What the func is Functional Medicine? How can it help you eat what your body actually needs, lose weight, and get healthy? Lower your stress level, improve your mental health, and help you thrive, mind, body, and soul? On the What the Func?! Podcast, we’re redefining HEALTHY by questioning the healthcare status quo with all the curiosity, science, and fun we can muster. Our brilliant hosts are Laura Schein, a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and longtime health nut, and Clayton Farris, a former “garbage human” (his words!) who discovered this new way to heal when conventional medicine let him down. Each episode, they dig into new, trending, and sometimes controversial topics in Functional Medicine, and with the help of the doctors and changemakers who stop by to share their expertise, they discover new and better ways to be healthy, from the brain to the gut and beyond. Have a listen and join us in asking “What the Func is Functional Medicine?!” What the Func?! is created by The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org
In this episode, Laura and Clayton sit down with Zak Pym Williams (mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and son of the late Robin Williams) for an honest conversation about trauma, healing, and holistic wellness. Zak opens up about his experience with grief following his father's death, and how it led to struggles with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and self-medication with alcohol. After hitting a breaking point, Zak turned to functional approaches to support his mental health. Inspired by his wife’s success with amino acid therapy, he co-founded PYM (Prepare Your Mind), a company offering natural supplements like Mood Chews to support emotional well-being and neurotransmitter balance. Zak shares how tools like nutrition, mindfulness, and community became pillars of his mental hygiene practice, and how embracing a holistic, functional medicine approach helped him reclaim his life. It's a raw, inspiring look at transforming pain into purpose and finding new ways to support mental wellness. Learn more at youcanpym.com. Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC for 30% off at Adapt Naturals. Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at Naturepedic. FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
6/6/25 • 50:21
In this eye-opening episode, Laura sits down with her personal functional medicine doctor, Dr. Kelly McCann, founder of The Spring Center and a leading expert in environmental medicine. Nearly a year ago, Laura turned to Dr. McCann for support on her mold detox journey, and the transformation has been remarkable. Together, they dive deep into the often misunderstood world of mold illness, revealing why detoxing isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Dr. McCann unpacks the layers of complexity behind hard-to-diagnose conditions, and offers hope for those feeling stuck, sick, or unheard. Whether you’re navigating mold toxicity yourself or simply curious about the healing power of functional medicine, this intimate conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical wisdom. Follow @drkellymccann for more health and wellness content and to learn more about how to become a patient at The Spring Center. Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC for 30% off at Adapt Naturals. Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at Naturepedic. FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
5/21/25 • 65:17
In episode 158, Laura chats with Mike Feldstein, air quality expert and founder of JASPR. Before creating the sleekest, most powerful air purifier on the market, Mike spent years in the wildfire and flood restoration sector, as well as air quality consulting, witnessing firsthand how much polluted air can damage people’s wellbeing. Mike and Laura discuss why you should truly care about the quality of air in your home, signs that your air quality is poor and impacting your health, best practices for keeping your home clean, and simple things you can do to improve air quality. If you're in Los Angeles or have been affected by the wildfires, check out Mike's FREE Wildfire Smoke Course. Use code FUNC for a huge discount at JASPR. Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC for 30% off at Adapt Naturals. Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at Naturepedic. FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
4/15/25 • 57:57
In episode 157, it's coffee talk with Andrew Salisbury, the founder of Purity Coffee. Andrew shares the personal story of his wife's health crisis and the motivation that led him down the Purity path. He went from being a tea-drinking Brit with a software company to uncovering the latest scientific research to optimize methods of farming, sourcing, testing, roasting and delivering truly healthy mold-free coffee. With the maximized antioxidants, polyphenols, and chlorogenic acids in Purity coffee, it's easy to understand why "Coffee is the supplement you'll never forget to take." Code FUNC for 10% off at Purity Coffee. On What The Health?!: "I'm NAD as hell and I'm gonna keep taking this." Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC15 for 15% off at Adapt Naturals. Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at Naturepedic. FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
9/11/24 • 51:17
