction until it was gone * The loss of third spaces and micro-communities after COVID * Why "busy" has become a bizarre badge of honor, and how Distraction Detox and intentional boundaries around technology can restore sanity and presence Resources Mentioned: * Book – "Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions" by Johann Hari * Book – "Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind–Body Medicine" by Candace B. Pert, PhD * Book – "Childhood Under Siege" by Joel Bakan * Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/] * Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) program [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/ntp] * PHWC program (Professional health/wellness certification track referenced in the episode) [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/health-coach] * NTA – Foundations of Healing Course A course for anyone who wants to understand and apply the Foundations of Health: nutrient-dense diet, digestion, blood sugar, stress, and sleep [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/foundations] * NTA Health The clinical arm of the Nutritional Therapy Association, offering care rooted in foundational, root-cause principles [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/nta-health] * JOIN A WEBINAR to Learn More! [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/webinars] * Episode 4: Bio-Individuality [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rr6Ue3Ds4Wb] * Episode 21: STRESS!!! How It Impacts Your Brain and Body [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Q9hkTx5BwXb] * Distraction Detox Series: * Ep 51: Death By Distraction - Rewire Your Rhythms, Restore Your Health [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rUKjUozwJXb] * Ep 52: The Hidden Health Cost of Distraction [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9Cie5nzwJXb] * Ep 55: Distraction Detox - Dizzy Busy and Dying Inside [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/7nTMElzwJXb] * Ep 56: Distraction Detox - Cluttered Spaces, Cluttered Brains [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4TvXPkzwJXb] * Ep 57: Distraction Detox - THE MONSTER (Jamie's Favorite) [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rlX01jzwJXb] * Ep 58: Distraction Detox - Live Immediately [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Jse1hjzwJXb] Follow, leave reviews, and comment directly on Spotify. We love hearing from you!

