The loudest nutrition claims online often leave out the facts. In this myth-busting episode, Root dietitians Amy Masterson, Lauren Hanson, and Stephanie Nielsen cut through the noise with practical, science-based insights you can actually use. They share why quick fixes and viral trends spread so easily—and what really works instead. From the idea that all smoothies are healthy to confusion around seed oils, protein needs, and “sugar-free” foods, the team breaks down common myths with clarity and humor. A fast-paced Q&A covers even more hot topics like gluten-free diets, frozen produce, healthy fats, and coffee. Tune in to separate fact from fiction and build a balanced, sustainable way of eating that truly supports your health.

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In this episode, Spencer Smith, host of Self-Funded with Spencer and Senior Vice President of Sales at Pareto Health, shares how curiosity led him from insurance sales to a passion for self-funding. He reflects on insights gained from interviewing innovators and working with employers to design better health plans, highlighting why many are moving away from traditional insurance. Spencer also explores the cost crisis, the rise of captives, and how he sees root cause strategies, like functional medicine, reducing costs and creating healthier workplace cultures.

Follow Spencer on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Self Funded with Spencer

Dr. Bethanie Thompson, MD, IFMCP shares how we help people make real, sustainable lifestyle changes using Root tried and tested processes. She also describes several case studies where individuals have bounced around between specialists and ER visits for years before coming to Root and finding answers and healing. Dr. Thompson has a unique background in that she was first a primary care physician before becoming a functional medicine specialist at Root and she describes the differences in this episode.

In this episode of Get to the Root, Dr. Erica Armstrong sits down with Jennifer Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place. Jennifer shares her story, from starting in her family business to now leading Tech Week Grand Rapids and driving growth in the region’s tech ecosystem. The conversation covers the mission to double the tech workforce and how community-driven events like Tech Week GR showcase innovation and spark new connections across industries.

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Learn more about The Right Place.

Connect with Jennifer on Linkedin.  

What if your employees could uncover the root cause of their health concerns? In this episode of Get to the Root, Barbra Chong, Payroll and Benefits Business Partner at Fastco Industries, shares how her company partnered with Root to bring functional medicine into employee benefits. From her own relief from chronic migraines to the lasting energy and improved health employees are experiencing, Barbra highlights the impact of Root’s doctor-and-dietitian approach, advanced labs, and practical nutrition education.

What if your company could cut healthcare costs while improving employee care?

In this episode, Dave Chase, founder of Health Rosetta, shares how employers can escape the broken system with transparent, value-based plans focused on advanced primary care and root-cause medicine. Hear how companies are using community-owned plans and open tools to create a more equitable, sustainable healthcare future. Plus, get a sneak peek at RosettaFest, where leaders come together to share ideas and celebrate progress.

Tune in to learn how your organization can be part of this healthcare transformation.

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Connect with and follow Dave Chase on LinkedIn.

Follow Health Rosetta on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Learn more about RosettaFest 2025 here!

Follow Root Functional Medicine on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Get your own Root Cause Panel to uncover root potential causes and optimize health here!

In this episode, Bruce Tap, president of Fastco Industries, shares why he brought Root’s functional medicine benefits to his team and how they’re already making a difference. He talks about his goal to offer high-quality care while keeping out-of-pocket costs low, and what stood out about Root’s big-picture approach. Bruce also offers tips for other self-funded companies, like using direct primary care to reduce unnecessary visits, working with transparent pharmacy benefit managers to cut drug costs, and using advanced lab testing to catch issues early and support long-term health.

All about what you can do to support mental health. From habit stacking to limbic system retraining, blood sugar balance, and nutrition for the gut-brain connection, Dr. Armstrong and Danielle dive into practical functional medicine strategies that help improve mood, build resilience, and support your nervous system. Learn how daily habits and food choices can work together to help you feel more like yourself from the inside out.

What if your healthcare dollars actually supported root cause medicine and the community around you? In this episode of Get to the Root, Dr. Armstrong talks with Andy Schoonover, founder of CrowdHealth, about a transparent, community-based alternative to traditional insurance. After a denied claim, Andy built a model where members fund each other’s bills, skip networks, and access care focused on getting the best outcomes on their own terms. CrowdHealth empowers people to take control of their physical, emotional, and financial health—without the constraints of traditional health plans.

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People can develop unhealthy relationships with food for many reasons, from body image concerns, food sensitivities, chronic illness, and more. In this episode, Lauren Hanson, MS, RDN, Functional Registered Dietitian at Root, breaks down practical strategies to improve your connection to eating. Discover how to add nourishment and variety, support your microbiome, and honor your hunger cues. Learn how to adopt an "addition" mindset where you focus on the nutrient-dense foods you're adding to your plate. Tune in for an approachable and actionable conversation!