NTI PodTalk by Nutrition Therapy Institute

Food addiction and ultra-processed foods are increasingly recognized as complex issues influenced by the brain’s reward system, food formulation, and our modern food environment. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne Koehler talks with NTI graduate, Denise Vega, about the science and experience of food addiction. Rather than framing the issue simply as a matter of willpower, Denise and Dianne emphasize awareness, nutrient density, supportive strategies, and understanding the factors that can make certain foods particularly difficult to resist.

About Denise: My mother got us started eating healthy using a book she had gotten from her mother, our grandmother. As I grew into adulthood, I became more interested in nutrition and explored a few workshops and classes before committing to some longer form certification programs. While I have been very healthy overall, my relationship with food wasn’t always healthy. I found myself having “food noise” (though there wasn’t a name for it back then) and also realized I was addicted to certain highly processed, highly palatable snack foods. Focusing on food addiction and weight management is a passion for me, and I would love to support those who struggle in these areas. 

I received my Nutrition Therapy Master certification from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in 2025. I also completed the T. Colin Campbell Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate Program, the Stanford Nutrition Science Online short course, and Rouxbe’s online professional plant-based cooking course.In addition to my passion for good nutrition and health, I am a children’s book author and writing instructor/coach. I have experience teaching small and large workshops, speaking at conferences, and developing courses and workshops.

Connect with Denise:

Sprout Sisters

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**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Weight management is often reduced to a simple equation: calories in versus calories out. But is it really that simple? In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, we are joined by NTI instructor, Lauren Friarson, to explore the many factors that can influence weight and metabolic health.

Dianne and Lauren discuss why calorie counting doesn’t tell the whole story and how weight management is so multi-faceted. Listen in as they challenge some common assumptions about weight loss and explore why an individualized, sustainable approach may be more helpful than continually jumping from one diet or fitness trend to another. Lauren also shares practical strategies for developing a healthier relationship with food and finding an approach that works for your individual body and stage of life.

If you’re interested in understanding weight management from a holistic perspective, this episode offers a broader look at the factors that influence metabolism and why sustainable health involves much more than counting calories.

About Lauren:

Certified Master Nutrition Therapist and Fitness Professional, Lauren Friarson has been practicing nutrition, coaching one-on-one, and educating others for nearly two decades. Lauren’s greatest passion is assisting people to eat and move well in order to embrace their fullest life possible. She has undergraduate degrees in both Psychology and Sociology, a graduate degree in Criminology, and numerous nationally recognized fitness certifications. She is the author of “Why Can’t is a Four-Letter Word” and “Get Off The Curb: From Flight or Fight to Activated Achiever”.

She is a top motivational speaker, industry influencer, and leader in both health and wellness and personal development. Lauren has used her training and experience working with a variety of people to help change lives through the power of knowledge and inspiration. In her free time, you will find Lauren working out on her Peloton bike or tread, hiking with friends, golfing, traveling, or even the occasional food and wine tasting. She is recently married, a step mom of two amazing kids, and truly prides herself in always wanting to get better in order to impact as many lives as possible along the way.

Connect with Lauren:

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**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page: https://ntischool.com/holistic-weight-management/

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy.  The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

GLP-1 medications have transformed the conversation around weight management and metabolic health—but are they the complete solution?

In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne Koehler is joined by functional nutritionist, Colleen Flynn, to discuss one of the most talked-about topics in health care today: GLP-1 medications. While these medications have enhanced the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, they have also sparked important conversations about nutrition, gut health, muscle preservation, and long-term metabolic health. Listen in as they discuss the benefits and limitations of these medications, common GLP-1 side effects, and why nutrition practitioners play a vital role in helping individuals achieve better outcomes with GLP-1 medications and build healthy habits that last long after treatment ends. Colleen also shares practical strategies for supporting clients before, during, and after treatment, including ways to encourage natural GLP-1 production through nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.

Whether you're a nutrition professional, student, or simply curious about GLP-1 medications, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-informed look at how nutrition and lifestyle remain the foundation of lasting health.

About Colleen:

Colleen’s work is rooted in her own story. After years of chronic symptoms, burnout, digestive issues, adrenal dysfunction, and feeling completely disconnected from herself, she rebuilt her health through functional nutrition, light-based rhythms, and getting back to the basics of how the body is meant to operate. That transformation shaped her entire philosophy: healing isn’t about restriction; it’s about alignment.Today, she combines functional lab testing, nervous system work, lifestyle design, and practical nutrition to help both men and women understand the real root causes behind symptoms like weight plateaus, fatigue, gut issues, inflammation, and hormonal shifts at every age. She’s known for making complex science feel human, accessible, and deeply empowering.