Ep 072: Fertility, IVF, and the Foundations of Health

For some couples, conception looks quick and effortless. For others, it's a long, humbling journey that asks you to rethink everything you thought you knew about your body, your faith, and your timeline. In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz talks with Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and fertility mentor Calista (Callie) Chammas, founder of Nourish with Calista, to explore a raw, hopeful, deeply bio-individual look at growing a family in an increasingly infertile world. After graduating from the Nutritional Therapy Association in 2019, Calista found her calling in fertility through the fires of her own journey - 13 years on the pill, post-birth-control chaos, "unexplained infertility," medicated cycles, IUI, IVF, and a 42-week home birth. She and her husband now await the arrival of their second child. Calista works with women and families navigating both simple and complex fertility challenges, using ancestral nutrition, targeted lifestyle shifts, nervous-system regulation, precise Functional Blood Chemistry analysis, and the Foundations of Health as taught through the Nutritional Therapy Association, to help restore ovulation and optimize the environment for conception. She is also co-creating a powerful upcoming program, Nourish Your Radiant Fertility - bridging functional nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine for truly holistic preconception support. Together, Jamie and Callie dig into the realities behind falling fertility rates, the aftermath of long-term birth control use, why ovulation is the real monthly vital sign, how labels like "infertile" can quietly shape outcomes, and why safety, mindset, and nervous-system regulation may matter as much as lab work. They share accessible, affordable Foundations of Health: nutrient-dense ancestral foods, blood-sugar balance, mineral-rich hydration, stress regulation, sleep, nature exposure, circadian rhythm, and community support - and speak to the financially and ethically complicated aspects of IVF. Bio-individuality refuses the false choice between "all conventional" and "all holistic." This episode is especially for couples navigating the gray zone—those who want to understand why their body is struggling, who don't want to be reduced to a diagnosis, and who want a real pathway forward, whether they use natural methods, IVF, or both. Topics Discussed: * Hypothalamus–Pituitary–Ovarian (HPO) axis * Post-birth-control syndrome * Ovulation as a vital sign * "Unexplained infertility" and medical labeling * Nervous system regulation/parasympathetic activation * Fertility & safety signaling * Ancestral nutrient-dense foods * Blood sugar regulation & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) (insulin resistance of the ovaries) * Mineral-rich hydration/electrolytes * Circadian rhythm & morning sunlight * Nature exposure for nervous system balance * Stress perception * Natural-cycle embryo transfer * Ethical Considerations in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) * Medical gaslighting & advocating for yourself * Male factor infertility & sperm DNA fragmentation * Community support during fertility journeys * Boundaries with family/pressure dynamics * Identity vs. diagnosis reframing * Fortifying the Foundations of Health: Nutrient-dense diet, hydration, digestion, blood sugar regulation, sleep, stress, joyful movement Related and Complementary Podcast Episodes: * Episode 71: A Fertility Journey to Natural Pregnancy Through Foundational Healing [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/QNUXjDvjzYb] * Episode 61: PCOS Root Cause [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9pfqpxuvJYb] * Episode 28: Blood Sugar 101 - Hope for Reversing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8s8LFBBvJYb] * Episode 29: Quick Tips for Blood Sugar [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VDG4mKxvJYb] * Episode 62: MORE Quick Tips for Blood Sugar [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/cos17ztI1Xb] * Episode 9: Food For Fertility [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/FxTAvF2vJYb] * Episode 66: SIBO Symptoms and Solutions [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/teOLXxtI1Xb] * Episode 6: The Dr. Francis M Pottenger Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9JGFRdWacYb] * Episode 69: The Dr. Weston A Price Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/vBazMx7dcYb] * Episode 46: Wellness 101 [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/wQKpnh04mYb] * Episode 60: Super Foods, Super Kids [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/2EimPY24mYb] * Episode 4: Bio-Individuality [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rr6Ue3Ds4Wb] * Episode 11: Digestive Hell [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/NojyLF5BwXb] (Learn DIGESTION from the NTA's founder, Gray Graham) * Episode 10: Optimal Wellness Starts Here [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lORLoIVacYb] (How DIGESTION is supposed to work!) * Episode 53: Dr. Lindsey Berkson on Hormones [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VDG4mKxvJYb] * Episode 37: Autism Can Be Reversed [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/AqhqBlTvJYb] * Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/] Connect with Callie: * Nourish Your Radiant Fertility [https://nourishyourradiantfertility.com/] (Callie's course - coming soon) * www.nourishwithcalista.com [http://www.nourishwithcalista.com/] * @nourishwithcalista NTA's Six-Week Course: * FOUNDATIONS OF HEALING [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/foundations] Other Resources Mentioned: * Real Food for Fertility – Lily Nichols & Lisa Hendrickson-Jack [https://realfoodforfertility.com/] * Real Food for Pregnancy – Lily Nichols [https://lilynicholsrdn.com/real-food-for-pregnancy/] * Real Food for Gestational Diabetes – Lily Nichols [https://realfoodforgd.com/] Hormones, Cycles & Coming Off the Pill * Beyond the Pill – Dr. Jolene Brighten [https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pill/] * Period Repair Manual – Dr. Lara Briden [https://www.larabriden.com/period-repair-manual/] * Dr. Mindy Pelz [https://drmindypelz.com/] Spiritual & Emotional Support * When God Says "Wait" – Elizabeth Laing Thompson [https://lizzylife.com/when-god-says-wait-navigating-lifes-detours-and-delays-without-losing-your-faith-your-friends-or-your-mind/] * Spirit Babies – Walter Makichen [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/106412/spirit-babies-by-walter-makichen/] Child Health & Recovery * Documenting Hope [https://documentinghope.com/] (Helping children heal and reverse their diagnoses) Subscribe to the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps this message reach more families looking for foundational, bio-individual answers. And if you're on Spotify, tap Follow and add comments! We love hearing from you!

Ep 071: A Fertility Journey to Natural Pregnancy Through Foundational Healing

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC, sits down with Abby Taylor, NTP, Certified Birth Doula, childbirth educator, and founder of Mirabelle Birth, to unpack a powerful, hope-filled story of natural fertility and conception through applying the Foundations of Health, learned through the NTA's Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Program. For over a decade, Abby and her husband, Josh, journeyed through miscarriage, long and irregular cycles, rapid weight gain, and the emotional toll of living in the "maybe someday" of infertility. After years of feeling dismissed by conventional medicine and not wanting to pursue high-intervention fertility treatments, she discovered the Nutritional Therapy Association's NTP program—and everything changed. By applying the Foundations of Health— nutrient-dense diet, digestion optimization, blood sugar regulation, quality sleep, stress management, joyful movement, and hydration —Abby watched her body begin to shift. Her cycles shortened, ovulation resumed, her inflammation markers dropped, and, to her complete surprise, she and Josh conceived naturally after ten years without conventional fertility treatment. Now, through Mirabelle Birth, she's refocusing her birth work to center on fertility nutrition, prenatal and postpartum nourishment, and hope-filled encouragement for women who want to enable and prepare their bodies for pregnancy. If you're trying to conceive, supporting clients with fertility challenges, or simply want to understand how functional nutrition and holistic prenatal care can transform the motherhood journey, this conversation with Abby Taylor will encourage, equip, and remind you that your body was designed to heal. Follow and connect with Abby on Instagram!: @mirabellebirth Give us five stars, subscribe, and connect with us directly in the comments section on Spotify!

