Table Talk

By Pharm To TableAlternative Health Health & Fitness Nutrition

Table Talk episodes

October 03Rethinking Anxiety: The Gut, Blood Sugar, Nutrient and Hormone Connection
Show Notes
In Today's Episode
In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody Hartzler sits down with Everest Goldstein, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and functional psychiatry practitioner, to explore anxiety through a functional medicine lens. They discuss the potential connections between anxiety and gut health, blood sugar, thyroid function, nutrient deficiencies, hormones, stress, and medication, while highlighting the importance of looking beyond symptoms to understand individual root causes.
Key Take Aways
Anxiety can be a symptom, not just a diagnosis. Functional psychiatry looks beyond the diagnosis itself to explore potential contributors such as hormones, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, trauma, stress, and other factors.
Gut health and mental health are closely connected. Comprehensive stool testing can provide insight into the microbiome, digestion, pathogens, inflammation, and other gut-related factors that may contribute to mental health symptoms.
Blood sugar stability may influence anxiety. Meals that combine carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats, and fiber can support more stable blood sugar, while long periods without eating or significant blood sugar fluctuations may contribute to physical feelings of anxiety.
Hormonal changes can affect anxiety throughout a woman's life. The conversation explores PMS, PMDD, perimenopause, progesterone, estrogen, and the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitters involved in mood, anxiety, and sleep.
Treatment should be individualized. Medication can be an important tool alongside functional and lifestyle approaches. Everest emphasizes shared decision-making, patient preferences, symptom severity, and understanding how medications may interact with factors such as gut health and genetics.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Anxiety & Women’s Health
Melody introduces Everest Goldstein and sets the stage for a conversation about anxiety, functional psychiatry, and women’s health.
01:00 – Understanding Anxiety Through Functional Psychiatry
Exploring the difference between diagnosing anxiety and looking for the underlying factors contributing to anxiety symptoms.
03:00 – Anxiety, Gut Health, and the Microbiome
How gut health, digestion, the microbiome, and neurotransmitters may be connected to anxiety and mental health.
04:00 – Comprehensive Stool Testing
A look at what comprehensive stool testing can reveal about bacteria, pathogens, digestion, immune function, and gut health.
06:00 – Choosing the Right Gut Test
Exploring different testing technologies and the challenges of navigating the growing number of available gut tests.
08:00 – Blood Sugar and Anxiety
How blood sugar spikes and drops can contribute to physical symptoms of anxiety, shakiness, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed.
10:00 – Eating Patterns and Blood Sugar Stability
Why pairing carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats, and fiber—and avoiding long gaps between meals—may help support blood sugar stability.
11:00 – Using CGMs to Track Blood Sugar
How continuous glucose monitors can help identify patterns between food, blood sugar changes, and mental health symptoms.
13:00 – CGM Options and Beyond Diabetes
A discussion of Stelo, Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre, insurance coverage, and potential uses for CGMs outside traditional diabetes care.
15:00 – Thyroid Function and Anxiety
Exploring the connection between thyroid function and anxiety and why a broader thyroid assessment may provide additional insight.
18:00 – Thyroid, Stress, and Nutrient Deficiencies
How chronic stress, thyroid function, and nutrients such as selenium, vitamin D, iron, and ferritin can intersect with anxiety.
20:00 – Iron, Ferritin, and Mental Health
Discussing how low iron and ferritin may contribute to anxiety and other mental health symptoms while also prompting questions about gut health.
21:00 – Inflammation and Anxiety
Exploring the relationship between inflammation, brain health, depression, brain fog, and anxiety.
23:00 – Finding the Root Cause of Anxiety
How a thorough evaluation can help determine where to begin, including nutrients, gut health, environmental factors, and lifestyle.
24:00 – Hormones and Women's Mental Health
How hormonal changes throughout the female lifespan can contribute to anxiety, depression, irritability, and changes in sleep.
25:00 – PMS, PMDD, and Progesterone
Understanding how changing estrogen and progesterone levels—and their relationship with GABA—may influence anxiety and sleep.
27:00 – Tracking Hormones With Mira
Exploring at-home hormone tracking and how cycle data can help identify connections between hormonal changes and symptoms.
30:00 – When Medication Becomes Part of the Conversation
How Everest approaches SSRIs, SNRIs, and other medications while considering symptom severity, patient preferences, and functional approaches.
33:00 – Pharmacogenomic Testing and GeneSight
How genetic testing can provide additional information about medication metabolism and potential medication response.
36:00 – Understanding Genetic Medication Reports
Why GeneSight results do not simply determine whether a medication will or will not work and how metabolism can influence dosing.
37:00 – Becoming Your Own Healthcare Advocate
Why tracking symptoms, asking questions, and advocating for yourself can be important parts of navigating mental health care.
38:00 – Why Stress Is More Than “Just Stress”
Exploring the physiological effects of chronic stress and how the nervous system responds when the body remains in a heightened state.
40:00 – Nervous System Regulation and Wellness Tools
Discussing tools and practices that may support nervous system regulation, including Apollo Neuro, Pulsetto, PEMF, and neurofeedback.
41:00 – Supporting the Vagus Nerve at Home
Simple practices such as humming, singing, gargling, and safe cold-water exposure are discussed as accessible ways to support vagal activity.
42:00 – Closing: Finding Everest Functional Psychiatry & Wellness
Everest shares where listeners can learn more about her practice, while Melody highlights PharmToTable’s women's health resources.
