In this powerful episode of Made To Be Whole, host Krista Michener sits down with Michelle McAdoo, mom of Carson, to discuss the long, complex journey of parenting a child through chronic illnesses—specifically PANS/PANDAS, Bartonella, and recently-diagnosed compression syndromes. Michelle opens up about the medical maze, heartbreaking setbacks, and hard-won breakthroughs, highlighting the importance of whole-person medicine, determined advocacy, and hope. If you are navigating a chronic health diagnosis for your child, this episode is for you.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Recognizing Early Signs: How Carson’s health struggles began—from NICU stay, allergies, GI struggles, to developmental red flags.
• Breaking the Mold: Going beyond “it’s psychological”—the journey to getting a PANS/PANDAS diagnosis amid skepticism and misunderstanding.
• Treating the Whole Child: Integrative approaches to chronic illness, including functional medicine, antibiotic protocols, neurofeedback, IVIG, plasmapheresis, and dietary interventions.
• Bartonella, Lyme & More: The critical role of looking for co-infections and tackling the “layers” of chronic illness.
• The Hidden Challenge of Compression Syndromes: Understanding abdominal and vascular compression syndromes and their profound impact on nutrition, pain, and healing.
• The Cost of Healing: Real talk about financial, emotional, and systemic barriers to care—and why perseverance matters.
• Advocacy That Heals: Tips for other parents on fighting for answers, building the right team, and never giving up on your child.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Home | PANDAS Network
• https://www.facebook.com/NationalMALSFoundation-
• Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Research and Awareness
• Vascular Compression Syndromes | The EDS Clinic
• Dr Alvear explains the Alvear-Fowlkes Procedure for SMA Syndrome (Vascular Compression).
• SMA Syndrome Surgery Los Angeles | Danny Shouhed, MD
• Functional Medicine for Chronic Illness

If you’re a parent facing a complex health journey with your child, trust your instincts and advocate fiercely—you’re not alone.

Join a support group to connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Subscribe to Made To Be Whole for more hope-filled, practical conversations about integrative health and healing!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Made To Be Whole with Krista Michener as host and special guest Aicila. In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into Aicila’s personal health journey and discover the transformative impact of micronutrient testing, B12, hormone balance, and self-advocacy—especially for women in midlife. Join us as we discuss how listening to your body, pushing for better information, and embracing integrative solutions can help you reclaim joy, energy, and connection in every stage of life.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• How persistent health advocacy can change your life—
• Aicila's journey from brain fog to joy spiral
• Why micronutrient and hormone testing matter (especially for women 40+)
• The impact of B12 deficiency and absorption issues—signs, symptoms, and solutions
• Hormone replacement therapy: breakthroughs, gradual improvements, and regaining motivation
• Intermittent fasting and mood: How lifestyle changes can support mental and physical well-being
• The ripple effect: How taking control of your own health can model and foster wellness for family members
• Lessons in listening: The power of noticing subtle symptoms before they become major issues
• Integrative health philosophies and building systems that support the whole person
• Time, energy, and self-worth—why investing in your health is the foundation for everything else

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Foundations of Health Programs on the AHP Website
• BiCurean Consulting (for more on BiCurean's philosophy and production)

Prioritize your health—consider getting tested for vitamin and hormone levels, and take the first step toward feeling whole again!

Share this episode with a friend who might need encouragement to advocate for their well-being.

Visit AHPI Integrative Health for more resources and to learn about personalized care options.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

Resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Season Three kickoff episode of Made to Be Whole, host Krista Michener revisits and expands on the foundational Pillars of Healing framework—demonstrating how these guiding principles apply to the complex treatment of autoimmune encephalitis (including PANS/PANDAS) and chronic infections. Krista shares new insights drawn from her own family’s recent experiences, emphasizing the importance of identifying the root causes, holistic testing, and individualizing care to support healing from persistent neurological and immune challenges. Listeners gain expert advice on combining medical innovation, personal introspection, and resourceful investment in the journey toward wellness.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• What Are the Pillars of Healing and How Do They Apply to Autoimmune Conditions?
• The Critical Role of Comprehensive Testing: Why “Guessing Is Expensive Too”
• Balancing Infection, Inflammation, Immune Function, and Integrity as Core Healing Domains
• Genomic Testing and Its Impact on Individualized Care Plans
• Navigating Financial, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Investments in Healing
• The Importance of Community, Support, and Introspection in the Recovery Process

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Cunningham Panel / Autoimmune Brain Panel: https://www.moleculera.com/
• IntellxxDNA Genomic Testing: https://intellxxdna.com/
• CareCredit healthcare financing: https://www.carecredit.com/
• AHP Integrative Health: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Ready to invest in your own healing journey? Explore recommended labs and genomic testing resources mentioned in the episode.