Ep 070: Getting Started with Meal Planning and Eating Healthier Overall

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC sits down with fellow FNTP and NTA educator Hallie Loy-Roby for a practical, honest conversation about building real, sustainable meal-planning habits that support foundational health for overall wellbeing. Hallie Loy-Roby is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, course developer, and Assistant Instructor with the Nutritional Therapy Association. Through her practice, Holistically Hallie, she helps clients understand digestion, blood sugar regulation, and liver and gallbladder function with a clear, evidence-informed approach rooted in real food and bio-individuality. She's known for blending science, practicality, and grounded encouragement in a way that helps people take meaningful action without perfectionism or overwhelm. Together, Jamie and Hallie unpack what meal planning looks like in real life—without the pressure, elaborate systems, or unrealistic expectations that so often derail people. They explore the power of consistency, how to build nutrient-dense meals from simple ingredients, and how intentional planning reduces stress, supports digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and frees up mental energy. Topics Covered: * Beginning meal planning when you feel disorganized or stretched thin * Creating balanced meals using protein, whole-food carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats * Increasing color and diversity on the plate for improved digestion and nutrient density * Using leftovers, ingredient prep, and theme nights to simplify the week * Supporting picky eaters or adults who were never exposed to real vegetables growing up * Identifying early signs of blood sugar issues or digestive stress * Using tools—from sticky notes to AI—to make real food easier * Building a kitchen rhythm that aligns with the Foundations of Nutritional Therapy The conversation is steady, grounded, and refreshingly doable. Jamie and Hallie bring clarity to a topic that often feels overcomplicated, reminding listeners that small steps—done consistently—are what shift energy, digestion, mood, and long-term health. Resources Mentioned: * Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/] * Episode 66: SIBO Symptoms and Solutions [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/teOLXxtI1Xb] * Episode 6: The Dr. Francis M Pottenger Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9JGFRdWacYb] * Episode 69: The Dr. Weston A Price Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/vBazMx7dcYb] * Episode 46: Wellness 101 [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/wQKpnh04mYb] * Episode 60: Super Foods, Super Kids [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/2EimPY24mYb] * Episode 4: Bio-Individuality [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/rr6Ue3Ds4Wb] * Episode 11: Digestive Hell [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/NojyLF5BwXb] (Learn DIGESTION from the NTA's founder, Gray Graham) * Episode 10: Optimal Wellness Starts Here [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lORLoIVacYb] (How DIGESTION is supposed to work!) * BOOK: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon [https://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Political-Ingredients/dp/0967089735] * FOUNDATIONS OF HEALING COURSE FROM THE NTA [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/foundations] Explore more from Hallie at: https://www.nourishtherootcause.com [https://www.nourishtherootcause.com/] https://www.instagram.com/holistically.hallie/ [https://www.instagram.com/holistically.hallie/] Please subscribe, give us 5-Star reviews, and comment directly to us on Spotify!

