Rebel Health Collective

In this episode of Rebel Health Collective, I sat down with Michael Fitzpatrick—type 1 diabetic turned fitness devotee—to unpack his astonishing transformation. Diagnosed at 14 and burdened by a BMI of 50, monthly hypoglycemic seizures, and arrhythmias, Michael dug into low-carb living and Dr. Bernstein’s principles. Over the next few years he slashed his A1C from the mid-6s to under 5%, went from couch to half-marathons, and now pumps iron to stay lean and strong. We dive into his precise hypo-correction with powdered dextrose, basal-rate fine-tuning, CGM & pump hacks, and the online communities that saved his life.

If you’re looking for practical, real-world tactics to take control of your diabetes, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!

Guest Bio

Michael Fitzpatrick (Instagram: @MikeFitz) is a lifelong type 1 diabetic, self-taught nutrition nerd, and endurance athlete turned body builder. After years of “normal” A1Cs but dangerous swings, he embraced a low-carb, high-protein lifestyle inspired by Dr. Bernstein. Today he consistently posts sub-5% A1Cs, races half-marathons, and shares insulin-management strategies to empower others.

Key Topics in This Episode

✔️ Michael’s 1997 diagnosis at age 14 and his early carb-heavy struggles
 ✔️ Hitting a BMI of 50, arrhythmias, & sleep apnea scare in his late 30s
 ✔️ Discovering low-carb living via Diet Doctor & Dr. Bernstein’s methods
 ✔️ Dropping his A1C from mid-6 % to under 5 % for three straight years
 ✔️ Transitioning from block-walking to 5Ks to half-marathons and then weight training
 ✔️ Precision hypo-corrections with powdered dextrose—no more guesswork
 ✔️ Basal-rate tweaks, micro-boluses & “sugar surfing” on the Tandem pump
 ✔️ Why CGMs & Control-IQ sleep mode are absolute game-changers
 ✔️ The power of Facebook groups: Type One Grit, Let Me Be 83 & Crushing Type One
 ✔️ Self-advocacy: crafting emergency plans & owning your care

Resources & Links

📌 Low-Carb Type 1 Intro (Diet Doctor video):
 https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/type-1-diabetes
 📌 Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution (Book & YouTube):
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118585469
https://www.youtube.com/user/drbernstein
📌 Type One Grit Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/typeonegrit
📌 Let Me Be 83 Facebook Group (search “Let Me Be 83”)
📌 Crushing Type One (Devin Holtz) Group (search “Crushing Type One”)
📌 Connect with Michael on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itismikefitz/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Enjoyed Michael’s journey? Share this episode with anyone who’s ready to take back control of their diabetes. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join our Rebel Health Collective community for more empowering stories and actionable health strategies!

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**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this episode of Rebel Health Collective, I sat down with Chris Anselmo—the creative force behind Hello Adversity—to dive deep into his journey of living with a rare disease. I listened as he recounted the shock of an early muscular dystrophy diagnosis and how he discovered the healing power of writing. During our conversation, I learned how he balances physical limitations with staying active, celebrates small wins, and employs practical strategies to build resilience in the face of uncertainty.

If you’re looking for real, actionable insights on turning personal adversity into strength and finding purpose through vulnerability, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Guest Bio

My guest, Chris Anselmo (@christophernanselmo), is a writer and rare disease advocate who transforms personal challenges into empowering narratives. After being diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy, he founded Hello Adversity to share heartfelt stories and actionable insights that inspire resilience, foster community, and encourage authentic living.

Key Topics in This Episode

✔️ The shock and impact of an early muscular dystrophy diagnosis
✔️ How Chris navigates both the physical and emotional challenges of a chronic condition
✔️ The transformative power of writing as a tool for healing and self-discovery
✔️ Strategies for balancing activity with much-needed rest
✔️ Focusing on what you can control when facing life’s uncertainties
✔️ Celebrating small wins to build actionable momentum
✔️ Embracing vulnerability as a source of personal strength
✔️ The role of authentic storytelling in building community
✔️ Practical insights for transforming struggle into empowerment
✔️ Building a purposeful life despite limitations

Resources & Links

📌 Follow Chris on Substack: Hello Adversity
📌 Connect with him on Instagram: @christophernanselmo
📌 Join him on Threads: @christophernanselmo
📌 Follow Rebel Health Collective on Instagram, Spotify & YouTube
📌 Subscribe & Leave a Review to help spread the message!