Resources Mentioned
Gut health and microbiome testing:
Gut Performance Test
Blood sugar and metabolic support:
Glucose Support bundle
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs):
Stelo by Dexcom
FreeStyle Libre
Lingo by Libre
Hormone tracking and women's health:
Mira Hormone Monitor
Mental health and medication resources:
GeneSight Pharmacogenomic Testing
Everest Functional Psychiatry & Wellness
Nervous system regulation and wellness tools:
Apollo Neuro
Pulsetto
PEMF Therapy
44 min
September 18Functional Medicine Stories Elena and Amber – Autoimmune
Show Notes
In Today's Episode
Almost every autoimmune story I hear starts the same way. Something is wrong, the labs come back “normal” or the one abnormal result gets no comment, and you are sent home. Elena’s ferritin was low and nobody mentioned it. Amber could not move her hands and was told to exercise.
In this episode both of them tell the whole story. Elena describes what it was like to go from sluggish and cold to jittery and racing, the moment half her face went numb, and the Graves’ antibodies that finally explained it. She talks honestly about thyroid eye disease, about not recognizing herself in the mirror, and about the friction that came when she wanted to taper methimazole and her team said no.
Amber describes a year on hydroxychloroquine with migraines severe enough to send her home from work, flares that kept coming anyway, and the decision she made to walk away from her rheumatologist. She is clear that she does not recommend how she did it, and that finding a practitioner who could guide her was the turning point.
Where both stories converge is the gut. Amber’s methane was off the charts on her SIBO test. Elena’s stool test came back with H. pylori, dysbiosis, and intestinal permeability after a virus and a parasite picked up abroad. In both cases, addressing what was actually in the gut changed the downstream picture in a way that supplements alone had not.
We also talk about what does not come in a bottle. Yoga and mindfulness for Elena. Acupuncture and a less stressful work environment for both. The role chronic stress and trauma play in keeping the immune system switched on. And the reminder that this is a long game, not a thirty day fix.
There is a push and pull in our culture between the natural camp and the drug camp, and people get hurt in the middle of it. If you are in thyroid storm, you need medication. If you are bleeding and dehydrated from IBD, you need help calming that down. Root cause work and conventional care are not opponents. The goal is using both well and we are ready to support you in that.
Key Take Aways
Autoimmune healing can be a layered process. Elena and Amber describe how addressing gut health, nutrition, infections, and other contributing factors became important parts of their journeys.
Gut health may play an important role in autoimmunity. The conversation explores intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, SIBO, and how gut-related issues can intersect with inflammation and autoimmune symptoms.
Lifestyle matters alongside clinical care. Yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, movement, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and relationships are discussed as important components of overall health.
Advocating for yourself is an important part of the healthcare journey. Elena and Amber encourage patients to research, ask questions, and seek providers who will listen and work collaboratively with them.
Functional and conventional medicine can work together. Melody emphasizes that functional medicine should not mean automatically rejecting medications or emergency care, but rather finding an appropriate balance between immediate medical treatment and longer-term health strategies.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk
Melody introduces functional medicine pharmacists Elena Genik and Amber Fish and today’s conversation about autoimmune conditions.
02:33 – Elena’s Graves’ Disease Journey
Elena shares how fatigue, thyroid symptoms, and an unexpectedly high heart rate eventually led to a Graves’ disease diagnosis.
06:00 – Navigating Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Eye Disease
How Elena’s treatment evolved, the challenges she experienced with medication, and the development of Thyroid Eye Disease.
09:02 – Amber’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story
Amber shares her experience with severe joint pain, medications, migraines, and her search for options beyond conventional treatment.
12:46 – The Gut-Autoimmune Connection
Why gut health, intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, infections, and inflammation become important areas to investigate in autoimmune conditions.
13:47 – Amber’s Gut Health Transformation
How testing revealed significant gut dysfunction and how addressing it coincided with major improvements in her pain and swelling.
16:20 – Elena’s Gut Health Breakthrough
After a virus, parasite, and major thyroid eye flare, Elena discovered H. pylori and dysbiosis and began addressing her gut health.
18:02 – Stress, Yoga, Mindfulness & Acupuncture
The role chronic stress may play in autoimmune symptoms and how Elena and Amber incorporated yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, and other practices.
22:00 – Becoming Your Own Health Advocate
Why both women believe patients should ask questions, research their conditions, and seek practitioners willing to work collaboratively with them.
25:50 – Nutrition & Identifying Food Triggers
How elimination diets, food sensitivities, gluten, dairy, and individual food triggers can factor into an autoimmune health journey.
28:31 – Removing Triggers vs. Healing the Gut
Why identifying problematic foods or infections may only be one piece of the puzzle and the importance of supporting gut recovery.
31:29 – Autoimmune Health Is an Ongoing Journey
Amber and Elena discuss maintaining progress, navigating flares, and continuing to pay attention to nutrition, illness, stress, and lifestyle.
33:16 – Building a Lifestyle That Supports Healing
The importance of nourishing food, movement, sleep, relationships, stress management, and sometimes making larger life changes to prioritize health.
35:21 – Final Advice for Autoimmune Patients
Elena and Amber encourage listeners not to lose hope, to continue looking for answers, and to advocate for themselves.
36:06 – Finding the Middle Ground in Medicine
Melody discusses combining conventional treatment when necessary with functional medicine strategies rather than viewing the two approaches as opposites.
37:32 – Closing & Resources
Where listeners can connect with Elena, Amber, and the Pharm to Table team for functional medicine care and health coaching.
Resources Mentioned
Gut Repair and Rebuilding
Ther-Biotic Women’s
Gut Health bundle
Thyroid
Thyroid Eye Disease bundle
Thyroid Favorites bundle
Environmental Support
Air purification
Medify Air: code PharmToTable15.
