The Rock Bottom Podcast

Patrick Sullivan Jr. & Ashley Leroux

Welcome to The Rock Bottom Podcast presented by Jigsaw Health—where we share health horror stories that inspire. Each episode, we explore raw, unfiltered journeys of survival—experiences that will inspire, educate, and remind you that no matter how low you feel, there’s always a way up

  1. 5D AGO

    Chronic Illness, Inflammation & Ayurveda | Dr. Shivani Gupta

    Dr. Shivani Gupta was known as “the sick kid,” constantly battling infections and relying on antibiotics. By college, her health had deteriorated to the point where daily life felt impossible. In this episode, she shares how a breaking point led her to Ayurveda, where she rebuilt her health and now teaches others that symptoms aren’t random — they’re signals pointing to the root cause. Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner and turmeric researcher who helps women reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and boost energy with Elemental Design™, Mental Inflammation™ tools, and gut-forward routines. Her new book, The Inflammation Code (Hay House, February 2026), offers a clear, non-diet plan for cooling chronic inflammation. She hosts the Fusionary Health Podcast and created the Emmy-nominated TV show Vibrant Health with Dr. Shivani Gupta. More at shivanigupta.com. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@TheShivaniGupta YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.shivanigupta/videos Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theshivanigupta Website: www.shivanigupta.com The Inflammation Code book: www.theinflammationcode.com  Fusionary Formulas: www.fusionaryformulas.com 7-Day Inflammation Detox Challenge: https://www.7dayinflammationdetox.com/optin1641313075014 Anti-Inflammatory E-Cookbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ItNJ1DV3XsOn5MwBbSpeTFH8o3KFu2qk/view?usp=sharing The Inflammation Code Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inflammation-code/id1680587836 Rock Bottom Podcast is sponsored by: @JigsawHealthTV Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therockbottom.podcast Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockbottom.podcast ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the Rock Bottom Podcast 01:58 – Growing Up “The Sick Kid” 03:56 – Rock Bottom: Severely Ill in India 04:10 – Saying No to Another Prescription 05:08 – Discovering Ayurveda 06:54 – A Complete Health Transformation 08:17 – Bridging Eastern & Western Medicine 12:52 – Inflammation: The Root of Modern Symptoms 23:08 – “Tea Time is Me Time” & Nervous System Health 27:11 – What Inflammation Actually Feels Like 34:25 – Turmeric, Gut Health & Healing 43:44 – Your Body Isn’t Broken 47:50 – Where to Start Your Healing Journey

    57 min
  2. MAR 18

    The Female Athlete Triad, Hashimoto’s & Healing | Dr. Maddie Wagner

    As a teenager and professional ballet dancer, Dr. Maddie Wagner struggled with the female athlete triad — an eating disorder, over-exercise, and losing her menstrual cycle for years. At just 17 years old, she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and PCOS, beginning a long and confusing journey through medications, symptoms, and searching for answers. Her real rock bottom came later — after years of treatment that left her feeling worse, multiple injuries including ACL surgery, and the realization that the conventional approach wasn’t addressing the root cause. Through diet changes, addressing gut health, stress management, and a shift in mindset, Dr. Maddie slowly rebuilt her health and ultimately became a chiropractor focused on helping others do the same. In this episode, we discuss: • The female athlete triad and why it’s so common in young athletes • Hashimoto’s and PCOS diagnoses in teenagers • Why many treatments only address symptoms • The connection between gut health and autoimmune conditions • Stress, sleep, and environmental triggers like mold • Why Maddie believes “the body doesn’t make mistakes” Featured Guest: Dr. Maddie Wagner Chiropractor & Functional Health Practitioner Co-Owner, The Wellness Way – North Scottsdale Website: https://thewellnesswaynorthscottsdale.com Instagram: @thewellnessway.northscottsdale Chapters0:00 Intro 0:23 Maddie’s Health Story Begins 1:29 Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s & PCOS at 17 3:22 The Female Athlete Triad Explained 5:13 When Treatment Made Symptoms Worse 8:56 Questioning the Diagnosis 11:20 Getting Off Medication 13:06 Diet Changes & Thyroid Antibodies Disappear 16:14 Treating Symptoms vs Root Cause 18:12 Life as a Professional Ballet Dancer 19:31 ACL Injury Ends Her Dance Career 22:02 Symptoms Continue in Her 20s 24:07 Second Knee Surgery & Recovery 26:08 Anxiety, Faith & Mental Healing 29:14 What Rock Bottom Felt Like 31:03 How She Rebuilt Her Health 33:28 Root Causes of Thyroid Issues 36:03 Stress, Gut Health & Mold Exposure 37:01 Stress Management Habits 39:23 Healing Gut Issues 41:37 “The Body Doesn’t Make Mistakes” 44:27 Why Healing Stories Matter 46:00 Changing Habits & Lifestyle 47:44 Where to Find Dr. Maddie Wagner Presented by:  @JigsawHealthTV  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Zpj6O04BDznHju7zG8ErR?si=bc40afcbe5b145c1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rock-bottom-podcast/id1809787645 Do you have a health horror story that inspires? Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://forms.gle/aqwJVZXAFFjnyTyS8

