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Wellness by Designs - Practitioner Podcast

Designs for Health

Welcome to Wellness by Designs
Your go-to podcast for evidence-based education and inspiration in integrative healthcare. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise in nutrition, herbal and naturopathic medicine, or sharpen your clinical and business skills, this podcast is made for you.

Join us as leading practitioners and researchers share their knowledge, clinical pearls, and personal journeys—designed to support your growth and enrich your practice.

So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let your continuing education begin.

Show notes and references: www.designsforhealth.com.au

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#152
August 20 · 44 min
How immunoglobulin therapy is reshaping gut and immune support with Dr. Chris Warner
Colostrum used to be a staple for gut and immune support, but if you’ve noticed product quality drifting, labels getting vague, or patients reacting poorly, you’re not imagining it. I sit down with Dr Chris Warner from Proliant Health and Biologics to unpack why Immunolin has become one of my preferred tools when I want consistent results and better tolerability, especially for people with fragile digestion. We break down what Immunolin actually is in plain terms: a serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin protein isolate, manufactured to deliver a standardised, high-IgG powder. From there, we get practical about what matters in clinic, including why raw material consistency changes everything for dosing, and why issues like lactose content and even endotoxin contamination can make some colostrum products a poor fit for patients who are already dealing with bloating, diarrhoea, gut inflammation, or suspected permeability problems. The most fascinating part is the mechanism. Chris explains how IgG can bind and neutralise antigens like LPS (endotoxin), helping reduce translocation across a “leaky” gut barrier and interrupt the inflammation loop. We also talk through where this may fit across IBS, IBD, SIBO, Crohn’s and other hard-to-treat cases, plus how dosing can shift from a short “get you back on track” phase to longer maintenance. We finish by exploring the gut-brain axis, microbiome modulation, and why Immunolin can work alongside probiotics, prebiotics, and other microbiome strategies rather than replacing them. If you’re a practitioner, or a curious patient who wants the why and the how, this is a grounded, research-informed listen. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave us a review so more people can find the conversation. For more information or to get in contact with Dr. Chris Warner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-warner-phd/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/phb1/ https://phb1.com/ Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#152
August 6 · 51 min
Build A Personalised Premium Program Practice with Rebekah Jones
Most practitioners don’t burn out because they care too much. They burn out because the business model quietly demands unpaid labour: analysing labs after hours, writing protocols on weekends, replying to emails between consults, and squeezing “deep work” into gaps that were never meant to hold it. We’re talking about the hidden time cost of the hourly consult model and what it looks like to shift into a personalised premium program model without losing the heart of one on one care. We're joined by Rebekah Jones, a practising dietitian and business educator who helps health professionals build hybrid programs that are clinical, ethical and genuinely personalised. We dig into what “program” really means in private practice: a structured client roadmap that can include consults, education, testing, resources and between session support, designed so clients can revisit the fundamentals while you focus your live time on what only you can do. Rebekah shares her “clinical intentional design” approach, so you stop guessing timelines and start building around evidence, retesting windows and real client outcomes. We also get honest about pricing, guilt, and ethics. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d give this away for free if I could,” we talk through why sustainable income protects clients too, and how transparency, fit and optional tiers keep premium offers grounded. Amy also shares details of Rebekah’s Premium Private Practice Method workshop, including custom AI tools to help with niche selection and pricing. If you’re ready to package the care you already provide and get paid for it fairly, listen now, then subscribe, share with a practitioner mate, and leave a review so more clinicians can build practices that last. Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#151
July 16 · 43 min
What Is Saffron Actually Doing in the Body? Mechanism, Delivery and the Potential Menopause Evidence with Benoit Lemaire
