Beyond My Diagnosis with Michele Weston

Michele Weston
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

  1. FEB 18

    Burnout, Grief, and Creative Affluence: Navigating Change with Annelies Gentile

    Send a text Returning guest Annelies M. Gentile, MA, PCC joins Michele for a powerful follow-up conversation about leadership, burnout, grief, and cultivating calm in a world that feels anything but calm. In her previous appearance, Annelies introduced us to the idea that change is not just external. It is internal. She spoke about resilience, awareness, and tending the emotional landscape of uncertainty. In this episode, we go deeper. This conversation explores: • The hidden grief that accompanies change • Burnout as a signal, not a failure • Managing energy instead of managing time • Creative affluence and nurturing ideas • Leading from awareness rather than reaction • The role of mindfulness and creative process in leadership • Cultivating courage and grace in uncertain seasons • Why internal leadership shapes external outcomes Annelies reminds us that resilience is not about pushing through. It is about sense, solace, and sanity in rapidly changing times. If you are navigating professional transition, personal loss, organizational change, or simply feeling stretched thin, this episode offers grounded wisdom and practical reflection. Because thriving begins on the inside. Connect with AnneliesWebsite: https://conduitforchange.com Book: https://conduitforchange.com/the-book Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conduitforchange YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/conduitforchange LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conduit-for-change-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

    46 min

  2. FEB 18

    Root Cause Healing, Ayurveda, Functional Medicine, and Your Responsibility as the Patient

    Send a text What if chronic illness is not just something to manage, but something to better understand? In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Cindi Acree, RN, a lifelong nurse, educator, and integrative health advocate. With decades of experience in neonatal medicine and advanced nursing practice, Cindi has seen firsthand how Western medicine excels at acute care. But she also recognized its limitations when it comes to prevention, root cause healing, and long term vitality. After retiring from clinical practice, Cindi expanded her education into Applied Positive Psychology, Integrative and Functional Medicine, Yoga, and Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old sister science to yoga. She now blends biomedical knowledge with complementary and functional approaches to support sustainable health. This episode is a powerful reminder that doctors do medicine, but patients take care of patients. In this conversation, you will hear about: • The difference between biomedicine and integrative medicine  • Ayurveda and the three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha  • Agni, the digestive fire, and why food combinations matter  • Ama, toxins in food, water, air, and daily products  • Ojas, vitality and resilience  • Functional medicine pillars, sleep, hydration, stress, and movement  • Why elimination diets can uncover hidden triggers  • The dangers of unregulated supplements  • Vitamin B12 excess and unintended consequences  • The microbiome and antibiotic recovery  • Forest bathing, grounding, and restorative movement  • Appreciative inquiry and positive reframing  • The power of coaching and asking better questions Cindi shares practical examples of root cause investigation, including cases where symptoms that looked like autoimmune disease were actually nutritional deficiencies or supplement overload. This episode is not about rejecting medicine. It is about expanding the lens. It is about asking better questions. It is about understanding your role in your own healing journey. Because it is your body.