If you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did, please share it with someone who might need a dose of inspiration to overcome life’s challenges. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review so you never miss another empowering conversation from Rebel Health Collective.

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**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kathy O’Bryan, the Mini Me Dietitian, we tackle two of the biggest challenges parents face—picky eating and sugar intake. Kathy dives into why kids are often labeled as picky too soon, how family habits shape eating behaviors, and practical strategies to introduce new foods without resistance. She also shares evidence-based recommendations for sugar intake, explaining the difference between natural and added sugars, how to create balanced snacks, and ways to build a healthy relationship with food from an early age.

We wrap up the episode with a rapid-fire Q&A, where Kathy answers common questions about first foods, go-to toddler snacks, foods to avoid, and meal ideas for busy parents.

If mealtimes feel like a battle or you’re worried about sugar overload, this episode is packed with practical, realistic, and guilt-free advice!

Guest Bio:

Kathy O’Bryan (@theminimedietitian) is a pediatric registered dietitian who specializes in helping parents navigate feeding challenges with their little ones. She provides evidence-based strategies for fostering healthy eating habits without food battles, fear, or guilt. Through her coaching program and online content, she empowers families to confidently feed their kids and break free from restrictive diet culture.

Key Topics in This Episode:

✔️ Why "picky eating" is often a symptom, not the real issue
✔️ How parents unknowingly reinforce picky habits
✔️ The importance of modeling healthy eating behaviors
✔️ The role of sensory issues, oral motor skills, and environment in food preferences
✔️ Best practices for managing sugar intake (without being the sugar police)
✔️ How to balance special treats with overall nutrition
✔️ The difference between natural and added sugars and why it matters
✔️ Tips for creating blood sugar-friendly snacks
✔️ The impact of stable blood sugar on toddler mood & behavior
✔️ Rapid-fire Q&A: Best first foods, toddler snacks, foods to avoid, and meal prep hacks

Resources & Links:

📌 Follow Kathy on Instagram: @theminimedietitian
📌 Learn more about her coaching program: LINK
📌 Follow Rebel Health Collective: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
📌 Subscribe & Leave a Review: Help us spread the message!

Call to Action:

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a fellow parent who might be struggling with mealtime battles! And don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Rebel Health Collective.

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

I had the privilege of sitting down with Kathy O’Bryan, also known as The Mini Me Dietitian, to talk about something that so many parents struggle with—feeding our kids. As a dad to a two-and-a-half-year-old, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to figure out what to feed our little ones. Kathy’s realistic, down-to-earth approach to toddler nutrition makes it easier for parents to navigate meals, snacks, and everything in between.

This is part one of a two-part conversation with Kathy, where she shares her expertise as both a mom and a dietitian. In this episode, we dive into balanced diets, picky eating, meal refusals, and how to set your child up for a healthy relationship with food. Kathy also explains  how to make family meals more approachable. If you’re looking for practical, actionable tips to simplify mealtime and nourish your little ones, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in Part 1:

• What a balanced day of eating looks like for toddlers
• How to handle picky eaters and meal refusals with confidence
• Why fat is essential for brain development in kids
• The truth about processed foods and how to choose better options
• Fun and simple ways to involve your kids in the kitchen

Stay Tuned for Part 2:
In the next episode, we’ll explore:
Managing picky eating: Kathy shares her insights on why picky eating might not be the problem you think it is—and what simple changes you can make to turn mealtime into a win for everyone.

The sugar dilemma: How much is too much? And what strategies can you use to navigate sugar intake without turning into the sugar police?

