#301 Dr Brad Leech is a PhD Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist, renowned for his expertise in addressing chronic autoimmune conditions and complex gastrointestinal disorders. He provides complete and personalised care to his patients using functional nutrition, integrative medicine and holistic wellness.

After entering the profession in 2008, Brad has contributed significantly to academia, shaping curricula at universities and delving into research areas such as intestinal permeability, autoimmune disease management, and the therapeutic potential of food-based probiotics. Brad is currently an Adjunct Fellow at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, where he continues to advance natural health sciences. In addition to patient care, Brad is passionate about empowering practitioners with the knowledge to enhance their clinical practice. Over the years, he has mentored thousands of practitioners, providing them with the tools to navigate the complexities of gut health and autoimmunity. He offers two programs, Brad’s Brainiacs: Microbiome Mentoring and Brad’s Brainiacs: Autoimmune Mentoring.

In this episode, we cover:

🌾 Why has grain avoidance become so popular—and what myths need busting? 🌾 Is gluten always a trigger for intestinal permeability? 🌾 How does the type and processing of grains change their impact on health? 🌾 What does the science say about long-term grain-free diets and the microbiome? 🌾 How to safely and slowly reintroduce grains (yes, there’s a method!) 🌾 And why emotional healing matters just as much as dietary shifts.

If you or your clients have ever feared grains—or you’re unsure where they fit in a gut-healing diet—this one’s for you.

 

#300 Today’s guest is Dr. Andrea McBeth, a trailblazer in the world of microbiome therapeutics and the founder and CEO of Thaena — a company pioneering human-derived postbiotic solutions to support gut and whole-body health.

Andrea holds a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry with a focus on molecular biology from the University of San Diego, and earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine. Her early clinical work focused on functional GI disorders and autoimmunity, and she went on to launch one of the first stool banks for fecal microbiota transplantation to treat Clostridioides difficile infections.

She’s served as President of GastroANP and as adjunct faculty at NUNM, where she developed and taught graduate courses on the microbiome’s role in nutrition. Passionate about bridging science and real-world healing, Andrea invented ThaenaBiotic, the first human-derived postbiotic supplement — and now leads the charge at Thaena to bring safe, scalable microbiome-based treatments to the world.

In this episode, we explore:

• What regenerative health means in the context of human biology

• Why the microbiome is central to regeneration — and what a truly resilient gut ecosystem looks like

• How the microbiome supports repair and renewal throughout the body — from gut lining to immunity and even mood

• Which microbial species and metabolites stand out for their regenerative potential

• Daily habits and exposures that best nourish the microbiome and enhance its regenerative power

• Common lifestyle and environmental disruptors that undermine microbial diversity and function

• Whether the traditional health model focuses too heavily on eradicating pathogens (e.g., antibiotics, cleanses) instead of cultivating regeneration

• How Thaena is flipping the script through their unique product philosophy

 

You’ll also hear from Dr. McBeth about the innovative postbiotics she’s developed — including how Thaena sources and processes human-derived microbiome metabolites, what makes them safe, and how they differ from prebiotics, probiotics, and even FMT “crapsules.”

And so much more.

#299 Dr. Eric Osansky is a functional medicine practitioner with over 15 years of experience in chiropractic care, nutrition, and natural approaches to thyroid health. After overcoming Graves’ disease and achieving remission in 2009, he committed his career to helping others heal from thyroid and autoimmune conditions through holistic, evidence-based strategies.

He is the author of Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, Hashimoto’s Triggers, and The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet. As host of the Save My Thyroid podcast, Dr. Osansky shares practical tools and expert insights to guide listeners on their healing journey.

Dr. Osansky holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and is board-certified as a Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). He is also trained in herbal therapy and stays current in the field through ongoing education, conferences, and advanced coursework.

In this episode, we cover:

 

• What inspired Dr. Eric’s focus on thyroid health? Were there personal or professional turning points?

• How does gut-thyroid communication present in clinical practice? What early signs suggest thyroid issues originate from the gut?

• How do intestinal permeability and dysbiosis affect autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s? Are there common microbial triggers?

• SIBO and hypothyroidism often co-occur. Does one drive the other? How does Dr. Eric prioritise treatment?

• What functional tests does he use to evaluate the gut-thyroid connection?

• How do nutrient deficiencies caused by poor gut absorption (selenium, zinc, iron) impact thyroid hormone production and conversion?