Most people think saffron is just a spice, but when you look closely, it’s a surprisingly complex botanical with a real problem in modern supplements: the compounds you can smell, and feel are often the first ones you lose during processing. We sit down with biochemist and Active Inside co-founder Benoit “Ben” Lemaire to unpack why safranal (the signature aromatic molecule) is volatile, why many extracts struggle to retain it, and how Safr'Inside uses a traditional adsorption and encapsulation approach to protect the raw material’s original profile. We also get practical about what “standardised” should mean. Ben explains why older UV methods mainly measure colour and can misrepresent “safranal”, and why UHPLC testing changes the game for quality control, consistency, and even adulteration detection. From there we explore the clinical implications: chronic stress studies versus the need for acute stress support, and the proposed roles of safranal and crocins across serotonin and dopamine pathways. Then we widen the lens to the gut-brain axis and published microbiome work (including Akkermansia and indole metabolites), plus where saffron research is heading next, like vision support in type 2 diabetes. If you care about evidence-based herbal medicine, stress supplements, and what actually matters in manufacturing, this chat gives you a clearer framework to assess saffron products. If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What question do you want us to tackle next? IXOM is the exclusive distribution partner for Activ'inside for ANZ. Please reach out to our team to learn more: Website - Activ'Inside : Your full service nutraceutical partner Linkedin - IXOM Life Sciences LinkedIn You can also find out more by searching for IXOM Life Sciences. Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#150
July 3 · 39 min
From Burnout to Balance: Women’s Health in Rural Australia with Jayne Sharpham
Perimenopause can feel like your body has changed overnight, but what if the real problem is that the health system around you is stretched thin and your nearest “next step” is hours away? We sit down with Tamworth naturopath Jane Sharpham to talk about women’s health in rural Australia, where isolation, long travel times, and limited access to gynaecologists and integrative doctors can turn manageable symptoms into months of stress, poor sleep, and feeling dismissed. We unpack what Jane sees daily in clinic: anxiety and depression that women feel they “shouldn’t” talk about, hot flushes and heavy bleeding, and the extra layer of advocacy required when scans, referrals, or hormone support are hard to access. Jane shares how she approaches clinical case taking to tease apart overlapping drivers like perimenopause, burnout, thyroid issues, and metabolic dysfunction, while still starting with what the patient needs most right now. You’ll also hear how she builds collaborative relationships with local GPs, and how testing choices can be shaped by cost and geography. Food and environment matter too. We explore rural nutrition realities, from limited fresh seafood and common omega-3 deficiency to the “four Maccas, two KFCs, zero salad bars” problem, plus rural exposures like farm sprays, mould in older homes, and water quality concerns. Jane outlines practical foundations and tools she uses for sleep, mood, oestrogen clearance, and cardiometabolic risk, including magnesium, iodine screening, and evidence-informed options like berberine and OEA when appropriate. She also introduces her Rural Clinic Initiative, a five-day intensive designed to bridge the gap between study and confident clinical practice in regional settings. If you care about perimenopause support, rural health care, naturopathy, and realistic strategies that work outside major cities, this conversation will land. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs better support, and leave a review to help more rural women and practitioners find the show. What’s the biggest barrier to care where you live? Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#149
June 18 · 57 min
Protecting Your Practice, Strong Foundations for Safe and Sustainable Care with Michelle Whitehead
A client complaint can hit like a shockwave, but the truth is most legal trouble starts long before that with tiny “it’ll be fine” decisions that slowly blur your boundaries. I’m joined by lawyer and mentor Michelle Whitehead from Carefree Counsel to talk about the real legal risks that show up in everyday clinical practice, especially for health and wellness practitioners who were never taught how to protect their business, their energy, or their intellectual property. We break down Michelle’s three-pillar best-practice framework: competence, capacity and connection. You’ll hear how staying within scope of practice protects your duty of care, why capacity is about systems as much as time, and how client fit and clear expectations prevent conflict. We also dig into “contracts that care”, including how to use plain English without losing legal strength, and how to create practitioner contracts and clinic policies you will actually enforce. Refunds and disputes are a big stress point, so we cover the essentials of Australian Consumer Law: consumer guarantees, what “no refunds” really means, and how to build a structured complaints process that keeps you calm and professional. We then move into intellectual property basics for practitioners who create courses, programs, handouts or content, including copyright, trademarks, business name registration, and protecting trade secrets. If you want practical next steps, we finish with a clear checklist: privacy policy, website terms and conditions, IP awareness, SOPs for “zombie days”, succession planning, and even a refund buffer. Subscribe, share this with a practitioner mate, and leave a review if it helps. What policy or boundary would make your practice feel safer this week? Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#148
