Metabolic Matters

The Journey from 350 to 150 lbs: Healing Chronic Lyme Disease, Lupus, & Rheumatoid Arthritis

After 50 years of unhealthy patterns, can someone truly begin again—and heal?In this inspiring episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason sits down with Linda Riccio, OT/L, FAOTA, and Dr. Yvonne Teverbaugh, DSc., ND, PhD, MSHN, for a powerful, hope-filled conversation about resilience, intuition, and whole-person healing that goes beyond symptoms and diagnoses.Linda shares her extraordinary journey—from weighing over 350 pounds and becoming bedridden at age 50 due to an undiagnosed chronic illness to emerging as a healthcare innovator, certified grief counselor, and advocate for lifestyle-based healing. After years of unexplained symptoms, she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, severe hormonal dysfunction, a brain meningioma and genetic coagulation problems. Determined to understand her body, Linda began working with Dr. Yvonne, opening the door to profound healing and self-discovery.Together, they explore the complexities of chronic illness, the necessity of individualized care, and the patience and self-compassion required for true transformation and lasting healing. Linda reflects on her evolution from being disconnected from her body to hearing its wisdom loud and clear—and now helping others build that same awareness, resilience, and self-trust.At the heart of this episode is the enduring partnership and friendship between Linda and Dr. Yvonne. Over more than a decade, they have navigated physical illness, emotional healing, grief, nutrition, and the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is not instant—it unfolds over time through small, intentional steps. As Linda puts it, “When progress is personal, it is unstoppable.”Connect with our Guests:Linda Riccio, OT/L, FAOTA thenaturalpathtowellness.net Yvonne Teverbaugh, DSc., ND, PhD, MSHN thenaturalpathtowellness.net About Your Host: Christina Mason is a lifelong storyteller, educator, and truth-seeker whose journey—from music and teaching to entrepreneurship—has always been guided by curiosity. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis, she turned her focus toward metabolic health and healing. As host of Metabolic Matters, she creates space for real people to share real stories and the many paths that shape how we understand health.Follow the Show: Website: www.metabolicmatters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/metabolicmatters_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577488944537 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metabolicmatters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabolic-matters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetabolicRegen © 2026 Metabolic Regen. All rights reserved. Produced by Metabolic Regen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If You Were Told You Had Less Than Two Years to Live, What Would You Do?

What do you do when a doctor gives you a death sentence? Do you trust it, or do you listen to a calm, defiant inner voice that insists you will not become a statistic?In this inspirational episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason sits down with Dale Weber and her son, Alex Weber, for a powerful conversation about trusting intuition, cultivating resilience, and honoring the body’s innate ability to heal. They share Dale’s remarkable journey—from an aggressive stage IV endometrial cancer diagnosis to becoming a thriving cancer coach and advocate for others. As an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and longtime wellness professional, Dale never expected cancer to become part of her story. After years of dismissed symptoms, a second opinion revealed a rare and aggressive form of endometrial cancer. Soon after, she was told she had less than two years to live.Throughout the episode, Dale explains how she began researching integrative and metabolic approaches to healing after realizing that conventional treatment alone did not fully align with her instincts. Inspired by books like The Metabolic Approach to Cancer and Radical Remission, she incorporated emotional healing, spirituality, low-dose chemotherapy, high-dose vitamin C, Hope4Cancer, HeartMath, and lifestyle changes to reduce chronic stress.What makes this episode especially impactful is the relationship between Dale and Alex. Alex openly shares what he witnessed during his mother’s journey: fear, uncertainty, and unwavering determination. Together, they explore the roles of faith, family, community, hope, and love during life's darkest moments.More than six years later, Dale remains with no evidence of disease and now dedicates her life to helping others navigate cancer. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is not just physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, and unique to each person.Connect with our Guests: Dale: www.LiveBeyondCancer.com https://www.instagram.com/dalecweber/https://www.facebook.com/dale.weber.58 Alex: https://www.imalexweber.com/ https://www.instagram.com/imalexweber/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/ImAlexWeber/ Alex’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-alex-weber-show/id1460742994 Interested in the Advanced Integrative Metabolic Course?Learn a deeper, more integrative approach to chronic illness with AIM — the Advanced Integrative Metabolic Course for allied health professionals. Explore metabolism, mitochondrial health, inflammation, nutrition, and root-cause thinking through clinically relevant, scope-conscious education.Learn more at: https://MetabolicRegen.com/AIMShop Neuromaster! Support your nerves with targeted nutritional support designed for everyday wellness. NeuroMaster is formulated with ingredients that help support healthy nerve communication, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant defense to promote healthy nerve function throughout the day.* It’s designed to support everyday neurological wellness.Get 25% off your first order here: https://www.mitovida.com/products/neuromaster25These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.About Your Host: Christina Mason is a lifelong storyteller, educator, and truth-seeker whose journey—from music and teaching to entrepreneurship—has always been guided by curiosity. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis, she turned her focus toward metabolic health and healing. As host of Metabolic Matters, she creates space for real people to share real stories and the many paths that shape how we understand health.Follow the Show: Website: www.metabolicmatters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/metabolicmatters_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577488944537 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metabolicmatters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabolic-matters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetabolicRegen © 2026 Metabolic Regen. All rights reserved. Produced by Metabolic Regen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can cancer shift a victim‑mentality mindset into one of confidence, self-advocacy and compassion?

