What the Gut: Functional Medicine & Holistic Health with Allison

Are you a busy mama seeking balance and wellness? Do you feel like you’re running on empty, juggling everything while ignoring your own health? Or are you a woman who has you been searching for a deeper, whole-body approach to healing? Welcome to What the Gut, a podcast about all things gut health, God, and good times for mamas (and ladies that are not mamas!) I’m Allison, your Crunchy Gut Health mama. I also am a follower of Christ, mama of three, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner, and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach. After struggling with gut issues and exhaustion myself, I discovered the power of faith and functional medicine to restore my energy and well-being. Now, I’m here to help other women break free from chronic fatigue, digestive struggles, and overwhelm so they can reclaim their vitality and stay youthful. In this podcast, we tackle the real-life struggles that zap your energy and mess with your gut health. From identifying the root causes of bloating and fatigue to understanding how stress impacts digestion, I’ll guide you through practical, science-backed strategies to feel your best. With functional medicine principles, heartfelt faith, and relatable advice, we’ll transform your health from the inside out. A quick reminder: Everything shared here is for educational and empowering purposes only, not medical advice. 💜 Let’s connect: www.instagram.com/allisongetswell

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Episodes

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025

In this episode of What The Gut, host Allison sits down with Dr. Jack Kunkel, a Doctor of Alternative Medicine and author of 'It's Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss.' Dr. Jack shares his unique approach to healing that goes beyond diet and supplements, examining the roles of toxins, pathogens, emotions, and even spiritual factors. He discusses the importance of focusing on fat loss instead of weight loss, emphasizes the necessity of minor lifestyle changes, and highlights the significance of faith in the healing process. The conversation delves into quantum physics, muscle testing, and the power of combining science with spirituality for comprehensive wellness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck despite their efforts to improve their health and well-being.
 
00:00 – Welcome to What The Gut02:05 – Meet Dr. Jack Kunkel04:20 – Fat Loss vs. Weight Loss Explained06:50 – From Broken Brain to Breakthroughs10:00 – The Real Foundations of Healing13:25 – Science, Bias, and the Bigger Picture16:30 – Root Causes of Stubborn Weight Gain20:45 – Muscle Testing and Meeting Patients Where They Are25:50 – Mold, Lyme, and Toxicity Layers30:15 – The Emotional & Spiritual Side of Illness35:20 – Inviting God Into Healing39:40 – Practical Steps to Start Healing44:00 – Conventional Medicine’s Blind Spot48:20 – Antibiotics, Herbs, and the Power of Belief52:10 – Final Thoughts: Faith, Forgiveness, and Healing
 
 
📺 Watch on YouTube
 
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allisongetswell
Connect with Dr. Jack:
Website: https://jackkunkel.com/
Instagram: @Drjackkunkel
Book: It's Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss. Second Edition: Your No Gimmick Guide To Permanent Results by Dr. Jack Kunkel
 

Wednesday Dec 10, 2025

My Surgery Day and Post-Operative Recovery
 
In this episode of What The Gut, host Allison, a double board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine, shares her personal experience and comprehensive tips on preparing for and recovering from surgery. She covers everything from the surgery day routine, post-operative care essentials, managing pain and swelling, the importance of nutrition and hydration, to techniques for scar and lymphatic massage. Allison also provides advice for maintaining gut health during recovery and emphasizes the importance of personalized care. This episode is packed with practical insights and strategies to ensure a smoother and more effective recovery process.
 
00:00 Introduction to What The Gut Podcast
01:11 Preparing for Surgery: What to Expect
02:14 Day of Surgery: Personal Experience
04:11 Post-Surgery Recovery Tips
07:17 Managing Swelling and Drains
09:33 Nutrition and Hydration Post-Surgery
11:13 Mobility and Exercise After Surgery
18:16 Scar and Lymphatic Care
20:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
📺Watch on YouTube
 
Connect with Allison at www.instagram.com/allisongetswell
 
www.gopeakmed.com 

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025

Breast Surgery Options: Implants, Fat Transfers, and Lifts with Allison
In this episode of What The Gut, Allison, a double board certified family nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine, delves into the pros and cons of breast implants, fat transfers, and breast lifts. She shares her personal journey and the research behind her decision to avoid implants due to the potential risks of breast implant illness, especially for individuals with a family history of autoimmune disease. Allison also explores fat transfers, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately explains why she chose a simple breast lift. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult with multiple providers before making any surgical decisions. The episode aims to empower women with information to make informed health choices.
00:00 Introduction to Breast Surgery Options
01:28 Understanding Breast Implants
07:11 Exploring Fat Transfers
14:39 Choosing a Breast Lift
15:18 Final Thoughts and Advice
15:56 Conclusion and Next Steps
 
📺 Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison at www.instagram.com/allisongetswell
www.gopeakmed.com
 