• What interventions have been most effective in improving thyroid patient outcomes, including Dr. Eric’s own experience?

...and much more.

 

I'm beyond excited to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor! If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I use mine for everything — intimacy, tummy time, toilet training... the list goes on.

Sick of spills, stains, and wet patches? Splash Blanket is your soft, stylish, waterproof solution. Originally made for intimacy, it’s now a go-to for:

• Birthing & postpartum

• Free bleeding & incontinence

• Nappy-free time & toilet training

• Protecting mattresses at home or away

Why settle for a towel when you can have a plush, snuggle-worthy, mess-proof blanket?

Use code GUT15 for 15% off at splashblanket.com — and say goodbye to mess stress for good!

298 Dr Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath and Western herbalist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and PhD degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters.

He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the faecal microbiome is made up of
• What faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is
• The history of FMT. Its use dates back to the 4th century in China and the 1950s
• Why it shows promise in inflammatory bowel disease
• Its impact on Parkinson's' disease and Alzheimer's
• The protocol/experience for patients and donors
• Jason's clinical experience with FMT and diet post-FMT
• The Healthy Gut Practitioner course (Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches for GI Disorders Course). A course I am extremely excited to begin. See show notes for a special offer for the Love & Guts practitioner audience

Show notes

• If you enrol in The Healthy Gut Practitioner course (Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches for GI Disorders Course) using the following link https://tinyurl.com/yfy6kykp you will receive a free 1-year annual subscription to the Probiotic Advisor database and free access to one of Jason’s other course Depression, Anxiety and the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota. Limited time offer only as there are only a few spaces available. 

 

• To access the free course, please email Helene ([email protected]) after you enrol in The Healthy Gut Practitioner course (Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches for GI Disorders Course). Helene will provide access to the Depression course and probiotics database as a bonus.

 

• FMT Shop in the Netherlands discussed in the podcast 

# 297 Chantel Yates is a qualified naturopath, herbalist and nutritionist based in Lutruwita, Tasmania. She is passionate about her family, nature, the ocean and all things health and healing. Chantel is a GIT expert and likes to support patients to recover and maintain health, wellness and vitality by restoring and optimising gut and microbiome function. In this episode, we cover;

• All things restrictive diets. The common restricted diets seen in clinic
• Consequences of long-term food restriction
• What diet if any does Chantel recommend to clients
• How Chantel helps patients who get severe food reactions recover and eat normally again
• And so much more

 

Show notes Website   SIBO and Microbiome Mentoring for Practitioners

#296 Tara has nearly 3 decades of clinical experience working as a Naturopath, Nutritionist and herbalist working with patients in all areas of thyroid health, such as hypo and hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancers, thyroid autoimmune conditions and supporting patients post-thyroidectomy. 

Tara works with patients face-to-face and online globally, drawing from her hundreds of thyroid patients and also her own and one of her 3 children’s diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. Tara regularly mentors other health practitioners with their complex thyroid cases runs 2 thyroid practitioner training programs to educate and support practitioners in all areas of thyroid health, and offers a membership mentoring platform and group for ongoing practitioner support. Tara is a regular guest speaker on health and wellbeing podcasts, and professional organisations and companies.

  In this episode, we cover:

• The link between the thyroid and gut, liver and gallbladder
• The link between thyroid disease and Lipid disorders
• The mechanism behind how hypothyroidism can increase the risk of gallstone formation
• How lack of T4 and compromised thyroid function contribute to constipation
• Which pathology tests Tara finds beneficial to identify areas that need addressing
• Treatment strategies
• Taras online programs and membership for practitioners

 

I can not tell you how excited I am to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor. If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I have many of these divine blankets and have been using them for intimacy, tummy time, and toilet training. The list goes on. So if you are sick of wet patches, spills, and stains ruining furniture, or bedding, say hello to your new best friend: Splash Blanket!"

"Although Splash Blanket burst onto the scene with their ingenious design for intimacy blankets—luxuriously soft and super sexy—it's not just for playtime in the bedroom. Splash Blanket is your go-to, versatile solution for a whole range of different situations."

 

 "Customers swear by it for birthing, postpartum recovery, free bleeding, free nappy time, and even for incontinence in both kids and the elderly. With Splash Blanket, mess worries are a thing of the past!"

