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

Sandi Magder and Daniel Schuman
  • 5.0 (12)
  • 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. 6d ago

    Ep 40 - Sleep Apnea Without CPAP? How Sleep Mouthguards Actually Work | Sleep Dentist Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette

    What if treating sleep apnea didn't always mean sleeping with a CPAP machine? Oral appliance therapy sometimes dismissed as simply a "snoring mouth guard" has evolved into a sophisticated treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. But how does an oral appliance actually keep your airway open, who is a good candidate, and can it help people with severe sleep apnea? In Part 1 of this fascinating two-part series, Sandi and Dan sit down with Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette, a dentist with more than 15 years of experience and a special focus on dental sleep medicine. Dr. Forrester Cadette leads Boca Dentique and the Deep Sleep Center in Boca Raton, Florida, where she works with patients using oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. This conversation is especially personal for Dan: after years of sleep studies, CPAP and exploring ways to improve his sleep apnea, he is now Dr. Forrester Cadette's patient and is using a new precision oral appliance himself. In this episode, we explore what separates a custom sleep apnea oral appliance from an over-the-counter snoring mouth guard, how advancing the jaw can help keep the airway open, and how newer materials and precision manufacturing have changed these devices. Dr. Forrester Cadette also explains potential concerns like bite changes, why follow-up sleep testing matters, and how dentists and sleep physicians can work together to make sure treatment is actually working. We also tackle an important question: Can oral appliance therapy work for severe obstructive sleep apnea? Dr. Forrester Cadette explains where CPAP still fits, what happens when someone can't tolerate CPAP, and how combination therapy may allow some patients to use an oral appliance alongside CPAP at a lower pressure. Plus, we look at the newest generation of oral appliances, including technology designed to provide objective information about oxygen levels and treatment use. And we're just getting started. In Part 2, we dig into how oral appliances compare with CPAP when you look beyond what works best in a controlled setting and consider something equally important: whether patients actually use their treatment. We also get into insurance coverage, AHI and emerging measures of sleep apnea severity, Inspire, new sleep apnea technologies and where treatment may be headed next. And stay tuned for a future episode of The Health Hunt, when Dan will share the results of his own follow-up sleep testing to find out how well his new oral appliance is actually treating his sleep apnea. In this episode: • What dental sleep medicine is and why a dentist may be part of your sleep apnea care  • Why sleep apnea treatment can require collaboration between dentists and physicians  • Why testing before and after treatment matters  • Custom oral appliances vs. over-the-counter snoring mouth guards  • How mandibular advancement helps open the airway  • How oral appliance technology and materials have evolved  • Bite changes, jaw position and morning aligners  • Who may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy  • Oral appliances for mild, moderate and severe sleep apnea  • What happens when someone can't tolerate CPAP  • Combining CPAP with an oral appliance  • New technology for monitoring oxygen and treatment use Contact Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette https://deepsleepcenter.com/ https://bocadentique.com/ https://www.instagram.com/boca_dentique/ https://www.facebook.com/BocaDentique Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

  2. Aug 25

    Ep 39 - Overwhelmed by ACDF Spinal Surgery? The Top FAQs About Preparation & Recovery, Answered!

