Functionally Speaking

Are you running too many labs and missing what really matters?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re unpacking a hot topic in functional medicine: testing fatigue. We’re both pro-labs and pro-thinking, and this conversation is all about striking that balance. We share the most common mistakes we see with overtesting, how we approach lab work in our own practices, and why clinical thinking, client readiness, and strong intake forms matter just as much—if not more—than what a lab says.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re leaning too hard on lab work—or felt overwhelmed by all the “must-have” tests—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:11 Why over-testing is a real problem in functional medicine
• 03:04 What targeted testing actually looks like (and why it matters)
• 03:50 Why conventional testing often misses the full picture
• 04:24 What makes a comprehensive health assessment actually comprehensive
• 06:43 How to assess client capacity before you run anything
• 07:29 The cost, stress, and supplement burden of unnecessary labs
• 12:59 Why clinical intuition gets stronger with experience (and fewer tests)

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

Are you asking your clients the questions that actually matter?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re digging into five (plus one!) things we always ask our clients—and think you should too. These aren’t the typical food and supplement questions. We’re talking about what’s really going on behind the scenes.

This episode isn’t just for practitioners—it’s also for anyone who wants to better understand the root causes of their symptoms and feel seen beyond their lab results.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:16 Why news consumption should be part of your client intake
• 05:32 The link between screen time and anxiety (and how it shows up in health)
• 11:22 Airway dysfunction: the root cause no one’s talking about
• 19:56 Why relationships, joy, and purpose matter for health outcomes
• 22:11 How asking for someone’s story shifts your entire clinical approach
• 24:13 Why we always ask about breast implants—and how that changes care

Links and resources:

• Aris Health & Wellness: https://www.arishealthandwellness.com/
• Sleep Test: https://www.sleeptest.com/

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

Are fitness trackers helping your health or quietly harming it?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re getting real about wearables: who they’re actually helping, when they’re causing more stress than support, and what to consider before recommending them to a client (or using one yourself). We share our own experiences with devices like the Oura ring and Garmin, unpack the pros and cons of tracking steps, sleep, HRV, and calories, and talk through what it means when someone is too attached to their data. We also explore how fitness trackers can become disordered tools when awareness turns into obsession—and how practitioners can screen for red flags and guide clients toward a healthier relationship with their bodies and their data.

If you've ever wondered whether fitness trackers are worth it—or how to help your clients use them without going overboard—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• 03:22 Should you recommend fitness trackers to your clients?
• 03:40 Our personal experiences with Oura, Garmin, and other wearables
• 04:20 The upside: sleep, step tracking, and building awareness
• 05:42 How data helps (or hinders) clinical work and client outcomes
• 10:36 The line between helpful insights and unhealthy obsession
• 14:11 Listening to your body vs. outsourcing it to tech
• 16:02 Who should use a fitness tracker (and who probably shouldn’t)

Links and resources:

• Listen to Episode 05. Is Cycle Syncing Supportive or Just Another Form of Control?: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/17694954

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Why are so many women jumping straight to IVF without getting real answers first?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re having a real (and probably long overdue) conversation about fertility, IVF, and the frustrating lack of root cause care in the conventional system. We’re not anti-IVF but we are pro-informed choice, and that starts with asking better questions and refusing to settle for “just try again.” 

This episode isn’t just for women navigating fertility—it’s also for practitioners who want to better support their clients and patients with informed, root-cause–driven care.

If you’ve been feeling let down, dismissed, or confused by the current fertility care system, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:31 Our hot take on IVF and insurance
• 02:41 Why miscarriage care is so clinical and so emotionally isolating
• 04:15 The grief no one prepares you for in the IVF process
• 05:32 Why foundational care still matters (even with fertility treatments)
• 10:19 Endometriosis, inflammation, and the gut-fertility connection
• 14:24 The missing piece in the fertility conversation: men
• 19:40 Stress, burnout, and how they impact ovulation and hormone balance
• 28:12 Our conclusion: it always comes back to the basics

Links and resources:

• Fertility Awareness + Pregnancy Prep Masterclass: https://empoweredmb.teachable.com/p/pregnancyprep
• Real Food for Fertility by Lily Nichols: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/208089588-real-food-for-fertility