    50 min
  3. MAR 4

    Fit, Healthy… Still Empty? When Fitness Became an Idol: Alisa Keeton | Ep18

    Alisa Keeton is the founder of Revelation Wellness, a global nonprofit equipping thousands of health and fitness professionals to pursue wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. A longtime fitness leader, author, and speaker, Alisa built a thriving career helping others transform their bodies. From the outside, she looked like the picture of health — disciplined, successful, and in control. But beneath the surface, she was carrying the weight of a turbulent upbringing, a fractured sense of identity, and a marriage that nearly ended in its first year. Fitness had become both her refuge and her idol. Her rock bottom didn’t look like collapse — it looked like success. After confronting the internal emptiness that external control couldn’t fix, Alisa began exploring a deeper integration of biology and belief. In this conversation, she shares how chronic stress reshapes the brain, why “it’s never just about the food,” and how nervous system regulation, small daily habits, and silence may support lasting change. What emerged from that journey was Revelation Wellness — a movement now spanning more than 4,000 instructors worldwide, helping people shift from chasing weight loss to gaining true health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health routine. Featured Guest: Alisa Keeton Founder of Revelation Wellness Author & Fitness Professional Website: https://www.revelationwellness.org Instagram: @alisakeeton and @revelationwellness CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Without truth: obsession or neglect 00:23 – Episode introduction: Alisa Keeton’s story 00:45 – Medical disclaimer 01:02 – Growing up watching body shame at home 02:05 – Formula, processed food & the 60s health shift 02:48 – Yo-yo dieting and childhood resolve 03:33 – The 1985 aerobics moment at 14 06:58 – Exercise as nervous system regulation 09:15 – When fitness became identity 10:13 – Pride, comparison & diet culture in the 80s 11:16 – Early fitness career & weight loss “math” 12:04 – Why people can’t stick to diets 12:30 – Picture of health, marriage on the rocks 17:07 – Hitting relational rock bottom 18:38 – The woman at the well moment 23:04 – Building Revelation Wellness 33:36 – “It’s never about the food” 34:36 – What workout is best for longevity? 37:18 – Vanity vs ability 38:22 – Why no one teaches us to listen to ourselves 40:42 – Community vs isolation in healing 42:32 – Chronic stress reshapes the brain 44:34 – Orbitofrontal cortex & changing habits 45:58 – Why extreme diets fail 46:49 – Gaining health vs losing weight 47:20 – Tiny habits & sustainable change Presented by:  @JigsawHealthTV  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Zpj6O04BDznHju7zG8ErR?si=bc40afcbe5b145c1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rock-bottom-podcast/id1809787645 Do you have a health horror story that inspires? Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://forms.gle/aqwJVZXAFFjnyTyS8