June 4 · 56 min
Building a Sustainable Practice Model with Jabe Brown
If talking about money makes you squirm, your clinic might be paying the price. We sit down with Jabe Brown, practitioner and founder of Melbourne Functional Medicine, to get real about what it takes to build a sustainable naturopath or functional medicine practice in Australia without burning out or undercharging. We unpack the mindset piece first: the quiet money stories that lead to discounting, overdelivering, and never feeling “ready” to charge properly. Then we move into the practical mechanics that most practitioners were never taught at college, including cash flow vs profit, what “knowing your numbers” actually looks like, and why business skills often matter more than stacking another qualification when your diary is empty. A big focus is the dispensary and supplement side of clinic revenue. We break down markup vs margin in plain language, why small discounts can smash your margin, and how to treat your dispensary as a convenience-driven growth engine that supports patient adherence and your bottom line. Finally, we talk scalability: what to do when you are fully booked, how supply and demand influences pricing, and how models like practitioner plus health coach support can bridge the implementation gap between appointments. If you want a clinic that lasts, this is a grounded roadmap for clinic growth, pricing with confidence, and building systems for retention and referrals. Subscribe, share this with a practitioner mate, and leave a review with the one business change you are committing to next. Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#147
May 14 · 51 min
Optimising Brain Energy, Mood and Cognitive Resilience: Evidence-Based Nutraceutical Strategies with Jo Grabyn
Brain fog, anxiety, low mood and memory slips are often brushed off as “stress” or “menopause” until life starts shrinking. We sit down with degree-qualified functional nutritionist Jo Grabyn to challenge that story and unpack a more useful lens: brain health as a bioenergetic problem where mitochondria, inflammation and fuel supply shape how well we think, feel and sleep. Jo shares what pulled her into dementia prevention and cognitive optimisation, including the impact of family history, brain injury, and seeing reversal-focused research that pushes beyond the outdated “nothing can be done” narrative. We talk about why genetics like ApoE4 raise risk but don’t write your future, and why a proper assessment has to look at hormones, toxins, gut-brain signalling, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and the small details that most rushed consults miss. You’ll also hear practical prevention strategies you can start early: better sleep hygiene, smarter exercise with strength training, protein needs in perimenopause and menopause, and how to have a better conversation with your GP about tests that matter such as homocysteine, B vitamins, vitamin D and high-sensitivity CRP. We finish with clinician-loved tools that support calm and cognition, including saffron, L-theanine, creatine and nicotinamide riboside (NR), plus a case study where addressing mould exposure helped reverse a frightening cognitive trajectory. If you care about dementia prevention, mental health, cognitive resilience and healthy ageing, hit play, share this with a friend who’s been dismissed, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. If you found it helpful, leave a review and tell us what brain-health question you want answered next. Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#146
April 30 · 38 min
Confident and Integrative Co-Prescribing for MHT in Perimenopause and Menopause with Tracee Blythe