In this deeply emotional episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason sits down with Houneida Rechrech, a doctor of veterinary medicine, a mother, a biochemistry lover, and a stage 4 breast cancer thriver. They are joined by Dr. Yvonne Teverbaugh, a doctor of natural medicine and an expert in integrative metabolic oncology. Together, they share an extremely personal story which illuminates the waves of emotion one experiences on a cancer journey: fear, surrender, empowerment, and healing that extends far beyond the physical body.After initially receiving a stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis in 2022, Houneida’s condition rapidly progressed to stage 4. Feeling disconnected from a conventional system that focused only on the disease, she began searching for a more personalized and integrative approach to healing—one that addressed metabolic, emotional and physical health. What makes this conversation especially powerful is the relationship between Houneida and Dr. Yvonne. Their dialogue goes beyond a typical practitioner-patient conversation. Via her questions and comments, Dr. Yvonne demonstrates that healing a patient is far more than just looking at lab work and images. They dive deep into biology, psychology, spirituality and more.Houneida vulnerably shares her experiences: immigrating to Michigan from the Mediterranean, navigating motherhood, anxiety, sleep disruption, and the emotional burdens she believes led to a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Yvonne listens with compassion and offers insight into how metabolic and integrative approaches can help patients feel more connected, informed, and empowered throughout treatment. This episode is a moving reminder that healing is not just physical—it’s emotional, relational, and spiritual.Connect with our Guests:Dr. Houneida Rechrech: houneida@yourguidetohealing.net Yvonne Teverbaugh, DSc., ND, PhD, MSHN thenaturalpathtowellness.net Mentioned in the podcast: The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Dr. Nasha WintersHealing Myths, Healing Magic: Breaking the Spell of Old Illusions, Reclaiming Our Power to Heal by Dr. Donald Epstein.Interested in the Advanced Integrative Metabolic Course?Learn a deeper, more integrative approach to chronic illness with AIM — the Advanced Integrative Metabolic Course for allied health professionals. Explore metabolism, mitochondrial health, inflammation, nutrition, and root-cause thinking through clinically relevant, scope-conscious education.Learn more at: https://MetabolicRegen.com/AIMShop Neuromaster! Support your nerves with targeted nutritional support designed for everyday wellness. NeuroMaster is formulated with ingredients that help support healthy nerve communication, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant defense to promote healthy nerve function throughout the day.* It’s designed to support everyday neurological wellness.Get 25% off your first order here: https://www.mitovida.com/products/neuromaster25These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.About Your Host: Christina Mason is a lifelong storyteller, educator, and truth-seeker whose journey—from music and teaching to entrepreneurship—has always been guided by curiosity. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis, she turned her focus toward metabolic health and healing. As host of Metabolic Matters, she creates space for real people to share real stories and the many paths that shape how we understand health.Follow the Show: Website: www.metabolicmatters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/metabolicmatters_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577488944537 Tiktok: metabolicmatters https://www.tiktok.com/@metabolicmatters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabolic-matters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetabolicRegen © 2026 Metabolic Regen. All rights reserved. Produced by Metabolic Regen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is illness a path to awakening? As bedridden scientist's awareness shifts, remarkable healing follows.

