Optimal Metabolism

Struggling with weight gain, cravings, and a stack of medications despite "healthy" habits? It's likely insulin resistance—and this podcast is your way out.Join Shana Hussin, RDN, for real answers and expert guidance on reversing insulin resistance, balancing hormones, and restoring energy through education, powerful guests, and her proven 90-day metabolic reset.From circadian rhythm and meal timing to fasting, light, strategic nutraceuticals, and quantum biology- you'll learn how to heal by aligning with how your body was designed to get off meds and conquer chronic disease.

Optimal Metabolism is a health podcast hosted by Shana Hussin, RDN, with 294 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Shana Hussin, RDN hosts Optimal Metabolism, a health show with 294 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Optimal Metabolism

  Episode 293- From 500 Pounds to a 40-Day Fast: Athena Perez's Incredible Story of Healing

  Aug 18, 20261h 27m

  What if obesity isn't simply about food? In one of the most powerful conversations I've ever had on the Optimal Metabolism podcast, I sit down with CrossFit coach, author, educator, and metabolic health advocate Athena Perez to explore the deeper roots of obesity, emotional eating, and lasting transformation. Athena's story begins long before she reached nearly 500 pounds. She shares how childhood trauma shaped her relationship with food, why lasting healing required far more than losing weight, and how addressing her emotional health became just as important as improving her physical health. We also take a fascinating deep dive into Athena's experience completing multiple 40-day fasts . She openly discusses why she chose such an extended fast, what happened to her body and mind throughout the process, how she approached refeeding afterward, and whether she believes prolonged fasting helped reset her metabolism. This episode isn't about promoting extreme fasting. It's about understanding the complex relationship between trauma, metabolism, behavior change, and healing. Whether you've struggled with weight, emotional eating, insulin resistance, or simply want to better understand the human side of obesity, I believe this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. In This Episode, We Discuss: Athena's journey from nearly 500 pounds to becoming a CrossFit coach and educator The connection between childhood trauma and lifelong struggles with obesity Why healing emotional wounds was just as important as changing nutrition habits The decision to complete a 40-day fast What happened physically, mentally, and emotionally during the fast Whether prolonged fasting can "reset" metabolism The often-overlooked importance of the refeeding process What Athena learned about true hunger versus emotional hunger Common misconceptions about obesity and larger-bodied athletes Why sustainable healing goes far beyond the number on the scale Connect with Athena Perez Website: https://www.athenamperez.com Instagram: @athenamperez Learn more about Scaled Nation Training and Athena's educational resources for coaches and healthcare professionals. Connect with Shana Hussin Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Facebook: Shana Hussin Wellness Shana's 90-Day Metabolic Reset, COMPASS

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Optimal Metabolism

  Episode 292- Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones: The Missing Link to Weight Loss and Better Health with Dr Cassie Smith

  Aug 11, 20261h 10m

  Could your gut be the missing piece behind your hormone imbalance, stubborn weight, fatigue, and blood sugar struggles? In this episode of Optimal Metabolism, I'm joined by returning guest Dr. Cassie Smith , licensed naturopathic physician, founder of Modern Endocrine, and author of the new book Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones . Dr. Cassie explains why so many women spend years chasing hormone solutions without realizing that the health of their gut may be driving many of their symptoms. We discuss the fascinating relationship between gut health, estrogen metabolism, cortisol, insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health, along with practical strategies you can begin implementing today. If you've been struggling with stubborn weight, digestive issues, hormone imbalance, fatigue, or simply feel like your body isn't responding the way it used to, this episode will help you understand why healing often starts in the gut. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Cassie Smith • Modern Endocrine: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ • Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones : https://guthormonefix.com/ LET'S CONNECT Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Facebook: Shana Hussin Wellness Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/ Podcast: https://shanahussinwellness.com/podcast/ Products Mentioned Feel Great System One of my favorite tools for supporting healthy blood sugar, gut health, and metabolic wellness. Learn more here: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/SHANAH Balance Fiber This is the fiber supplement I personally recommend to help nourish the gut microbiome, support healthy digestion, and promote balanced blood sugar: https://unicity.link/4fd5ff95bd

