Functionally Speaking

Danielle Kepics & Laura Ligos
  • 0.0 (0)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS

Welcome to Functionally Speaking— the podcast where two clinicians share one brain cell and way too many opinions.  We’re here for the nuance, the hot takes, the facts your certification skipped over, and the occasional spiral into chaos. If you’re a health coach, practitioner, or clinician who’s slightly functional (just like our mitochondria and our recording process), you’re in the right place. We’re not here to sugarcoat the science or pretend there’s one right way to do this work — we’re doing it our way. Unfiltered. Slightly feral. And always with love for the humans we serve. Let’s get into it.

  1. 15 DEC

    20. The 5 Tools Every Wellness Practitioner Needs in 2026

    Do you ever wonder what tools are actually worth investing in for your health and wellness business? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re sharing the exact tools that have transformed how we run our practice—from client communication and symptom tracking to batching content and finding community support. These are the platforms and systems we rely on every single day to work smarter (not harder), serve our clients better, and stay connected to other like-minded practitioners. Whether you’re full-time in your practice or still building it on the side, this episode gives you a peek behind the scenes into what’s working and what’s worth skipping. In this episode, we cover: 01:29 What we’re planning (and dreaming about) for 2026 inside the Unconventional Collaborative03:12 The tools that save us hours and keep our business running smoothly04:05 How we actually use Practice Better with clients 07:24 The one client questionnaire we use in every single case11:14 Why email still works and how we keep it simple and effective13:09 How we handle social media (without it taking over our lives)16:11 The ways we’re experimenting with AI in our business19:17 Why you need a community as a practitioner (and how to find one)24:43 What’s coming next—and why we’re so excited about these guests Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here. Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship. All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

    26 min

  2. 8 DEC

    19. Perimenopause, HRT, and the Double Standards in Women’s Healthcare

    Have you ever been told you're in perimenopause but something about that felt off? Or maybe you’re a clinician who's had clients walk in with an “official” diagnosis, zero labs, and a whole lot of confusion. In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we unpack the growing wave of perimenopause talk—from the genuine support women deserve to the frustrating ways it’s being misdiagnosed, overused, and under-supported. We talk about the physiology of this transition, the red flags we look for when evaluating clients, the foundational work that needs to happen before hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is even on the table, and why so many women are more depleted than they even realize. Whether you’re a practitioner, someone navigating your 30s or 40s, or just tired of being dismissed, this conversation will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface—and what to do about it. In this episode, we cover: 01:48 When perimenopause is real—and when it’s not06:00 How late motherhood impacts hormone shifts10:00 Red flags: when HRT is prescribed without context13:00 Why so many women are told to “suck it up”16:00 Our go-to foundations before HRT 23:00 Caffeine, alcohol, depletion, and the stories we’re told26:00 What to ask yourself (or your client) before reaching for a patch or pill Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here. Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship. All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

    28 min

  3. 24 NOV

    18. What NOT to Do in Your Wellness Business (Learn From Our Mistakes)

    Are you building your wellness business on shaky ground without even realizing it? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on all the things we’ve done wrong in business so you don’t have to. We’re talking about red-flag clients, pricing mistakes, boundary breakdowns, tech headaches, and how easy it is to end up resentful when you make exceptions "just this once." If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or stuck in business decisions that just don’t feel right, then this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: 01:48 What NOT to do in your business (even if you see everyone else doing it)11:35 Why clear boundaries with clients protect you and them16:03 Pricing from a place of alignment—not fear or ego18:32 Understanding the market and what value you actually provide18:52 Balancing client load with the energy you actually have19:56 Rethinking how you price, structure, and add value to your offers23:01 The importance of collaboration and not doing this alone24:23 Why entrepreneurship can feel like doing everything and nothing at the same time28:19 The danger of making “exceptions” that lead to resentment31:27 Originality vs. inspiration—and how to know the difference34:27 A sneak peek at exciting events coming to the Collaborative Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    37 min

  4. 17 NOV

    17. Coaching the Burned-Out Client: Exercise, Stress, and Capacity Conversations

    Have your clients (or even you) ever used exercise as therapy only to end up more depleted than energized? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re breaking down how to help clients (and ourselves) find the right dose of exercise for their current season of life. From “go hard or go home” narratives to sneaky stressors like high-demand jobs, toddler wake-ups, or perfectionist tendencies, we share how to reframe movement through a truly functional lens. We also cover what the research says about minimum effective dose, signs that exercise might be doing more harm than good, and why giving clients “permission to do less” can actually unlock better outcomes. Whether you’re a clinician navigating this conversation with patients, or a woman juggling her own fitness goals, this episode will give you practical frameworks and empathetic language to support more sustainable exercise routines. In this episode, we cover: 01:56 Why “exercise is therapy” can be a red flag02:56 Looking at client history—not just their current workouts05:05 Season of life: capacity, stress, and what’s on their plate07:28 The sneaky stressors many clinicians overlook10:14 Red flags in labs and symptoms that signal overtraining19:54 How to approach cardio and lifting for real-life results22:52 What counts as “exercise” to your client?24:08 Why good programming (and good referrals) matter28:36 Real client stories and resistance to change34:56 Why doing less now can help you do more later36:19 Final tips and reminders for clinicians Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    37 min