Menopause care has a memory problem. Many of us were trained in the shadow of the Women’s Health Initiative, where “hormones” became shorthand for danger, and a whole generation of clinicians stepped back from menopausal hormone therapy. But the products, delivery methods, and the evidence base have moved on, and women are the ones paying the price when we don’t keep up. We’re joined by naturopath, educator, and integrative co-prescribing specialist Tracee Blythe to talk through what modern MHT can look like in Australia, especially for perimenopause and menopause symptoms that wreck sleep, mood, joints, relationships and daily function. We unpack body-identical oestradiol and micronised progesterone, why unopposed oestrogen is a different risk conversation, and how route of delivery changes the clinical picture. Transdermal patches and gels can avoid first-pass liver effects and support steadier levels, while vaginal oestrogen can offer targeted relief for genitourinary syndrome of menopause with minimal systemic impact for most women. We also go into the real-world questions practitioners hear every day: what about soy and phytoestrogens, what’s food versus supplements, and how do we give evidence-based guidance without fear-mongering? Underneath it all is a bigger theme we keep coming back to: lifespan, health span and joy span. If a tool helps a woman sleep, think clearly, move without pain and feel like herself again, we should be able to discuss it openly and safely as part of holistic care. If you want deeper training, Tracy’s webinar on confident, integrative co-prescribing for MHT covers pharmacokinetics, interactions, red flags, monitoring, and when to refer and co-manage. Find Tracy on Instagram at @safe_co-prescribing, and if this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave us a review so more women can access better menopause support. Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#145
April 16 · 42 min
Beyond the blood test: what your iron results aren't telling you with Laura Taylor
Ferritin looks “fine” on your blood test, yet you still feel wiped out, breathless, flat, and foggy. Or you take iron faithfully and nothing moves. That gap between symptoms and pathology is where iron gets genuinely confusing, so we brought in naturopath Laura Taylor, who specialises in gut health and iron deficiency, to explain what’s actually happening beneath the numbers. We walk through iron absorption in plain language, then zoom in on inflammation and hepcidin, the hormone that can shut the ferroportin gate and trap iron where you cannot use it. From there, we unpack the difference between true iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency, why ferritin can rise during inflammation, and how relying on ferritin alone can lead to missed clues. We also talk transferrin and transferrin saturation, plus the inflammatory markers that help you spot when iron is being sequestered rather than replenished. On the practical side, we get into modern iron supplementation strategies, including alternate day dosing and why lower elemental doses can outperform the old high-dose approach. Laura shares why iron bisglycinate is often better tolerated, how too much iron can irritate the gut and feed unwanted microbes, and which cofactors matter most for results, including vitamin C, B12, folate, copper, and zinc. We finish with a clinician-style framework for finding the driver of low iron, from coeliac disease and IBS to heavy bleeding, NSAID use, thyroid changes, and the shifting hormone landscape of perimenopause and menopause. If you want clearer answers from your iron studies and a smarter plan that matches your body’s biology, hit play, subscribe, share this with someone who keeps being told “your iron is normal”, and leave a review to help more people find the show. PROMO OFFER: $50 off The Iron Code – an on-demand training to help practitioners feel confident treating iron deficiency. Listeners can use the code DFH50 to get $50 off, bringing the price to $90. Sign up for the training at thebiomecollective.com/learn Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#144
April 2 · 47 min
Hormones Decoded: Vitex and Creatine with Susan Hunter
Menopause isn’t just a hormone cliff, it’s a whole-body turning point that exposes every habit, stressor and system you’ve been carrying for decades. I’m joined by women’s health expert Susan Hunter, who brings 20 plus years of clinical pattern recognition to the perimenopause and menopause conversation, with a refreshingly grounded take: test where it counts, treat the woman in front of you, and stop chasing one-size-fits-all fixes. We start with Vitex (chaste tree) and get specific about the symptom pictures that make it shine, especially PMS patterns like breast tenderness, fluid retention, cravings, mood shifts and sleep changes. Susan shares the key pathology markers she leans on, including peak luteal progesterone, LH to FSH patterns, prolactin, cortisol and DHEAS, plus the red flags that make Vitex a poor choice. We also talk timing, what “working” looks like over two to three cycles, and how to use planned breaks when Vitex is part of longer-term perimenopause support. Then we zoom out to the foundations of midlife health: protein, muscle mass, bone density and brain function. Susan explains why creatine monohydrate has moved well beyond the gym floor, how she uses it for strength, recovery and cognitive symptoms like brain fog, and how to think about dosing in a practical way. We finish by naming the underestimated driver behind so many midlife symptoms: chronic stress and cortisol, and the simple nervous system tools that actually help women feel steady again. If you found this helpful, subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share it with a friend who’s navigating perimenopause, and leave a review to help more women find the show. What’s the one midlife change you want explained properly? Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#143