Stress, HPA axis, and the nervous system
Stress Support bundle
emWave Pro HRV trainer
Apollo Neuro
Vibe
Gut Testing
Gut Performance
Advanced GI Testing
39 min
September 05What Women Were Never Told About Hormone Therapy with Mia Scott
Show Notes
In Today's Episode
What if much of what women have been told about hormone therapy is missing important context? In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody Hartzler sits down with Mia Scott, FNP, co-founder of Rixa Health, to unpack the history behind hormone therapy fears, the Women's Health Initiative, bioidentical hormones, individualized treatment, and why informed consent matters. Together, they explore how hormones can be approached through a personalized risk-versus-benefit conversation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Key Take Aways
Hormone therapy conversations need context. Mia explains how the Women's Health Initiative contributed to widespread fear around hormones and why its findings shouldn't automatically be applied to every woman, hormone formulation, age group, or route of administration.
Bioidentical doesn't mean “natural” or compounded. Bioidentical hormones refer to hormones with a molecular structure the body recognizes, and they can be available as prescription pharmaceutical products as well as compounded medications.
Individualization is essential. Age, timing, symptoms, medical history, route of administration, lifestyle factors, and personal risk all need to be considered when determining whether hormone therapy is appropriate.
Women deserve informed consent and options. The conversation highlights the importance of discussing both hormonal and non-hormonal approaches, particularly for women with a history of breast cancer or other complex medical histories.
More isn't necessarily better. Melody and Mia discuss the importance of avoiding excessive hormone dosing and instead focusing on appropriate therapeutic levels, symptoms, side effects, and the individual patient's response.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Hormone Therapy
Melody introduces Mia Scott and her work in functional medicine, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and personalized care.
03:00 – Why Women Are Afraid of Hormone Therapy
Exploring the fears many women have inherited around hormones, including concerns about breast cancer, cardiovascular risk, and safety.
04:00 – Understanding the Women's Health Initiative
A closer look at the 2002 Women's Health Initiative, who was studied, the hormone formulations used, and how the findings shaped women's perceptions of hormone therapy.
07:00 – The 10-Year Window and Starting Hormone Therapy
Discussing the timing of hormone therapy, bone and cardiovascular health, and why being outside the 10-year window does not automatically mean a woman is no longer a candidate.
08:30 – What Does “Bioidentical” Hormone Really Mean?
Mia explains the difference between bioidentical hormones, synthetic hormones, and compounded medications.
10:30 – Breast Cancer Risk and Hormone Therapy
Looking at the available research on micronized progesterone, estradiol, and the importance of understanding absolute versus relative risk.
12:30 – The FDA and the Black Box Warning
Discussing changes to hormone therapy labeling and how the removal of certain warning language has affected women's willingness to consider treatment.
14:30 – Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer
Exploring treatment options for women with a history of breast cancer, including testosterone, vaginal estrogen, and non-hormonal approaches.
18:00 – Personalized Medicine and Risk vs. Reward
Why hormone therapy decisions should consider each woman's symptoms, medical history, risks, quality of life, and individual response.
19:30 – Why Menopause Education Is Missing From Medical Training
Mia shares her experience discovering how little menopause and hormone education she received during nurse practitioner training and why she pursued additional education.
22:00 – What Happens During a Hormone Therapy Consultation?
A look at Mia's telemedicine approach, symptom tracking, medical history, laboratory testing, treatment planning, and ongoing follow-up.
23:30 – Hormone Testing and DUTCH Testing
Discussing serum hormone levels, urinary metabolites, DUTCH testing, and the challenges of balancing ideal testing with affordability and accessibility.
25:00 – Finding Therapeutic Estradiol Levels
Exploring estradiol targets, symptom relief, bone protection, and why hormone dosing needs to be gradually individualized.
27:00 – How Much Progesterone Is Enough?
A discussion about progesterone dosing, breakthrough bleeding, sleep, GABA receptors, and why higher doses aren't necessarily better.
29:00 – Becoming Your Own Health Advocate
Why patients should ask questions, recognize when a treatment isn't working, and feel empowered to seek another opinion when necessary.
31:00 – Transdermal Estrogen and the Patch Shortage
Discussing why Mia often starts with transdermal estrogen, differences between patches, and challenges caused by medication shortages and changing brands.
34:00 – Compounding and Reducing Unnecessary Ingredients
Exploring compounded medications, pharmaceutical ingredients, and Mia's interest in reducing dyes, petroleum, and other unnecessary components.
35:00 – Testosterone for Women: Finding the Right Approach
A closer look at testosterone dosing, topical creams, injections, pellets, physiological levels, and the importance of avoiding excessive dosing.
38:00 – Hormones, Gut Health, and Histamine
Discussing hormone metabolism, inflammation, gut health, detoxification, and how these factors may influence a woman's response to hormone therapy.
40:00 – Hormone Therapy Is an Art
Why there isn't a single protocol that works for every woman and how providers can use different routes, doses, testing, and treatment strategies to individualize care.
40:30 – Where to Find Mia and the Rixa Women's Summit
Mia shares where listeners can learn more about Rixa Health, her podcast, social media, and the upcoming Rixa Women's Summit.
Resources Mentioned
Studies & Resources Mentioned
Women's Health Initiative (WHI)
Research on Micronized Progesterone + Estradiol and Breast Cancer Risk
FDA Hormone Therapy Label Changes / Black Box Warning
Podcasts & Media
Health Without the System Podcast
Mia Scott's Instagram: @MiaScott_NP
The Rixa Health Instagram
Find Rixa Health & Join us at the Summit!
Rixa Health
Rixa Women's Summit Saturday October 10th, Glass City Center, Toledo, Ohio.
