Metabolic Matters is a podcast exploring health through lived experience. Through conversations with patients, loved ones, and practitioners, the show examines how perspectives shift around metabolism, chronic illness, and rooted health—and how these insights are changing the way we understand care.
Metabolic Matters is a podcast produced by Metabolic Regen.
What does it mean to thrive while living with cancer for six years? The Woodruff's Inspiring Story
Season 4 · Episode 10
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 01:39:30
This episode of Metabolic Matters is especially powerful because it does not have a neatly packaged ending. Gene Woodruff is still living with cancer.
Host Christina Mason sits down with Gene and his wife, Lynette, for an honest conversation about navigating six years of bladder cancer—including repeated recurrences, difficult treatment decisions, and paths’ forward.
Gene served as a Navy aviator for 28 years, working in demanding operational environments that included disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms, prolonged stress, time away from family, and exposure to numerous environmental contaminants. As he prepared for retirement, blood in his urine led to the discovery of a large tumor and a diagnosis of high-grade bladder cancer.
Suddenly, the future Gene and Lynette had imagined looked very different.
His journey has included surgeries, intravesical treatment, a clinical trial, recurrent disease, and increasingly complex decisions about what to do next. Throughout it all, Lynette became Gene’s “Health CEO”—a diligent researcher, advocate, and partner in his care.
She completed a Metabolic Regen Terrain Advocate Certification, which deepened her understanding of how nutrition, genetics, environment, and other factors influence metabolic health and recovery. She began monitoring Gene’s glucose and ketone levels, reviewing his nutrigenetic data, and using that information to help shape a more individualized approach.
As their knowledge expanded, so did their approach. Alongside dietary changes, metabolic monitoring, and nutrigenetic testing, they explored supplementation, hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous vitamin C, hyperthermia, mistletoe, ozone, and other complementary therapies. Six years into Gene’s journey, they continue to monitor, learn, adapt, and reassess. Rather than allowing fear to dictate every decision, Gene and Lynette have built a life in which cancer is present—but does not consume everything else.
Both share that, if given the choice, they would not go back and prevent the diagnosis. The experience has taught them valuable lessons, deepened their faith, and strengthened their reliance on family, friends, and community.
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.
A Mother’s “No”: Choosing a Different Path After a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis
Season 4 · Episode 9
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 01:13:56
What happens when a mother’s intuition screams, “No,” while the experts around her recommend an untested treatment?
“All I could hear was: ‘We are going to poison her, and she may die from the treatment.’ As a mother, my soul screamed no.”
In this edge-of-your-seat episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason speaks with Phenyx Andolsek and her mother, Nicole Andolsek, about a remarkable journey of maternal instinct, advocacy, resilience, and hope.
Phenyx’s health challenges began early in life. After birth complications and years of unexplained symptoms—including double vision and recurring headaches—an MRI revealed a mass near the base of her brain. At age 9, she was diagnosed with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Her tumor’s location and the rarity of the disease meant the family faced complex, high-stakes treatment decisions.
After surgery, doctors wanted to follow up with an aggressive conventional treatment plan; Nicole felt an unmistakable warning within her. Determined to explore every possible option, she began contacting doctors, clinics, cancer coaches, and practitioners across the globe. What followed was a three-year journey involving therapeutic nutrition, supplementation, high-dose vitamin C, mistletoe, hyperbaric oxygen, chiropractic care, sauna, detoxification, and a complete restructuring of Phenyx’s daily environment.
At the heart of this conversation is the profound bond between mother and daughter. Nicole reflects on learning to advocate fiercely while still honoring Phenyx’s growing autonomy. Phenyx shares what it meant to listen to her body, trust her instincts, and voice what felt supportive along the way.
Together, they explore the emotional realities of navigating childhood cancer, the importance of faith and community, and the trust required when a healing path looks very different from the one originally presented. Today, Phenyx is thriving, attending college, and preparing for a career in teaching. Their story is a powerful reminder that healing is not only about protocols—it is also about listening, connection, courage, and believing in the wisdom within the person receiving care.
Can Gut Health Be the Missing Piece? A Story of IBS, SIBO & Healing
Season 4 · Episode 8
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 54:27
What if your chronic symptoms weren't something you simply had to live with?
In this insightful episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason sits down with Janet McCorkle and gut health coach Lindsey Parsons for a powerful conversation about persistence, personalized care, and the detective work often required to uncover the root causes of chronic illness.
For decades, Janet struggled with constipation, IBS, kidney stones, recurrent urinary tract infections, and interstitial cystitis. Although she received multiple diagnoses over the years, she often found herself managing symptoms rather than understanding why they were happening. Determined to find answers, Janet began exploring functional medicine, nutritional interventions, and advanced testing that revealed a complex combination of food sensitivities, gut dysfunction, genetic variations, and post-infectious IBS.
Joined by Lindsey Parsons, a certified health coach specializing in gut health, they discuss how personalized testing, microbiome analysis, nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes helped Janet make meaningful progress after years of frustration. Together, they explore topics including leaky gut, SIBO, post-infectious IBS, genetic SNPs, oxalates, histamine intolerance, microbiome testing, and why healing often requires addressing multiple interconnected factors rather than a single diagnosis.