    39 min

  3. FEB 11

    Bariatric Life Empowerment, Why Surgery Is Only Part of the Journey

    Send a text Bariatric surgery is a transformative experience, but it’s essential to understand that it’s just one part of the journey.  In this week’s episode of *Beyond My Diagnosis*, I engage in a powerful conversation with Dawn O’Meally and Nancy Lum, the visionary creators of the Bariatric Life Empowerment Program. We explore what truly nurtures long-term success before and after bariatric surgery.  The honesty and grounded perspective Dawn and Nancy bring to this discussion are truly refreshing. With over two decades of experience, they have been unwavering advocates for bariatric patients, guiding them through the intricate emotional, psychological, behavioral, and nutritional dimensions of weight loss. They see the profound impact when surgery is viewed as a tool, not a cure.  In this episode, we discuss: • Why bariatric surgery is only a tool, not a cure • The psychological and emotional factors that drive eating behaviors • How cognitive behavioral therapy supports long-term success • Why food decisions are always preceded by thoughts • The connection between stress, serotonin, dopamine, and eating • Why nutrition education alone is not enough • The importance of self-awareness and mindfulness around food • How trauma and self-esteem impact weight and body image • Why community and group support change outcomes • Creating food plans and physical activity that are livable for life Together, we confront the reality of obesity as a chronic, multifaceted condition and challenge the misconceptions surrounding shame, willpower, and restrictive diets—they simply do not lead to sustainable change. Dawn illustrates how our thoughts and emotions shape our eating habits, underscoring that awareness is the vital first step to healing. Nancy highlights that nutrition education alone often falls short and that realistic, flexible food plans are crucial for lifelong success.  We also delve into the important roles of trauma, self-esteem, and identity, emphasizing how community support and continuous engagement can significantly elevate outcomes. This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing life with compassion and intention long after surgery.  If you’re considering bariatric surgery, have already taken that step, or are supporting someone on this path, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and hope.   🎧 Listen to the full conversation here:  [on Apple Podcast Platform   https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1845586791  OR  On the Spotify.com  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v22c1PeOmXH7T2iwLRfmu?si=es4CCBmUS6CJtJ_nzGLUxw ]  To learn more about the Bariatric Life Empowerment Program, visit: https://mbsweightloss.com/bariatric-life-empowerment/  ABOUT THE GUESTS The Bariatric Life Empowerment Program was created by Dawn O’Meally, LCSW-C, and Nancy Lum, RDN, two clinicians who have worked side by side for over 21 years supporting bariatric patients before and after surgery. Dawn O’Meally is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder and clinical director of The Counseling Center for Change. Her work focuses on the psychological, emotional, and behavioral components of obesity, including habit formation, self-esteem, trauma, and mindset. She conducts hundreds of bariatric psychological evaluations each year and specializes in helping patients build the awareness and skills needed for long-term success. Nancy Lum is a registered dietitian and the founder and clinical director of The GI and Bariatric Nutrition Center. She brings extensive expertise in bariatric nutrition and long-term weight loss support. Nancy emphasizes realistic, sustainable food plans and physical activity approaches that patients can live with for life, rather than rigid or restrictive di

    50 min

  4. FEB 4

    Why the Feet Matter More Than You Think for Brain and Body Health

    Send a text Movement, balance, and stability are not just about strength. They are about how the brain receives and processes sensory information. In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele sits down with Dr. Emily Splichal, functional podiatrist, human movement specialist, and founder of Naboso, to explore how sensory stimulation from the feet plays a critical role in balance, posture, walking speed, and long term mobility. Dr. Emily shares how her background in conventional podiatric medicine combined with movement science and sensory research led her to challenge traditional approaches to foot health. The conversation explores how improving sensory input can support people living with neurological conditions, chronic illness, and mobility challenges, as well as athletes and anyone focused on aging well. In this episode, we discuss: • What functional podiatry is and how it differs from traditional models • Why the feet are deeply connected to the nervous system • How sensory stimulation supports balance and postural control • The relationship between walking speed, step length, and longevity • Why single leg stability matters for everyday function • How textured sensory tools can support neuro rehabilitation • The role of curiosity and education in managing chronic conditions • How Michele uses sensory feedback tools to support movement with MS This episode offers a hopeful and practical look at how small sensory inputs can create meaningful changes in how we move, feel, and engage with the world, beyond any diagnosis. Links mentioned in the episode: https://naboso.com micheleweston.substack.com ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Emily Splichal is a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist known for her innovative work in barefoot science, sensory stimulation, and rehabilitation. She is the founder of Naboso, a company rooted in the belief that sensory input is essential to how the brain and body function together. With a conventional Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and years of experience in human movement and sensory science, Dr. Emily has built a unique approach that challenges conformity in traditional foot health and rehabilitation models. Since 2012, she has traveled internationally sharing her work on foot function, sensory integration, and barefoot training. Dr. Emily has taught in more than 35 countries and educated over 25,000 professionals, making her a globally recognized leader in movement education and sensory based rehabilitation. Her work emphasizes how sensory stimulation influences posture, balance, cognition, and quality of life across the lifespan.