41 min
August 31Your Brain Is Part of the Healing Process: Trauma, ADHD & Brain Health
Show Notes
In Today's Episode
In this episode of the Table Talk Podcast, Melody sits down with Kristen Wooten, a licensed professional clinical counselor and brain health coach, to explore the connection between trauma, brain health, ADHD, head injuries, and emotional well-being. Kristen explains how therapies and approaches such as EMDR, neurofeedback, the DART method, and brain-injury recovery protocols can support nervous-system regulation, resilience, and overall brain function.
Key Take Aways
EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories. Kristen explains how bilateral stimulation allows clients to process traumatic memories in a more grounded way rather than simply retelling the story cognitively.
Neurofeedback focuses on training and regulating the brain and nervous system. Kristen describes how neurofeedback may help with resilience, calmness, sleep, emotional regulation, focus, and the intensity and frequency of meltdowns.
Brain injuries can sometimes present as mood or behavioral issues. The conversation highlights why asking about concussions, whiplash, and other head injuries can be important when evaluating symptoms such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or addiction.
Building resilience can be an important step before trauma processing. For people who aren't ready for EMDR, Kristen discusses neurofeedback, grounding, mindfulness, and other resilience-building skills that may help the nervous system become more regulated.
Lifestyle factors matter for brain health. Nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle choices are discussed as important components of supporting the brain and maintaining the benefits of brain-focused therapies.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk: Brain Health
Melody introduces Kristen Wooten and her work in clinical counseling, trauma, brain health, EMDR, DART, and neurofeedback.
01:00 – Kristen’s Journey Into Trauma Therapy
How Kristen transitioned from general clinical counseling into trauma-focused work after recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches.
03:00 – Understanding EMDR and Trauma Processing
What EMDR is, how bilateral stimulation works, and how it can help reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories.
06:00 – How Neurofeedback Supports the Nervous System
An introduction to neurofeedback and how brain training can support nervous-system regulation, resilience, sleep, focus, and emotional regulation.
08:00 – Neurofeedback, ADHD, and a Personal Story
Kristen shares her experience discovering neurofeedback through her son’s ADHD symptoms and how it changed their family dynamic.
11:00 – Building Resilience Before Processing Trauma
Why some clients may need to develop regulation and resilience skills before they are ready to work directly with traumatic memories.
13:00 – Neurofeedback for Children and Babies
Exploring how neurofeedback can be used across different ages, including young children and infants struggling with sleep.
14:00 – Understanding Developmental Trauma and the DART Method
Kristen explains the DART method, attachment, developmental trauma, and the healing process surrounding childhood experiences and relationships.
17:00 – The Connection Between Head Injuries and Mental Health
Why concussions, whiplash, and other head injuries can sometimes contribute to anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, and other changes in behavior or mood.
20:00 – Supporting Recovery After Brain Injury
A look at hyperbaric oxygen, nutrition, supplements, and neurofeedback as potential components of a brain injury recovery approach.
22:00 – ADHD, Addiction, and Brain Function
How ADHD and brain function may relate to impulse control and addiction, and why understanding the brain can help reduce shame around these struggles.
24:00 – Brain Injury Recovery and Hyperbaric Oxygen
Discussing research, blood flow, hyperbaric oxygen, neurofeedback, and nutritional support in the context of brain injury recovery.
25:00 – Hyperbarics, Parkinson’s, and Dementia
Exploring the potential role of hyperbaric oxygen in neurological conditions and why ongoing support may vary depending on the condition and individual.
27:00 – Lifestyle Choices That Support Brain Health
Why nutrition, exercise, and everyday habits can influence the effectiveness and longevity of brain health treatments.
30:00 – Nutrition, Movement, and Mental Health
Practical ways to connect food, exercise, supplements, and daily routines with mood, energy, and overall brain health.
32:00 – Collaboration and a Whole-Person Approach to Brain Health
Closing thoughts on combining different specialties, tools, and approaches to better support patients and address underlying factors affecting health.
Resources Mentioned
The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
People
Melody
Kristen Wooten
Francine Shapiro
Bessel van der Kolk
Dr. Daniel Amen
Rick Butts
Scott (Genesis Hyperbarics)
Places & Organizations
Freedom Counseling Services
Amen Clinic
Genesis Hyperbarics
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
Health Topics
Brain Health
Trauma & PTSD
EMDR
Neurofeedback
ADHD
Head Injuries & Concussions
Addiction
Nervous System Regulation
Mental Health
Developmental Trauma
Attachment
Sleep
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Nutrition & Lifestyle
Brain Injury Recovery
Therapies, Tools & Approaches
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Bilateral Stimulation / Tappers
Neurofeedback
DART Method
Breath Work
Mindfulness & Grounding
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Red Light Therapy
Nutrition & Supplements
Exercise
Books & Resources
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Amen Clinic brain health research and protocols
Resources
Freedom Counseling Services
Genesis Hyperbarics
Amen Clinic
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
Supplement Spotlight
Vitamin D / K2
Liquid - 1 fl oz
Purchase Today
D3 5000 with K2
60 Softgels
Purchase Today
36 min
August 15The Missing Pillar of Health: Why Community Matters More Than You Think
Show Notes
HOST
Melody Hartzler
| | Book Appointment
In Today's Episode
In this special retreat episode of Table Talk, the PharmToTable team gathers in Austin, Texas, for an honest conversation about one of the five pillars of health: community. Through personal stories, the team explores how meaningful relationships support healing, resilience, and overall well-being, while sharing practical ways to build intentional connections in every season of life.
Key Take Aways
Community is essential for health. Strong relationships support emotional well-being, healing, and long-term health just as much as nutrition, movement, and other healthy habits.
