The Health Hunt: Real Healing Journeys, Everyday Wellness & Expert Tips

Sandi Magder and Daniel Schuman
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

🎙️ Real Healing Journeys, Everyday Wellness & Expert Tips. Health is messy. One minute you’re blending kale smoothies, the next you’re having a 2am heart-to-heart with ChatGPT about your weird symptoms, convinced you might be dying. We get it, because we’ve been there too.  Welcome to The Health Hunt Podcast: a human, humble, and unapologetically real look at what it takes to actually feel better.  Your hosts, Sandi (professional health overthinker, recovering supplement hoarder, and proud tryer of anything weird in the pursuit of wellness) and Dan (deep in the biomarker rabbit hole, turning curiosity and mild obsession into real health insights), share their own health journeys: the highs, the lows, and the “did I really try that?” moments.  Along the way, you’ll hear honest stories, expert insights, and practical tools covering everything from functional medicine, nutrition, and supplementation to mind-body healing, chronic symptoms, unconventional wellness hacks, and holistic health practices.  Sometimes serious, often funny, always real, this is a space where you’ll feel less alone and more empowered to navigate your own health journey.  Because let’s be honest: nobody has health all figured out. But together, we can explore what actually works, and laugh about what doesn’t. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep 18 - Vagus Nerve & Anxiety: Why You Feel "Off" Even When Your Tests Are Normal

    If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, wired, or just not quite like yourself and you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out why this episode is for you. We’re talking about the vagus nerve, a key part of your nervous system that quietly influences how calm or reactive your body feels. It also plays a meaningful role in patterns tied to anxiety, chronic stress, and even the frustrating cycle of being exhausted but unable to fully relax or sleep. More importantly, we’ll explain what it actually does and why it may matter if your body feels stuck in fight-or-flight mode. In this conversation, we explore one of the most overlooked players in nervous system health: the vagus nerve. Rather than a dense anatomy lesson, this is a practical, real-world discussion about how this nerve may show up in everyday symptoms many people quietly struggle with including reflux, nausea, fatigue, brain fog, and that hard-to-describe sense that something just doesn’t feel right. We talk through: • What the vagus nerve actually does (in plain English) • How it connects your brain, gut, heart, and stress response • Why “fight-or-flight mode” can persist even without obvious danger • The difference between feeling sick vs. feeling “off” • The surprising relationship between neck tension and nervous system signaling • Why traditional medicine rarely frames symptoms through this lens We also dig into realistic, low-drama ways people often try to support vagal tone, including breathing patterns, cold exposure, humming, walking after meals, sleep, and the growing world of vagus-nerve-focused devices with a grounded discussion about expectations vs. marketing. If you’ve ever wondered why your body feels stuck in stress mode, why symptoms don’t always fit neatly into one category, or why you can feel unwell despite “normal” labs, this episode offers a helpful framework for thinking about the nervous system as a whole. As always, this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If the episode resonates, share it with someone who often says, “I don’t feel right, but I can’t explain it.” And if you enjoy the show, following, rating, and reviewing genuinely helps more people find The Health Hunt. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    24 min

  2. FEB 17

    Ep 17 - Waking Up at 3AM? Insomnia, Cortisol and Dan's Real-Time Sleep Experiments

    Waking up at 3AM, wide awake with a racing mind? This episode is for anyone struggling with sleep maintenance insomnia or middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Dan shares what he’s currently experiencing, the small changes he’s testing, and how he’s thinking about fragmented sleep versus consolidated sleep. In this mini sleep update, we explore a pattern many people know all too well: falling asleep just fine, only to wake up in the early hours unable to return to restful sleep. Dan walks through his recent adjustments, including increasing magnesium glycinate, adding L-theanine during nighttime wake-ups, and experimenting with a tighter sleep window to build stronger sleep pressure. We discuss why fragmented sleep does not always equal restorative sleep, the role of cortisol and circadian rhythm, and how sleep structure may matter just as much as total sleep duration. This is not about perfect sleep, it’s about understanding patterns, reducing catastrophizing, and approaching insomnia with curiosity rather than panic. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3AM wondering “Is this just my life now?”  you’re not alone. As always, this episode reflects personal experience and experimentation, not medical advice. 🎧 If you’re navigating insomnia, sleep anxiety, or broken sleep: • Follow the show for more honest sleep conversations  • Share this episode with your fellow 3AM overthinkers  • Explore our Sleep Series (Episodes 6–8) for deeper dives into sleep anxiety and the mind-body connection Stay curious, stay patient with your nervous system, and remember sleep struggles are far more common (and more workable) than they feel at night. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    11 min

  3. FEB 10

    Ep 16 - Our CGM Experiment Results: How Food, Exercise, and GLP-1s Actually Impact Blood Sugar

    Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can reveal how food, exercise, stress, sleep, GLP-1 medications impact blood sugar in real time. In this episode, we break down what our CGM experiment actually showed, including what spiked our glucose, what surprised us and what the data taught us. In Episode 12, Dan and Sandi put on continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in real time. In this follow-up, we share the CGM results: what spiked our glucose, what surprised us, and what the data actually taught us about food, stress, sleep, exercise, hormones and peptides. This isn’t about chasing perfect numbers (even though… yes, we both tried to “game” the system). It’s about using glucose data as a learning tool, not a judgment. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why labs are the snapshot and CGMs are the movieDan’s baseline markers (A1c, fasting insulin, C-peptide) and why CGM patterns can still look “off”The Dawn Phenomenon: the early-morning cortisol/hormone-driven glucose jump (without food)Why some exercise can temporarily raise glucose (and why a post-meal walk still helps)Sandi’s first-time CGM chaos: setup frustrations and why the Levels app felt like “CSI: Glucose”The “healthy” meal betrayal: vegetable soup and carbs you don’t see comingThe matcha mystery (and the surprising culprit that changed the spike)The fat kid day: pizza and truffle fries and a glucose spike that made us question our life choicesA real talk note on “biohacking” and why we don’t recommend obsessing over the dataThe shocking results of the tirzepatide hack experimentQuick reminder: The Health Hunt Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not medical professionals. Nothing in this episode is medical advice—always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health. Mentioned in this Episode Levels AppSteloShare and Subscribe If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to share it, and follow, rate, and review it helps more curious humans find their way here. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    44 min

  4. FEB 3

    Ep 15 - Overwhelmed by Wellness Advice? How to Start Healing with Small, Sustainable Steps with Debbie Roppo

    After a diagnosis or ongoing symptoms, many people are flooded with wellness advice and feel pressure to fix everything at once. In this episode, board-certified health and wellness coach, Debbie Roppo shares how to begin healing with small, sustainable steps, even when you're overwhelmed, exhausted or afraid of getting it wrong. This is the final conversation in our 3-part series with Debbie. If you are new, spart with episode 13 to hear her full story. Debbie explains why true healing and lifestyle change doesn’t come from rigid programs or perfection, it comes from baby steps, self-trust, nervous system safety, and learning how to be on your own side. We talk about the mindset shifts that make healing sustainable, the power of incremental progress, and why feeling supported matters just as much as knowing what to do. This is an episode for anyone who has ever thought: “I know what I should do… but I don’t know where to start.” What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why Debbie doesn’t believe in strict health programsThe coaching method she uses to create sustainable changeHow “baby steps” can transform chronic illness recoveryThe difference between wellness pressure and true healingWhy shame and perfectionism keep people stuckThe importance of feeling safe, seen, and supportedHow language and identity shape health outcomesRedefining success when you’re navigating chronic symptomsDebbie’s “Inner Empire” approach to health, resilience, and energyA real and raw conversation about self-compassion and progressThis Episode Is Especially Meaningful If You’re Navigating: Chronic pain orchronic illnessAutoimmune disease and inflammationBurnout, overwhelm, or nervous system dysregulationLifestyle changes that feel impossible to maintainHealth anxiety and fear of failureMind-body healing and emotional wellnessHabit change and sustainable wellness routinesEven though Debbie’s story began with rheumatoid arthritis, this episode is about something universal: You are not broken. You are not behind. And you don’t have to do everything at once. Healing happens one step at a time. Connect with Debbie Roppo Debbie is a board-certified health and wellness coach and founder of The Inner Empire, where she helps women build sustainable health, clarity, and resilience from the inside out. WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInText us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    48 min

  5. JAN 27

    Ep 14 - When Doctors Say “This Is Forever": Finding a Turning Point After a Chronic Illness Diagnosis with Debbie Roppo