March 19 · 53 min
More than Hormones - Rethinking Perimenopause through the Neuro-Adrenal Lens with Brenda Rogers
Is perimenopause a hormonal breakdown or a redirection of power? In this episode, we sit down with naturopath and feminine wisdom teacher Brenda Rogers to reframe menopause through a neuroadrenal lens. Rather than chasing fluctuating sex hormones, we explore what truly moves the needle in clinic: stabilising the nervous system, anchoring blood sugar, restoring sleep depth, and helping women discern what is normal in midlife change. Brenda shares the lived journey behind her book Dragon Time and why clarity, not correction, is often the most therapeutic intervention. Across the conversation, we unpack the leadership emergence of the post-reproductive woman and the cultural blind spots that amplify anxiety, low mood, and self-doubt. You will hear how the “oestrogen veil” thinning can heighten both sensitivity and intuition, why protein-first nutrition and healthy fats calm the brain, and how minerals such as magnesium and calcium support muscular ease and deeper sleep. We also clarify practical testing priorities including fasting glucose, thyroid markers, and inflammatory indicators, while avoiding the common trap of overvaluing sex hormone panels that rarely change clinical direction during perimenopause. Therapeutically, we explore herbs that meet real-life demands: saffron to modulate neuroinflammation and steady mood, kava for muscular tension and focused calm, and Withania to support HPA axis resilience. Brenda reminds us that small, consistent dietary shifts and personalised herbal prescribing outperform supplement sprawl, and that conversations about grief, boundaries, courage, and meaning are as clinically relevant as any lab result. This episode offers a blueprint for transforming hot flushes, fractured sleep, and overwhelm into steadiness, clarity, and renewed purpose. If you are ready to stop pushing through and start directing energy towards what matters most, this is a conversation to share with your patients and your peers. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a reframe, and leave a review to tell us what you will stop giving your energy to this season. Connect with Brenda: www.brendarogers.com.au Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#142
March 12 · 1 hr 9 min
Beyond the Injection: Supporting Patients on GLP-1 Therapy with Wendy Burke
What if GLP-1 medications were not the end goal, but a clinical window to rebuild metabolic health with less noise and more intention? In this episode, we sit down with naturopath Wendy Burke to cut through the hype, stigma, and confusion surrounding GLP-1 therapies and focus on what practitioners actually need to know to support patients well. From first dose to exit strategy, this conversation offers a clear, step-by-step framework that protects muscle mass, gut health, and psychological wellbeing while helping patients maintain results long after treatment ends. We start with the gut–brain foundations, unpacking GLP-1 physiology, the incretin story, and how receptor agonists influence satiety, gastric emptying, insulin release, and inflammation. Wendy breaks down the evolution of therapy from liraglutide through to semaglutide and tirzepatide and helps separate true drug side effects from predictable consequences of reduced intake. This distinction becomes critical when managing gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and nutritional risk during titration. From there, the focus turns practical. You will hear clear guidance on pre-titration preparation, hydration strategies when thirst cues drop, protein-first nutrition to preserve lean mass, and simple ways to maintain fibre diversity even when appetite is low. We explore why monounsaturated fats tend to be better tolerated on a slower stomach, and why strength training remains non-negotiable for protecting resting metabolic rate. The conversation goes beyond macros into food psychology and behaviour. Wendy unpacks food noise versus hunger, shares neurodivergent-friendly tools to support regulation and consistency, and explores how menopause, weight bias, and environmental inflammation influence outcomes independent of weight loss. Finally, we map a humane and clinically sound exit runway, including tapering timelines, retraining satiety cues, accountability structures, and team-based care to reduce rebound risk. Whether you are prescribing, supporting, or co-managing patients on GLP-1 therapy, this episode offers a grounded framework that blends physiology, behaviour, and clinical compassion. Connect with Wendy: www.instagram.com/glp1supportnaturopath Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#141
February 19 · 44 min
Neuro-longevity, evidenced based approaches for nervous system health with Damian Kristoff