Ep 069: Who Was Dr. Weston A. Price? + Takeaways from Wise Traditions

In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, you'll learn who Dr. Weston A. Price was and what his groundbreaking research revealed about the connection between diet, physical health, and human flourishing. Dr. Price's global studies in the early 1900s showed that traditional, nutrient-dense, properly prepared foods produced strong, joyful, disease-resistant people — while modern, processed diets led to degeneration within a single generation. Host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC explains how the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) continues Dr. Price's mission today by helping people live healthier, more holistic lives. Through education, community, and advocacy, WAPF promotes ancestral wisdom — from properly prepared, nutrient-dense foods to lifestyle practices that support balance, vitality, and lifelong wellness. Then, Jamie welcomes fellow FNTP, Allison Mädl, who recently returned from the WAPF's Wise Traditions Conference in Salt Lake City. Together, they unpack the insights, research, and reflections she brought back — from nourishing, gourmet meals to saturated fat science, circadian rhythm optimization, fermentation, regenerative farming, and the revival of real-food education in schools. Key Takeaways * The Legacy of Dr. Weston A. Price and how ancestral diets rich in fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and enzymes built the foundation for strong bodies and resilient minds. * Food Quality Determines Health Quality Properly prepared, nutrient-dense, locally sourced, whole foods — raw dairy, pastured meats, fermented vegetables, soaked grains, and healthy animal fats — remain the cornerstone of wellness. Nutrient density naturally balances appetite, stabilizes blood sugar, and sustains energy. * Saturated Fats vs. Seed Oils: A Paradigm Shift Modern science is re-evaluating decades of misguided advice. Evidence now shows that natural saturated fats support longevity and hormone health, while industrial seed oils are unstable, oxidizing fats that accelerate inflammation and cellular damage. * Cholesterol is Not the Enemy Dietary cholesterol doesn't raise blood cholesterol levels — high carbohydrate intake and metabolic dysfunction do. Cholesterol is essential for hormone production, cell membrane integrity, vitamin D synthesis, and more!. * Light, Sleep, and Longevity Circadian rhythm is a biological foundation of health. Morning sunlight exposure, reduced nighttime blue light, and true darkness during sleep optimize melatonin production and activity, support mitochondrial function, and slow aging at the cellular level. * Fermentation and the Microbiome Traditional ferments like kefir, kombucha, and natto restore microbial diversity and digestive resilience. Start small, vary your sources, and pay attention to how your body responds — real food is the most affordable and effective probiotic. * From Soil to Sovereignty Regenerative agriculture proves that nutrient-dense food starts with healthy soil. Farmers using organic and rotational methods see higher yields, stronger crops, and better economics without chemical dependency — improving both land and lives. * Real-Food Education Changes Generations Teaching knife skills, broth-making, and gardening in schools reconnects children with the source of their food. These skills build confidence, reduce dependence on processed food, and restore a sense of value and purpose in young people. * Community Nourishes as Much as Food The Wise Traditions Conference exemplifies what happens when like-minded people gather around shared values of health, freedom, and stewardship. The table becomes a place of healing — for body, mind, and spirit. About Our Guest — Allison Mädl, FNTP Allison graduated as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in 2014 and has served the NTA in various roles ever since. She is currently a Lead Instructor and Senior On-Demand Program Developer for the Nutritional Therapy Association and runs a private practice in North Idaho, where she works with clients both in the U.S. and abroad. She combines her passion for teaching and nutrition to help individuals rediscover what it means to eat, live, and thrive in alignment with their bio-individual design. Resources Mentioned * Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) [https://www.westonaprice.org/#gsc.tab=0] — education, research, and advocacy for traditional diets * Wise Traditions Conference [https://www.wisetraditions.org/] — Find the program [https://www.wisetraditions.org/_files/ugd/c58e7d_c4e48a37f74f43c3a74a88d6a88c57ba.pdf], menus, recordings, and further information about this year's event. Also - sign up to receive updates on next year's event in Washington, DC, October 16–18, 2026 * Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) [https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/] * BOOK: The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-big-fat-surprise-why-butter-meat-and-cheese-belong-in-a-healthy-diet_nina-teicholz/3283459/item/10238046/?mkwid=%7cdc&pcrid=76897258815619&pkw=&pmt=be&slid=&product=10238046&plc=&pgrid=1230353765528421&ptaid=pla-4580496734886475&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping+%7c+NEW+condition+books&utm_term=&utm_content=%7cdc%7cpcrid%7c76897258815619%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7cbe%7cproduct%7c10238046%7cslid%7c%7cpgrid%7c1230353765528421%7cptaid%7cpla-4580496734886475%7c&msclkid=39caa6cb24301eef9bb2cfc59380898b#idiq=10238046&edition=8538922] — the research behind rethinking fats and oils * Episode 41: Sally Fallon Morell [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/oaE7pmPn7Xb] (Founding President of the Weston A Price Foundation) * Episode 6: The Dr. Francis M Pottenger Episode [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/9JGFRdWacYb] * Episode 66: SIBO Symptoms and Solutions [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/teOLXxtI1Xb] * Episode 49: Seed Oils and Sunburn [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/np0tK6Kn7Xb] https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/teOLXxtI1Xb * Episode 39: Quick Tips to Boost Your Mineral Intake [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/zh04ynPn7Xb] (With Allison Mädl) * Episode 38: Graying Hair, Cramps, and Cognition - Are You Missing Minerals? [https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Rk8fAtZn7Xb] (With Allison Mädl) Please subscribe, give us 5-Star reviews, and comment directly to us on Spotify!