The Synergee Podcast

Kelly Engelmann and Lori Esarey

Stress, default patterns and addiction , regardless of race, education or socio economic status , we all have patterns we fall into when we are stressed. How to identify the stress, understand the pattern and change your default. From college grad to homeless, addicted and losing everything to a life now of helping others, his story will certainly inspire you.

  1. APR 20

    Don't Let Travel Derail Your Health

    Travel is supposed to be fun, but let's be honest, it can also be exhausting, disruptive, and hard on your body when you are not prepared. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on our most humbling travel experiences, from altitude sickness in Peru to getting unexpectedly stranded in the Caribbean, and sharing the lessons those moments taught us about traveling well. We talk through the real-life strategies we use to protect our health on the go: how to pack smarter, what to bring if you have food sensitivities or medications, how to think ahead about hydration, sleep, and recovery, and why your everyday wellness habits matter even more when you travel. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you stay energized, nourished, and prepared whether you are heading out for vacation, a work trip, or an international adventure. Because the goal is not just to get there, it is to feel good while you are there and when you come home.

    51 min

  2. APR 6

    Why You're Still So Tired: The Hidden Root Causes of Fatigue

    In this powerful episode, Kelly and Lori sit down with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a naturopathic physician with more than 20 years of experience helping people navigate chronic illness and reclaim their energy. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and her own personal healing journey, Dr. Jenny shares a thoughtful functional medicine approach to fatigue and why true healing often goes far beyond simply "pushing through." Together, they explore the deeper roots of fatigue, including hormones, viral reactivation, mitochondrial dysfunction, toxins, and limbic system overload, while also highlighting the importance of nervous system regulation, emotional healing, and strong health foundations. This is a hopeful, honest conversation for anyone feeling stuck, depleted, or ready to move beyond survival mode and into true vitality.

    57 min

  3. MAR 23

    Did the Food Pyramid Fail Us? What a Metabolically Healthy Plate Really Looks Like

    For decades, Americans have been told what healthy eating should look like—from the Food Pyramid to MyPlate. But if those guidelines were enough, why are rates of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction still rising? In this episode, Kelly and Lori take a deeper look at what the Food Pyramid got wrong, what MyPlate improved, and why neither approach fully supports true metabolic health. They unpack the history behind these guidelines, the influence of the food industry, and why quality, nutrient density, and individuality matter more than ever. You'll also hear their perspective on protein needs as we age, the role of fiber, the impact of ultra-processed foods, and how to start building a plate that actually supports blood sugar, energy, and long-term resilience. In this episode, we discuss: What the Food Pyramid got wrong (and how it shaped today's health crisis) How MyPlate simplified nutrition—but still missed key pieces Why whole food quality matters more than food categories The impact of processed foods, grains, and fat-phobia Why protein becomes more important as we age How to think about fiber, healthy fats, and food sourcing Why nutrition must be personalized for your age, stage, and metabolism Bottom line: Guidelines are built for populations—but your health is personal.

    29 min

  4. MAR 9

    Nutrition at the Cellular Level: The Dolphin Discovery Behind C15

    This conversation might change how you think about nutrition—at the cellular level. We're joined by Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinarian and epidemiologist with a remarkable background spanning the CDC, WHO, Department of Defense, and DARPA, plus 60+ peer-reviewed publications and 40+ patents. Her work studying the U.S. Navy's dolphins—some living 40, 50, even 60 years—opened the door to a surprising discovery: dolphins can develop metabolic patterns similar to humans, and the healthiest aging dolphins had one key thing in common—higher levels of C15. In this episode, we explore: Why dolphins became an unexpected "model" for human longevity What C15 is and why it's different from other saturated fats How C15 relates to cell membrane strength, mitochondrial function, and inflammation What "cellular fragility" may look like in labs, including RDW trends How food, testing, and targeted support can change the conversation from guesswork to clarity If you care about healthspan, metabolic health, and evidence-based nutrition, this one is a must-listen. If you would like to try Fatty15 visit their website: https://fatty15.com/SYNERGEE and enter code SYNERGEE10 at checkout for 25% off your order!

