Functionally Speaking

Danielle Kepics & Laura Ligos

Welcome to Functionally Speaking— the podcast where two clinicians share one brain cell and way too many opinions.  We’re here for the nuance, the hot takes, the facts your certification skipped over, and the occasional spiral into chaos. If you’re a health coach, practitioner, or clinician who’s slightly functional (just like our mitochondria and our recording process), you’re in the right place. We’re not here to sugarcoat the science or pretend there’s one right way to do this work — we’re doing it our way. Unfiltered. Slightly feral. And always with love for the humans we serve. Let’s get into it.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    23. How to Design Protocols That Actually Work (Without Overwhelming Your Clients)

    Tired of wondering where to start—or how to actually move a client forward—when it comes to protocol design? If you’ve ever second-guessed your plans, felt overwhelmed by lab results, or struggled to figure out how to balance clinical insight with client capacity, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we break down what protocol design really looks like inside a thriving clinical practice—and why it’s so much more than just stacking supplements. We talk about the foundational pillars we never skip, how to prioritize based on labs and client history, and why slow, supportive progress always beats rigid plans. You’ll also hear the specific tools and strategies we use to individualize our recommendations and build trust and momentum with our clients. In this episode, we cover: 02:25 How we start designing protocols 04:24 The non-negotiable foundations we always build from06:37 Why client habits matter more than the perfect plan12:03 How we personalize protocols based on what’s actually doable17:32 When and how we integrate labs with client history23:05 The value of flexibility and not rushing the process26:56 Final thoughts + what’s coming next inside our community Links and resources mentioned: Listen to Episode 22. The Parasite Cleanse Craze: Marketing, Myths & What You Actually Need: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18452084 Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here. Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship. All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

    28 min

  2. 5 JAN

    22. The Parasite Cleanse Craze: Marketing, Myths & What You Actually Need

    Are parasites really the root of all your symptoms or just another fear-based fad? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re diving into the popular (and often problematic) phrase: “If you have a pulse, you have a parasite.” We unpack the rise of parasite cleanses in the functional health world, challenge the reflexive use of antimicrobials, and explore why a more nuanced, root-cause approach matters—especially when dealing with vulnerable clients. From testing limitations to the importance of clinical context, we share how we approach suspected parasite issues in our own practices and what truly sets clients up for success. Spoiler: it’s not monthly full-moon cleanses. In this episode, we cover: 01:51 Why “If you have a pulse, you have a parasite” makes us cringe04:03 When parasites are actually a concern and when they’re not07:00 What needs to be in place before you even think about treatment12:52 How stress changes everything (and why it's always relevant)14:36 Our final thoughts on discernment, red flags, and what’s coming next Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here. Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship. All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

    16 min

  3. 29/12/2025

    21. Masterclasses, Memberships, or 1:1? Choosing the Right Business Model for You

    What’s the best business model for a health and wellness practice? Should you launch a membership, stick with 1:1s, or start teaching masterclasses? If you’ve been feeling pressure to scale a certain way—but you’re not sure what actually works for you or your clients—this episode is for you. Today, we’re unpacking the real-world pros and cons of different business models we've tried—and why the “right” model is the one that matches your energy, your capacity, and the kind of impact you want to make. From the power of staying in 1:1 work (yes, we still love it) to the lessons we’ve learned running masterclasses and memberships, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how to choose the business structure that actually supports your life. In this episode, we cover: 01:21 What’s coming next: special guests + event previews01:53 Business model breakdown: the questions to ask yourself05:01 Why we still believe in 1:1 sessions (and when it’s worth keeping them)12:08 Masterclasses: how they fit, what to teach, and who they’re for16:26 Memberships: the hard truths, what works, and what doesn’t23:00 Final thoughts: you don’t have to do it all Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here. Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship. All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

    24 min

  4. 15/12/2025

    20. The 5 Tools Every Wellness Practitioner Needs in 2026

    Do you ever wonder what tools are actually worth investing in for your health and wellness business? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re sharing the exact tools that have transformed how we run our practice—from client communication and symptom tracking to batching content and finding community support. These are the platforms and systems we rely on every single day to work smarter (not harder), serve our clients better, and stay connected to other like-minded practitioners. Whether you’re full-time in your practice or still building it on the side, this episode gives you a peek behind the scenes into what’s working and what’s worth skipping. In this episode, we cover: 01:29 What we’re planning (and dreaming about) for 2026 inside the Unconventional Collaborative03:12 The tools that save us hours and keep our business running smoothly04:05 How we actually use Practice Better with clients 07:24 The one client questionnaire we use in every single case11:14 Why email still works and how we keep it simple and effective13:09 How we handle social media (without it taking over our lives)16:11 The ways we’re experimenting with AI in our business19:17 Why you need a community as a practitioner (and how to find one)24:43 What’s coming next—and why we’re so excited about these guests Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here. Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship. All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