Nutritional Zest

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**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Food is so much more than something we need to do 3 times a day. For Jacqui Gabel, food is connection, nourishment, ritual, and joy. Jacqui has been involved with NTI for many years. First as a student, and then as an instructor. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, we learn how Jacqui's love for cooking developed from a hunger for connection and ritual. Jacqui believes that cooking is an art form and food is a unifying language that can dissolve barriers. Tune in to hear Jacqui's story and the various cooking services she offers with her business, Real Food Desire. About Jacqui Gabel:As a trained Holistic Chef and Certified Nutrition Therapist, Jacqui will guide you toward vibrant health by teaching you how to recognize and cook with real food so that you develop the skills necessary to support your health for life.Jacqui studied business management and hospitality in college. She moved to NYC and Seoul to work in fashion merchandising and education before deciding to pursue culinary arts and nutrition in Denver, Colorado. She became a personal chef focusing on long-term cognitive health after her dad was diagnosed with dementia, and she’s passionate about connecting women to the power of cooking as a way to come home to themselves.Real Food Desire**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page

*Mentioned in this episode: Nourish Your Glycocalyx for Cardiovascular Support PresentationAre you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne chats with NTI instructor, Megan Grover. They discuss chronic stress, burnout, and the role herbal medicine can play in supporting resilience and recovery. Megan explains the science behind adaptogens, like ashwagandha, and discusses how chronic stress impacts the nervous system, immune health, sleep, hormones, and digestion. They also discuss the realities of modern burnout culture, and practical strategies for supporting emotional regulation and nervous system balance. In today’s fast-paced, high stress world, the information in this episode is so relevant and beneficial for anyone. Tune in to learn how to build resilience with herbs and reduce your stress. About Megan Grover:Megan Grover is a nutrition scientist and educator, based in New York City. With a Master of Medical Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Sheffield and over a decade of experience bridging science, education, and public health, Megan has built her career on translating complex nutritional science into actionable strategies. As the former Director of Education and Research at a growing wellness company, Megan led clinical research initiatives, served as the Principal Investigator on IRB-approved studies, and supported product development. She also created and oversaw the nutrition continuing education department for integrative nutrition coaches and dietitians, and managed all science-facing content across the organization.Megan teaches multiple nutrition science classes at NTI and previously served as a full-time professor of human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition at the university level. She started MBG Wellness to address a critical gap she observed throughout her career: driven executives and professionals were experiencing burnout despite outward success. Through corporate wellness programming, Megan delivers the nutrition education, strategic support, and science-backed interventions that enable teams to sustain performance without sacrificing wellbeing.Connect with Megan:MBG WellnessInstagramSubstackLinkedIn**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page,Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

There is so much more to eye health than 20/20 vision. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne Koehler chats with Dr. Pauline Buck, a developmental, behavioral, and neuro-rehabilitative optometrist who takes a deeply holistic approach to vision and eye health. Dr. Buck explains the powerful connection between eye health and nutrition, revealing how inflammation, diet, and lifestyle directly influence how you see and how your eyes function. Dr. Buck’s practice goes far beyond standard vision care, and included in the episode are holistic strategies you can implement right away to support your vision.

3 Activities to Enhance Your Vision 

About Dr. Buck:Pauline K. Buck, O.D., FOVDR, is a fellowship trained optometrist with the OVDRA who served as chairperson of the membership and state coordinators committees.

Dr. Buck developed and is the optometric director of Dr Buck Vision in Miami, Florida. The clinic focuses on improving the efficiency of the visual system in individuals of all ages, from children with visually based learning dysfunction, to teens with concussion, to post stroke adults. Dr. Buck utilizes tried and true vision therapy technologies and techniques and has been known to occasionally create her own. However, her strength is in the collaborative way she works with allied health professionals, teachers, and tutors. Her relationships with these professionals and their numerous information exchanges over the years has cultivated an awareness and understanding of how vision and the therapeutic disciplines of occupational, physical, and speech therapy complement each other for improved patient outcomes.

Most recently she joined together with Tiffany Zakka, OTR/L to create Reset Rewire Restore, LLC with the goal of improving the balance of the autonomic nervous system using the synergy of syntonics and movement. Together they have created The Autonomic Protocol and The Kids AP programs, they have written several workbooks and guides to go with the program, and have lectured internationally to bring awareness in the education and medical communities. She is also a founding partner in The Brilliant Babes, LLC which serves the pre and post-natal population of families in supporting the parents and helping guide the development of the children.

Connect with Dr. Buck:

Dr. Buck Vision

Dr. Buck Instagram

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Fertility is often viewed as a women’s health issue, but research tells a different story. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Ayla Barmmer joins Dianne Koehler to explore the overlooked role of male fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term child health.

With male factors contributing to nearly 50% of infertility cases, this conversation unpacks why men are frequently left out of the fertility equation, and what that means for couples trying to conceive.

Ayla shares her functional nutrition approach to preconception care, highlighting how oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and lifestyle habits directly impact sperm quality, DNA integrity, and reproductive outcomes. She also explains why standard semen analysis may not tell the full story, and what deeper markers of male fertility health should be considered.

Beyond conception, this episode dives into how both male and female preconception health influences placental development, pregnancy complications, miscarriage risk, and even a child’s long-term metabolic health.

