Wellness Unscripted

Cara Merak, BSN, RN, CFNC
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Wellness Unscripted is your go-to podcast for real conversations about root-cause health and healing. Hosted by functional medicine nurse Cara Merak, each episode explores what’s actually driving issues like fatigue, hormone imbalance, gut dysfunction, and burnout—and what to do about it. You'll hear from leading experts and real people, sharing what they wish every client knew—no fluff, no filters. Just the clarity, strategies, and inspiration you need to take charge of your health and feel better, naturally. Learn more at unscriptedclinic.com

Episodes

  1. 04/24/2025

    The Biggest Mistakes We’ve Made in Our Own Health

    We didn’t always get it right. In this episode, we’re opening up about the biggest mistakes we’ve made in our own health—what we believed, what we missed, and how those experiences reshaped our clinical lens. These are the lessons that no textbook teaches you—but they’ve become the backbone of how we now guide others. Whether you’re on your own healing journey or working with clients, this conversation will help you avoid some of the missteps we made—and recover faster if you already have. 🎧 Tune in for honest stories, hard-won insights, and the practical takeaways we wish we had sooner. Learn more about Alina and Eastside Athletics by visiting ⁠https://www.eastside-athletics.com⁠ ig: ⁠@eastsideathletics⁠ Learn how to work with Cara at ⁠Unscripted Clinic⁠ to get personalized, root-cause care from a functional medicine nurse who connects the dots between your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle—for real, lasting change. ig: ⁠@unscriptedclinic

    44 min

  2. 12/12/2024

    Your Blueprint for Beating Osteoporosis: Pilates and Nutrition

    Your bones are more than just a framework—they’re living, dynamic tissue that supports your entire body. In this episode, Cara is joined by Brooke Mainord, a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Club Pilates instructor, to explore the transformative power of Pilates for bone health. Together, they uncover: -The science of osteoporosis and why bone health starts young. -Why Pilates is a game-changer for building bone strength, balance, and resilience. -Practical tips for modifying exercises to fit all fitness levels, including those with osteoporosis. -The essential role of nutrition in maintaining strong bones (hint: it’s not just calcium!). Whether you’re looking to prevent bone loss, recover your strength, or take a holistic approach to wellness, this conversation will leave you inspired to move better, live better, and support your bones for life. 🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward stronger bones and a stronger you! Work with Unscripted Clinic Metabolic issues, gut health, and inflammation are often at the root of your health concerns. At Unscripted Clinic, we help you uncover your root causes and create a personalized plan to heal and thrive—with step-by-step guidance to tailor and implement it to fit your life. ➡ Find out more at www.unscriptedclinic.com and let’s start your journey to better health! Stay Connected Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for tips and updates: @UnscriptedClinic Visit our website for additional resources, and more: www.unscriptedclinic.com Support the Show Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us grow! Resources Learn more about today’s topic: www.unscriptedclinic.com/blog Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalize.

    36 min

  3. 10/24/2024

    Mold, EMFs, and VOCs: Creating a Healthier Home | Laura Markwardt

    What’s Lurking in Your Home? Clearing up our environment to enhance our well-being. We think of our homes as safe spaces, and many of us spend a majority of our lives there, but what if they’re silently impacting our health? In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Markwardt, a Certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant and Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist, who’s here to help us rethink the environments we live in every day. 🌿 Toxins in our air, the products we use, and even the electromagnetic fields in our homes are contributing to a rise in chronic health issues. Laura shares her expertise on how our modern lifestyles are out of sync with our natural biological needs, why indoor air quality matters more than you think, and the surprising ways hidden toxins could be affecting your energy, mood, and overall well-being. From invisible EMFs to sneaky VOCs, we break down the actionable steps you can take today to create a safer, healthier home for yourself and your family. 🏡 If you’ve ever wondered how your home might be impacting your health, or if you’re looking for practical tips to optimize your living environment without fear-mongering, this conversation is for you. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to transform your home into a true sanctuary. To be clear - it's not about adding fear, it's about giving you the tools to take control. 🌱 Learn more about Laura and HomeBiome by visiting homebiome.org or catching her on social media @homebiome Ready to take control of your health with a holistic approach? Discover how working with a Functional Medicine Nurse can transform your well-being. Visit: unscriptedclinic.com for more information and to get started on your journey to living a vibrant life full of energy and ease. ig: @unscriptedclinic

    53 min

  4. 10/07/2024

    Slowing Down to Heal; the interplay between mental and physical health | Dr. Allen Wood

    Mental wellness relies on physical health—they're two sides of the same coin. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Allen Wood, a clinical psychologist who’s breaking new ground in the world of mental health by blending traditional therapy with a deeper understanding of how our physical health impacts our psychological well-being. Dr. Wood’s approach at the Center for Deliberate Psychology focuses on harmonizing the mind, body, and emotions—challenging the conventional idea that mental health can be treated in isolation from the body. Together, we explore how nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes can play a massive role in supporting mental health. From the power of omega-3s and vitamins like magnesium and zinc to the crucial link between gut health and brain function, Dr. Wood shows us how small shifts in our daily habits can lead to significant improvements in emotional well-being. We also dive into the concept of the gut-brain axis and why 90% of your serotonin is made in the gut, meaning your mental health is not just about your mind—it’s a full-body process. Whether it’s stress management, sleep, or balancing hormonal health, this episode highlights a holistic path that’s often missing in traditional mental health treatment. This is the future of healing, and we’re only scratching the surface. Join us as we discuss practical steps you can take to support your mental and physical health, the shift happening in psychological care, and how addressing your whole self might be the missing piece in your wellness journey. Perfect for anyone curious about the real connection between body and mind—this conversation is packed with insight and actionable advice to help you reclaim your health. To learn more about the Center for Deliberate Psychology, visit: deliberatepsych.com Ready to take control of your health with a holistic approach? Discover how working with a Functional Medicine Nurse can transform your well-being. Visit: unscriptedclinic.com for more information and to get started on your journey to optimal health. ig: @unscriptedclinic #holistichealth #nutritionalpsychiatry #functionalmedicine #mindbody #mentalhealth

