What if the pursuit of peak performance left you completely burned out—and the only way forward was to become the CEO of your own health?

In this jaw-dropping episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Amanda Soukoulis, who shares her gripping journey from elite athlete, private equity star, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader finalist—all seemingly at the top of her game—to a sudden health crash that forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up. Amanda pulls back the curtain on her transformation through functional medicine and nervous system mastery, revealing why chasing quick fixes doesn’t work and how real healing requires data-driven detective work from within.

Highlights include:

• Amanda’s shocking health collapse right after hitting major career milestones—and what heart rate variability really tells you about your body’s readiness
• The years-long quest to find answers, the frustrations of being dismissed by doctors, and the ultimate breakthrough with functional testing (like gut microbiome and more)
• The “U3 System”: Amanda’s three-step process for true wellness—Uncover, Uproot, Unleash—covering everything from bio-optimization tests and nutrition to accountability for lasting success
• How perfectionism, pressure, and even environmental factors like mold contributed to burnout—and Amanda’s advice for overcoming those hidden stressors
• The call to help others: a fateful church event and a life-changing scholarship that set Amanda on her current mission
• Plus: what Amanda eats after a cleanse, her love for military movies, favorite jams (hello, Mr. Red, White and Blue!), and why a piece of her heart is always in Greece

Whether you’re stuck in a health plateau or feeling dismissed by the medical system, this episode will inspire you to take charge and “thrive” on a whole new level.

Episode Overview:

00:00 — Intro Announcer sets the stage: Amanda Soukoulis’s journey from elite performance to health rebuilding

01:04 — Lou Diamond welcomes Amanda; Amanda’s story unfolds

01:31 — Amanda details her sudden crash and struggle to find answers

03:17 — Deep dive into functional medicine: what it is, how it’s different

04:34 — Amanda’s healing timeline, setbacks, and lessons learned

07:06 — The role of external pressures: perfectionism, stress, and environment

09:31 — Amanda’s “why me” moment, pivotal church event, and purpose-driven pivot

12:29 — The U3 System explained: uncover, uproot, unleash your health

15:53 — Transforming lives: Amanda’s biggest reward

17:03 — Amanda’s current cleanse and her infectious energy

17:33 — Fun street: favorite movies, music, food, and travel

22:12 — Amanda’s connection to Greece and Kalamata olives

23:13 — Farewell: keep moving onward and upward!

Tune in and discover what it truly means to move onward, upward, and thrive—no matter where you start.