The Synergee Podcast

Kelly Engelmann and Lori Esarey

Stress, default patterns and addiction , regardless of race, education or socio economic status , we all have patterns we fall into when we are stressed. How to identify the stress, understand the pattern and change your default. From college grad to homeless, addicted and losing everything to a life now of helping others, his story will certainly inspire you.

  1. 9 FEB

    Connection Is Medicine: How Oxytocin Impacts Cortisol, Cravings & Blood Sugar

    Description:  What if better blood sugar balance isn't just about what you eat or how much you move—but also about connection, safety, and your nervous system? In this episode of the Synergee Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Rita Marie Laska, a functional medicine clinician, nutritional endocrinology expert, and founder of the Institute of Nutritional Endocrinology. Dr. Rita Marie brings over 25 years of clinical experience helping patients and practitioners move beyond symptom management and into true root-cause healing. Together, we explore the powerful — and often overlooked — role of oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone," and how it directly impacts cortisol, insulin resistance, metabolic health, thyroid function, adrenal resilience, and sex hormones. This conversation connects the dots between stress, emotional safety, and blood sugar regulation, revealing why many people struggle with fatigue, weight gain, hormone imbalances, and insulin resistance—even when they're eating well and doing "all the right things." In this episode, we discuss: What oxytocin really is and why it matters for metabolic health How chronic stress and elevated cortisol drive insulin resistance The hormone "crosstalk" between insulin, thyroid, adrenals, and sex hormones Why connection, touch, and emotional safety are biological necessities How nervous system regulation supports blood sugar balance A food-first foundation that supports hormones and reduces inflammation Simple, practical ways to shift out of fight-or-flight and into healing If you've been stuck in a stress response, struggling with blood sugar, or feeling disconnected from your body, this conversation offers a refreshing, compassionate perspective on what real health restoration looks like.

    54 min
  2. 29/12/2025

    Best of The Synergee Podcast 2025: Most Powerful Health, Healing & Resilience Conversations of the Year

    As we close out the year, we're reflecting on the conversations that made the biggest impact. In this Best of The Synergee Podcast 2025 episode, we revisit the most powerful, most-shared, and most-loved moments from this year's episodes—featuring expert insights on functional medicine, nutrition, hormone health, nervous system regulation, trauma, inflammation, resilience, and whole-body healing. From eye-opening breakthroughs to practical tools you can apply immediately, these clips highlight the conversations that resonated most deeply with our community and helped redefine what it means to take ownership of your health. Whether you're new to The Synergee Podcast or a long-time listener, this year-in-review episode brings together the wisdom, inspiration, and science-backed strategies that shaped 2025—and sets the stage for what's coming next. Inside this episode: • The most impactful health and healing insights of the year • Functional medicine strategies for real-life resilience • Expert perspectives on mindset, inflammation, hormones, and nervous system health • The clips our listeners saved, shared, and replayed Thank you for being part of the Synergee community. We're honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey—and we can't wait to bring you even more transformative conversations in the year ahead.  Listen, reflect, and get inspired as we revisit the Best of 2025 on The Synergee Podcast.

    38 min

About

Stress, default patterns and addiction , regardless of race, education or socio economic status , we all have patterns we fall into when we are stressed. How to identify the stress, understand the pattern and change your default. From college grad to homeless, addicted and losing everything to a life now of helping others, his story will certainly inspire you.

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