Building community requires intention. Whether it's joining a book club, scheduling regular dinners, attending a fitness class, or inviting neighbors over, meaningful friendships rarely happen by accident.
Your community can evolve over time. As life seasons change, it's okay to outgrow certain relationships and seek connections that better align with who you are today.
Shared interests create lasting friendships. Wellness groups, fitness communities, hobby clubs, volunteer organizations, and professional networks can become powerful sources of support.
Quality matters more than quantity. A few trusted relationships can have a profound impact on your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Chapters
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to the Team Retreat
Introducing this special Table Talk episode recorded during the PharmToTable team retreat in Austin, Texas.
00:45 – Why Community Is a Pillar of Health
The team discusses why meaningful relationships are essential for physical, emotional, and long-term wellness.
02:00 – Making Time for Connection in Busy Seasons
Balancing motherhood, careers, and life's responsibilities while intentionally prioritizing friendships.
04:02 – Finding Community Through Shared Life Stages
How parenting, neighborhoods, work, and shared experiences naturally shape our support systems.
06:05 – The Importance of Being Intentional
Why putting friendships on the calendar and creating recurring gatherings helps relationships thrive.
06:55 – Isolation, COVID, and the Impact on Health
Reflecting on how loneliness affected mental and physical well-being during and after the pandemic.
08:00 – Finding People Who Truly Understand You
The value of surrounding yourself with like-minded people who share your interests and values.
10:08 – When Friendships Change Over Time
How personal growth can lead to evolving relationships and the importance of embracing new communities.
12:00 – Community as Part of the Healing Journey
Why support from others can be just as important as nutrition, supplements, and medical care.
14:05 – Building Healthy Habits Together
How supportive communities encourage better nutrition, movement, and other lasting lifestyle changes.
15:25 – Letting Go and Finding the Right Community
Navigating the grief of outgrowing relationships while creating space for new connections.
17:10 – Practical Ways to Build Community
Ideas including book clubs, cooking clubs, wellness events, fitness groups, and hobby-based gatherings.
23:10 – Hospitality, Neighbors, and Everyday Connection
Simple ways to build stronger relationships through shared meals, neighborhoods, and intentional hospitality.
28:05 – The Courage to Reach Out
Overcoming introversion, starting conversations, and taking the first step toward meaningful friendships.
32:10 – Why Shared Experiences Strengthen Relationships
How retreats, shared homes, and everyday moments create deeper, more authentic connections.
34:15 – Quality Over Quantity
Closing reflections on why even a small circle of trusted people can have a profound impact on health and well-being.
Schedule Your Discovery Call
Take the first step toward understanding your health concerns with a free 15-minute Discovery Call with a PharmToTable pharmacist. This is an opportunity to share what you’ve been experiencing, ask questions, and learn more about how our personalized approach may support your goals.
Resources Mentioned
The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
People
Melody Hartzler (Host, Pharm to Table)
Nicole
Megan
Angela
Amber
Lindsay
Sarah
Places & Organizations
Pharm to Table
Austin, Texas (Team Retreat)
True Food Kitchen
Health Topics
Community & Social Connection
Longevity
Emotional Well-being
Functional Medicine
Healthy Aging
Perimenopause
Healing Journey
Mental Health
Lifestyle Medicine
Communities & Activities
Book Clubs
Cooking Clubs
Walking Groups
CrossFit Community
Yoga Studios
Bible Studies
House Churches
Mom Groups
Wellness Events / Healing Bazaars
Neighborhood Communities
Military Communities
Books & Resources
The Teal Table (book discussed during the episode)
Brands & People Mentioned
Dr. Andrew Weil
Kelly's Body Shop
Resources
Pharm to Table: https://pharmtotable.life
Supplement Spotlight
Vitamin D / K2
Liquid - 1 fl oz
Purchase Today
D3 5000 with K2
60 Softgels
Purchase Today
20 min
July 24From Managing Symptoms to Healing: A Rheumatoid Arthritis Journey
Show Notes
HOST
Melody Hartzler
| | Book Appointment
AROUND THE TABLE
Dr. Amber Fish
Book Appointment
In Today's Episode
In this episode of Table Talk, Melody Hartzler sits down with Pharm to Table pharmacist Amber Fish to discuss her personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis and how functional medicine transformed her health. Amber shares how addressing gut health, nutrition, lifestyle, and root causes helped her reduce inflammation, regain her quality of life, and move beyond simply managing symptoms with medication. Together, they discuss practical strategies for supporting autoimmune conditions and the importance of making sustainable lifestyle changes.
Key Take Aways
Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of autoimmune disease rather than simply managing symptoms.
Healing the gut can significantly reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
Supplements can be valuable tools during healing, but they work best when paired with strong lifestyle foundations like nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management.
Lasting health improvements come from consistent daily habits, not quick fixes or short-term programs.
Healing is a journey and sustainable progress happens by making small, manageable changes over time.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk
Introduction to today's conversation on rheumatoid arthritis and functional medicine.
00:32 – Amber Fish's Health Journey
Amber shares her background as a pharmacist and her diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis.
02:24 – Conventional Treatment & Medication Challenges
Navigating medications, side effects, and searching for better answers.
06:31 – Discovering Functional Medicine
How a new approach gave Amber hope beyond symptom management.
09:07 – Functional Testing & Finding Root Causes
Exploring gut health, SIBO, micronutrient deficiencies, and mold exposure.
10:33 – Navigating Supplements
How to approach supplements without becoming overwhelmed.
14:27 – Healing the Gut & Reducing Inflammation
The improvements Amber experienced after addressing gut health.
16:30 – Building Healthy Daily Habits
Why nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and relationships all matter.