Whether you’re a practitioner, a couple trying to conceive, or simply interested in optimizing health, this episode reframes fertility as a shared responsibility - and a powerful window into whole-body and generational health.

Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN, is the founder and CEO of FullWell, the only registered dietitian-founded and formulated reproductive health supplement brand that supports women and men at every stage. With 20+ years of experience in fertility nutrition, Ayla has taken an evidence-backed, foundational approach in developing the highest quality, effective, and thoroughly tested offering that clinicians and customers love, which has allowed her to build FullWell profitably from the start without venture backing. While currently on sabbatical from private practice, Ayla owns and operates Boston Functional Nutrition and co-founded the Women's Health Nutrition Academy in 2018.

Connect with Ayla:

LinkedInInstagramSubstackFullWell WebsiteFullWell Instagram

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Medicinal mushrooms have been gaining popularity in the wellness world due to their potential health benefits. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne interviews soon to be graduate, NTI staff member, and founder of Bloomcap Naturals, Andy Cappetta. Andy shares his journey into mycology, medicinal mushroom cultivation and extraction, and what truly defines a high-quality mushroom supplement. If you've been using medicinal mushrooms, or are curious about them but don't know where to start, this episode is for you! About Andy:Andrew Cappetta is a Colorado-based mycology enthusiast, functional nutrition professional, and the founder of Bloomcap Naturals LLC — a small-batch, fruiting-body-only mushroom extract company focused on purity, potency, and transparency.Andrew’s passion for mushrooms began as part of his own healing journey. After struggling with reactive hypoglycemia, nervous system dysregulation, and the emotional stress of losing his brother, he turned toward the world of functional mushrooms as a way to support his resilience and well-being. When commercial supplements only left him inflamed or anxious, he decided to dive deeper — learning sterile techniques, growing his own mushrooms, and eventually mastering dual-extraction methods.During his training at the Nutrition Therapy Institute, Andrew studied biochemistry, herbology, and the art of extraction, which shaped his approach to creating clean, potent tinctures rooted in tradition and backed by modern understanding. He now grows Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and other species on organic substrates, producing extracts crafted for people who want honest, high-quality mushroom tinctures and powders without grain fillers or mycelium.Through Bloomcap Naturals and his work in functional nutrition, Andrew helps people connect with the world of fungi, understand the science behind them, and use them as allies in supporting their body’s natural balance.When he isn’t cultivating mushrooms, you’ll find him outdoors in Colorado, crafting educational content, or diving into the microbiome research that continues to inspire his work.Bloomcap NaturalsInstagram[email protected]**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk pageAre you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

In an era of industrial agriculture and mass-produced food, small dairy farms are disappearing at an alarming rate. As large-scale operations dominate the market, many consumers are left disconnected from where their food comes from and how it is produced. In this episode of NTI PodTalk, Dianne sits down with Joe Miller, Managing Partner and Sales Director of Kalona Supernatural, to explore how regenerative agriculture is helping support America’s small family dairy farms and why it matters for human health, soil health, and the future of real, nutrient dense food. Beyond regenerative farming, Joe explains why Kalona avoids ultra-high-temperature pasteurization and homogenization, and how their processing methods protect milk’s natural structure, enzymes, and nutritional integrity.

If you care about where your milk comes from, how your food is produced, and the long-term health of our land and farming communities, this episode is a must-listen.

About Joe Miller:

Joe Miller is Managing Partner at Kalona Organics, the company that markets and sells the Kalona SuperNatural brand. He joined the company in 2020, bringing a lifelong background in dairy and a passion for supporting small, family farms. Under his leadership, Kalona SuperNatural has expanded nationwide, supplying retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, and Natural Grocers.

Follow Kalona on Instagram! On the first Friday of every month, a member of the Kalona marketing team does a 'live from the pasture' on one of their farms and you can ask them any questions you have!

Joe on LinkedIn

Kalona SuperNatural

[email protected] 

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

What does it take to build a career in holistic nutrition? How do you move from holistic nutrition student to confident practitioner? In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dr. David Feuz joins Dianne Koehler to break down the essential skills, training, and professional strategies that help emerging nutrition professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving field. Listen in as they discuss career development, industry trends, and the value of rigorous holistic nutrition education.

About Dr. David Feuz:

David is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and academic leader committed to advancing integrative and functional nutrition through education, mentorship, and program development. With a background spanning military service, higher education, and private consulting, he brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to supporting the growth of future nutrition professionals.

As Academic Department Chair at Purdue University Global and Director of Nutrition Education at Holistic Consulting, LLC, David has led the development of nationally approved programs that prepare students for board certification, professional practice, and real-world success. He holds the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), and Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®) credentials, and has served as a curriculum developer, instructor, consultant, and subject matter expert for organizations across the U.S.

Before entering the field of nutrition, David served for eight years in the United States Coast Guard, where he led emergency response missions and conducted law enforcement operations.

He is passionate about shaping the future of nutrition education, mentoring emerging professionals, and bridging clinical expertise with real-world application.

Connect with David:

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Holistic Consulting

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**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.