Want your patients’ brains to feel younger for longer? In this episode, we explore neuro longevity through a practitioner lens with chiropractor and naturopath Damien Kristof - challenging the idea that better brain health comes from adding more hacks. Instead, Damien unpacks a clear hierarchy: heal the nervous system from the top down and inside out, remove interference, and let the body do what it’s designed to do. Drawing on decades of clinical practice and lessons from Blue Zones like Icaria and Sardinia, we examine why purpose ignites the brain, community keeps it resilient, and daily, natural movement consistently outperforms punishing exercise. Nutrition still matters - but it’s the unsexy fundamentals that protect mitochondria and calm inflammation: adequate protein, fibre-rich and colourful plants, and stable blood sugar. Together, we map seven pillars that shape health span, not just lifespan: purpose, engagement, movement, nutrition, community, spirituality, and finance. You’ll hear why spirituality provides nervous system perspective, how financial security reduces chronic stress load, and why social connection is one of the most under-prescribed neuroprotective tools. We also tackle Australia’s “last twelve years” problem and how habit-first, systems-based care can help patients age better, not just longer. From a clinical standpoint, Damien reframes nutrients as messengers and building blocks rather than fixes, explains the value of tracking trends over ninety days, and shares simple, practical strategies to support vagal tone through posture and breath. For targeted support, we discuss calming nervines for wired-tired states and spotlight emerging evidence on saffron for neuroinflammation and mood support. The key takeaway for practitioners: build a life—and a care plan—that protects the nervous system first, then layer in supplements and herbs with precision Connect with Damian: Damian Kristof | Wellness Professional Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#140
February 5 · 51 min
From Polyphenols to Butyrate: A Clinical Framework for Feeding Keystone Species with Dan Sipple
What if your gut symptoms aren’t about what you’re taking, but who you’re feeding? Gut change doesn’t start with a supplement aisle sweep. It starts with the small but mighty species running your internal ecosystem. In this episode, functional naturopath Dan Sippel joins us to unpack how keystone bacteria shape gut barrier integrity, immune tolerance and metabolic health, and why the right polyphenols, fibres and bile acids can stabilise a volatile gut without triggering flare-ups. We explore short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, as the microbiome’s currency, influencing inflammation, insulin sensitivity and even brain signaling. Dan shares a laddered strategy for IBS- and SIBO-prone patients: start with low-aggravation polyphenols like pomegranate peel and green tea to lift Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium; introduce partially hydrolysed guar gum as tolerance improves; then progress to resistant starch once the gut lining calms. Along the way, we break down cross-feeding, when direct butyrate makes sense, and why single-strain probiotics only work when you know the strain’s job. We also dive into bile acids as the missing link in many stuck cases, including constipation, fat maldigestion, hormone symptoms and perimenopause transitions. You’ll learn how dysbiosis disrupts primary-to-secondary bile acid conversion and how to run a practical gut oil change using choleretics, ox bile or TUDCA. Plus, we cover iron repletion without microbiome damage, the role of sleep and melatonin in T-reg signaling, vagal tone support with L-theanine and kava, and a simple daily polyphenol five you can rotate with patients: cacao, blueberries, pomegranate, raw carrot and green tea. If you’ve cycled through fibres, probiotics and antimicrobials without lasting results, this conversation offers a sequence that sticks. Build the terrain first, protect keystone species, match fibres to the phase, and retest to prove progress as SCFAs rise and inflammation falls. Connect with Dan: The Functional Naturopath Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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January 29 · 40 min
ENCORE: A Deep Dive into Acne with Jacinta Barbagallo
Why isn’t your acne responding, no matter how “clean” your skincare routine is? In this eye-opening episode, skin specialist nutritionist Jacinta Barbagallo shares why stubborn breakouts rarely start on the skin’s surface—and why real solutions lie far deeper. Together, we explore the three root causes of acne: retention keratosis, hypersebum secretion, and skin pH imbalance, and the surprising internal drivers behind them, from nutrient deficiencies and cortisol surges to gut dysfunction and metabolic imbalances. Jacinta unpacks how to go beyond surface-level treatment with targeted clinical tools like strategic blood testing (e.g. SHBG, fasting glucose, insulin, hormone panels) and foundational nutritional strategies, including 30g of protein per meal, omega fatty acid balance, and key herbal medicines like burdock, Oregon grape, and peony licorice. Most importantly, she reframes what progress really looks like. With hormones taking months to recalibrate and skin cells needing 6–8 weeks to renew, Jacinta shares what signs to look for along the way, like faster breakout recovery and reduced inflammation. Whether you're navigating your own skin challenges or supporting clients through theirs, this episode offers a comprehensive and empowering roadmap to finally understanding what your skin is trying to tell you. Connect with Jacinta Discover the Clear Skin Blueprint Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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January 22 · 1 hr 11 min