19:51 – Healing Is an Ongoing Process
Maintaining progress and adapting to life's challenges.
21:47 – How Long Does Healing Take?
Setting realistic expectations for autoimmune recovery.
23:26 – Mold Exposure & Environmental Factors
Understanding how environmental stressors contribute to chronic illness.
24:49 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Amber
Resources Mentioned
The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
Dr. Amber Fish – PharmD, BCPS, IFMCP
Functional Testing & Tools
Stool Testing
SIBO Breath Testing
Micronutrient Testing
Health Topics
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Functional Medicine
Gut Health
Autoimmune Disease
Chronic Inflammation
27 min
July 13The Missing Piece to Healing? Your Nervous System
Show Notes
HOST
Melody Hartzler
| | Book Appointment
AROUND THE TABLE
Dr. Dave Rabin
| Visit Website
In Today's Episode
Joining Melody on this episode is Dr. Dave Rabin, a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro, to explore how chronic stress, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation affect nearly every aspect of our health. Dr. Rabin shares the science behind the body's stress response, the role of the vagus nerve, and how creating a greater sense of safety can improve sleep, focus, resilience, and recovery.
Together, they discuss why stress isn't something we can eliminate, but something we can learn to regulate. From breathwork and mindfulness to wearable technology like Apollo Neuro, this conversation offers practical strategies for improving nervous system health and building long-term resilience.
Key Take Aways
Chronic stress and unresolved trauma can disrupt the nervous system, contributing to poor sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic disease.
The vagus nerve plays a key role in helping the body shift from a stress response into a state of recovery and healing.
Nervous system regulation can be supported through simple daily practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, movement, social connection, and wearable technologies.
Feeling safe is a biological need that directly influences our ability to heal, learn, perform, and build resilience.
Healing isn't about avoiding stress—it's about training the body to recover from stress more effectively.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk
Introduction to today's conversation on stress, the nervous system, and resilience.
01:11 – Dr. Dave Rabin's Journey & Apollo Neuro
How his work with PTSD patients led to the creation of Apollo Neuro.
04:00 – Understanding the Stress Response
The science behind the vagus nerve, safety, and nervous system regulation.
07:00 – How Apollo Neuro Works
How wearable touch therapy differs from traditional vagus nerve stimulation.
11:38 – Trauma, Chronic Stress & Health
How unresolved stress impacts sleep, immunity, focus, and long-term wellness.
12:30 – Supporting Children & Neurodiversity
Using nervous system regulation for ADHD, autism, anxiety, and emotional resilience.
17:00 – You Can't Eliminate Stress
Why learning to recover from stress matters more than avoiding it.
20:27 – The Biology of Healing & the Placebo Effect
How mindset, safety, and expectation influence healing outcomes.
22:20 – Stress, Blood Pressure & Chronic Disease
The connection between stress regulation and long-term physical health.
23:00 – Building Daily Resilience
Dr. Rabin shares his favorite Apollo Neuro settings and daily practices.
26:41 – Community, Connection & Safety
Why meaningful relationships are essential for nervous system health.
27:34 – Closing Thoughts & Resources
Final advice and where to learn more about Apollo Neuro.
Featured Products
Interested in trying Apollo Neuro? As mentioned in this episode, Apollo Neuro is a wearable designed to help support your nervous system, improve sleep, and build resilience to stress. Use our affiliate link below to receive $90 off your purchase while supporting the Table Talk Podcast.
The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
Dr. Dave Rabin – Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Apollo Neuro co-founder
30 min
July 08Why Normal Lab Results Don’t Always Tell the Full Story
Show Notes
HOST
Melody Hartzler
| | Book Appointment
AROUND THE TABLE
Elena Genik
| Book Appointment
In Today's Episode
What happens when a personal health crisis becomes the catalyst for helping others heal? Melody sits down with Elena, a functional medicine health coach and thyroid advocate, to share her personal journey of healing from Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). After struggling with debilitating symptoms, conventional treatment challenges, and feeling isolated, Elena discovered how functional medicine helped her address the root causes of her condition and regain her health.
Together, they explore the connection between gut health, nutrient deficiencies, metabolomics, autoimmune disease, and personalized functional testing. They also discuss why healing is about restoring balance, not simply managing symptoms, and how education, community, and self-advocacy can empower people navigating thyroid and autoimmune conditions.
Key Take Aways
Functional medicine helps uncover the root causes of autoimmune conditions by looking beyond standard lab work and evaluating nutrient status, gut health, metabolism, and inflammation.
Metabolomics (Organic Acids Testing) provides valuable insight into mitochondrial function, nutrient utilization, and cellular health that traditional blood work may miss.
Candida overgrowth, gut imbalances, and chronic inflammation can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and may require multiple testing approaches to identify.
Personalized nutrition, targeted supplementation, and restoring foundational health can significantly improve energy, metabolism, and overall healing.
Finding community, education, and support can make a meaningful difference for individuals living with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk
Introduction to today's discussion on Graves' disease, Thyroid Eye Disease, and functional medicine.
00:01:05 – Elena's Personal Health Journey
How Elena's diagnosis with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease led her to discover root-cause healing.
00:05:42 – The Role of Gut Health in Autoimmunity
Exploring why gut healing became a foundational part of Elena's recovery.
00:09:48 – Functional Testing Beyond Standard Labs
Why traditional blood work doesn't always tell the full story.
00:14:24 – Understanding Metabolomics & Organic Acids Testing
How metabolomics evaluates cellular energy production, nutrient utilization, and mitochondrial health.
00:16:15 – Restoring Balance Through Functional Medicine
Why individualized nutrition and targeted nutrient support are key components of healing.