Share your story—join our online community and connect with others walking a similar healing path!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special year-end episode of Made To Be Whole, host Krista Michener delivers her renowned annual countdown of the Michener family’s top health hacks from 2025. Drawing from personal experiences, family insights, and patient observations, Krista Michener unpacks a variety of practical tools and therapies—ranging from ionic foot baths to nutrient infusions, craniosacral therapy, intermittent fasting, and more. Listeners receive an uplifting, data-driven look at holistic ways to tackle brain fog, pain, fatigue, inflammation, and overall health, crafted around the core message: you were made to be whole.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Michener Family’s Top 10 Health Hacks of 2025
• Ionic Foot Baths and Their Impact on Brain Fog, Pain, and Anxiety
• The Role of Nutrient Injections and Infusions, Including Glutathione Shots
• Harnessing the Power of Intermittent Fasting for Energy and Weight Loss
• Personalizing Exercise Routines Despite Chronic Illness or Pain
• Craniosacral Therapy and Lymphatic Health for Head, Neck, and Back Relief
• Compression Devices for Improved Circulation and Mental Clarity
• Understanding Plasmalogens and Their Role in Cognitive Healing
• Autoimmune Brain Panel Testing (Cunningham Panel) and the Path to Answers
• The Surprising Benefits of Procaine and Repurposed Medications
• The Importance of Repeat Testing for Ongoing Health Optimization

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Find a Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner
• Information about The Autoimmune Brain Panel/Cunningham Panel
• What are plasmalogens?

Ready to take charge of your wellness? Schedule your own micronutrient testing or consult with our team to personalize your health plan!

Know someone struggling with fatigue, brain fog, or chronic illness? Share this episode and inspire hope in their healing journey.

Want to try a new health hack? Explore one of the top 10 hacks from this episode and let us know your experience on our website or social channels!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this holiday special of Made to Be Whole, host Krista Michener explores six transformative gifts you can give yourself—each designed to support your healing, health, and happiness. Drawing from personal experiences and evidence-based insights, Krista Michener shares practical strategies to cultivate routine, anticipation, expression, connection, letting go, and gratitude. Tune in to discover how these simple, cost-free gifts can make a lasting impact on your journey to feeling whole and well—no matter your circumstances or challenges.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Gift of Routine: Why daily habits can elevate your physical and mental well-being
• The Power of Anticipation: How looking forward to positive experiences boosts joy and dopamine
• Express Yourself: Creative ways to release emotions and heal through journaling, art, and music
• Making Real Connections: The importance of authentic, interpersonal relationships (beyond social media)
• Letting Go for Healing: Freeing yourself from grudges, unrealistic expectations, and the illusion of control
• The Transformative Power of Gratitude: How cultivating thankfulness supports happiness and healing

Reflect on which of the six gifts you can start cultivating—routine, anticipation, expression, connection, letting go, or gratitude—and take one small step today!

Try journaling or a creative activity for yourself this week, just for your own expression and healing.

Connect with someone in real life—send a text, have a conversation, or schedule a coffee date outside of social media.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made To Be Whole, host Krista Michener welcomes 16-year-old guest Emma to share her inspiring recovery story from severe illness caused by PANS/PANDAS, and Bartonella. Emma details her sudden onset of symptoms, the emotional toll on her family, her journey through different treatments, and practical advice for others navigating similar chronic health challenges. This case study spotlights hope, perseverance, and holistic healing, making it a must-listen for families and anyone interested in autoimmune encephalitis, tick-borne illness, and the importance of community support.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is PANS/PANDAS and Bartonella, and how do they affect young people?
• Unique symptoms and sudden onset: Emma’s personal experience and struggles
• The impact of chronic illness on family dynamics and mental health
• Treatment journey: What worked, what didn’t, and how Emma found lasting improvement
• Neurofeedback, medications, and biofilm protocols explained
• The role of perseverance and hope in recovery
• Emma’s new life: Working, school, hobbies, and future dreams
• Advice for parents and families supporting children with PANS/PANDAS
• The healing power of animals: How Emma’s dog Ernie played a role in her recovery

If you or your loved one is struggling with PANS, PANDAS, or chronic illness, don’t give up—healing is possible!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

Any references to particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic, and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, host Krista Michener dives into the concept of Spoon Theory and how it can help you set realistic holiday expectations, especially if you live with chronic illness or simply want to avoid holiday overwhelm. Krista shares practical strategies for managing your energy, prioritizing what matters most, and letting go of unnecessary obligations, so you can savor more joy and less stress this festive season. If you’re searching for advice on energy budgeting, self-care during the holidays, or coping with invisible illnesses, this episode offers supportive insights.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is Spoon Theory and how does it apply to holiday planning?
• Learning to set and communicate holiday expectations with yourself and others
• Practical ways to conserve energy (spoons) during demanding seasons
• Letting go of self-imposed obligations that drain joy
• The importance of maintaining core self-care habits during the holidays
• How to prioritize meaningful traditions and relationships over perfectionism

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Spoon Theory original essay by Christine Miserandino: https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/2020-05/Spoon%20theory%20by%20Christine%20Miserandino.pdf

Take 15 minutes today to list your holiday traditions and mark the ones that matter most!

Talk with your loved ones about your energy limits, and ask for help or flexibility where you need it.

Prioritize your self-care routines—the holidays are not the time to let go of your healthy habits!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.