    59 min
  4. PANS/PANDAS, Seizures & Finding Hope: Emma Horn | Ep17

    FEB 18

    PANS/PANDAS, Seizures & Finding Hope: Emma Horn | Ep17

    Emma Horn was 14 years old when she suddenly began having uncontrollable seizures. Her scans came back “normal.” Her bloodwork showed nothing alarming. And multiple doctors told her — and her family — that it was psychological, behavioral, or something she was “pretending.” In this episode of The Rock Bottom Podcast, Emma shares her harrowing journey through severe neurological symptoms, repeated medical dismissal, and years of living trapped inside a body she could not control. Eventually, Emma was diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS, a rare autoimmune condition that can be triggered by infections like strep and staph — even when there are no obvious symptoms. Emma opens up about what it feels like to lose speech, motor skills, memory, and identity while still being fully aware inside. She talks about medical gaslighting, misdiagnosis, insurance barriers, and the emotional toll on both patients and caregivers when answers don’t come easily. This conversation also explores the long, nonlinear road toward healing, the role of immune-based treatment approaches, and what it means to slowly reclaim your life after years of illness. This episode is for anyone who has been told their symptoms are “all in their head,” whose labs don’t explain their suffering, or who feels unseen inside the healthcare system. Emma’s story is a powerful reminder that healing sometimes begins only after someone finally listens. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health routine. Chapters 00:00 Coming Up This Episode 00:26 Podcast Intro: Emma Horn’s Health Horror Story 00:52 Medical Disclaimer (Informational Only) 01:06 Technical Note: First Remote Recording 01:25 Interview Begins: Take Us Back to Rock Bottom 02:27 First Seizure: Losing Control at Age 14 02:45 Early Symptoms Before the Seizures 03:40 Urgent Care After the First Seizure 04:53 Given Benadryl for Seizures 05:43 No Tests, No Treatment in the Hospital 06:18 “This Seems Like Negligence” 08:16 Sent Home While Still Seizing 10:07 Arriving at the Memphis ER 12:25 Scans Normal, No Clear Answers 15:02 Losing Skills, Independence, and Daily Function 17:56 Discovering PANS/PANDAS as an Autoimmune Cause 26:40 How Healing Finally Began 38:25 TrueDose PRP Therapy Explained 46:19 Three Months Seizure-Free 58:02 “Unknown Known Hacker” and Life After Illness Presented by Jigsaw Health Because It's Fun to Feel Good

    1h 3m
  5. Invisible Illness & “Normal” Labs: Monica Hershaft | Ep16

    FEB 4

    Invisible Illness & “Normal” Labs: Monica Hershaft | Ep16

    Monica Hershaft is a functional health practitioner specializing in mystery illness, chronic symptoms, and conditions that don’t show up on standard lab tests. She works with people who have been told their symptoms are “normal,” unexplained, or all in their head. Before entering the health space, Monica was an actor, dancer, and lifelong athlete living in Los Angeles — until a popular, professionally supervised detox triggered a severe health collapse that left her unable to function. In this episode of The Rock Bottom Podcast, Monica shares her decade-long journey through chronic illness, normal bloodwork, and repeated medical dismissal. She opens up about living with invisible illness, the emotional impact of medical gaslighting, and how losing trust in your own body can be as damaging as the physical symptoms themselves. This conversation explores why so many people fall through the cracks of the healthcare system — and why healing often begins when someone finally listens and treats the source. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health routine. FEATURED GUEST Monica Hershaft Functional health practitioner specializing in mystery illness & complex chronic symptoms Founder of Treat the Source https://www.treatthesource.com   Instagram: @treatthesource CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 00:45 – The trendy detox that started everything 01:54 – Early symptoms: fatigue, insomnia, palpitations, brain fog 03:17 – “All my labs were normal” 04:31 – Ignoring intuition vs trusting medical authority 09:27 – Timeline check: Thanksgiving 2000 to Valentine’s Day 2001 10:39 – Being told it’s anxiety or depression 18:49 – Growing up in animal-rights activism & food identity 24:08 – Losing friends when illness is invisible 29:51 – Detox overload, gallbladder dysfunction & auto-intoxication 40:14 – When treatment made things worse 42:30 – “I can’t help you if you’re vegan” (the turning point) 01:11:37 – Rock bottom: zero → feeling better than ever Do you have a health horror story that inspires? Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://forms.gle/aqwJVZXAFFjnyTyS8 Presented by Jigsaw Health Because It's Fun to Feel Good