    48 min

  5. FEB 23

    From Cath Lab to Longevity: A Cardiologist's Shift from Intervention to Prevention

    board-certified interventional cardiologist turned longevity-focused heart expert joins Kelly & Lori to pull back the curtain on what he really saw in the cath lab—and why today's biggest cardiovascular threat isn't just cholesterol, it's inflammation + insulin resistance. We dig into: Why heart disease is an inflammatory condition (and what COVID revealed) The "new" pattern of diffuse, multi-vessel disease driven by blood sugar dysfunction The 80/20 anti-inflammation trio you can start this week: sleep, food, mindset How to use HRV (Oura/Woop/etc.) as a real-time clue for stress, alcohol, and food triggers Vagus nerve "boosters" that can move the needle: breathwork, humming, cold exposure, and more Why nitric oxide declines after ~35, and the surprising link between oral health, mouthwash, and blood pressure The supplements he leans on most often (and when): magnesium, fish oil, berberine, plus mitochondrial and membrane support If you want practical, doable heart-health moves—without the fear tactics—this one's for you.

    51 min

  6. FEB 9

    Connection Is Medicine: How Oxytocin Impacts Cortisol, Cravings & Blood Sugar

    Description:  What if better blood sugar balance isn't just about what you eat or how much you move—but also about connection, safety, and your nervous system? In this episode of the Synergee Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Rita Marie Laska, a functional medicine clinician, nutritional endocrinology expert, and founder of the Institute of Nutritional Endocrinology. Dr. Rita Marie brings over 25 years of clinical experience helping patients and practitioners move beyond symptom management and into true root-cause healing. Together, we explore the powerful — and often overlooked — role of oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone," and how it directly impacts cortisol, insulin resistance, metabolic health, thyroid function, adrenal resilience, and sex hormones. This conversation connects the dots between stress, emotional safety, and blood sugar regulation, revealing why many people struggle with fatigue, weight gain, hormone imbalances, and insulin resistance—even when they're eating well and doing "all the right things." In this episode, we discuss: What oxytocin really is and why it matters for metabolic health How chronic stress and elevated cortisol drive insulin resistance The hormone "crosstalk" between insulin, thyroid, adrenals, and sex hormones Why connection, touch, and emotional safety are biological necessities How nervous system regulation supports blood sugar balance A food-first foundation that supports hormones and reduces inflammation Simple, practical ways to shift out of fight-or-flight and into healing If you've been stuck in a stress response, struggling with blood sugar, or feeling disconnected from your body, this conversation offers a refreshing, compassionate perspective on what real health restoration looks like.

    54 min

  7. JAN 26

    The MS "Wake-Up Call" That Changed Everything: Whole-Foods Healing With Elizabeth Yarnell

    A sudden MS diagnosis in 1999 became a turning point for Elizabeth Yarnell, launching her into a decades-long exploration of inflammation, autoimmunity, and food as medicine. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her personal journey, the foundational role of whole foods, and why gut health, clean water, and reducing everyday exposures matter more than most people realize. This conversation is a practical, empowering reminder that small, consistent food and lifestyle choices can create meaningful change over time. In this episode, we cover: Elizabeth's MS diagnosis and the wake-up call that changed everything Why inflammation is a common driver in MS and autoimmune conditions The role of whole foods, gut health, and daily digestion as health signals Clean water, environmental exposures, and foundational lifestyle choices How small, consistent changes can create meaningful, long-term impact

    56 min

  8. JAN 12

    You're Not "Just Tired"—Your Mitochondria Might Be Screaming (Here's How to Tell)

    If you've tried everything for fatigue, brain fog, and feeling stuck in survival mode—but you're still not better—this episode is for you.   On The Synergee Podcast, Kelly and Lori sit down with Dr. Sam Shea (aka the Friendly Lab Nerd) to unpack why "magic bullet" protocols often fail—and why healing requires a clear framework, not more guessing.   In this episode, we explore:   Why chronic symptoms rarely come from just one issue The 10 Pillars of Health and how they guide real, sustainable healing How targeted lab testing (including mitochondria, gut, hormones, toxins, and genetics) creates a personalized roadmap forward   If you're exhausted, discouraged, or told your labs are "normal," this conversation will help you understand what your body is truly asking for—and how to start responding with clarity and confidence.

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Stress, default patterns and addiction , regardless of race, education or socio economic status , we all have patterns we fall into when we are stressed. How to identify the stress, understand the pattern and change your default. From college grad to homeless, addicted and losing everything to a life now of helping others, his story will certainly inspire you.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Engelmann and Lori Esarey
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    The Synergee Podcast

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