In episode 156, Laura chats with Dr. Tom O'Bryan, the award-winning Sherlock Holmes of functional medicine. Dr. Tom reveals that 14 out of 15 of the leading causes of death in America are caused by one thing - inflammation. Whether suffering from arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or undiagnosed conditions no doctors can figure out, Dr. Tom gives hope to those who have given up and offers real ways you can start reversing the root cause of disease right now. And turns out Laura has this conversation with Dr. Tom at a critical moment in her health journey. Check out Dr. Tom's groundbreaking new docuseries The Inflammation Equation. On What The Health?!: IV therapy? Give it to me straight. Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC15 for 15% off at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at Naturepedic. FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
8/13/24 • 73:36
In episode 155, Laura gabs with Taylor Lamb and Jewel Zimmer, co-founders of Juna, a leading women's wellness brand dedicated to promoting natural health and vitality. They chat about the leading principles behind Juna, including the importance of the gut/brain axis, how to optimize your microbiome, and the effectiveness of plant-powered solutions to combat top problems women are facing in the modern world, from detoxifying to deep sleep. Code FUNC for 15% off at Juna. On What The Health?!: The hottest thing since sliced bread? Colostrum. Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC15 for 15% off at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at Naturepedic. FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
7/15/24 • 74:04
In this episode Laura chats with Annie Fenn M.D., physician, chef, and author of Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer's Through Food, a science-based cookbook and care manual for the brain. Annie and Laura have a deep discussion about their experiences with the disease in their families, and Annie shares her wisdom on how to fend off Alzheimer’s and other dementias while still eating delicious food. On What The Health?!: Test don't guess? The heat is on as Clayton and Laura debate the issue. Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC15 for 15% off at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 AG1: Code FUNC for a free 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkag1.com/func. Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at https://www.naturepedic.com. FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
5/2/24 • 59:53
In this episode we chat with Dr. Mike Belkowski, founder of BioLight. We dive into the myriad health benefits of red light therapy and the buzzy new (but actually ancient) supplement methylene blue. And ever heard of Carbon 60? We hadn't, but now we know. From skin health to gut health to brain health to sleep and immunity, we can't say enough about the perks of red and blue. Code FUNC for 10% off at BioLight. On What The Health?!: Journaling and gratitation? We're here for it. AG1: Code FUNC for a free 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkag1.com/func. Naturepedic: Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at https://www.naturepedic.com. Adapt Naturals: Code FUNC15 for 15% off at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 FMCA: Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
4/5/24 • 73:45
In this episode, Laura and Clayton chat with Lindsey Erin, founder of OWL Venice. She shares the story of how she went from making her own bone broth recipe in her apartment to becoming LA's bone broth queen. They discuss the many health benefits of bone broth and how Lindsey used it to heal her own issues, but they also gab about the importance of listening to your body and not being overly rigid. And after trying the 4-day OWL Reset, an organic cleanse program which combines the wisdom of Ayurveda and Chronobiology, Laura and Clayton share their own experiences. Code FUNC for 10% off at OWL Venice. On What The Health?!: Norwegian Spruce Extract. Tastes like... wood? Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at https://www.naturepedic.com. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
2/16/24 • 45:07
On the first What The Func?! episode of season 5, Laura and Clayton chat with Sam Mandel, CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. They discuss the mental health benefits of Ketamine Infusion Therapy and why it's developed into a treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidality, and other mood disorders. On What The Health?!: New Year's Resolutions? Let's see the stats. Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at https://www.naturepedic.com. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Code FUNC at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
1/11/24 • 64:38
On the 150th episode of What The Func?! Laura and Clayton chat with certified functional medicine health coach and long-time listener Krisler Bailey. They discuss the power of "no," self-care, and how to achieve the life you deserve. On What The Health?!: Kanna you feel the love tonight? Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at https://www.naturepedic.com. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
12/4/23 • 59:41
This week Laura chats with Dr. Robert Silverman again, Founder and CEO of Westchester Integrative Health Center. They chat about his new book, the Amazon bestseller Immune Reboot, and how to boost your immune system to stay healthy when faced with those winter bugs. You'll get great tips on food and supplements to boost immunity, and learn what SMASH stands for. Hint: it involves sardines. Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at https://www.naturepedic.com. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