"Birthing on the floor or bed and don't want to stain sheets or carpets? That's where Splash Blanket steps in, offering a soft, plush feel, perfect for welcoming your baby into the world. Why use a towel or hospital-grade cloth when you can wrap your little one in a cozy, snuggle-worthy, waterproof blanket swaddle?"

"Just to add to the already long list of uses, nappy-free tummy time is not only great for building your baby's neck strength but also beneficial if they have nappy rash and you want to give them some nappy-less time. And the fitted sheets? They're the golden ticket to easy cleanup during toilet training and nighttime accidents."

"If that hasn't convinced you, let's talk about the importance of mattress hygiene. With Splash Blanket, you can rest easy knowing your mattress is protected from spills and accidents. Plus, when staying at Airbnbs or hotels, always remember to lay down your Splash Blanket to safeguard bedding and mattresses."

To dive into the world of mess-proof living visit the splash blanket website today! And don't forget to use code GUT15 for an exclusive 15% off!"

 

#295 Rhiannon is a highly experienced, degree qualified naturopath and nutritionist, and practitioner educator. Specialising in all hormonal health issues including perimenopause, endometriosis, PCOS, PMS & PMDD, male & female infertility, IVF support, pregnancy care and postpartum & paediatric healthcare, Rhiannon and her team at RH: Reproductive Health expertly support couples and individuals in their efforts to navigate their specific circumstances.

RH:Reproductive health is committed to the successful integration of natural and conventional medicine, and believe ideal outcomes are achieved for patients when all their health care providers are working together. 

Rhiannon and her team regularly working alongside Melbourne’s top fertility doctors, obstetricians and gynaecologists to achieve the best outcomes for their patients. As testament to this, Rhiannon is routinely invited to present on the topic of collaborative patient care to medical professionals and naturopaths alike.

After nearly twenty years in busy clinical practice, Rhiannon provides professional mentoring and education for functional medicine practitioners in both group and individual settings. This highly specialised area is outside the scope of standard education and as such, her reproduction and hormonal masterclasses and mentoring programs are a rare opportunity for practitioners to further their skills.

In this episode, we cover:

• How perimenopause is diagnosed
• Markers of early change we may see in hormone pathology
• Strategies to implement throughout perimenopause to optimise hormones, minimise symptoms and improve long-term health outcomes.
• All things soy: should we be fearful of it? Common misconceptions. (safety, contraindications, benefits)
• Menopausal Hormone Therapy: What are the different types? (safety, efficacy, and indications)
• And so much more

 

I can not tell you how excited I am to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor. If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I have many of these divine blankets and have been using them for intimacy, tummy time, toilet training and the list goes on so if you are sick of wet patches, spills, and stains ruining furniture, bedding, and just being an overall bad vibe? Say hello to your new best friend: Splash Blanket!"

"Although Splash Blanket burst onto the scene with their ingenious design for intimacy blankets—luxuriously soft and super sexy—it's not just for playtime in the bedroom. Splash Blanket is your go-to, versatile solution for a whole range of different situations."

 "Customers swear by it for birthing, postpartum recovery, free bleeding, free nappy time, and even for incontinence in both kids and the elderly. With Splash Blanket, mess worries are a thing of the past!"

"Ready to make a splash with Splash Blanket? Dive into the world of mess-proof living by visiting their website today! And don't forget to use code GUT15 for an exclusive 15% off!"

 

#294 Alyssa Tait is a naturopath and physiotherapist with a Master’s in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Her private practice focuses on persistent abdominal and pelvic pain and gut and bowel dysfunction. 

Alyssa has a special interest in the gut and urogenital microbiomes and disorders of gut-brain interaction. She has spent 20 years in private practice solving complex clinical puzzles through a combined naturopathy and physiotherapy lens. She enjoys helping her naturopathic colleagues’ clients using physiotherapy, and her physiotherapy colleagues’ clients using naturopathy! 

The application of evidence-based medicine is a long-held interest, which has led to her helping develop clinical practice guidelines on incontinence management and research-based recommendations for the gut microbiome. Alyssa is committed to bridging the gap between orthodox medicine and naturopathic medicine, having spent her career with one foot in each camp.