  5. 10 NOV

    16. How Undereating Wrecks Hormones, Metabolism, Sleep, and Sanity

    Are your clients hitting the gym, eating “clean,” and still feeling exhausted, anxious, and bloated? We see it all the time—women who are praised for their discipline but are actually deeply undernourished. And sometimes? Clinicians miss the signs too. In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re talking about one of the most common but overlooked issues in functional and conventional healthcare: undereating. Whether it's hiding behind food sensitivities, excessive exercise, or outdated calorie goals, under-fueling shows up in all sorts of sneaky ways. This one’s for clinicians who want to support their clients more holistically—and for high-achieving humans who are doing “everything right” and still not feeling like themselves. In this episode, we cover: 01:36 The impact of undereating on hormones and metabolism02:19 How diet culture teaches women to fear hunger05:22 When discipline disguises disordered eating09:51 Sneaky symptoms and lab clues your client is under-fueled16:03 Why macros aren’t enough—micronutrients matter, too17:37 What mineral depletion says about your metabolism18:00 The relationship between stress, food, and capacity18:51 Helping clients shift from weight loss to true health21:22 What to watch for in thyroid and sex hormone labs23:38 Coaching with compassion: the “capacity” conversation27:40 Sneaky signs of under-fueling even seasoned pros miss30:53 Why performance ≠ health—and how to help clients see that Links and resources: The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora: http://goodreads.com/book/show/58385699-the-anatomy-of-anxiety Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared.  Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    33 min

  6. 3 NOV

    15. What Makes a Great Clinician? Red Flags, Green Flags, and Questions to Ask

    Ever left a doctor’s office feeling dismissed, confused, or worse—unseen?  In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on the red flags we see in both conventional and functional medicine. From providers who brush off symptoms to those who rely too heavily on expensive testing and supplement stacks, we talk through the patterns we’ve seen—and the ones we want to change. We also share the green flags we look for in collaborative providers, the difference between discernment and dogma in clinical care, and how to advocate for yourself (or your clients) in today’s confusing wellness landscape. If you've ever wondered what questions to ask when choosing a provider, this episode is a must. In this episode, we cover: 01:37 Common red flags we’ve seen in healthcare providers04:54 Preventative wellness: what your provider should be doing06:58 What to do when you're told “your labs look fine” but you feel awful08:17 When testing becomes a crutch instead of a tool16:59 Weight bias in medicine and the need for trauma-informed support17:49 Knowing scope of practice and when a provider should refer out19:35 Why not every MD is qualified to give nutrition advice21:18 Elimination diets, testing fatigue, and what real support looks like24:15 The beauty of collaboration in healthcare25:54 Green flags we love to see in practitioners34:04 The best questions to ask when choosing a provider Links and resources: Women’s sexual health, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by Peter Attia and Rachel Rubin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0XW6av2wLQGLP-1s Explained: Risks, Benefits, and Real-World Applications: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/17622871 Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.

    37 min

  7. 27 OCT

    14. Do You Really Need a Weighted Vest?

    Is wearing a weighted vest actually helping or is it just another wellness trend preying on women in perimenopause? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re unpacking the very hot topic of weighted vests and why they’re suddenly everywhere. We break down where this trend came from, what the research doesn’t say, and why social media is once again skipping over the nuance in favor of buzzwords and biohacks. In this episode, we cover: 02:13 The problem with the weighted vest trend on social media03:37 Common misconceptions and where proper use actually matters07:40 When it does make sense for certain clients and how to know08:00 The link between burnout, high-achieving women, and exercise culture09:00 Why adding weight to your walk could be hurting11:00 Bone health basics (and why the false sense of security is dangerous)12:30 What actually works for building bone density14:00 Why weightlifting is almost always the better choice15:35 One use case that might make sense + a teaser for next week's episode Links and resources: Send us an email: unconventional.collaborative@gmail.com Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    16 min

  8. 20 OCT

    13. Postpartum Fitness: Why the Bounce-Back Culture Misses the Point

    Are postpartum workouts empowering or just another pressure on moms to “bounce back”? In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re diving deep into postpartum fitness culture—and calling out the unrealistic, unhelpful, and often harmful messaging that’s flooding social media. From snapback culture to sleep deprivation, mineral depletion, and the mental load of motherhood, we explore why pushing women into high-intensity training just weeks after giving birth is not just misguided—it’s dangerous. Whether you’re a practitioner, a mom, or both, this conversation offers validation, education, and a whole lot of real talk. In this episode, we cover: 02:43 The harsh reality of postpartum recovery (even with “healthy” pregnancies)05:29 How clinicians can better support postpartum women09:51 Why sleep and recovery must be non-negotiables14:24 Depletion during pregnancy: what most women don’t know17:58 Exercise and body image struggles postpartum19:16 Therapy, identity, and realistic expectations23:25 The role of support systems in healing27:47 What real postpartum fitness can look like30:18 Practical, compassionate advice for postpartum movement Links and resources: Brianna Battles: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.battles/MamasteFit: https://www.instagram.com/mamastefit/Expecting and Empowered: https://www.instagram.com/expectingandempowered/Nourish Move Love: https://www.instagram.com/nourishmovelove/ Connect with Unconventional Collaborative: Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/ Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative Connect with Laura Ligos: Website: https://thesassydietitian.com Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian Connect with Danielle Kepics: Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast does not create a doctor-patient, provider-client, or supervisory relationship between you and any of the hosts or contributors. Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility or liability for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this podcast.

    36 min
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About

Welcome to Functionally Speaking— the podcast where two clinicians share one brain cell and way too many opinions.  We’re here for the nuance, the hot takes, the facts your certification skipped over, and the occasional spiral into chaos. If you’re a health coach, practitioner, or clinician who’s slightly functional (just like our mitochondria and our recording process), you’re in the right place. We’re not here to sugarcoat the science or pretend there’s one right way to do this work — we’re doing it our way. Unfiltered. Slightly feral. And always with love for the humans we serve. Let’s get into it.

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle Kepics & Laura Ligos
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Functionally Speaking
  • Show Website
    Functionally Speaking
  • Provider

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