Practical, no-nonsense tips for busy parents: From quick breakfasts to low-mess snacks, Kathy has you covered.

Connect with Kathy O’Bryan:

• Instagram: @theminimedietitian
• Website: Mini Me Dietitian

Connect with Rebel Health Collective

• Facebook: Rebel Health Collective
• Instagram: @rebelhealthcollective
• Substack Blog

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this episode of the Rebel Health Collective podcast, I sit down with Ruben Gomez, the founder of The Seasonal Movement, to dive into a topic that’s often overlooked but deeply affects all of us: how the changing seasons impact our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Ruben shares his personal journey, starting from his life in tropical Venezuela to adjusting to the Midwest’s dramatic seasons, and how this experience sparked his mission to help others align their lives with nature’s rhythms.

Ruben’s insights are a mix of science, philosophy, and practical advice. We explore how light cycles, environmental cues, and seasonal energy shifts influence our habits and emotions, and he introduces a framework anyone can use to create routines that harmonize with each season. Whether it’s using winter for introspection and planning or harnessing summer’s high energy for action, Ruben explains how small changes can lead to big transformations.

This conversation is packed with actionable tips and biohacks, like using “happy lights” to wake up your circadian rhythm and aligning your sleep, diet, and exercise with the seasons. If you’ve ever felt out of sync with your environment or wondered how to thrive year-round, this episode is for you. Ruben’s practical approach will inspire you to embrace the highs and lows of each season and turn them into opportunities for growth.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Ruben’s Journey: From tropical Venezuela to the Midwest, and discovering the effects of seasonal changes on mental health.
2. Seasonal Awareness: How light cycles and environmental shifts influence mood, energy, and behavior.
3. The Yin-Yang of Seasons: Balancing energy and actions during winter’s introspection and summer’s high energy.
4. The Framework for Seasonal Living: Practical steps to align habits with seasonal energy and circadian rhythms.
5. Scientific Insights: The role of cortisol, circadian rhythms, and seasonal cues in shaping our lives.
6. Practical Applications: Tips for improving sleep, exercise, diet, and mental well-being throughout the year.
7. Biohacks for Balance: How to use tools like "happy lights" and seasonal routines for sustainable growth.

Guest Information:

Ruben Gomez

• Founder of The Seasonal Movement
• Seasonal Expert and Advocate for Harmonized Living
• Connect with Ruben on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Key Takeaways:

• Seasons affect more than weather—they influence mood, energy, and social interactions.
• Adapting habits to seasonal changes can improve mental health and productivity.
• Awareness of seasonal cues leads to intentional, aligned actions.
• Embrace the cyclical nature of life to achieve long-term growth and fulfillment.

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this episode, we sit down with Alexa Federico, a functional nutritionist and advocate who shares her inspiring journey with Crohn’s disease. Diagnosed at just 12 years old, Alexa faced the challenges of medical gaslighting, dietary changes, and managing a chronic illness while navigating her teenage years. She opens up about how these experiences shaped her career and fueled her passion to support others living with autoimmune and chronic conditions.

We explore the difficulties of getting an IBD diagnosis, the transformative power of functional nutrition, and the emotional toll chronic illnesses can take. Alexa shares practical tools and strategies that anyone can use to start their healing journey—from dietary adjustments to stress management techniques. If you or someone you love is navigating Crohn’s disease or another chronic condition, this episode is packed with actionable advice and hope for healing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Alexa’s journey from childhood diagnosis to becoming a functional nutritionist.
• The impact of Crohn’s disease on emotional and physical health.
• Why medical gaslighting is so common for chronic illness patients—and how to advocate for yourself.
• Key dietary strategies for healing IBD, including Paleo, AIP, and GAPS diets.
• How supplements and lifestyle changes can support Crohn’s symptom management.
• The importance of community and finding the right health advocates.

Key Takeaways:

• Healing isn’t linear, but small wins along the way can build momentum.
• Chronic illness requires a personalized, multifaceted approach to healing.
• Building a supportive healthcare team is essential for long-term success.