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025

Pre-Surgery Prep: Top 5 Essential Steps
In this episode of What The Gut, host Allison, a double board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine, discusses the top five crucial steps to take before undergoing surgery. The episode covers physical preparation through diet and supplements, emotional and spiritual readiness, and practical home setup to ensure a smooth recovery. Allison emphasizes the importance of mindset, support systems, and practical tools like electric recliners and shower chairs. She also provides tips on managing logistics such as childcare and meal prep post-surgery. Tune in for detailed insights on optimizing your health and recovery through holistic wellness strategies.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:38 Physical Preparation for Surgery
03:36 Emotional and Spiritual Preparation
05:17 Practical Home and Schedule Preparation
09:00 Post-Surgery Tips and Recovery
12:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
📺Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison @ www.instagram.com/allisongetswell

Wednesday Nov 19, 2025

My Elective Surgery Journey: Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift, and Thigh Lift Details
 
It’s me, Allison, your crunchy gut health mama! Tune into this episode as I share my journey through elective surgery, including a full abdominoplasty with diastasis recti repairs, a breast lift, and a thigh lift. In this episode [and the following], I will be diving into why I chose to undergo these surgeries, how I prepared for them, and what the recovery process was like. I also discuss the importance of integrating functional medicine and holistic health approaches before, during, and after surgery for optimal results. Tune in for practical tips, personal insights, and empowering advice on reclaiming your health and wellness.
 
00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
00:38 Podcast Overview and Mission
01:50 Deciding on Surgery
03:54 Preparing for Surgery
04:54 The Importance of Diastasis Recti Repair
06:26 Thigh Lift and Breast Lift Decisions
08:37 Holistic Healing and Surgery Integration
10:05 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
 
📺 Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allisongetswell

Wednesday Nov 12, 2025

In this episode of What The Gut, Allison and Taimi Lawlor have an awesome conversation around cellular health related to anxiety and energy. Taimi blends bioindividualized, genetic, and cellular testing with lifestyle practices, including yoga and nervous system support, to help clients achieve optimal health. From the importance of epigenetics to the significance of nervous system regulation, this episode offers insights into holistic wellness and practical strategies for healing from within. Taimi also shares her personal journey with anxiety and depression, highlighting the power of personalized health approaches and integrative practices. Tune in for empowering discussions and actionable tips for improving your health at the cellular level.
 
00:00 Introduction to Cellular Healing and Wellness
01:55 Meet Taimi Lawlor: A Journey from Anxiety to Healing
02:22 Understanding Cellular Health and Personalized Wellness
04:21 The Role of Nervous System in Healing
05:40 Taimi's Personal Healing Journey
08:40 The Power of Yoga and Nervous System Regulation
10:16 Epigenetics and Personalized Health Strategies
14:56 Practical Tips for Calming the Body and Mind
18:53 Navigating Health Trauma and Healing
20:01 The Power of Journaling
21:37 Exploring Biohacking Techniques
24:04 The Role of Data in Health
25:26 Genetic Testing Insights
30:47 The Importance of Integrative Medicine
31:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
📺 Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allisongetswell
Connect with Taimi:
Instagram: @astretchbeyondyoga

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025

In this episode of What The Gut, Allison speaks with Jamie Kaminski, a fellow nurse practitioner specializing in integrative medicine and gut health. The two discuss their journeys from traditional to integrative medicine, the importance of holistic approaches, and personal health stories. Jamie shares her experience dealing with endometriosis and how she improved her health naturally. The discussion also covers foundational health advice, the impact of stress and mental health on physical wellness, and actionable steps to enhance overall well-being. Tune in for expert insights and practical strategies to help you thrive!
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:39 Meet Jamie Kaminski: Background and Journey
02:13 Transition to Integrative Medicine
05:07 Personal Health Challenges and Integrative Approaches
10:40 Gut Health and Functional Medicine Insights
10:51 The PPI Journey: Challenges and Solutions
12:27 Conventional vs. Integrative Medicine
15:54 Challenging Conventional Medicine
16:54 The Broken Healthcare System
17:38 Integrative Medicine in Practice
18:56 The Importance of Research and Education
19:53 Balancing Work and Patient Care
21:24 The Power of Natural Remedies
24:09 Universal Health Tips
26:47 Mental Health and Gut Health Connection
29:49 Setting Boundaries for Better Health
30:53 Final Thoughts and Resources
 
📺 Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allisongetswell
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: @imlakecountry
Website: www.imlakecountry.com

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025

In this episode of What the Gut, Allison welcomes Kate Kripke, a renowned maternal mental health expert and licensed clinical social worker. Kate is the founder of the Calm Connection System, a program designed to help high-achieving mothers overcome anxiety, guilt, and burnout. With over two decades of experience, Kate shares deep insights into addressing the root causes of maternal stress through nervous system regulation, healing belief systems, and honoring the mind-body connection. Together, they discuss the impact of stress on gut health, strategies to combat burnout, the importance of self-care, and how to change deeply ingrained beliefs. Tune in for science-backed, compassionate advice to truly take charge of your health as a mother.
 