00:17:24 – Heavy Metals & Personalized Insights
How metabolomics uncovered nutrient imbalances and unexpected heavy metal exposure.
00:18:00 – Candida & Gut Health
Why Candida doesn't always appear on conventional testing and how functional testing provides additional clues.
00:20:24 – Turning Personal Healing Into Purpose
Elena shares how her own experience inspired her to support others living with Graves' disease and TED.
00:21:33 – Building a Thyroid Support Community
Free monthly support groups, educational resources, and coaching for those navigating thyroid conditions.
00:22:33 – Working with the Pharm to Table Team
How Elena supports clients through health coaching and collaborative functional medicine care.
00:23:39 – Closing & Resources
Where listeners can connect with Elena and learn more about Pharm to Table.
Resources Mentioned
The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
Elena Genik – Functional Medicine Health Coach & Thyroid Advocate
Health Topics Discussed
Graves' Disease
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Gut Health & Candida
Mitochondrial Health
Nutrient Deficiencies
Functional Medicine Approaches
Root-Cause Medicine
Personalized Nutrition
Gut Healing
Health Coaching
Functional Testing
Testing & Assessments
Organic Acids Test (OAT)
Metabolomics Testing
GI-MAP Stool Test
Functional Blood Testing
Supportive Nutrients
Vitamin B12
Magnesium
Iron
Fish Oil (Omega-3)
Supplement Spotlight
Vitamin D / K2
Liquid - 1 fl oz
Purchase Today
D3 5000 with K2
60 Softgels
Purchase Today
24 min
June 27The Hidden Drivers of Chronic Illness: Mold Toxicity, Infections & Root-Cause Healing
Show Notes
HOST
Melody Hartzler
| | Book Appointment
In Today's Episode
In this episode of Table Talk, Melody sits down with Dr. Liam LaTouche, a naturopathic physician specializing in complex chronic illness, chronic infections, mold toxicity, and post-viral conditions. Dr. Liam shares how his mother's mysterious neurological illness sparked his passion for root-cause medicine and led him to work with patients struggling with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chemical sensitivities, Lyme disease, mold exposure, and other difficult-to-diagnose conditions.
Together, they explore why so many patients fall through the cracks of conventional healthcare, the role chronic infections and toxic exposures play in ongoing inflammation, and the foundational strategies that must be addressed before pursuing advanced detoxification or treatment protocols. This conversation offers practical insights for both practitioners and individuals seeking answers to complex chronic health challenges.
Key Take Aways
Chronic illness is often driven by multiple overlapping factors, including infections, mold exposure, toxic burden, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation.
Functional medicine focuses on uncovering the root causes of chronic inflammation rather than simply managing symptoms.
Mold exposure and nervous system dysfunction are often priority issues that must be addressed before deeper infection protocols can be effective.
Foundational healing practices such as improving lymphatic drainage, bowel function, movement, and stress regulation are critical before advanced interventions.
Post-viral illnesses, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and dysautonomia deserve greater awareness, validation, and research support.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk
Introduction to today's discussion on chronic infections and complex chronic illness.
00:00:58 – Dr. Liam's Journey into Naturopathic Medicine
How his mother's undiagnosed neurological condition inspired his path into functional and root-cause medicine.
00:03:25 – Understanding Complex Chronic Illness
Why patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and unexplained symptoms often struggle to find answers.
00:08:08 – The Three Drivers of Chronic Disease
Exploring trauma, infections, toxic exposures, and the factors that keep inflammation active.
00:09:35 – Chronic Infections, Mold & Environmental Triggers
How Dr. Liam evaluates patients for infections, mycotoxins, Lyme disease, and toxic burden.
00:11:32 – Trauma, Limbic System Dysfunction & Healing
The connection between nervous system dysregulation, chemical sensitivities, and recovery.
00:14:03 – Treatment Priorities: What Comes First?
Why mold exposure, trauma, and chronic immune activation often need to be addressed before deeper detoxification.
00:16:00 – Mold Testing & Mycotoxin Assessment
How functional medicine practitioners evaluate mold exposure and determine treatment approaches.
00:20:57 – The Role of Functional Testing
When lab testing is helpful and why foundational health still matters most.
00:23:04 – The Foundations of Healing
Essential lifestyle and structural interventions that support recovery before advanced protocols.
00:29:37 – Supporting Lymphatic Drainage
The importance of movement, lymph flow, and drainage techniques in chronic illness recovery.
00:30:33 – Addressing Digestive Function & Constipation
Why healthy bowel function is a critical part of detoxification and healing.
00:42:25 – Dysautonomia, Hypermobility & Connective Tissue Health
Exploring overlooked contributors to chronic symptoms and autonomic dysfunction.
00:44:29 – The Future of Post-Viral Research
Why long COVID, post-viral fatigue, POTS, and immune dysregulation are finally receiving attention.
00:45:15 – Closing Thoughts & Resources
Where to learn more about Dr. Liam's work and upcoming educational opportunities.
Resources Mentioned
The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
Dr. Liam LaTouche – Naturopathic Physician
Health Topics Discussed
Chronic Infections
Lyme Disease
Mold Toxicity
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Long COVID
POTS & Dysautonomia
Functional Medicine Approaches
Root-Cause Medicine
Nervous System Regulation
Limbic System Retraining
Lymphatic Drainage Support
Detoxification Support
Testing & Assessments
Functional Medicine Lab Testing
Mycotoxin Testing
Supportive Therapies
Tai Chi
Qi Gong
Yoga
Castor Oil Packs
Supplement Spotlight
Vitamin D / K2
Liquid - 1 fl oz
Purchase Today
D3 5000 with K2
60 Softgels
Purchase Today
46 min
June 19Functional Medicine Stories with Mariya and Diane
Show Notes
HOST
Melody Hartzler
| | Book Appointment
AROUND THE TABLE
Mariya Farooqi
| Book Appointment
AROUND THE TABLE
Diane Brice
| | Book Appoinment
In Today's Episode
What happens when healthcare providers become patients themselves? In this candid conversation, PharmToTable pharmacists Dr. Mariya and Dr. Diane share the personal health challenges that led them into functional and integrative medicine—from insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction to autoimmune disease and postpartum health struggles. Their stories reveal the power of looking beyond symptoms, addressing root causes, and becoming your own health advocate.