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Is cycle syncing helping women connect with their bodies or just giving them one more thing to stress about?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we unpack the world of cycle syncing and seed cycling and why we’re not buying the hype. We break down what it actually is, why it’s resurfacing, and how it's often just another attempt to micromanage women's bodies in the name of wellness.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:11 What cycle syncing actually means and where it came from
• 02:38 Why we’re not on board with the rigid rules of cycle syncing
• 04:20 The problem with syncing your workouts to your cycle phases
• 08:21 Our take on seed cycling and why it’s not a magic hormone fix
• 13:02 How we talk to clients about cycle syncing (without shame or stress)
• 18:44 How to honor your body without overcomplicating it

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

Tired of feeling grossed out by cold DMs and sleazy sales tactics?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re breaking down how we each booked our first 5 (and then 50+) clients without ever cold DMing a single person. We walk through what actually works when you're starting or growing your wellness business—from the power of warm DMs and real conversations, to the mindset shifts, community-building, and messy first steps that helped us build businesses we’re proud of. 

If you’re navigating your first offers or wondering how to find your first few clients (without feeling like an MLM hun), this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why cold DMs feel gross and what to do instead
• How we each booked our first 5 clients without ads, funnels, or cold outreach
• The importance of having something (a website, a platform, a freebie) so people can find you
• How to use social proof even when you’re brand new
• Why talking about your offer a lot is key (and how often we really do it)
• Simple ways to beef up your offer without undercharging
• What we wish we knew about boundaries, bandwidth, and pricing early on

Links and resources:

• FREE Build Your Business e-Book: https://unconventional-collaborative.kit.com/d39952c78d

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

Is creatine really worth the hype or is it just another overrated fitness trend?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re diving into one of our favorite supplements that gets a lot of buzz but also a lot of confusion: creatine. We break down what it actually does, why it's so much more than a "gym bro" supplement, and how it supports everything from muscle mass and energy to cognitive health and postpartum recovery. We also share who should be taking it (hint: almost everyone), who might want to wait, and how to use it safely in clinical practice. 

Whether you're a practitioner looking to recommend it or someone wondering if it's right for your routine, this episode covers it all.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders (and why women especially need it)
• How to talk to clients about supplement misconceptions and benefits
• Dosage, timing, brand tips, and how to navigate digestive issues
•  Creatine brands recommendations

Links and resources:

• Creatine study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33806719/

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

Are GLP-1s the miracle fix or are we just masking bigger issues?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re diving deep into one of the hottest and most polarizing topics in wellness right now: GLP-1s. As practitioners, we’ve seen both the incredible potential and the very real pitfalls of these medications. We talk about who they're actually meant for, why they're being overprescribed and under-supported, and how conventional and functional medicine are clashing over the conversation. 

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the hype and unsure where you land on GLP-1s, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• What are GLP-1s and how do they actually work?
• The real problem with GLP-1s
• 04:04 Why dosing matters and how insurance complicates it
• 05:01 Weighing the risks, benefits, and ethics 
• 10:20 Who are GLP-1s really for? 
• 15:03 Microdosing, provider red flags, and smarter navigation
• 17:39 Who shouldn’t be on these meds (at least not yet)
• 20:36 What practitioners need to know about GLP-1s

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

Ever wish you could sit in on the kind of behind-the-scenes conversations practitioners actually have?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re kicking things off by introducing ourselves (hey, we’re Laura and Danielle), sharing how our friendship-turned-collaboration started in the DMs, and why we launched this show as an unfiltered extension of our clinician community: the Unconventional Collaborative. 

From our origin stories in hospital systems and private practice, to the messy middle where most real-life practitioners live—we’re setting the tone for what to expect from future episodes and who this show is really for. If you’ve been craving honest conversations that make you feel seen in your work (and maybe a little less alone), you’re in the right place.

In this episode, we cover:

• How we met in the DMs and ended up building a business and podcast together
• Why we felt isolated in the functional space and how the Unconventional Collaborative was born
• Who this podcast is for 
• Our vision for unfiltered, in-the-trenches conversations about health, business, and everything in between
• What you can expect from future episodes 

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration

This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

Welcome to Functionally Speaking—the podcast where two clinicians share one brain cell and way too many opinions. 

We’re here for the nuance, the hot takes, the facts your certification skipped over, and the occasional spiral into chaos. If you’re a health coach, practitioner, or clinician who’s slightly functional (just like our mitochondria and our recording process), you’re in the right place.

We’re not here to sugarcoat the science or pretend there’s one right way to do this work—we’re doing it our way. Unfiltered. Slightly feral. And always with love for the humans we serve.

Let’s get into it.

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.