What if chronic illness was a path towards healing on levels greater than just physical? In this episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason sits down with Alekha Akkappedi and her longtime best friend, Emily Sullivan, for a powerful, multi-dimensional healing journey. At just 22 years old, pre-med student Alekha's life changed overnight. What began as a simple infection quickly spiraled into a complex web of chronic conditions: POTS, mast cell activation, PCOS, GERD, and connective tissue disease. Left bedridden, her science trained mind begins seeking answers. As she begins to experience healing in modalities outside of her allopathic education, she finds herself asking more questions and embarks on an unexpected career path. Alekha navigates years of uncertainty, traveling on paths that blend science, circadian biology, nutrition, and spiritual practices. Emily shares what it was like to watch her best friend's struggles and triumphs. Her perspective offers insight on the power of friendship and how watching another make healing choices vicariously heals those in close proximity. Alekha and Emily both experience healing as cyclical on many levels. Both agree that HOPE is one of the greatest healers. What unfolds for these two young sages is not just a story of physical recovery but transformation that is intangible, emotional and physical.After almost a decade of research and healing work, Alekha created the ALI Protocol, a comprehensive approach for those dealing with POTS, MCAS and long covid that integrates biology, psychology and energetic practices.💬 This conversation is both deeply personal and widely relatable—offering insight not only for those on a healing journey, but also for the people walking beside them. Connect with Alekha and Emily: Website: alekhaakkapeddi.com Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thealiprotocol/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_ali_protocol Emily Sullivan: IG: https://www.instagram.com/photobyemilyrosesd/ Shop Bladdermaster! Urinary health isn’t something most people think about—until it’s out of balance. BladderMaster is designed to support a healthy urinary tract by focusing on the urinary microbiome, with ingredients like D-Mannose, inulin, and targeted Lactobacillus strains. It’s a simple way to support your body’s natural balance from the inside out.Get 25% off your first order here: https://www.mitovida.com/products/bladdermaster25-discountThese statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.About Your Host: Christina Mason is a lifelong storyteller, educator, and truth-seeker whose journey—from music and teaching to entrepreneurship—has always been guided by curiosity. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis, she turned her focus toward metabolic health and healing. As host of Metabolic Matters, she creates space for real people to share real stories and the many paths that shape how we understand health.Follow the Show: Website: www.metabolicmatters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/metabolicmatters_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577488944537 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metabolicmatters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabolic-matters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetabolicRegen If you would like to be a guest on Metabolic Matters you can apply here! https://airtable.com/appiqY2MUtRfS2XZQ/pag5PEX0CejtOvEvj/form © 2026 Metabolic Regen. All rights reserved. Produced by Metabolic Regen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Her Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything, How Laura Lummer Reclaimed Her Healing Journey

What if a cancer diagnosis became the beginning of a more empowered way of living? In this episode of Metabolic Matters, Laura Lummer shares her journey as a two-time breast cancer survivor, including her 2020 diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.Laura opens up about the shock of being diagnosed despite living a health-conscious life, the difficult realities of conventional treatment, and the mindset shift that changed everything: moving from fighting cancer to supporting her body’s ability to heal.Through an integrative approach, deeper self-trust, and a commitment to joy, healing, and advocacy, Laura discovered a new way forward. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is personal, empowerment matters, and hope is always worth holding onto.Connect with Laura: Website: https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/Laura’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-than-before-breast-cancer-with-the-breast/id1251292364Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraLummerTheBreastCancerRecoveryCoach Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCifXJdUKDbUMSkSlqCZAWUQ About Your Host: Christina Mason is a lifelong storyteller, educator, and truth-seeker whose journey—from music and teaching to entrepreneurship—has always been guided by curiosity. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis, she turned her focus toward metabolic health and healing. As host of Metabolic Matters, she creates space for real people to share real stories and the many paths that shape how we understand health.🔗 Apply to be a GuestFollow the Show: Website: www.metabolicmatters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/metabolicmatters_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577488944537 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metabolicmatters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabolic-matters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetabolicRegen © 2026 Metabolic Regen. All rights reserved. Produced by Metabolic Regen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.