11/9/23 • 40:45
It's Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this week Laura & Clayton chat with Ira Green, Founder, CEO, and breast cancer survivor. Ira shares her intimate journey with breast cancer and how she found herself creating Freedom Natural Deodorant with ingredients she had in her kitchen. It's an inpsiring story of resilience and ingenuity about a disease that affects 1 in 8 women every year. Use code LiftUUp20 for 20% off your order. On What The Health?!: Are millennials prioritizing self-care? Code FUNC15 for 15% off organic mattresses and bedding at https://www.naturepedic.com. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
10/16/23 • 65:40
This week Laura chats with Priyanka Jain, founder and CEO of Evvy. They chat about closing the gender health gap, decoding the vaginal microbiome, and destigmatizing vaginal health. Laura shares her Evvy test results and Priyanka helps her learn about what's going on down there and what it all means. If you're interested in testing too, use code FUNC for $10 off! Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
9/27/23 • 45:55
This week we chat with Caroline Alan, a mineral enthusiast and the co-founder and CEO of BEAM Minerals. We learn the key signs of "hidden hunger," and how to supplement with bioavailable humic and fulvic mineral supplements to reverse mineral deficiency and boost overall health. Coming from a career in the corporate world, like many, Caroline found herself struggling physically, mentally, and energetically. As a result of her journey back to health, Caroline has become devoted to educating people about the benefits of plant-based mineral supplementation. On What The Health?!: Put manuka honey on it! Code FUNC for 20% off Beam Minerals at https://www.beamminerals.com/func Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
8/22/23 • 69:54
This week we chat with Naveen Jain, an unstoppable force who educates and empowers leaders to address humanity's greatest challenges using innovative technologies. As Founder and CEO of Viome, he shares with us how his AI-based platform analyzes food, the microbiome, and human cells, unlocking the secrets of precision nutrition for preventing and reversing chronic diseases. We also have a very healthy debate about AI and creativity. On What The Health?!: What the strike?! Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 ! Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
7/28/23 • 70:22
This week we chat with Catharine Arnston, ENERGYbits® Founder/CEO & Chief Scientific Officer. We talk all things algae, learning why it's the most alkaline food in the world, the most nutrient dense food in the world, and endorsed by the United Nations as the answer to world hunger! If you're curious about this superfood with medicinal benefits and want to try some for yourself, check out ENERGYbits and use code FUNC for 20% off! On What The Health?!: ICE ICE bath baby 🧊 Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 ! Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
7/7/23 • 66:06
This week we chat with Darin Olien, New York Time bestselling author and co-host of the Emmy™ Award Winning #1 Netflix docu-series Down to Earth with Zac Efron. He helps us uncover modern-day conveniences that may be undermining our health and our environment, and shares tips on how to live your healthiest life so you can have the best day ever. On What The Health?!: As Ursula says, never underestimate the power of BODYWORK. Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC15 for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at https://adaptnaturals.com/FUNC15 ! Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
6/16/23 • 58:32
This week we chat with Dr. Brooke Scheller, founder of the Functional Sobriety Network and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition who specializes in using nutrition and functional medicine practices to help change your relationship with alcohol. We discuss how to heal your body from the damages of long-term drinking, and address chronic health concerns that overlap with regular alcohol use. On What The Health?!: What the func are functional beverages?! High vibes only. Code WTFUNC at Living Prana! Try Liver Health Formula by going to GetLiverHelp.com/FUNC and claim your FREE bonus gift. Code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
5/31/23 • 81:06
This week we chat with Nathan Jones, CEO of Xlear, and Northwestern Univeristy Otolaryngology Professor Dr. Mark Cannon. We dive into the "gateway microbiome" of the nasal and oral passageways and how we can prevent illness by keeping these gateways healthy and "xlear." And if you're like, what the func is xylitol, you'll learn all about it and why Dr. Cannon calls it the body's "Vitamin X." On What The Health?!: Is spinach bad for you? Was Popeye wrong? Maybe...? Code WTFUNC at Living Prana! Code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
5/15/23 • 71:42