    If you're preparing for ACDF surgery, what do you actually need to know before surgery and what should you expect during recovery? After sharing his personal ACDF journey in Episodes 37 and 38 of The Health Hunt, Dan is answering the practical questions that kept coming up as he researched anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), talked with his medical team, and connected with other patients going through cervical spine surgery. Think of this episode as an ACDF surgery and recovery FAQ based on Dan's personal experience. We cover preparing your body before surgery, protein and hydration, pain medication and constipation, walking after ACDF, nicotine and bone fusion, GLP-1 medications, omega-3 supplements and NSAIDs, plus the practical realities of preparing your home for recovery. Dan also shares what he found helpful after surgery—including his five-motor recliner, bed wedge options, ice packs, long straws, slip-on shoes and other recovery items—and talks about whether you can recover from ACDF alone. Then we get into some of the questions people may not think about until surgery is approaching: What should you know about your incision? Will you need a neck brace? What's it really like living and sleeping in one? How much time should you take off work? When does physical therapy begin? And when can you drive again? In this episode, we answer: How much protein should I eat before ACDF surgery, and why?Does hydration matter before and after ACDF?What should I know about Percocet, oxycodone and acetaminophen after surgery?How important is walking after ACDF?Why is nicotine such a big concern with spinal fusion?What should I ask about GLP-1 medications before surgery?What about omega-3 supplements?When and why might NSAIDs need to be stopped?Do I need a recliner or bed wedge after ACDF?How should I prepare my home for ACDF recovery?What products are worth having before surgery?Can I recover from ACDF alone?What should I know about ACDF incision and wound care?Will I need a neck brace?What is living and sleeping in a neck brace really like?How much time should I plan to take off work?What should I expect from physical therapy after ACDF?When can I drive after ACDF surgery?Every surgeon, hospital and patient is different. Dan is sharing his personal experience and the questions he found helpful, not giving medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your own surgeon and medical team. Want Dan's full ACDF story? Listen to Episodes 37 and 38 of The Health Hunt to hear how his symptoms began, what his MRIs revealed, why three neurosurgeons gave him different opinions, why he ultimately chose ACDF surgery, and what surgery day and his first weeks of recovery were really like. If you're preparing for ACDF, have already been through it, or have a question Dan didn't answer, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out through The Health Hunt website or social media, or email us at info@thehealthhunt.com. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

  3. Aug 18

    Ep 38 - Dan's ACDF Surgery & Recovery: What No One Tells You About the First 3 Weeks

    Dan made the decision to have ACDF neck surgery. Now comes the part you don’t see on an MRI: What is ACDF surgery and recovery actually like? In Part 2 of Dan’s cervical spine surgery journey, we pick up with the whirlwind of pre-op testing and follow him through surgery day, anesthesia, waking up in a cervical neck brace, and the unexpected news that he could go home that very same day. Then we get into the realities of ACDF recovery. Dan shares what the first days and weeks after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) looked like for him: the sore and scratchy throat, difficulty eating, sleeping in a neck brace, why a five-motor recliner became his favorite recovery purchase, getting back to walking almost immediately, and preparing to begin physical therapy. But some of the most interesting changes were neurological. Before surgery, Dan had experienced unusual cold sensations in his legs and feet and a gait issue that caused his right foot to kick outward. Less than a month after surgery, he shares what has and hasn’t changed, including one symptom that unexpectedly disappeared. We also talk about something that doesn't always make the ACDF recovery checklist: the mental and emotional side of having major surgery. Dan lives alone, and the experience gave him a new appreciation for family, friends, the people who show up when you need them, and the importance of having support during recovery. Plus, Dan takes us up close to his ACDF incision and explains what he learned about how the different layers are closed and how his scar is healing. Finally, we look back at the biggest lessons from his entire cervical spine surgery journey: listen when your body changes, get multiple medical opinions, ask questions—even a lot of them—and advocate for yourself when something doesn't feel right. In this episode: The pre-op testing and medical clearance before ACDFWhat Dan experienced on ACDF surgery dayGeneral anesthesia and intraoperative nerve monitoringGoing home the same day after neck surgeryWhat the first days of ACDF recovery felt likeSleeping and recovering in a cervical neck braceWhy Dan rented a five-motor reclinerEating and swallowing after anterior cervical surgeryWalking and mobility during early recoveryThe mental and emotional side of recovering from surgeryChanges in Dan's gait and neurological symptomsWhat an ACDF incision and scar can look likeWhy multiple medical opinions mattered in Dan's decisionThe importance of becoming your own health advocateIf you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, start there to hear how changes in Dan's gait led to MRIs, three different neurosurgical opinions, and ultimately his decision to undergo ACDF surgery. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