Resources Mentioned:

• Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet
• GAPS Diet Overview

FAQ:

• What are common Crohn’s disease symptoms? Fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, and joint pain are frequent indicators.
• What is the best diet for Crohn’s disease? Diets like Paleo, AIP, or GAPS focus on whole, anti-inflammatory foods and can be very helpful.
• How can I manage Crohn’s symptoms naturally? Functional nutrition, targeted supplements, and stress management techniques can all play a role in symptom relief.

Connect with Alexa Federico:

• Instagram
• Website

Connect with Rebel Health Collective

• Facebook: Rebel Health Collective
• Instagram: @rebelhealthcollective
• Substack Blog

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this episode of Rebel Health Collective, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Amanda Diamond, a health coach who transformed her life and now empowers others to do the same. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in her early 20s, Amanda spent years navigating a broken healthcare system, facing misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and the emotional toll of chronic illness. Refusing to settle for a life defined by her condition, Amanda embraced functional and holistic medicine, discovering the tools to not only manage her symptoms but thrive beyond her diagnosis.

Through powerful storytelling and actionable advice, Amanda sheds light on the importance of self-advocacy, mindset shifts, and foundational health practices. From gut health to stress management, she explores the critical components of healing and how belief in your body’s ability to recover can be a game-changer.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope and direction in their health journey, whether you’re managing a chronic illness, supporting a loved one, or exploring alternative approaches to wellness. Amanda’s story proves that with the right tools and mindset, healing is possible—even when the odds feel stacked against you.

Key Topics:

• Amanda’s battle with chronic illness and how she reclaimed her health.
• Functional and holistic strategies for managing autoimmune conditions.
• Why gut health and nutrition are foundational to overall wellness.
• The critical role of self-advocacy in navigating the healthcare system.
• How to move from surviving to thriving, regardless of your diagnosis.

Tune in for a powerful conversation packed with hope, motivation, and practical tools to help you take control of your health and life.

Connect with Amanda:
Instagram
Amanda's Coaching Website

Connect with Rebel Health Collective
Facebook: Rebel Health Collective
Instagram: @rebelhealthcollective
Substack Blog

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

What if your food allergies and intolerances aren’t just the problem, but also the key to your health? In this eye-opening episode of Rebel Health Collective, we’re joined by Dr. Alexis Sams, known as The Food Allergy Doc, to uncover the surprising root causes behind food reactions and how they’re often misunderstood.

Dr. Sams shares her revolutionary Food Clues Framework, a step-by-step guide to identifying, addressing, and overcoming food allergies by treating the underlying causes. Together, we explore:

• How food reactions are clues to deeper health issues.
• The social and emotional impact of food restrictions—and how to reclaim your life.
• The connection between organ health, environmental factors, and food intolerance.
• Why preparation, elimination, and restoration are essential to healing.
• Real-life stories of transformation, including patients who’ve reintroduced foods they thought they’d lost forever.

If you’re ready to break free from restrictive eating, stop living in fear of accidental exposures, and truly enjoy life again, this episode is a must-listen.

Don’t forget to check out Dr. Sams’ free quiz and connect with her on social media as @TheFoodAllergyDoc
Instagram: @thefoodallergydoc

Facebook: @thefoodallergydoc

YouTube: @thefoodallergydoc

TikTok: @thefoodallergydoc

Connect with Rebel Health Collective
Facebook: Rebel Health Collective
Instagram: @rebelhealthcollective

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Carl Paige, a seasoned physician who transitioned from traditional medicine to focus on functional, cellular, and regenerative health. We dive deep into his journey, exploring how he shifted his approach to address the root causes of illness and offer more personalized care. If you’ve ever wondered about the limitations of conventional medicine and what’s possible outside the “take this pill and see you in six months” model, this episode is for you!