Key Take Aways
Personal health challenges often spark the journey into functional medicine, as both Mariya and Diane discovered through their experiences with unexplained symptoms, weight gain, metabolic changes, and autoimmune disease.
Insulin resistance is a foundational driver of chronic disease, with blood sugar dysregulation contributing to weight gain, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, and accelerated aging.
Healing requires more than symptom management; while medications have an important place in healthcare, lasting improvement often comes from addressing root causes such as nutrition, stress, sleep, gut health, and lifestyle habits.
Functional medicine is a journey, not a quick fix, and meaningful health improvements often require consistency, patience, and sustainable lifestyle changes over time.
Patients must become active participants in their care by advocating for themselves, asking questions, tracking progress, and partnering with knowledgeable healthcare providers to improve long-term health outcomes.outcomes.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk
Melody introduces PharmToTable, the functional medicine team, and the power of sharing personal health stories.
01:28 – Meet Dr. Mariya
Mariya shares her background as a pharmacist, nutrition professional, and educator working in lifestyle and functional medicine.
02:29 – Meet Dr. Diane
Diane discusses her pharmacy career, medication therapy management experience, and transition toward prevention-focused care.
04:42 – Why Functional Medicine Requires Time
The team discusses the limitations of conventional healthcare visits and the importance of deep, individualized patient care.
05:02 – Mariya's Personal Health Journey
Navigating motherhood, stress, weight gain, rising A1C levels, and the realization that self-care required more than surface-level solutions.
06:24 – The Continuous Glucose Monitor Wake-Up Call
How CGM data revealed hidden blood sugar spikes and transformed Mariya's understanding of nutrition and metabolic health.
08:03 – Why CGMs Can Be Powerful Learning Tools
The team discusses how real-time glucose data can motivate meaningful lifestyle changes.
10:00 – Insulin Resistance as a Root Cause
Exploring the connection between blood sugar regulation, inflammation, chronic disease, cancer risk, and longevity.
11:10 – Diane's Autoimmune Story Begins
A postpartum diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis leads Diane on a search for answers beyond conventional treatment.
13:17 – Receiving a Life-Changing Diagnosis
The emotional impact of being told she would need medication for the rest of her life.
14:22 – Discovering Functional and Naturopathic Medicine
How acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, elimination diets, and lifestyle changes helped Diane reclaim her health.
16:48 – From Personal Healing to Professional Passion
Why Diane became passionate about helping others address chronic disease through lifestyle medicine.
17:14 – The Importance of Self-Advocacy
The team discusses navigating the healthcare system and taking ownership of personal health decisions.
18:26 – Why Healing Takes Time
Understanding realistic expectations, root-cause healing, and the patience required for lasting change.
20:41 – Tracking Progress Objectively
How symptom questionnaires and health metrics help patients recognize improvements they might otherwise overlook.
21:50 – The Role of Family Support
Diane shares how support systems can influence long-term health success.
23:00 – Autoimmune Conditions, Food Sensitivities & Gut Health
A patient case study illustrates why addressing gut health is critical for long-term autoimmune management.
25:10 – Functional Medicine and Pharmaceuticals Can Coexist
The team discusses balancing natural approaches with appropriate medical interventions when necessary.
26:00 – When Medication Is the Right Tool
Examples involving ulcerative colitis, eczema, and severe symptoms that require immediate treatment before root-cause work can begin.
28:36 – Conversations Around Statins and Prevention
Exploring medication hesitancy, cardiovascular risk, and the importance of individualized decision-making.
30:39 – Mental Health, Medications, and Removing Stigma
Why some patients benefit from short-term pharmaceutical support while building sustainable lifestyle foundations.
32:05 – Questions Every Patient Should Ask
How to advocate for yourself by discussing treatment goals, timelines, outcomes, and evidence with your healthcare providers.
33:00 – Chronic Disease, Inflammation & Longevity
The team reflects on cardiovascular disease, metabolic health, and optimizing long-term wellness.
33:59 – Final Thoughts
A closing message on self-advocacy, partnership with healthcare providers, and the value of a functional medicine approach.
Resources Mentioned
Table Talk Podcast — Resources & Links
The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
Therapeutic Approaches Discussed
Functional Medicine
Integrative Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine
Food as Medicine
Mediterranean Diet
Elimination Diet
Detox Diet
Acupuncture
Physical Therapy
Intermittent Fasting
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Health Tools & Assessments
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
Medical Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ)
Food Sensitivity Testing
Stool Testing / Gut Microbiome Analysis
Organizations & Institutions
PharmToTable
Long Island University
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Medications Mentioned
Prednisone
Statins
Biologics (general discussion)
Antidepressants / Psychiatric Medications (general discussion)
Supplement Spotlight
Vitamin D / K2
Liquid - 1 fl oz
Purchase Today
D3 5000 with K2
60 Softgels
Purchase Today
35 min

About Table Talk

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In this podcast, our expert functional medicine pharmacists will help you make sense of all of the health and nutrition information out there - from fasting, to toxins, to supplements and more!

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