  4. Aug 5

    Ep 37 - Three Neurosurgeons. Three Opinions. Why Dan Chose ACDF Spine Surgery

    What do you do when three highly respected neurosurgeons give you different opinions? In this deeply personal episode of The Health Hunt, Dan shares the story behind one of the biggest health decisions of his life, undergoing ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) surgery after years of neck issues suddenly took a dramatic turn. It all started with one unexpected symptom: a subtle change in the way he walked. That single change led to new MRIs, consultations with multiple specialists, and the discovery of severe spinal cord compression, cervical spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and a herniated disc. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dan explains how he navigated conflicting medical opinions, what his MRI actually revealed, and why he ultimately decided that surgery was the right choice. Whether you're dealing with chronic neck pain, spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or simply facing a difficult medical decision, this episode offers practical insight into becoming a better advocate for your own health. In this episode, you'll learn: • The subtle symptom that changed everything • What severe cervical spinal stenosis really means • Bone spurs (osteophytes), herniated discs, spinal cord compression, and cervical myelopathy explained in plain English • Why Dan sought opinions from three different neurosurgeons • What ACDF surgery is and how it's performed • The surprising "33% Rule" discussed during surgical consultations • How to approach major medical decisions with confidence instead of fear This is Part 1 of Dan's spinal surgery journey. In Part 2, he takes you inside surgery day, shares what recovery has really been like, and reflects on the biggest lessons he learned along the way. Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

  5. Jun 30

    Ep 36 - Can Sleep Apnea Improve? Dan's 7-Year Journey from Moderate to Mild

    Can sleep apnea actually improve? Most people assume that once they're diagnosed with sleep apnea, they'll need treatment forever. But what if the story isn't that simple? In this episode, Dan shares something incredibly personal: the results of three sleep studies spanning seven years. From a diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea in 2019 to dramatically improved numbers in 2026, we explore what changed, why it may have happened, and what his experience could mean for others living with sleep apnea. You'll learn what AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) actually measures, why oxygen saturation and sleep position matter, and how weight loss, side sleeping, and lifestyle changes may influence sleep apnea severity. This isn't medical advice, and everyone's journey is different. But it's an encouraging reminder that some aspects of health aren't fixed in stone and that tracking your progress can be just as important as getting your initial diagnosis. In This Episode: • Dan compares three sleep studies over seven years • What AHI really means and why it matters • Why oxygen saturation may be just as important as AHI • The surprising impact of sleeping on your side • How a 20-pound weight loss changed Dan's numbers • Can CPAP therapy improve your breathing over time? • Why Dan is transitioning from CPAP to a new oral appliance • The importance of retesting instead of assuming your sleep apnea will always stay the same Mentioned in This Episode: • Obstructive Sleep Apnea • Home Sleep Studies vs. In-Lab Sleep Studies • CPAP Therapy • Oral Appliance Therapy (ProSomnus) • AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) • Oxygen Saturation • Positional Sleep Apnea Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

  6. Jun 23

    Ep 35 - The Sleep Doctor Answers Your Biggest Sleep Questions: Sleep Apnea, Dreams, Relationships & More | Dr. Michael Breus

    What do sleep trackers, naps, CPAP machines, sleep apnea, and even your dreams have in common? They're all part of the final installment of our three-part conversation with Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor. In this episode, Dr. Breus tackles some of the biggest questions in modern sleep health. Are devices like Oura Ring, Whoop, and Apple Watch actually accurate? How much deep sleep do you really need? Are naps helping or hurting your sleep? And if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are CPAP machines your only option? We also dive into the differences between obstructive and central sleep apnea, emerging treatment options, why sleep disorders in women are often overlooked, and what Dr. Breus believes is the next frontier in sleep science. If you've ever wondered whether you're getting enough deep sleep, whether your sleep tracker is making you anxious, or whether your daytime fatigue might be a sign of something more serious, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of the world's leading sleep experts. In This Episode: • How accurate are sleep trackers like Oura, Whoop, and Apple Watch?  • Why you should focus on sleep trends, not nightly scores  • What healthy REM, deep sleep, and light sleep percentages look like  • The truth about naps and who should avoid them  • Obstructive vs. central sleep apnea: what's the difference?  • CPAP alternatives, including oral appliances, Inspire, ExciteOSA, and emerging treatments  • Why sleep apnea in women is often missed or misdiagnosed  • The surprising relationship between sleep, dreams, and emotional processing  • How sleep can impact a relationship and what to do about it  • Why sleep may be the most important longevity tool available Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website Instagram YouTube Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