    Hearing "this is forever" after a diagnosis can feel devastating. In this conversation with board-certified health and wellness coach, Debbie Roppo, she shares what happened after the initial shock of her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, including mindset and practical changes that marked the beginning of her healing turning point. This is part 2 of our 3-episode conversation with Debbie. If you're new, start with Episode 13 to hear her full diagnosis story. Debbie was told her rheumatoid arthritis was a life sentence. She was warned that her future would only decline. But today, she’s living proof that a diagnosis does not always get the final word. In this episode, Debbie shares the real steps she took after being diagnosed with autoimmune disease, including the functional medicine approach that helped her look beyond symptom suppression and start asking deeper questions about root causes, lifestyle triggers, and healing. We talk about the changes that made the biggest difference including nutrition, movement, stress, mindset, and why the mind-body connection became the true turning point in her recovery and remission journey. This is an episode about hope, resilience, and reclaiming your power after chronic illness. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Debbie’s simple explanation of functional medicine vs traditional medicineThe lifestyle shifts that helped her calm inflammation naturallyWhy Debbie believes the mental and emotional piece is often the hardest partHow thoughts and stress create real physiological changes in the bodyEarly warning signs and learning to listen to your nervous systemWhy simplifying wellness can be more healing than chasing supplements and biohacksThe power of language: “I was diagnosed with…” vs “I have…”How identity shapes chronic pain, healing, and long-term health outcomesThis conversation is especially meaningful for anyone navigating: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)Chronic pain and chronic illnessStress, inflammation, and nervous system regulationPatient advocacy and taking ownership of your health journeyEven though Debbie’s story centers on RA, this episode is really about something universal: the “now what?” moment that comes after ANY diagnosis. Debbie’s story is a reminder that healing is not always linear, and the future you’re told to accept in the exam room may not be the whole story. She is now living in remission, after being told rheumatoid arthritis was forever. If you know someone living with chronic pain, chronic illness, or navigating a new diagnosis, please share this episode with them. It might help them feel seen and less alone. Connect with Debbie Roppo Debbie is a board-certified health and wel Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    28 min

  6. JAN 20

    Ep 13 - Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis: When a Diagnosis Stops You Cold with Debbie Roppo

    Receiving a Rheumatoid Arthritis or other chronic illness or life-alterning diagnosis can feel shocking and overwhelming. In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of a scary diagnosis and what that moment of truth feels like for many patients. What does it feels like to hear “This Is Forever" from a doctor?  In this powerful first conversation with our guest, Debbie Roppo, a board-certified health and wellness coach and the founder of The Inner Empire™, we sit in one of the most disorienting moments many people will ever experience: receiving a life-changing diagnosis. This is part 1 of a 3-episode series with Debbie. In this episode, Sandi and Dan talk openly with Debbie about what it actually feels like to be told you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the shock, the fear, the disbelief, and the pressure to immediately accept a future you didn’t choose. Rather than rushing to solutions, we slow down and explore the emotional reality of that moment. Debbie shares her personal story of waking up in severe pain, recognizing something was wrong, and ultimately being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while working in an orthopedic medical office. She describes how hearing “this is forever” felt like a punch to the stomach and how that experience shaped everything that came after. We also discuss: The emotional impact of receiving a chronic illness diagnosisThe difference between osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritisHow chronic pain can be isolating and misunderstoodWhy many people feel pressured to “just do what the doctor says”The importance of choosing carefully who you share your diagnosis withThe reality that chronic illness is often an invisible struggleWhy being your own health advocate mattersHow the U.S. excels in acute care but struggles with chronic careWhy a diagnosis does not have to be the end of your storyThis episode is Part 1 of a three-part conversation with Debbie.  In Part 2, she will walk us through what happened next, the choices she made, the questions she asked, and how she began to chart her own path toward healing. If you or someone you love lives with chronic pain, autoimmune disease, or has recently received a diagnosis, this episode is for you. You are not alone. 🎧 Topics Covered in This Episode Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosisLiving with chronic painAutoimmune disease diagnosisEmotional impact of diagnosisChronic illness and mental healthDoctor-patient communicationRheumatology experienceBeing your own health advocateFunctional medicine vs traditional medicineInvisible illnessChronic illness isolationMind-body connection to painNavigating a new diagnosisText us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    33 min

  7. JAN 13

    Ep 12 - Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) Aren’t Just for Diabetics: Why We’re Wearing One (and Putting It On in Real Time)

    Real-time CGM experiment, glucose tracking, blood sugar insights, and honest reactions Ready for a very real “health experiment in real time”? In this episode Sandi and Dan put on continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for the first time to explore what tracking blood sugar actually feels like, sharing their nerves, questions, and very real instruction-manual chaos. We break down what a CGM is, why more non-diabetics are using CGMs for metabolic health, and what we’re hoping to learn about blood sugar spikes, glucose variability, sleep, stress, exercise, and food choices. You’ll hear Sandi’s honest concerns (pain? annoying sensations? becoming obsessive about numbers?) and Dan’s experience running CGMs a few times a year, including what not to do if you’d like to avoid bruising your arm. We also share the experiments we’re running over the next 2–4 weeks, like walking after meals vs. couch mode, food order (protein/veggies/carbs), sleep quality, stressful days, “healthy foods” that spike glucose, and even testing berberine to see if it changes post-meal glucose response. If you’ve been curious about CGMs, glucose tracking, blood sugar, A1C, fasting glucose, or just want to see what this looks like for two regular humans… come with us. What You’ll Learn / Key Takeaways What a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is and how it works (sensor + phone app).Why CGMs are booming beyond diabetes: real-time glucose insights vs. “snapshots.”Dan’s baseline labs and why baseline matters.Sandi’s real concerns: pain, sensory irritation, anxiety about data, and avoiding “chasing perfect numbers.”The difference between CGM ecosystems: Stelo native app vs. Levels + Stelo experience.Experiments We’re Running (Quick List) Walk after meals vs no walk (plus vibration plate / air squats)Food order: carbs first vs protein/veg firstSleep quality impact on glucoseStress vs calm days“Healthy foods” that spike glucoseSweeteners in matcha (stevia vs honey vs maple vs coconut sugar)Caffeine timing + protein before caffeineTime-of-day eating (same food, different times)Berberine: does it reduce spikes / variability?Important Disclaimer The Health Hunt Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not medical professionals and nothing in this episode is medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health. CGMs may not be appropriate for everyone, especially if numbers feel activating (anxiety, disordered eating history). CGMs are data; interpretation matters. Tell us: Have you worn a CGM? What surprised you? What helped? What confusText us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    45 min