This week we chat all things ADHD with Dana Kay, Board-Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Practitioner and the CEO and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute. As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child, but she also knows the freedom that is possible. Her mission is to help people reduce ADHD symptoms naturally so that they can thrive in all areas of life. And if you're wondering why everyone on TikTok thinks they have ADHD, we talk about that too. On What The Health?!: Get these motherfunc-ing snake plants in these motherfunc-ing homes! Code WTFUNC at Living Prana! Code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
5/5/23 • 53:02
This week we chat with Miray Tayfun, the co-founder and CEO of Vivoo, an at-home urine test for personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance. She shares with us her story of how she founded her company and how Vivoo's insights can help people understand what their bodies need. With instant data on levels of hydration, vitamins and minerals, ketones, and PH, Vivoo and Miray really inspired us to look into our daily nutrition habits. On What The Health?!: What the heck is Erewhon and where did it come from? Code FUNC30 for 30% off at Vivoo! Code WTFUNC at Living Prana! Code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
4/17/23 • 48:20
This week we go from plant medicine journeys to mold toxicity to functional food and beyond with Brian Murphy and Ryan Seaman of Living Prana. Brian & Ryan share their fascinating stories of healing and transformation that ultimately led them to start making superfood pancakes together and sharing them with the world. On What The Health?!: Give 'em a Sacha Inchi, they take a mile. Use code WTFUNC at Living Prana! Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
3/28/23 • 57:57
This week we chat with Dr. Anshul Gupta, Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician who's worked at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Department of Functional Medicine alongside Dr. Mark Hyman. He's a best-selling author, speaker, and researcher who educates people worldwide on reversing Hashimoto’s disease. He shares his personal journey of reversing his own disease, which motivated him to become a Functional Medicine expert and share the concepts with people so they too can heal from within. On What The Health?!: It's spring, so why not plant some Ear Seeds...? Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
3/16/23 • 52:02
This week we chat with Dr. Susan Blum, author and founder of Blum Center for Health and Organic Pharmer. We discuss her latest book "Healing Arthritis," and how arthritis can be treated, prevented, and even healed by addressing underlying inflammation. On What The Health?!: Microbiome... down there? Use code FUNC for 20% off a 5-day real food fast at Organic Pharmer. Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
3/2/23 • 59:37
This week we chat with Dr. Fred Moss, transformational psychiatrist and founder of The True Voice Course. We have a truly honest conversation about how to access your true voice, and how listening authentically is at the root of all true human connection. On What The Health?!: Start your day with Face Yoga. Upward crow's feet...? Use code FUNC for 20% off a 5-day real food fast at Organic Pharmer. Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
2/22/23 • 68:23
This week we chat with triple board-certified sleep medicine physician Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown. As a physician in practice for over a decade, and a mom of two who struggled with sleep issues, she fully understands the impact of sleep deprivation on our mental, physical and emotional health. As a result, she has dedicated her career to helping busy people discover sleep as their superpower. On What The Health?!: Let laughter be thy medicine, let medicine be thy laughter. Use code FUNC for 20% off a 5-day real food fast at Organic Pharmer. Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
2/3/23 • 55:32
This week we chat with Director of Helfgott Research Institute and Professor of Immunology Heather Zwickey, PhD. She shares with us her immunology expertise, explaining the deep connection between our guts and our brains. Why do our bodies need thirty different plant-based foods per week? Why does Dr. Zwickey call the microbiome "canaries in a coal mine?" Listen and find out! On What The Health?!: Colonics... get the inside scoop 💩. Use code FUNC for 20% off a 5-day real food fast at Organic Pharmer. Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
1/20/23 • 59:20
This week we chat with Naturopathic Physician and Inventor of the Full-Body Stem Cell Makeover™ Dr. Harry Adelson. Having performed over 6,000 cell therapy procedures for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, Dr. Harry shares his vast knowledge and breadth of experience with us. What is a Full-Body Stem Cell Makeover? Listen and find out! On What The Health?!: Can't afford stem cells? Try Golden Milk. Use code FUNC for 20% off at Wildhealth.com! Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
1/4/23 • 60:58
This week we chat with bestselling author Dr. Aly Cohen, triple board-certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, and integrative medicine. Dr. Cohen is working to educate and empower the next generation to make safer, smarter lifestyle choices, and she shares some of her pro tips for living healthy in a chemical world. On What The Health?!: Found the Holy Grail - Manuka honey! Use code FUNC for 20% off at Wildhealth.com! Use code FUNC for 15% off your first order of the Adapt Naturals Core Plus bundle at Kresser.co/whatthefunc! Use code FUNC for $500 off tuition at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
12/15/22 • 59:42