Fertility is often viewed as a women’s health issue, but research tells a different story. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Ayla Barmmer joins Dianne Koehler to explore the overlooked role of male fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term child health.

With male factors contributing to nearly 50% of infertility cases, this conversation unpacks why men are frequently left out of the fertility equation, and what that means for couples trying to conceive.

Ayla shares her functional nutrition approach to preconception care, highlighting how oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and lifestyle habits directly impact sperm quality, DNA integrity, and reproductive outcomes. She also explains why standard semen analysis may not tell the full story, and what deeper markers of male fertility health should be considered.

Beyond conception, this episode dives into how both male and female preconception health influences placental development, pregnancy complications, miscarriage risk, and even a child’s long-term metabolic health.

Whether you’re a practitioner, a couple trying to conceive, or simply interested in optimizing health, this episode reframes fertility as a shared responsibility - and a powerful window into whole-body and generational health.

Ayla Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN, is the founder and CEO of FullWell, the only registered dietitian-founded and formulated reproductive health supplement brand that supports women and men at every stage. With 20+ years of experience in fertility nutrition, Ayla has taken an evidence-backed, foundational approach in developing the highest quality, effective, and thoroughly tested offering that clinicians and customers love, which has allowed her to build FullWell profitably from the start without venture backing. While currently on sabbatical from private practice, Ayla owns and operates Boston Functional Nutrition and co-founded the Women's Health Nutrition Academy in 2018.

Connect with Ayla:

LinkedInInstagramSubstackFullWell WebsiteFullWell Instagram

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Medicinal mushrooms have been gaining popularity in the wellness world due to their potential health benefits. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne interviews soon to be graduate, NTI staff member, and founder of Bloomcap Naturals, Andy Cappetta. Andy shares his journey into mycology, medicinal mushroom cultivation and extraction, and what truly defines a high-quality mushroom supplement. If you've been using medicinal mushrooms, or are curious about them but don't know where to start, this episode is for you! About Andy:Andrew Cappetta is a Colorado-based mycology enthusiast, functional nutrition professional, and the founder of Bloomcap Naturals LLC — a small-batch, fruiting-body-only mushroom extract company focused on purity, potency, and transparency.Andrew’s passion for mushrooms began as part of his own healing journey. After struggling with reactive hypoglycemia, nervous system dysregulation, and the emotional stress of losing his brother, he turned toward the world of functional mushrooms as a way to support his resilience and well-being. When commercial supplements only left him inflamed or anxious, he decided to dive deeper — learning sterile techniques, growing his own mushrooms, and eventually mastering dual-extraction methods.During his training at the Nutrition Therapy Institute, Andrew studied biochemistry, herbology, and the art of extraction, which shaped his approach to creating clean, potent tinctures rooted in tradition and backed by modern understanding. He now grows Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and other species on organic substrates, producing extracts crafted for people who want honest, high-quality mushroom tinctures and powders without grain fillers or mycelium.Through Bloomcap Naturals and his work in functional nutrition, Andrew helps people connect with the world of fungi, understand the science behind them, and use them as allies in supporting their body’s natural balance.When he isn’t cultivating mushrooms, you’ll find him outdoors in Colorado, crafting educational content, or diving into the microbiome research that continues to inspire his work.Bloomcap NaturalsInstagramintelligentfoods88@gmail.com**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk pageAre you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

In an era of industrial agriculture and mass-produced food, small dairy farms are disappearing at an alarming rate. As large-scale operations dominate the market, many consumers are left disconnected from where their food comes from and how it is produced. In this episode of NTI PodTalk, Dianne sits down with Joe Miller, Managing Partner and Sales Director of Kalona Supernatural, to explore how regenerative agriculture is helping support America’s small family dairy farms and why it matters for human health, soil health, and the future of real, nutrient dense food. Beyond regenerative farming, Joe explains why Kalona avoids ultra-high-temperature pasteurization and homogenization, and how their processing methods protect milk’s natural structure, enzymes, and nutritional integrity.

If you care about where your milk comes from, how your food is produced, and the long-term health of our land and farming communities, this episode is a must-listen.

About Joe Miller:

Joe Miller is Managing Partner at Kalona Organics, the company that markets and sells the Kalona SuperNatural brand. He joined the company in 2020, bringing a lifelong background in dairy and a passion for supporting small, family farms. Under his leadership, Kalona SuperNatural has expanded nationwide, supplying retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, and Natural Grocers.

Follow Kalona on Instagram! On the first Friday of every month, a member of the Kalona marketing team does a 'live from the pasture' on one of their farms and you can ask them any questions you have!

Joe on LinkedIn

Kalona SuperNatural

organic@kalonasupernatural.com

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

What does it take to build a career in holistic nutrition? How do you move from holistic nutrition student to confident practitioner? In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dr. David Feuz joins Dianne Koehler to break down the essential skills, training, and professional strategies that help emerging nutrition professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving field. Listen in as they discuss career development, industry trends, and the value of rigorous holistic nutrition education.

About Dr. David Feuz:

David is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and academic leader committed to advancing integrative and functional nutrition through education, mentorship, and program development. With a background spanning military service, higher education, and private consulting, he brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to supporting the growth of future nutrition professionals.