  8. JAN 6

    Ep 11 - The Magnesium Mistake Almost Everyone Is Making

    Magnesium might just be the most underrated mineral in your health routine...but only if you’re using the right kind. In this episode, we break down the confusing world of magnesium supplements in a simple, human, and slightly hilarious way. If you’ve ever stood in the supplement aisle or stared at your computer screen wondering why there are fifteen different kinds, this one’s for you. We cover what each major form of magnesium does, who it may help, and common mistakes people make (including the kind that has you sprinting to the bathroom 🚽). You’ll hear us talk about: ✨ Why magnesium impacts sleep, stress, energy, mood, and digestion ✨ Magnesium glycinate vs magnesium citrate: and when to use each ✨ Forms that support brain health, energy, and muscle recovery ✨ The “budget” version most people should probably avoid ✨ Topical magnesium, baths, sprays… and a few funny mishaps ✨ How much magnesium most adults actually need ✨ Why supplement quality matters more than marketing labels Our goal: help you stop guessing and start choosing intentionally. You’re not broken, you just may be using the wrong type of magnesium and you may not be getting enough. As always, nothing here is medical advice. Talk to your practitioner, start slow, and listen to your body. 📝 Quick Cheat Sheet From the Episode • Magnesium Glycinate - “The Chill Pill” (Sleep + Nervous System) • Magnesium Citrate - “The Smooth Operator” (Digestion) • Magnesium Threonate — "The Brain One" (Brain + Memory Support) • Magnesium Malate - "The Energizer" (Energy + Muscle Soreness) • Magnesium Oxide - "The Budget Option" (Use With Caution) • Magnesium Chloride - "The Skin Soaker"  (Sprays + Topical for Relaxation) • Magnesium Taurate - “The Heart Helper” (Cardiovascular Support) • Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) - “Grandma Approved” (Muscle soreness and detoxification via baths) 💊 About Supplement Quality Not all supplements are created equal, some are poorly absorbed or full of fillers. That’s why we share practitioner-grade options through our Fullscript store so you can shop safely and intentionally. Follow this link, which gives listeners up to 25% off all orders: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/thehealthhunt ❤️ Stay Connected If this episode helped you understand magnesium better, tell us! We love hearing your questions, wins, and hilarious supplement mishaps. You can email us at info@thehealthhunt.com 👉 Follow the show 👉 Leave a rating or review 👉 Share this with someone who’s confused in the supplement aisle We read every message, and it truly makes our day. May your sleep, stress, and… bathroom schedule fin Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. Connect with the Health Hunt Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.com The Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Our curated practitioner-grade store with community discounts up to 25% off The Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - $300 off a full body scan

    21 min
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🎙️ Real Healing Journeys, Everyday Wellness & Expert Tips. Health is messy. One minute you’re blending kale smoothies, the next you’re having a 2am heart-to-heart with ChatGPT about your weird symptoms, convinced you might be dying. We get it, because we’ve been there too.  Welcome to The Health Hunt Podcast: a human, humble, and unapologetically real look at what it takes to actually feel better.  Your hosts, Sandi (professional health overthinker, recovering supplement hoarder, and proud tryer of anything weird in the pursuit of wellness) and Dan (deep in the biomarker rabbit hole, turning curiosity and mild obsession into real health insights), share their own health journeys: the highs, the lows, and the “did I really try that?” moments.  Along the way, you’ll hear honest stories, expert insights, and practical tools covering everything from functional medicine, nutrition, and supplementation to mind-body healing, chronic symptoms, unconventional wellness hacks, and holistic health practices.  Sometimes serious, often funny, always real, this is a space where you’ll feel less alone and more empowered to navigate your own health journey.  Because let’s be honest: nobody has health all figured out. But together, we can explore what actually works, and laugh about what doesn’t. 

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