    28 min

  5. JAN 28

    Living Well With Invisible Illness Through Compassion with Simone Giangiordano

    Send a text In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Simone Giangiordano, Compassion Based Business and Lifestyle Coach and Certified Compassion Cultivation Training instructor, for a deeper conversation on living well with chronic and invisible illness. When Simone first joined the show, she and Michele explored curiosity, acceptance, and learning to work with the body instead of fighting it. That conversation centered on how invisible illness reshapes identity, work, and self trust. This episode builds on that foundation and goes further. Together, Michele and Simone explore self compassion as a daily practice rather than a mindset slogan. They discuss how compassion influences decision making, boundaries, work, relationships, and quality of life when living with chronic illness. The conversation focuses on honoring limitations without being defined by them and letting go of outcomes in order to create space for resilience, creativity, and meaning. In this episode, we discuss: • Why self compassion is essential for invisible illness • How curiosity replaces self criticism • Letting go of outcomes to improve quality of life • Navigating work and career transitions with chronic illness • Asking for help without losing independence • The difference between compassion and pity • Building supportive healthcare partnerships • Reframing limitations into possibility • Why illness does not define worth or potential This episode offers grounded insight and lived wisdom for anyone navigating chronic illness, invisible conditions, or major life transitions. Simone Giangiordano is a Compassion Based Business and Lifestyle Coach who works with individuals navigating health challenges to build meaningful lives and businesses that support their wellbeing. She is the creator of the BalanceUP® Community and her signature program The Power of I Can’t®, which helps people find creative solutions around health limitations so they can transform their lives, work, and sense of possibility. Simone transitioned from a nearly two decade corporate career into entrepreneurship as a direct result of her own health challenges. With more than 18 years of entrepreneurial experience, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is a Certified Compassion Cultivation Training instructor through The Compassion Institute, with training rooted in neuroscience, psychology, contemplative practice, and clinical medicine. Her work emphasizes self awareness, values alignment, and compassionate decision making as tools for long term wellbeing. About Simone: Simone Giangiordano is a CCT Certified Instructor, chronic illness advocate, and the founder of the BalanceUP® Community. She teaches individuals how to build meaningful, sustainable lives and businesses that honor their health. Her signature program, The Power of I Can’t®, empowers people to find creative pathways around health limitations so they can flourish. Simone’s Links: 🌐 Website: https://www.simoneg.net 📄 Full Bio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ck56wNRTAbFgjzVWdaLzzaVXDJ4OMMwj/view

    30 min

  6. JAN 21

    Parkinson’s Care Beyond Medication: Nutrition, Movement, and Support - Carolee Horner Returns

    Send a text In this returning episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Carolee Horner, functional nutritionist and health coach who specializes in working with people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. When Carolee first joined the show, the conversation focused on Parkinson’s as a whole body condition, the importance of gut and brain health, and why caregivers and care partners are essential to quality of life. This episode builds on that foundation and goes deeper into what it truly means to live well with Parkinson’s over the long term. Having been peers and graduates in the Health, Wellness and Wellbeing Coaching Program from the School of Integrative Health|Notre Dame University of Maryland  (NDMU/SOIH formerly MUIH) Michele and Carolee have a conversation to explore how Parkinson’s is not a single disease with a single solution, but a highly individual condition that requires curiosity, experimentation, and ongoing self advocacy. They discuss why medication alone is not enough, how environmental toxins play a role, and why lifestyle choices can dramatically influence progression and symptom burden. In this episode, we discuss: • Why Parkinson’s presents differently in every person • The role of environmental toxins and gut health • Why exercise is the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s • How movement supports brain and body connection • Why caregivers are better described as care partners • How nutrition impacts fatigue, anxiety, constipation, and brain fog • The importance of stress reduction and sleep in neurological health • Why small changes lead to meaningful progress • How coaching helps people implement changes that stick • Why a diagnosis is not a death sentence, but a wake up call This conversation is practical, hopeful, and deeply empowering for anyone living with Parkinson’s, supporting someone who is, or navigating any chronic neurological condition. About Carolee: Carolee Horner is a functional nutritionist and board-certified health and wellness coach who works with people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. She focuses on gut and brain health strategies that support the whole family and help slow symptom progression using integrative, realistic approaches. Carolee’s Links:  🌐 http://www.nutritionforpd.com 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095318119061

