24. Should You Offer Chat Support? Let’s Talk Boundaries, Burnout, and Client Experience

Why is it that the “healthiest” looking women in the room are often the ones silently missing their periods?In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we unpack one of the most overlooked clinical patterns we see in practice: hypothalamic amenorrhea in lean, active, high-achieving women. We talk about why this gets missed in conventional care, how birth control becomes a band-aid instead of a solution, and why underfueling and overtraining are still wildly under-addressed in “healthy” populations.We also share why this conversation matters even more right now—with GLP-1 use rising, macro coaching everywhere, and cultural pressure to stay lean at all costs.In this episode, we cover:01:30 Podcast hiatus announcement 02:03 What is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) and why it’s missed in “healthy” women03:32 Better intake & activity screening05:34 Red flags in consults06:08 Fertility clinics, low-carb advice, and the birth control “band-aid” problem09:18 Recovery reality: energy availability, timelines, and why it takes months12:04 Competing goals: endurance training, leanness standards, and fertility tradeoffs15:23 How to coach women through change18:35 Unqualified macro coaching, low-fat dieting, and missing periods20:33 GLP-1s and period loss23:15 3 practitioner takeawaysConnect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

Are we reaching for bottles before we’ve truly addressed the basics?In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we have a very honest conversation about the supplements we see most overused, overhyped, and misunderstood in practice. We’re not anti-supplement—far from it. But we are pro-context, pro-foundations, and pro-clinical reasoning. We talk about where things like DIM, oregano oil, berberine, zinc, and greens powders can absolutely make sense…and where they turn into shortcuts that bypass the real work.In this episode, we cover:02:12 Why we’re talking about the most overrated and misused supplements03:28 DIM — when it’s actually appropriate, understanding estrogen pathways, and why it’s often thrown in too quickly07:14 Oregano oil — “kill phase” pitfalls, chronic use mistakes, and why timing matters10:07 Berberine (aka “Nature’s Ozempic”) — blood sugar benefits, gut impact, and why it should be cycled intentionally13:39 Zinc — high-dose mistakes, nausea, mineral imbalances, and how to decide when it’s truly needed16:51 Long-term zinc mistakes — copper depletion risks and choosing better forms18:00 Greens powders — when they’re overrated, when they’re overused, and when they can actually serve a purpose21:14 Fat burners — appetite suppression, elevated heart rate, and the money-grab marketing behind them22:15 Biotin and “hair, skin, nails” formulas — why more isn’t better24:06 Pre-workout formulas — hidden caffeine and what clients forget to disclose26:26 Honorable mentions — iron and multivitamins in the right context (but not indefinitely)28:46 Wrap-up, how to connect with us, and what’s coming nextConnect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

Is it wellness or is it just disordered behavior in disguise?In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re naming what’s really going on behind the clean eating trends, detox culture, step-count obsession, and hypertracking disguised as health. From “I need to track to eat enough” to “I can’t skip a workout,” we’re breaking down the disordered behaviors that are getting rebranded as commitment, control, or self-care.If you’re a practitioner, you need to know what to look for and how to guide your clients back to true nourishment, flexibility, and health that includes their nervous system too.In this episode, we cover:01:22 The rise of disordered behaviors in wellness02:33 Why “clean eating” might be harming your clients12:33 The deeper issue behind macro tracking and step-count streaks23:16 Detoxes and parasite cleanses: wellness or depletion?26:13 The hidden obsession behind never missing a workoutLinks and resources:Episode 26. Why Postpartum Care Fails and How Practitioners Can Fill the Gaps: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18608520Episode 25. Let’s Be Honest About Peptides, GLP-1s, and the Real Problem: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18568972Episode 02. GLP-1s Explained: Risks, Benefits, and Real-World Applications: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/17622871Episode 22. The Parasite Cleanse Craze: Marketing, Myths & What You Actually Need: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18452084Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

How did postpartum become a performance sport?Somewhere along the way, we stopped honoring the transformation of motherhood and started racing to “get back” to a body, a life, and a version of ourselves that no longer exists. This week, we’re unpacking all of it—from toxic bounce back culture to body image in preconception care, influencer pressures, postpartum mental health, and how practitioners can help clients navigate this intense season with compassion and realism.In this episode, we cover:01:22 The problem with bounce back culture02:17 Transparency in postpartum fitness03:29 Societal pressures on new mothers07:22 Challenges of breastfeeding and returning to work08:56 Inadequate postpartum support in the U.S.11:44 Why prenatal care needs a radical upgrade15:09 Navigating social media while postpartum15:52 Real talk about body image and postpartum reality16:23 Helping clients embrace body neutrality17:21 Unpacking the pressure to ‘get your body back’19:45 Encouraging nourishment and rest over restriction20:50 Preconception care and body image support25:01 Addressing anxiety in the trying to conceive community28:18 Final thoughts and how we can do betterLinks and resources:Listen to Episode 13. Postpartum Fitness: Why the Bounce-Back Culture Misses the Point: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18040501Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