Beyond the science, this episode highlights the importance of becoming an active participant in your own health. Janet shares the commitment, patience, and resilience required to make lasting lifestyle changes, while Lindsay emphasizes the value of curiosity, individualized care, and the benefits gained when we doggedly seek metabolic answers.
Whether navigating chronic digestive issues, recurrent infections, or simply wondering if there's another path forward, this conversation highlights that healing often begins when we ask better questions.
Connect with our Guests:
Janet McCorkle:
Her Menopause Symptoms turned out to be Stage III C Ovarian Cancer. Learn the Signs & how she healed.
Season 4 · Episode 7
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 01:14:12
Could recognizing the symptoms sooner change the course of a cancer journey?
In this heartfelt episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason sits down with Trish Kifer, a stage IIIC ovarian cancer survivor and author, and her husband Roger Kifer, for an inspiring conversation about hope, partnership, faith, and whole-person healing.
Trish and Roger vulnerably share Trish’s remarkable journey: from subtle symptoms, including painful intercourse, abdominal pain, incontinence, and feeling full quickly, that were initially attributed to early menopause, to a stage IIIC ovarian cancer diagnosis. Their healing journey extended far beyond conventional treatment and the wisdom they share is priceless.
Together, they discuss the importance of listening to your body, building the right healthcare team, and becoming an active participant in your own healing. As Trish searched for ways to better support her health, she began exploring nutrition, metabolic health, reducing environmental toxins, therapeutic fasting, stress management, sauna use and other lifestyle strategies alongside her medical care.
Trish and Roger also offer an important perspective on navigating cancer as a couple. They reflect on how cancer strengthened their marriage, deepened their faith, and taught them to approach each day with gratitude, purpose, and intention. Roger also shares the often-overlooked experience of the caregiver and the importance of finding support throughout the journey.
More than a story about surviving cancer, this powerful conversation reminds us to trust our intuition, seek answers when something doesn't feel right, and never underestimate the impact of hope, community, and love.
As Trish says, if sharing her story helps even one person seek care sooner, then every step of the journey has been worth it.
Connect with our Guests:
Website:
Four Diagnoses of Triple Negative Breast Cancer & One Unbreakable Spirit: Rochelle Forrest Hankins
Season 4 · Episode 6
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 01:06:53
Does perspective impact the path through cancer? For Rochelle Forrest Hankins cancer became a crossroads—where fear and faith diverged, and her choice defined the journey.
In this powerful episode of Metabolic Matters, host Christina Mason sits down with Rochelle Forrest Hankins, a registered nurse, educator, author, and four-time breast cancer survivor, and Dr. Yvonne Teverbaugh, an expert in integrative and metabolic oncology.
Rochelle shares her extraordinary journey after being diagnosed with both estrogen-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. Despite multiple recurrences and a prognosis that often leaves patients feeling powerless, Rochelle chose a different path—one rooted in faith, education, self-advocacy, and holistic healing.
Determined to understand the deeper factors influencing her health, Rochelle partnered with Dr. Yvonne to explore an integrative approach that extended far beyond conventional cancer treatment. Together, they addressed metabolic health, nutrition, sleep, emotional trauma, stress, spirituality, circadian rhythms, and the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit.
What makes this conversation especially meaningful is the relationship between Rochelle and Dr. Yvonne. Their partnership demonstrates what can happen when a patient becomes an active participant in their healing journey and is supported by a team that sees the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
Throughout the episode, they discuss triple-negative breast cancer, immunotherapy, metabolic oncology, psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI), codependency, trauma, and the importance of building a personalized healing strategy. Rochelle candidly shares how cancer became one of her greatest teachers, helping her establish healthier boundaries, deepen her faith, and reconnect with herself in ways she never imagined.
More than a story about surviving cancer, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing is not a single treatment, protocol, or decision. It is an ongoing journey of awareness, courage, resilience, and learning to trust your inner wisdom.
Rochelle Forrest Hankins, RN, MSM, LE
The Journey from 350 to 150 lbs: Healing Chronic Lyme Disease, Lupus, & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Season 4 · Episode 5
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Duration 01:17:40
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.”
If You Were Told You Had Less Than Two Years to Live, What Would You Do?
Season 4 · Episode 4
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 • Duration 01:06:41
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.
Can cancer shift a victim‑mentality mindset into one of confidence, self-advocacy and compassion?
Season 4 · Episode 3
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 01:25:03
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.
Is illness a path to awakening? As bedridden scientist's awareness shifts, remarkable healing follows.
Season 4 · Episode 2
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 50:04
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.
Her Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything, How Laura Lummer Reclaimed Her Healing Journey
Season 4 · Episode 1
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • Duration 32:25
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.
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 , she creates space for real people to share real stories and the many paths that shape how we understand health.
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.
My Facebook Gut Healing group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gut.healing.for.you
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.
Learn More About the Program Trish took to support her knowledge of metabolic health and healing!
www.metabolicregen.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These 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.
The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Dr. Nasha Winters
Healing 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.
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.
These 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.
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.
These 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.
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