    26 min

  5. 08/12/2025

    19. Perimenopause, HRT, and the Double Standards in Women’s Healthcare

    Have you ever been told you're in perimenopause but something about that felt off? Or maybe you’re a clinician who's had clients walk in with an “official” diagnosis, zero labs, and a whole lot of confusion. In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we unpack the growing wave of perimenopause talk—from the genuine support women deserve to the frustrating ways it’s being misdiagnosed, overused, and under-supported. We talk about the physiology of this transition, the red flags we look for when evaluating clients, the foundational work that needs to happen before hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is even on the table, and why so many women are more depleted than they even realize. Whether you’re a practitioner, someone navigating your 30s or 40s, or just tired of being dismissed, this conversation will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface—and what to do about it. In this episode, we cover: 01:48 When perimenopause is real—and when it’s not06:00 How late motherhood impacts hormone shifts10:00 Red flags: when HRT is prescribed without context13:00 Why so many women are told to “suck it up”16:00 Our go-to foundations before HRT 23:00 Caffeine, alcohol, depletion, and the stories we’re told26:00 What to ask yourself (or your client) before reaching for a patch or pill Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here. Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship. All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

    28 min

  6. 24/11/2025

    18. What NOT to Do in Your Wellness Business (Learn From Our Mistakes)

    Are you building your wellness business on shaky ground without even realizing it? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on all the things we’ve done wrong in business so you don’t have to. We’re talking about red-flag clients, pricing mistakes, boundary breakdowns, tech headaches, and how easy it is to end up resentful when you make exceptions "just this once." If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or stuck in business decisions that just don’t feel right, then this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: 01:48 What NOT to do in your business (even if you see everyone else doing it)11:35 Why clear boundaries with clients protect you and them16:03 Pricing from a place of alignment—not fear or ego18:32 Understanding the market and what value you actually provide18:52 Balancing client load with the energy you actually have19:56 Rethinking how you price, structure, and add value to your offers23:01 The importance of collaboration and not doing this alone24:23 Why entrepreneurship can feel like doing everything and nothing at the same time28:19 The danger of making “exceptions” that lead to resentment31:27 Originality vs. inspiration—and how to know the difference34:27 A sneak peek at exciting events coming to the Collaborative Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    37 min

  7. 17/11/2025

    17. Coaching the Burned-Out Client: Exercise, Stress, and Capacity Conversations

    Have your clients (or even you) ever used exercise as therapy only to end up more depleted than energized? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re breaking down how to help clients (and ourselves) find the right dose of exercise for their current season of life. From “go hard or go home” narratives to sneaky stressors like high-demand jobs, toddler wake-ups, or perfectionist tendencies, we share how to reframe movement through a truly functional lens. We also cover what the research says about minimum effective dose, signs that exercise might be doing more harm than good, and why giving clients “permission to do less” can actually unlock better outcomes. Whether you’re a clinician navigating this conversation with patients, or a woman juggling her own fitness goals, this episode will give you practical frameworks and empathetic language to support more sustainable exercise routines. In this episode, we cover: 01:56 Why “exercise is therapy” can be a red flag02:56 Looking at client history—not just their current workouts05:05 Season of life: capacity, stress, and what’s on their plate07:28 The sneaky stressors many clinicians overlook10:14 Red flags in labs and symptoms that signal overtraining19:54 How to approach cardio and lifting for real-life results22:52 What counts as “exercise” to your client?24:08 Why good programming (and good referrals) matter28:36 Real client stories and resistance to change34:56 Why doing less now can help you do more later36:19 Final tips and reminders for clinicians Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    37 min

  8. 10/11/2025

    16. How Undereating Wrecks Hormones, Metabolism, Sleep, and Sanity

    Are your clients hitting the gym, eating “clean,” and still feeling exhausted, anxious, and bloated? We see it all the time—women who are praised for their discipline but are actually deeply undernourished. And sometimes? Clinicians miss the signs too. In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re talking about one of the most common but overlooked issues in functional and conventional healthcare: undereating. Whether it's hiding behind food sensitivities, excessive exercise, or outdated calorie goals, under-fueling shows up in all sorts of sneaky ways. This one’s for clinicians who want to support their clients more holistically—and for high-achieving humans who are doing “everything right” and still not feeling like themselves. In this episode, we cover: 01:36 The impact of undereating on hormones and metabolism02:19 How diet culture teaches women to fear hunger05:22 When discipline disguises disordered eating09:51 Sneaky symptoms and lab clues your client is under-fueled16:03 Why macros aren’t enough—micronutrients matter, too17:37 What mineral depletion says about your metabolism18:00 The relationship between stress, food, and capacity18:51 Helping clients shift from weight loss to true health21:22 What to watch for in thyroid and sex hormone labs23:38 Coaching with compassion: the “capacity” conversation27:40 Sneaky signs of under-fueling even seasoned pros miss30:53 Why performance ≠ health—and how to help clients see that Links and resources: The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora: http://goodreads.com/book/show/58385699-the-anatomy-of-anxiety Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared.  Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    33 min
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About

Welcome to Functionally Speaking— the podcast where two clinicians share one brain cell and way too many opinions.  We’re here for the nuance, the hot takes, the facts your certification skipped over, and the occasional spiral into chaos. If you’re a health coach, practitioner, or clinician who’s slightly functional (just like our mitochondria and our recording process), you’re in the right place. We’re not here to sugarcoat the science or pretend there’s one right way to do this work — we’re doing it our way. Unfiltered. Slightly feral. And always with love for the humans we serve. Let’s get into it.

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle Kepics & Laura Ligos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Functionally Speaking
  • Show Website
    Functionally Speaking

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