    39 min

  7. JAN 14

    Chronic Illness, Aging, and the Power of Physical Therapy: Loretta Donovan Returns

    Send a text In this returning episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Loretta Donovan, leadership coach and healthcare strategist, for a deeper conversation on physical therapy as a powerful and often underutilized tool for chronic wellness. In her previous appearance, Loretta and Michele explored the role mindset, personal responsibility, and proactive engagement play in shaping health outcomes. That conversation centered on the idea that while doctors treat disease, patients must actively participate in their own well-being. This episode builds directly on that foundation. Together, they focus on physical therapy not just as a short term solution after injury or surgery, but as a long term strategy for maintaining strength, mobility, independence, and quality of life, especially for people living with chronic conditions. In this conversation, Michele and Loretta discuss: Why physical therapy is valuable even without a recent injuryHow aging naturally changes muscle tone, balance, and mobilityThe role of physical therapy in managing chronic illnessHow surgery, accidents, and long term conditions affect the body over timeWhy home based exercises are just as important as clinical sessionsThe emotional and mental health benefits of staying physically activeHow physical therapy supports independence, dignity, and daily functionWhy patients must take an active role in their care to improve outcomesThis episode offers practical insight, relatable examples, and empowering reminders that movement, strength, and intentional self care are essential at every stage of life. Whether you are navigating chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or simply aging, this conversation reframes physical therapy as a foundational wellness practice rather than a last resort. About Loretta:  Loretta Donovan is the President of iAttain and a Professional Fellow with the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. She is a former Chief Learning Officer in healthcare and an educator who has guided leaders and clinicians for more than a decade. As a patient, mother, caregiver, and lifelong learner, Loretta brings deep empathy and perspective to conversations about healing, mindset, and resilience. Loretta’s Links:  🌐 iAttain: https://about.me/iAttain 🌐 Appreciative Inquiry Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/48345/ 🌐 ReInvive Coaching & Leadership: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13322073/

    31 min

  8. JAN 7

    Living With Invisible Pain: Scoliosis, Resilience, and Mindset with Emily Terrani

    Send a text In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I’m joined by Emily Terrani, Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the Institute of Coaching and founder of Mind Growth Lab, for an honest conversation about living with an invisible chronic condition and building a life that supports well being. Emily shares her experience being diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age and how chronic pain has shaped her approach to wellness, movement, and emotional health. We talk about the realities of managing pain that others cannot see, the emotional toll of long term discomfort, and why listening to your body matters more than following rigid rules. This conversation also explores burnout, resilience, and how coaching tools can help people tolerate discomfort, make intentional choices, and care for their future selves. In this episode, you will learn: • What it is like to live with scoliosis and chronic pain from childhood • Why invisible conditions are often misunderstood • How stress and emotions can amplify physical pain • Why consistency matters more than perfection in self care • How small, sustainable habits support long term wellness • The connection between mental health, physical pain, and burnout • How coaching helps people tolerate discomfort and make change • Why honoring your body is not the same as giving up About Emily: Emily Terrani is a coaching leader, researcher, and founder of Mind Growth Lab. Her work focuses on burnout, resilience, and helping people build well being across mental, emotional, and physical domains. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to conversations about chronic conditions and quality of life. Emily’s Links: https://www.mind-growth-lab.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Mind-Growth-Lab/100095793840827/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-terrani-b8334034/ https://www.instagram.com/mind_growth_lab/reel/DDujneipUQQ/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mind_growth_lab https://www.youtube.com/@Mind_Growth_Lab

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

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