ENCORE: Unmasking the Truth: The Science Behind qPCR Stool Testing with Dr Tom Fabian
Can modern qPCR technology truly deliver accurate, trustworthy results for your patients? In this episode, we delve into the world of qPCR stool testing, with Dr Tom Fabian unravelling the common myths surrounding its validity and reliability. Throughout the episode, we explore the scientific evidence that underpins qPCR stool testing, addressing misconceptions and highlighting its role in clinical decision-making. Listeners will gain insights into the types of conditions that qPCR stool testing can effectively uncover and get an insight into the interpretation of test results, offering practical tips on integrating qPCR stool testing into routine clinical assessments. The episode also covers technological advancements that enhance test accuracy and reliability, demonstrating its effectiveness in clinical practice. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional or new to the field, this episode offers a deep dive into how qPCR stool testing can enhance patient care and decision-making, leaving you well-informed and equipped with the knowledge to make confident diagnostic choices. Meet Dr Tom Fabian, PhD Dr. Fabian is a leading expert on the role of the microbiome in health, immune function, chronic disease, and aging. As a translational scientist, his primary focus is on the clinical application of microbiome research in the integrative and functional medicine space. He received his PhD in molecular biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and has worked as a biomedical researcher in the biotechnology industry, and more recently, as a consultant in the microbiome testing field. Currently, Dr. Fabian serves a consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, and he is also a Science Advisory Board member with Designs for Health. In addition, he is certified as a Nutrition Therapy Practitioner by the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver. Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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January 15 · 54 min
ENCORE: Beyond Leaky Gut: Clinical Guidelines for Intestinal Permeability with Dr. Brad Leech
In this episode, Dr Brad Leech shares the exclusive results of his PhD research, which produced the first comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for intestinal permeability. Dispelling common myths about "leaky gut syndrome," Dr Leech explains why intestinal hyperpermeability is a legitimate physiological reaction—not a syndrome—and how his meticulously developed, evidence-based guidelines can transform clinical practice. This episode provides invaluable insights into the following: The rigorous methodology behind developing clinical practice guidelines, including stakeholder engagement, comprehensive literature review, and systematic evaluation of over 10,000 research articles The critical importance of risk-of-bias assessment when evaluating research—a cornerstone of methodology that helps practitioners look beyond cherry-picked studies and misleading claims How to systematically evaluate research quality by examining randomization procedures, analysis methods, conflict of interests and clinical relevance rather than accepting published findings at face value Surprising findings about commonly used interventions in intestinal permeability, including evidence that certain probiotics may not be effective for NSAID-induced permeability despite their widespread recommendation Evidence-based assessment of treatments for intestinal permeability using the NHMRC grading matrix to evaluate research quality Practical recommendations and evidence-supported interventions that meet the threshold for clinical relevance Dr Leech's work represents a significant advancement in the field, bringing scientific rigour to an area often clouded by opinion and marketing claims. Learn how these new guidelines can help you make more informed clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches to intestinal permeability. Connect with Dr Leech: Dr Brad Leech Read: The IP Guideline Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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January 8 · 52 min
ENCORE: The link between Histamine Intolerance and the Methylation Pathway with Zelda Graham