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Optimal Metabolism

  Episode 291- Natural and Doable Solutions for Fatty Liver and High Cholesterol

  Aug 4, 202644 min

  Have you recently been told you have fatty liver or high cholesterol ? If so, you're not alone, and the good news is there are practical steps you can take to improve your metabolic health. In this episode, I explain why these conditions are connected and why simply focusing on cholesterol numbers or liver enzymes doesn't tell the whole story. We'll explore the root causes behind fatty liver and high cholesterol, and I'll share natural, sustainable strategies you can begin using today. In this episode, you'll learn: Why fatty liver isn't simply caused by eating fat How insulin resistance can contribute to both fatty liver and high cholesterol The "overflowing sink" analogy that explains why addressing the root cause matters Why cholesterol isn't the enemy—and what your numbers may actually be telling you The important connection between your gut, liver, and metabolism Simple lifestyle habits that support healthy blood sugar, liver function, and heart health Why I recommend beginning with a daily metabolic support system that combines a high-potency tea and a fiber matrix to support healthy blood sugar, cravings, gut health, energy, and healthy cholesterol levels Whether you've recently received concerning lab results or you're looking for natural ways to improve your metabolic health, this episode will help you understand what's happening in your body—and what you can do about it. Your body isn't broken. It's responding to the signals it receives. When you improve those signals with consistent daily habits, you give your body the opportunity to heal and thrive. If you're ready for more guidance and support, learn more about my 90-Day Metabolic Reset (COMPASS) , where we take a deeper dive into restoring metabolic health through education, coaching, and practical lifestyle strategies. JOIN COMPASS: https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/reset/ TEA + FIBER NUTRACEUTICALS: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/SHANAH

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Optimal Metabolism

  Episode 290- In-Depth Gut Healing Strategies You Haven't Heard About Yet with Dane Johnson

  Jul 28, 20261h 3m

  If you listened to Dane Johnson's first appearance on the podcast, you know his personal healing journey from severe Crohn's/Colitis inspired thousands of people struggling with inflammatory bowel disease. In this follow-up conversation, we go far beyond his story and take a deep dive into the practical strategies he uses to help clients address the root causes of chronic gut inflammation. We discuss hidden pathogens, environmental toxins, functional lab testing, a variety of peptides, the pros and cons of popular gut-healing diets, advanced therapies, and the often-overlooked connection between the nervous system and digestive health. Dane also shares the biggest mistakes he sees people make while trying to heal on their own and offers practical first steps for those feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're struggling with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, autoimmune disease, or simply chronic digestive symptoms, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what true gut healing can involve. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Learn more from Dane Johnson: https://crohnscolitislifestyle.com/ Ready to Support Your Gut Healing Journey? Many people focus only on food or supplements, but healing often requires addressing the gut, metabolism, and nervous system together. Cortisol Calm If chronic stress, poor sleep, adrenal dysfunction, or nervous system dysregulation are holding back your healing, my Cortisol Calm course will teach you how to naturally restore healthy cortisol, melatonin, and circadian rhythms without relying on endless supplements. The Feel Great System Looking for a comprehensive approach to gut and metabolic health? The Feel Great System combines nutritional support with targeted products designed to help optimize digestive health, reduce inflammation, and support a healthier microbiome. Patented Fiber Blend One of my favorite tools for supporting digestion, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, and promoting overall gut health is this highly studied fiber blend. LET'S CONNECT Instagram: @shana.hussin.rdn Facebook: Shana Hussin Wellness Website: https://shanahussinwellness.com/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Optimal Metabolism

  Episode 289- Why One Fiber Isn't Enough: The Power of a Fiber Matrix for Blood Sugar, Gut Health & Cholesterol

  Jul 21, 202646 min

  Most people think fiber is simply about digestion. But fiber is one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting blood sugar regulation, cholesterol, gut health, appetite, and overall metabolic health. The surprising part? Not all fibers do the same job. In this episode, I explain why fiber diversity matters and how different soluble and insoluble fibers work together as a fiber matrix to support multiple systems throughout the body. We'll also discuss one of the biggest misconceptions on social media, that all "gums" are unhealthy, and review what the research actually says about ingredients like guar gum, gum arabic, beta-glucans, citrus pectin, and more. Whether you're working on insulin resistance, digestive health, cholesterol, or simply trying to understand nutrition on a deeper level, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about fiber. In This Episode Why fiber is about much more than digestion The difference between soluble fibers and why each one has a unique role How a fiber matrix supports blood sugar, cholesterol, gut health, and satiety The science behind guar gum, gum arabic, beta-glucans, locust bean gum, and citrus pectin Why some people experience bloating when increasing fiber The truth about the "gums are bad" debate How to evaluate nutrition claims using evidence instead of fear Interested in the Fiber Matrix? If you'd like to learn more about the multi-fiber supplement discussed in this episode, you can find it here: Fiber Matrix (Balance): Balance Fiber Matrix Looking for the Complete Metabolic System for Insulin Resistance? If you're interested in the complete Feel Great System, which combines the fiber matrix with a polyphenol blend to support metabolic health, you can learn more here: Feel Great System: Feel Great System

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Optimal Metabolism. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.