Is it just us, or does it feel like everyone online is suddenly a weight loss expert?Between the nonstop social media promotions for GLP-1s and influencers flaunting their “bounce back” bodies postpartum, the noise can get overwhelming—and dangerously misleading.In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we revisit our conversation on GLP-1s and peptide therapy, but this time through the lens of ethics, marketing responsibility, and how all of it is impacting real people, especially postpartum women. We break down how overprescription happens, how misleading messages go viral, and why so many people are skipping over the foundational questions we should really be asking.In this episode, we cover:01:02 A quick refresher on GLP-1s and peptides—why we’re still talking about them02:04 What we’re seeing with GLP-1 overprescription (and why it’s concerning)05:03 How influencer culture is shaping health decisions—often the wrong way06:40 Body image, societal pressure, and the impossible postpartum bounce back10:15 Where are the ethics? A real talk on prescribing responsibility17:59 Why postpartum women are especially vulnerable to misleading messaging25:48 What we want you to take away from this conversationLinks and resources:Listen to Episode 02. GLP-1s Explained: Risks, Benefits, and Real-World Applications: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/02-glp-1s-explained-risks-benefits-and-real-world/id1831430877?i=1000721517545Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

Is chat support helping your business or quietly burning you out?In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re unpacking the pros and cons of offering chat support to clients—from how we’ve structured it in our own practices to the unexpected mindset shifts it required. We talk about what works (and what definitely didn’t), how to set boundaries and still offer high-touch care, and why chat support can be a powerful tool for client progress—if it’s used intentionally. Whether you're deciding whether to include it, struggling with how to manage it, or feeling like it's becoming too much, this conversation will give you grounded, practical guidance.In this episode, we cover:01:41 Why community and real-time connection matter in client care02:12 The chat support debate: should you offer it or not?02:57 Our personal experiences—what worked, what flopped, what we changed04:15 Boundaries, compensation, and not working for free05:39 How we use chat support effectively in our weekly rhythms06:23 Pros and cons: real talk from both sides of the inbox06:54 Different models and approaches—what works for you08:52 Why chat access can be a huge value-add (even if clients don’t use it)12:02 Setting expectations and encouraging meaningful engagement24:51 Wrapping up with reminders, upcoming events, and the power of overdeliveringLinks and resources:Listen to Episode 23. How to Design Protocols That Actually Work (Without Overwhelming Your Clients): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18491501Listen to Episode 21. Masterclasses, Memberships, or 1:1? Choosing the Right Business Model for You: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18417374Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

Tired of wondering where to start—or how to actually move a client forward—when it comes to protocol design? If you’ve ever second-guessed your plans, felt overwhelmed by lab results, or struggled to figure out how to balance clinical insight with client capacity, this episode is for you.In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we break down what protocol design really looks like inside a thriving clinical practice—and why it’s so much more than just stacking supplements. We talk about the foundational pillars we never skip, how to prioritize based on labs and client history, and why slow, supportive progress always beats rigid plans. You’ll also hear the specific tools and strategies we use to individualize our recommendations and build trust and momentum with our clients.In this episode, we cover:02:25 How we start designing protocols 04:24 The non-negotiable foundations we always build from06:37 Why client habits matter more than the perfect plan12:03 How we personalize protocols based on what’s actually doable17:32 When and how we integrate labs with client history23:05 The value of flexibility and not rushing the process26:56 Final thoughts + what’s coming next inside our communityLinks and resources mentioned:Listen to Episode 22. The Parasite Cleanse Craze: Marketing, Myths & What You Actually Need: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18452084Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

Are parasites really the root of all your symptoms or just another fear-based fad?In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re diving into the popular (and often problematic) phrase: “If you have a pulse, you have a parasite.” We unpack the rise of parasite cleanses in the functional health world, challenge the reflexive use of antimicrobials, and explore why a more nuanced, root-cause approach matters—especially when dealing with vulnerable clients. From testing limitations to the importance of clinical context, we share how we approach suspected parasite issues in our own practices and what truly sets clients up for success. Spoiler: it’s not monthly full-moon cleanses.In this episode, we cover:01:51 Why “If you have a pulse, you have a parasite” makes us cringe04:03 When parasites are actually a concern and when they’re not07:00 What needs to be in place before you even think about treatment12:52 How stress changes everything (and why it's always relevant)14:36 Our final thoughts on discernment, red flags, and what’s coming nextConnect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

What’s the best business model for a health and wellness practice? Should you launch a membership, stick with 1:1s, or start teaching masterclasses? If you’ve been feeling pressure to scale a certain way—but you’re not sure what actually works for you or your clients—this episode is for you.Today, we’re unpacking the real-world pros and cons of different business models we've tried—and why the “right” model is the one that matches your energy, your capacity, and the kind of impact you want to make. From the power of staying in 1:1 work (yes, we still love it) to the lessons we’ve learned running masterclasses and memberships, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how to choose the business structure that actually supports your life.In this episode, we cover:01:21 What’s coming next: special guests + event previews01:53 Business model breakdown: the questions to ask yourself05:01 Why we still believe in 1:1 sessions (and when it’s worth keeping them)12:08 Masterclasses: how they fit, what to teach, and who they’re for16:26 Memberships: the hard truths, what works, and what doesn’t23:00 Final thoughts: you don’t have to do it allConnect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.

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 guestsConnect with Unconventional Collaborative:Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/Website: unconventionalcollaborative.comInstagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborativeConnect with Laura Ligos:Website: https://thesassydietitian.comInstagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitianConnect with Danielle Kepics:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.coInstagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepicsThe 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.