Why Women Are More Vulnerable—and What You Can Do Clinically Could histamine intolerance be the hidden driver behind your patient’s anxiety, bloating, headaches, or skin flares? In this episode, nutritionist and epigenetics expert Zelda Graham breaks down the complex interplay between histamine, methylation dysfunction, gut health, and hormonal imbalances—especially in women. You’ll gain critical insights into the role of DAO and HNMT enzymes, estrogen’s impact on histamine load, and why symptoms often worsen during ovulation and perimenopause. Zelda also shares clinical strategies to identify and address root causes like mould exposure, gut dysbiosis, and methylation SNPS—plus targeted therapies using nutrients like quercetin, NAC, liposomal glutathione, and calcium D-glucarate. This episode is essential listening for practitioners managing complex, multisystem female presentations—from hormone imbalances to unresolved histamine-related inflammation. Connect with Zelda: Website: www.byronhealthandnutrition.com Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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January 1 · 43 min
ENCORE: Ubiquinol: The Missing Link in Cardiovascular Health with Dr Ross Walker
Is Ubiquinol the Missing Nutrient for Lifelong Heart Health? In this eye-opening episode of Wellness by Designs, Dr Ross Walker, a renowned cardiologist with 25 years dedicated to preventative medicine, challenges the conventional approach to heart disease, statins and cholesterol management. Central to the discussion is ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, essential for mitochondrial energy production and a powerful antioxidant. Dr Walker explains how our natural production of ubiquinol begins declining around age 30 and drops sharply by 50, contributing to fatigue and reduced cardiovascular resilience. Dr Walker explores why many patients with “normal” cholesterol still develop significant coronary artery disease, arguing that coronary calcium scoring offers a far superior risk assessment tool than standard cholesterol tests. Dr Walker also addresses statin-associated muscle symptoms, recommending 150 mg of ubiquinol daily for statin users, citing research showing a 50% reduction in muscle problems, and up to 300 mg for those with heart failure to support cardiac function and endothelial health. From mitochondrial health to protection against oxidative stress, this episode highlights why ubiquinol may be a cornerstone in maintaining cardiovascular wellness and why a more personalised, evidence-based approach is needed to truly prevent heart disease. Connect with Dr Walker: Home - Dr Ross Walker Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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#139
Dec 18, 2025 · 50 min
Posting with Purpose: A Sustainable Social Media Framework for Clinicians with Bec Talia
What if the key to growing your clinic online isn’t posting more - but posting with purpose? In this episode, we sit down with naturopath and strategist Rebecca Talia to explore a calmer, more strategic way for healthcare practitioners to show up on social media. Instead of chasing trends or feeling pressured to be perfect, Rebecca reframes social platforms as a living extension of your website, a place where prospective clients can hear your voice, understand your values, and get a sense of how you work. We unpack the fears that keep many clinicians silent: worrying about saying the “wrong” thing, looking unpolished, or being judged by peers. Rebecca replaces those fears with clarity of purpose - educate, connect, and invite. From there, we map the boundaries that make authenticity sustainable: what to keep private, how to protect your family and location, and why trust does not require vulnerability that feels unsafe or misaligned. You’ll learn how a simple cadence of one to three posts per week is enough to build momentum, and how consistency outperforms volume every time. Then we move into the practical framework practitioners can start using today. Attraction posts help new people find you through plain-language education and myth-busting. Nurture posts deepen trust with behind-the-scenes process and de-identified case insights. Conversion posts offer clear, low-pressure invitations - book a discovery call, download a resource, or join an upcoming workshop. Rebecca also explains how “giving” content like recipes and checklists boosts saves and shares, expanding your reach so your invitations land with the right audience. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by algorithms, trends, or the pressure to overshare, this conversation brings relief, clarity, and an actionable roadmap. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a confidence boost, and let us know the one shift you’ll make in your posting routine. Shownotes and references are available on the Designs for Health website Register as a Designs for Health Practitioner and discover quality practitioner- only supplements at www.designsforhealth.com.au Follow us on Socials Instagram: Designsforhealthaus Facebook: Designsforhealthaus DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
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