As Academic Department Chair at Purdue University Global and Director of Nutrition Education at Holistic Consulting, LLC, David has led the development of nationally approved programs that prepare students for board certification, professional practice, and real-world success. He holds the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), and Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®) credentials, and has served as a curriculum developer, instructor, consultant, and subject matter expert for organizations across the U.S.

Before entering the field of nutrition, David served for eight years in the United States Coast Guard, where he led emergency response missions and conducted law enforcement operations.

He is passionate about shaping the future of nutrition education, mentoring emerging professionals, and bridging clinical expertise with real-world application.

Connect with David:

david@holisticconsultinghq.com

LinkedIn

Holistic Consulting

FREE 30-Day Online Accelerator Program

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

In this solo episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne Koehler, Director of Nutrition Therapy Institute (NTI), introduces NTI’s new ABC Program—a public education initiative designed for individuals seeking holistic nutrition knowledge for personal health, without committing to the full Nutrition Therapist Master Certification (NTMC) program.Why The ABC Program Was Created:For years, NTI has received requests from people wanting stand-alone classes geared toward self-education. Until now, NTI only offered the NTMC professional program. The ABC Program (“Anybody Classes”) fills that gap with short, accessible, and affordable courses that provide practical nutrition and lifestyle guidance. These classes do not offer certification or professional titles—they are strictly for personal wellness.Listen in to get an overview of the 5 classes currently available, learn who the ABC program was created for, and how to enroll. **Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk pageBrowse the available classes and learn more about the ABC Program here.BLACK FRIDAY SALE: 20% off all ABC classes from November 24, 2025 - November 30, 2025.

Code: BLACKFRIDAY20 This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Did you know that the flavors you crave could be guiding your body toward better nutrition? In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Dianne talks with Sherry Hess, founder of Flavor Remedy, to explore the link between flavor and nutrition and the powerful role taste plays in digestion and overall health.Sherry explains how our taste buds are more than just sensors for pleasure—they’re deeply connected to our biology, influencing digestion, metabolism, and even nervous system regulation. Yet, in today’s food system, flavor is often manipulated. The food industry has learned to strip out bitterness and pump up sweetness, creating hyper-palatable products that keep us hooked while offering little nutritional value. Even in the wellness space, there’s a tendency to mask the very flavors that signal nutrient density.About Sherry:Sherry is a culinary expert and regenerative food advocate with experience in spice manufacturing, restaurant management, and as Executive Chef/Product Developer for Oncobitez. Her talks, including TEDx, inspire self-empowerment through our innate ability to detect nutrition via taste. Currently pursuing a Nutrition Therapy Master Certificate, she connects taste, nutrient density, and soil health through her work with The Flavor Remedy™, showing how taste can help regenerate the food system.Connect with Sherry:

⁠sherry@flavorremedy.com⁠

The Flavor Remedy

LinkedIn

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page.

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

Are you a holistic nutrition professional feeling stuck in your nutrition career? Meet Sean Emery, co-founder of Holistic Consulting. In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, Sean breaks down his proven framework for helping holistic nutrition therapists create impactful, profitable practices—without burnout or overwhelm. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine how you approach your nutrition career.About Sean Emery:After graduating from the US Naval Academy with a major in computer science and serving as a submariner in the Navy for 8 years, Sean transitioned his passion for health and wellness into a flourishing gym in the heart of Washington DC. Over the past decade, he has expanded the gym to include a swim school for kids and adults, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy.Recently, Sean completed an MS in Clinical Nutrition and an MS in Herbal Product Manufacturing which has allowed him to expand his gym’s nutrition services and start an online apothecary.Sean is passionate about helping aspiring health and wellness entrepreneurs learn how to run successful businesses. Serving this goal, Sean is a co-founder of Holistic Consulting, a company that helps people new to the holistic wellness field establish profitable businesses. He is also an adjunct professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health teaching a business development course within the Herbal Product Manufacturing masters program.FREE 30-Day online accelerator program**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page. Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.

What if nutrition coaching was as routine in prenatal care as an ultrasound? In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, we are taking a look inside RenewRx. Physician associate, NTI Natural Food Chef grad, and RenewRx founder, Kari Cao, shares how she’s weaving food, tech, and coaching into prenatal care. From real-time CGM insights and the “Renewed Plate” method, to insurance-covered coaching that integrates with OB practices, Kari’s roadmap helps moms feel informed, supported, and in control.

About Kari Cao: Kari Cao, PA-C, MHS, NFC is a nationally certified Physician Associate, professionally trained Natural Foods Chef, and the visionary founder of RenewRx—a tech-enabled maternal health platform transforming how prenatal care is delivered. After over a decade of clinical practice serving high-risk and underserved populations, Kari saw firsthand the system’s failure to support patients beyond brief office visits. Her passion for nutrition and whole-person care led her to pursue chef training with a nutritional focus, where she discovered the power of food as medicine. Today, Kari leads RenewRx in delivering personalized lifestyle, nutrition, and remote care support—starting with gestational diabetes—to improve outcomes for moms while creating new revenue for OB/GYN practices. Under her leadership, RenewRx has launched and is scaling with the largest high-risk OB group in the U.S., publishing clinical outcomes research, and been recognized as a top MedTech Innovator finalist. Kari’s work bridges science and soul, data and humanity—driven by her mission to renew the joys of pregnancy for both patients and their care teams.

Email Kari: kari@renewrx.health

RenewRx

LinkedIn

**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.