In this episode we cover

• What is the difference between prebiotics and fibre 
• We discuss the potential benefits of prebiotics in the body. What the research reveals.
• How the prebiotic supplements differ from each other
• We discuss prebiotics in the diet versus supplements. Can we achieve the same benefits with diet alone?
• What Personalised Prebiotic Prescription (PPP) Factors do we consider
• Why it's important to know the research when considering a dose
• The common issues in clinical practice regarding prebiotic prescribing
• And so much more 

 

I can not tell you how excited I am to have Splash Blanket as our Love & Guts sponsor. If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I have many of these divine blankets and have been using them for intimacy, tummy time, toilet training and the list goes on so if you are sick of wet patches, spills, and stains ruining furniture, bedding, and just being an overall bad vibe? Say hello to your new best friend: Splash Blanket!"

"Although Splash Blanket burst onto the scene with their ingenious design for intimacy blankets—luxuriously soft and super sexy—it's not just for playtime in the bedroom. Splash Blanket is your go-to, versatile solution for a whole range of different situations."

 "Customers swear by it for birthing, postpartum recovery, free bleeding, free nappy time, and even for incontinence in both kids and the elderly. With Splash Blanket, mess worries are a thing of the past!"

"Ready to make a splash with Splash Blanket? Dive into the world of mess-proof living by visiting their website today! And don't forget to use code GUT15 for an exclusive 15% off!"

 

#293 Dr. Leah Hechtman, PhD, is a renowned naturopathic clinician specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and comprehensive reproductive health. In addition to her clinical expertise, she is an engaged researcher, a published author, and a dedicated educator.

Her extensive qualifications include advanced training in multiple disciplines. She is a revered university lecturer, a sought-after keynote speaker, and a regular voice in the media.

Committed to a collaborative approach, Dr. Hechtman works closely with each patient’s healthcare team, often involving general practitioners, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. She aims to inter-professionally bridge the gaps between different disciplines and theories, fostering a holistic and collaborative outcome in both clinical practice and research.

Fuelled by her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and her passion for the intersection of science and spirituality, Dr. Hechtman continuously seeks to deepen her understanding of medicine. 

This quest for knowledge informs her lectures, making them not only relevant but also immediately applicable and supportive. Widely recognized for her expertise, Dr. Hechtman receives numerous referrals from fertility specialists and IVF clinics globally.

Instagram @leahhechtman

Facebook: @LeahHechtman

In this episode, we cover:

• The brain changes that occur in women throughout their lives, especially during pregnancy
• Why starting solids before 6 months may be beneficial for some babies
• The neuro and brain changes specific to the postpartum period and how we can identify them in ourselves and others
• Matrescence and the differences between women in their 20s vs 30s vs 40s and beyond 
• What happens to the woman and her brain as she ‘loses’ her sense of self and transforms
• The role of prolactin and oxytocin during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. What if she chooses or is unable to breastfeed - how does that affect her brain?
• Microchimerism in the postpartum period - what impact does it have on her brain, sense of self, and immunology
• Sleep, weight, and hormones - what sleep deprivation is actually doing to the mother’s brain and hallmark periods to watch out for
• Leah discusses her online Practitioner Only Workshops - The Clinic Room - Unlock Advanced Clinical Strategies And Techniques. Practitioners who are interested in doing this course can receive a discount if you use the code LOVE10. This offer is valid until November 27, 2023.

 

#292 Dr. Jason Hawrelak is a research scientist, educator, naturopath, and Western herbalist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Jason practices at Goulds Natural Medicine, a 136-year-old natural medicine apothecary and clinic located in central Hobart. He did his Honours and Ph.D. degrees examining the causes of dysbiosis and the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics, and herbal medicines to modify the gut microbiome and has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 16 textbook chapters.

He is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Jason is also a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. He is the Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and online resources for clinicians, and health-conscious members of the public, to learn more about the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems.

 

In this episode we cover

• The GUT FEELINGS Randomised controlled trial where Jason’s team assessed the impact of a probiotic, and a prebiotic-rich diet on mood.

• Gut microbiota alterations that may be observed in those experiencing depression

• The link between the microbiota and Autism spectrum disorder

• The inconsistencies in the data about a specific “ASD dysbiotic pattern

• The main tools Jason is using to modify these different imbalances

• We discuss Jason’s Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course.  Head on over to the show notes where I will provide a link and a special coupon code to receive 20% off until the course begins.

Show notes

• For Australian residents visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course

• For the ‘rest of the world’ visit the following page and use LYNDA20 to receive 20% off the course Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders Course