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. 4D AGO

    Patient Advocacy & Life-Saving Questions: Dr. Donese Worden | Ep22

    Dr. Denise Worden already understood the importance of patient advocacy, but one hospital experience made it impossible to ignore just how critical it is. While advocating for her 92-year-old father in the hospital, she caught seven critical mistakes that could have cost him his life. Medications that had been discontinued were about to be administered. Vital details were missing from his chart. And in just 30 minutes away from his bedside, something went wrong. In this episode of The Rock Bottom Podcast, Dr. Worden shares her journey from early-career betrayal and a lawsuit that shook her trust, to becoming a fierce advocate for patients navigating a complex and often overwhelmed healthcare system. She introduces her philosophy of “Dare to Doubt,” a call to trust your intuition, ask better questions, and take an active role in your care. From real hospital scenarios to practical ways you can protect yourself or a loved one, this conversation is a powerful reminder: sometimes the most important voice in the room is yours. 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 00:23 Podcast Intro: Dr. Denise Worden 01:07 Interview Begins 02:54 Perspective from Treating Serious Illness 04:05 “Dare to Doubt” and Her Mother’s Story 06:20 Advocating for Her 92-Year-Old Father 07:03 The 7 Mistakes That Could Have Been Fatal 07:43 How Medical Errors Actually Happen 09:23 How to Speak Up and Ask the Right Questions 11:30 Practical Patient Advocacy Tips 16:20 Learning to Trust Your Intuition 20:02 Applying This to Cancer and Treatment Decisions 30:48 What Actually Matters Most for Healing 48:05 Sponsor + Outro 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

    49 min

  2. APR 22

    Life with Gitelman Syndrome: Suzanne Dunn | Ep21

    Suzanne Dunn was just 19 years old and pregnant when her body began shutting down. She couldn’t walk. She was crawling. Her potassium levels dropped to a life-threatening 1.3—and doctors scrambled to stabilize her without fully understanding what was happening. What followed was decades of extreme fatigue, full-body cramping, heart palpitations, and a rare diagnosis that few in the medical system recognized: Gitelman Syndrome. In this episode of The Rock Bottom Podcast, Suzanne shares her long and difficult journey through misdiagnosis, repeated ER visits, and years of treatments that never fully worked. At one point, she spent over 50 days hospitalized in a single year—stuck in a cycle of temporary relief, only to crash again days later. She describes what it feels like when your electrolytes drop so low that your body begins to fail—and how frustrating it is to know something is wrong, but not be fully understood by the people trying to help you. 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 00:22 Podcast Intro: Suzanne Dunn’s Story 01:06 Interview Begins: Welcome Suzanne 01:23 What Is Gitelman Syndrome? 02:12 Life-Threatening Pregnancy & First Diagnosis 06:39 “I was crawling…” — Severe Symptoms Begin 07:13 Heart Palpitations, Delirium, and Electrolyte Crash 11:17 Magnesium Infusions & ER Reality 13:00 50 Days Hospitalized & Medical Frustration 14:05 The Magnesium Oxide Mistake 20:20 Tracking Labs & Finding Patterns 23:35 “I’m going to figure this out myself” 30:01 What Rock Bottom Felt Like 34:11 Rock Bottom Score: “I was at a one” 41:43 Life Now: “I’m at an eight” 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

    53 min

  3. APR 1

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Sullivan Jr. & Ashley Leroux
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Patrick Sullivan Jr. & Ashley Leroux
  • Show Website
    The Rock Bottom Podcast

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