    1h 17m
  6. From Frozen Shoulder to Cu-riousity: Morley Robbins | EP15

    JAN 21

    From Frozen Shoulder to Cu-riousity: Morley Robbins | EP15

    When former hospital executive Morley Robbins developed a frozen shoulder in his early 50s, the pain brought every part of his life to a halt. What followed—divorce, career loss, and reinvention—became the beginning of a completely new path. In this episode, Morley shares his journey from debilitating pain to discovering a new purpose. He discusses: The emotional storm leading up to his rock-bottom momentThe unexpected chiropractic session that changed everythingHow stress may influence minerals and energyWhy curiosity and resilience shaped the rest of his careerThe origins of the Root Cause Protocol and his lifelong research practiceFEATURED GUEST Morley Robbins (sometimes called “Magnesium Man”) is the creator and founder of The Root Cause Protocol (RCP) and the Magnesium Advocacy Group.  He holds a BA in Biology (from Denison University) and an MBA in healthcare administration (from George Washington University).  After decades working as a hospital executive and consultant, Robbins underwent a dramatic personal health crisis — a frozen shoulder so severe it disrupted his life. That experience prompted him to deep-dive into mineral metabolism (magnesium, copper, iron) and ultimately build the RCP as a mineral-based framework for restoring energy, balance, and long-term health.  Morley’s book, “Cure Your Fatigue” now available wherever books are sold: https://cureyourfatiguebook.com  The Root Cause Protocol: https://therootcauseprotocol.com This book presents the RCP in full: how mineral imbalance (especially copper, magnesium, and iron) can underlie fatigue and chronic disease, and offers practical, research-based guidance to restore balance. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health routine. TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS 00:00 — Morley’s frozen shoulder brings his life to a standstill 01:12 — Welcome to The Rock Bottom Podcast 02:12 — Reconnecting after 15 years and the origins of RCP 04:29 — Morley’s early years as a hospital executive 06:29 — Consulting, mentors, and high-pressure environments 08:31 — The body breaks down after years on the road 09:41 — What frozen shoulder feels like and failed early solutions 11:13 — A pivotal visit to an apothecary leads to chiropractic care 12:26 — The adjustment that instantly lifted his arm 13:35 — “The innate healer” and Morley’s shift in understanding 15:10 — Stress, divorce, and the emotional collapse behind the scenes 18:00 — Skydiving to clear the cobwebs and start over 19:22 — Discovering magnesium and early mineral research 27:18 — What stress may do to minerals and energy production 34:41 — Copper, food, and how nutrition has changed 51:52 — Morley’s rock-bottom score and where he is today Do you have a health horror story that inspires? Apply to be a guest on the podcast: https://forms.gle/aqwJVZXAFFjnyTyS8 Presented by Jigsaw Health Because It's Fun to Feel Good

    58 min
  7. Fighting Black Mold: Marina Ortega | EP14

    JAN 7

    Fighting Black Mold: Marina Ortega | EP14

    Marina Ortega is the founder of Scottsdale Hydrotherapy, Arizona’s leading colon hydrotherapy and wellness center, and the co-creator of Trust Your Gut, a national wellness brand offering USDA Organic, gut-focused detox products, protocols, and education. A former college professor, master gardener, and semiprofessionally trained chef, Marina blends science, nature, and nutrition into a holistic approach to healing that’s both practical and transformative. Her personal journey from struggling with chronic mold exposure, dental trauma, and parasitic infections ignited her passion to help others heal from the inside out. Over nearly three decades and more than 30,000 colon hydrotherapy sessions, Marina has become recognized as a true pioneer in the field of gut health and natural detoxification. Her Scottsdale-based center offers a spa-like environment that merges education with experience helping thousands of clients restore balance through colon hydrotherapy, HOCATT ozone sauna, lymphatic drainage, and herbal detox support. Together with her partner and husband, Steve, Marina launched Trust Your Gut to make these same healing tools accessible at home offering  USDA organic castor oil, wraps, USDA teas, enema kits, and drainage protocols that support foundational wellness. The brand’s mission is simple: to help people take control of their health naturally, affordably, and confidently. Known affectionately as the “Poop Fairy,” Marina is redefining how people think and talk about gut health replacing shame with empowerment and science with soul. Through her education, humor, and transparency, she reminds audiences that true healing begins with awareness, self-responsibility, and a willingness to listen to your gut — literally and figuratively. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health routine. FEATURED GUEST Marina Ortega The OG poop fairy 💩🧚 Owner/Founder of @scottsdalehydrotherapy & @trustyourgutshop✨ Colonics, Enemas, Detox, & All Things GUT HEALTH Website: https://scottsdalehydrotherapy.com Instagram: @marinathepoopfairy CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – “I’m having trouble breathing…” 00:26 – Welcome to the show & Marina’s introduction 00:45 – Important medical disclaimer 01:20 – Marina’s rock bottom begins in Flagstaff 03:09 – “Worst labs in 25 years”: black mold, fungi, mycoplasma 05:10 – Detox quotes from $30k up to $90k 08:17 – Parasites on top of mold exposure 10:03 – Liver enzymes elevated & using coffee enemas 13:14 – Mold testing confusion and fear 16:50 – Likely exposure source: a gym steam room 24:04 – If you just found out you have mold: where to begin 27:02 – Coffee enema basics and safety 31:04 – Constipation as a silent epidemic 33:21 – Parasite tea, binders, and gut scrubbers 34:55 – Don’t cleanse if you’re constipated 45:49 – Free tools: sun, movement, sweating 46:47 – Where to find Marina & her business 50:03 – TikTok cleanses and sequencing Presented by Jigsaw Health Because It's Fun to Feel Good