    49 min

  5. 09/26/2024

    Building Habits That Last: The Lifestyle Way to Longevity | Ashton Tutin & Ashley Kolozsvary

    In this episode of the Wellness Unscripted Podcast, we sit down with wellness coaches Ashton Tutin and Ashley Kolozsvary from The Lifestyle Way to discuss how to build sustainable health habits for a long and vibrant life. We explore actionable strategies for creating lasting daily routines, how to make small but impactful changes, and the importance of mindset in achieving your health goals. Ashton and Ashley share their best tips on overcoming common wellness challenges, adopting a balanced approach to nutrition, and breaking free from the 'all-or-nothing' mentality. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, enhance your diet, or build a healthier lifestyle overall, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how to create lasting habits for better health and longevity. To learn more about The Lifestyle Way, visit: https://thelifestyleway.fit ig: @ashley_kolozsvarybackupaccount ig: ashton_lt To learn more about Cara's practice, and working with her, visit: Unscripted Clinic unscriptedclinic.com ig: @unscriptedclinic and @wellness.unscripted

    53 min

  6. 09/12/2024

    Seed Cycling: The Secret to Balancing Hormones Naturally | Julia Kormanski, BS, CPT, INHC

    Julia Kormanski is a dietician and founder of Manski’s Wellness, a company focused on natural hormone support. In this episode, Julia breaks down the power of food as medicine through seed cycling—an easy, natural method for balancing hormones. Whether you’re dealing with PCOS, irregular cycles, fertility challenges, menopause or coming off birth control, seed cycling could be the game-changer your body needs. We dive deep into who should try seed cycling, how it works, and why it’s gaining traction as a natural alternative to traditional hormone treatments. Julia also shares practical tips on how to get started and introduces her hormone-supporting seed cycling bars, available at Manski’s Wellness. IG: @Manskis_Wellness Shop: https://manskiswellness.com/products/organic-seed-cycling-bundle For personalized guidance on hormone health and more, visit UnscriptedClinic.com. We offer holistic, personalized care to help you achieve optimal wellness, no matter where you are on your health journey. UnscriptedClinic.com Socials: @unscriptedclinic To dig deeper into Seed Cycling: 1. ⁠Seed Cycling March 24 PDF⁠ 2. ⁠Maham Zafar et al., "Seed Cycling: Approach for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome," *Food and Humanity*, Volume 2, 2024⁠. 3. Deeptimayee Mahapatra, "Advantages of Seed Cycling Diet in Menstrual Dysfunctions: A Review-Based Explanation," [⁠ResearchGate PDF⁠]

    46 min

  7. 08/29/2024

    Spinal Health, Gut Harmony: The Overlooked Connection | Dr. Andrew Winger

    We sat down with experienced chiropractor, Dr. Andrew Winger to explore the powerful link between spinal health and gut harmony. Discover how the nervous system plays a crucial role in your digestive health and why issues like chronic gut problems and autoimmunity might be rooted in your spine. We’ll break down the science behind this connection and offer practical tips you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep your spine and overall health in peak condition. Tune in to learn how caring for your spine might just be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle! Learn more about Dr. Winger’s practice: Lakeside Spine and Wellness ⁠https://www.lakesiderentonchiro.com⁠ (425) 264-3173

    39 min

  8. 08/15/2024

    Buti Unleashed: The Fusion of Movement, Mind, and Healing | Vanessa Tymczyszyn

    In this energizing episode of Wellness Unscripted, join Cara Merak as she dives into the transformative world of Buti with psychotherapist and certified Buti instructor, Vanessa Tymczyszyn. Discover how this unique practice blends traditional yoga, primal movements, and plyometrics to not only sculpt your body but also release stored emotions and heal from within. Vanessa shares her journey into Buti, its powerful impact on mental health, and how it helps people reconnect with their bodies. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you ready to embrace movement like never before! Learn more about Vanessa's practice at https://www.vanessaestespsychotherapy.com or about BUTI at: https://thebutimovement.com

    44 min

  9. 08/01/2024

    Restorative Fertility | Kathrin Bodine, MSN, FNP-C

    We dive into holistic fertility with our esteemed guest, Kathrin Bodine. Discover the essentials of Restorative Reproductive Medicine, the root causes of infertility, and the role of thyroid function in reproductive health. Learn about innovative, natural treatments and comprehensive couple's care. Plus, Kathrin shares the daily habits she swears by for well-being. Tune in for expert advice and actionable tips!

    45 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Wellness Unscripted is your go-to podcast for real conversations about root-cause health and healing. Hosted by functional medicine nurse Cara Merak, each episode explores what’s actually driving issues like fatigue, hormone imbalance, gut dysfunction, and burnout—and what to do about it. You'll hear from leading experts and real people, sharing what they wish every client knew—no fluff, no filters. Just the clarity, strategies, and inspiration you need to take charge of your health and feel better, naturally. Learn more at unscriptedclinic.com

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