  7. Jun 16

    Ep 34 - Can't Stay Asleep? The Sleep Doctor's 3 A.M. Wake-Up Protocol + 5 Sleep Habits That Can Transform Your Sleep | Dr. Michael Breus

    Do you ever find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling while your brain decides it's the perfect time to replay every awkward conversation you've ever had or solve problems that don't even exist yet? You're not alone. In Part 2 of our conversation with renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, we tackle one of the most common sleep complaints on the planet: waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep. Dr. Breus explains why it happens, what you're probably doing wrong when it does, and shares the exact strategies he recommends to help you fall back asleep faster. Plus, he reveals his simple, science-backed 5-step framework for better sleep that anyone can start using tonight. Dr. Michael Breus is a double board-certified clinical psychologist, clinical sleep specialist, Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and one of the world's most recognized voices in sleep health. He has spent more than 25 years helping people improve their sleep and overall health and is the author of five bestselling books. In this episode, we discuss: • Why waking up between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. is actually part of normal human biology • The biggest mistakes people make when they wake up in the middle of the night • Why checking the clock may be making your sleep problem worse • Dr. Breus' "3 A.M. Wake-Up Protocol" • How 4-7-8 breathing can help lower your heart rate and calm your nervous system • The role of mindset and "monkey mind" in middle-of-the-night awakenings • When you should stay in bed and when you should get up • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep restriction therapy • Dr. Breus' 5-Step Plan for Better Sleep • Why wake-up time matters more than bedtime • The ideal caffeine cutoff time • How alcohol impacts sleep quality • The connection between exercise and restorative sleep • Why morning sunlight may be one of the most powerful sleep tools available Whether you're struggling with 3 a.m. wake-ups, trying to improve your sleep quality, or simply looking for practical sleep advice that actually works, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start using immediately. Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website Instagram YouTube Resources Mentioned Sleep Reset (CBT-I program) Sleep Doctor's Video "How to fall back asleep in the middle of the night" Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

  8. Jun 9

    Ep 33 - The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Michael Breus: Why You're Tired, Stressed, and Sleeping at the Wrong Time

    Sleep is one of the most important and misunderstood pillars of health. We've spent a lot of time discussing sleep on The Health Hunt, including an entire three-part sleep series, but for this conversation we decided to bring in one of the biggest names in the field. Dr. Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, has spent more than 25 years helping people understand and improve their sleep. In this first part of our conversation, we explore why sleep is so foundational to health, how poor sleep impacts everything from memory and mood to relationships and longevity, and some surprising symptoms that could be signs your sleep isn't as healthy as you think. We also dive into one of Dr. Breus's most fascinating concepts: the idea that not everyone is designed to sleep, wake, and function the same way. Some people thrive in the morning, some come alive at night, and understanding your unique sleep type (your chronotype) may completely change how you think about your energy, productivity, and overall health. Whether you're someone who wakes up refreshed at dawn, struggles through every morning, or simply wants to sleep better, this episode is packed with insights that may change the way you think about sleep forever. In this episode, we discuss: • Why sleep is the foundation of overall health • The difference between sleep quantity and sleep quality • Surprising signs and symptoms of poor sleep • Why sleep affects memory, mood, focus, metabolism, and relationships • Sleep disorders people often overlook • The connection between sleep and long-term health outcomes • Why some people seem to function on very little sleep • Dr. Breus's four sleep types: Lion, Bear, Wolf, and Dolphin • The genetics behind sleep timing and energy patterns • Why your sleep patterns may change as you age • How understanding your sleep type can improve your daily routine Take Dr. Breus's Sleep Type (Chronotype) Quiz Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website Instagram YouTube Text us your thoughts, questions, or takeaways. We read every message. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed on The Health Hunt Podcast are solely those of the hosts. They are shared in a personal capacity and do not represent the views, policies, or positions of any current or former employer, including any organizations with which the hosts may be professionally affiliated. Connect with the Health Hunt WebsiteInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTube Email: info@thehealthhunt.comThe Health Hunt Fullscript Store - Practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products with community discounts up to 25% offThe Health Hunt's Prenuvo Discount - Save $300 on a full-body MRI scanIgniton (15% Off Cellular Health & Longevity Products for Health Hunt Listeners)

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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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