    54 min
  8. Finding Your Model of Health: Chemaine Linnie | EP13

    12/17/2025

    Finding Your Model of Health: Chemaine Linnie | EP13

    At just 18 years old, Chemaine Linnie hit rock bottom—280 pounds, a single mom, and told her life was over. But instead of giving up, she turned her pain into purpose. With faith, family, and determination, Chemaine lost 150 pounds and rebuilt her health from the inside out. In this inspiring episode of The Rock Bottom Podcast, Chemaine shares how she transformed her body and mindset after hitting rock bottom, the daily habits that helped her lose 150 pounds naturally, and why true healing starts with mindset, movement, and faith. She also offers practical tips for better sleep, nutrition, and hormone balance. Chemaine’s journey is a reminder that real transformation takes time, courage, and self-belief—and that it’s never too late to start your own health journey. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health routine. Chapter Timestamps:  00:00 — Welcome to The Rock Bottom Podcast  00:33 — Introducing Chemaine Linnie and her story  03:44 — Growing up in Dublin and early struggles  04:12 — The moment she hit rock bottom  05:04 — The dress incident that changed everything  06:09 — Joining Weight Watchers and finding faith  10:12 — Losing 150 pounds and discovering purpose  12:38 — The power of slow, steady progress  14:00 — The role of encouragement and community  15:25 — What her diet looked like then vs. now  18:06 — Food as comfort and early trauma  20:12 — Reflecting on processed food culture  22:05 — Learning what “healthy” really means  25:11 — Mindset, movement, and self-belief  28:56 — Why calories and movement still matter  29:23 — Building mental resilience through discipline  31:45 — Why keeping weight off is so hard  33:44 — Lessons from “The Biggest Loser”  35:05 — Real vs. unrealistic expectations  36:15 — Healing skin and body after massive weight loss  38:19 — Loose skin, body image, and self-acceptance  41:10 — Staying healthy after transformation  43:15 — Travel routines and daily discipline  45:00 — Redefining joy beyond food  47:25 — The role of laughter, family, and gratitude  50:49 — Competing less, living more  52:09 — From -10 to +12: how she measures happiness now  54:08 — “Finding Your Model of Health” — her book title and mission  55:38 — The power of trust between coach and client  56:44 — Sleep, hormones, and healing from within  57:07 — Why blue light before bed can sabotage rest  58:38 — Magnesium, collagen, and nighttime recovery  01:00:02 — Where to find Chemaine online  01:00:43 — Final thoughts: Doing your best every day Featured Guest: Chemaine Linnie Certified Nutrition & Hormone Practitioner Host of Find Your Model Health Podcast YouTube: Chemaine’s Model Health – https://youtube.com Website: https://chemainesmodelhealth.com Instagram: @chemainesmodelhealth – https://instagram.com/chemainesmodelhealth Presented by Jigsaw Health Because It's Fun to Feel Good

    1h 1m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Rock Bottom Podcast presented by Jigsaw Health—where we share health horror stories that inspire. Each episode, we explore raw, unfiltered journeys of survival—experiences that will inspire, educate, and remind you that no matter how low you feel, there’s always a way up

You Might Also Like