00:00 Introduction to Kate Kripke and Maternal Mental Health
02:51 Kate's Personal Journey and the Calm Connection System
06:25 Understanding Root Causes of Stress and Anxiety
08:21 Medication and Therapy: Tools and Limitations
10:30 Self-Care and Burnout in Motherhood
17:53 The Impact of Parental Beliefs on Children
22:54 Addressing Guilt and Emotional Health
24:29 Understanding the Role of Emotions
24:52 Challenging Guilt and Parental Expectations
26:37 Repairing Relationships Through Guilt
28:40 Unconscious Hard Wiring and Parenting
31:19 The Calm Connection System
33:36 Working With Your Nervous System
40:31 Stress, Anxiety, and Digestive Health
43:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
📺 Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allisongetswell
Connect with Kate:
Website: www.katekripke.com 
Instagram: @katekripke
Kate’s Podcast: Motherhood Uncut with Kate Kripke

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025

In this episode of What The Gut, Allison welcomes Gabrielle Grandell, “The Gut Goddess” who combines faith-based principles with science-backed health strategies. Gabrielle shares her journey into nutrition and functional medicine, highlighting the importance of aligning the body, mind, and spirit for true healing. They discuss the limitations of conventional medicine, the power of listening to your body, and the importance of a holistic approach to health. Gabrielle emphasizes the need for a spiritual connection and offers practical advice for trusting your body's innate ability to heal. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages taking charge of your health journey.
 
00:00 Introduction to Gabrielle Grandell
02:29 Gabrielle's Journey into Nutrition
03:39 Challenges in Hospital Nutrition
07:13 The Importance of Holistic Healing
10:37 Trusting Your Body's Signals
15:19 Taking Responsibility for Your Health
21:53 Understanding Gabrielle's Clientele
23:19 Holistic Approaches to Health
24:48 Challenges in Conventional Medicine
27:25 Empowering Patients
32:42 The Importance of Environment and Mindset
39:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
📺 Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allisongetswell
Connect with Gabrielle, “The Gut Goddess”: 
Instagram: @gabriellegrandell
Website: gabriellegrandell.com 

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025

In this special episode of What the Gut, Allison welcomes Dr. Kristi Hughes, an inspiring educator from the Institute for Functional Medicine and Naturopath. Dr. Kristi shares her profound journey of healing from long-haul COVID and mold sickness. She delves into the significance of nature-based medicine, the power of functional medicine, and the impact of energetic and resonance medicine on her recovery. The episode highlights the importance of root cause medicine, spiritual and scientific approaches, and sustainable health practices. Dr. Kristi recounts her struggles, recovery, and the lessons she learned, emphasizing the role of collaboration, nature, and mindfulness in achieving optimal health.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:18 Dr. Kristi Hughes' Background and Approach
00:59 Episode Overview and Key Topics
03:28 Personal Struggles and Recovery Journey
09:38 The Profound Impact of Nature-Based Medicine
16:14 The Role of Functional Medicine and Support Systems
20:47 The Healing Power of Spirituality and Self-Connection
24:59 Reflecting on a Great Episode
25:29 Healing Journey in Hawaii
26:23 Discovering Resonance Medicine
26:53 Microcurrent Therapy and Red Light Laser
27:52 Energetic Medicine and Skin Healing
28:02 Understanding Resonance Medicine
28:24 Virus on the Nerve and Skin Recovery
31:36 Full Circle Healing
35:27 Nature as Medicine
39:34 Inviting Listeners to Healing Retreats
41:28 Conclusion and Next Steps
 
📺 Watch on YouTube
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allisongetswell
Connect with Dr. Kristi Hughes:
Facebook 
Website
https://www.instagram.com/dr.kristihughes.docerevita/
https://www.instagram.com/kristijhughesnd
https://www.instagram.com/docerevita_nat_rx
https://www.instagram.com/shaking_your_tree_experience

About Allison

Allison is a double board-certified family nurse practitioner and gut health coach based in Mississippi. She has furthered her expertise by studying at the Institute for Functional Medicine, motivated by her personal health struggles and ultimate recovery through functional medicine.

As a mother of three, Allison's life has always been dynamic and busy. However, for nearly three decades, she faced debilitating gut issues that made daily activities a constant struggle. After every meal, she suffered from severe stomach pain, anxiety, stubborn weight gain, eczema, psoriasis, bloating, and chronic fatigue, often needing naps after high school to manage her exhaustion.

Despite her medical background, Allison initially turned to traditional medicine for solutions, undergoing numerous tests and treatments. However, these efforts often left her with unresolved symptoms and the disheartening belief that this was her permanent state. Her symptoms worsened after each pregnancy, leading her to avoid eating to escape the pain.

Discovering functional medicine was a life-changing moment for Allison. It wasn't until she experienced true wellness that she realized the extent of her previous suffering. Now, she enjoys abundant energy, a stronger relationship with the Lord, weight loss, mental clarity, clear skin, and the ability to enjoy food without pain.

This profound transformation inspired Allison to further her education in functional medicine. Her mission is to help others, especially fellow mothers, achieve the same level of health and vitality. Through her practice and her podcast, "What the Gut," Allison is dedicated to spreading awareness and providing the necessary tools and support for others to heal and thrive.

 

 

To connect with Allison: www.instagram.com/allisongetswell

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