What We Talked About:

• Dr. Paige’s story of leaving traditional medicine and starting his innovative practice, Medical Transformation Center.
• The challenges he faced trying to bring functional medicine into a conventional setting—and why he ultimately had to go his own way.
• How addressing gut health can impact systemic issues like autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
• Cutting-edge tools like genetic testing, peptides, and lifestyle coaching that Dr. Paige uses to optimize his patients’ cellular health.
• Practical advice on improving your overall health, including tips on diet, sleep, and stress management.
• The importance of finding the right healthcare team who listens and works with you, not against you.

What Stood Out to Me:
One thing that really hit home during our chat was Dr. Paige’s perspective on how traditional medicine is great for acute care but often falls short for people with chronic issues. He shared his journey of helping his wife through gut health issues and how that inspired him to step out of the traditional healthcare box. Hearing how he validates patients’ experiences and focuses on real solutions—rather than quick fixes—was so refreshing.

Why This Matters:
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt stuck in the traditional healthcare system or if you’re curious about what functional and cellular medicine can offer. Dr. Paige is proof that there are options out there for people who are ready to take control of their health and dig deeper into what’s causing their symptoms.

Resources We Mentioned:

• Dr. Carl Paige’s practice: Medical Transformation Center
• The Mediterranean-Paleo diet for improved health.
• Organizations like A4M (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine) for finding trained practitioners.

Key Takeaways:

• Gut health plays a massive role in overall wellness—it’s often the starting point for solving chronic issues.
• Lifestyle changes like a clean diet, sleep optimization, and strength training are powerful tools for cellular health.
• It’s okay to ask for more from your healthcare providers. Find someone who listens and is willing to explore non-traditional solutions.
• Be cautious of one-size-fits-all approaches, especially online—personalized care is the key to true healing.

Connect with Rebel Health Collective:

• Facebook: Rebel Health Collective
• Instagram: @rebelhealthcollective

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this heartfelt episode of Rebel Health Collective, I welcome breast cancer survivor and advocate Claudia De Pasquale, who shares her powerful journey from diagnosis to healing and beyond. As a mother of three, Claudia faced the shock of a cancer diagnosis while balancing family life and the unexpected challenges of medical treatment. Determined to take control of her health, she embraced complementary therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and support her long-term wellness.

Claudia opens up about her journey to find a healthcare team that aligned with her values and how self-advocacy became critical to her recovery. Through an integrative approach, she endured treatment with fewer side effects, finding a new perspective on whole-person healing. With a mission to empower others facing similar journeys, Claudia started her blog, My Cancer Diaries, as a resource for breast cancer patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in holistic health.

Join us as we discuss self-advocacy, the power of community, and the practical strategies that helped Claudia reclaim her health. This episode is packed with insights on building resilience, navigating health challenges, and combining traditional medicine with complementary therapies. Whether you're facing a health issue, supporting a loved one, or just exploring a more holistic approach to wellness, Claudia’s story offers inspiration and valuable lessons for us all.

Episode Highlights:

• Facing a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Claudia recounts the shock of her diagnosis and the emotional impact it had, especially as a mother caring for young children.
• Finding the Right Healthcare Team: Claudia shares how she learned to seek out doctors who aligned with her values and approach to healing, and how important it is to get second and third opinions.
• Integrating Complementary Treatments: From juicing and dietary changes to meditation and hypnotherapy, Claudia details how these holistic practices helped her manage side effects and improve her overall well-being during chemotherapy.
• Empowering Through Self-Advocacy: We discuss the critical role of self-advocacy in navigating complex healthcare decisions. Claudia shares her own experiences with researching treatments, asking questions, and advocating for herself in the healthcare system.
• Building a Supportive Community: Claudia explains how her blog, My Cancer Diaries, has become a space for sharing insights and connecting with others on similar journeys. She also provides practical tips for supporting loved ones through their own health challenges.

Connect with Claudia:

• Blog: My Cancer Diaries
• Instagram: @my_cancerdiaries

Connect with Rebel Health Collective:

• Facebook: Rebel Health Collective
• Instagram: @rebelhealthcollective

Send us a text

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**