Is chat support helping your business or quietly burning you out?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re unpacking the pros and cons of offering chat support to clients—from how we’ve structured it in our own practices to the unexpected mindset shifts it required. We talk about what works (and what definitely didn’t), how to set boundaries and still offer high-touch care, and why chat support can be a powerful tool for client progress—if it’s used intentionally.

Whether you're deciding whether to include it, struggling with how to manage it, or feeling like it's becoming too much, this conversation will give you grounded, practical guidance.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:41 Why community and real-time connection matter in client care
• 02:12 The chat support debate: should you offer it or not?
• 02:57 Our personal experiences—what worked, what flopped, what we changed
• 04:15 Boundaries, compensation, and not working for free
• 05:39 How we use chat support effectively in our weekly rhythms
• 06:23 Pros and cons: real talk from both sides of the inbox
• 06:54 Different models and approaches—what works for you
• 08:52 Why chat access can be a huge value-add (even if clients don’t use it)
• 12:02 Setting expectations and encouraging meaningful engagement
• 24:51 Wrapping up with reminders, upcoming events, and the power of overdelivering

Links and resources:

• Listen to Episode 23. How to Design Protocols That Actually Work (Without Overwhelming Your Clients): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18491501
• Listen to Episode 21. Masterclasses, Memberships, or 1:1? Choosing the Right Business Model for You: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18417374

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here.

Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship.

All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

Tired of wondering where to start—or how to actually move a client forward—when it comes to protocol design? If you’ve ever second-guessed your plans, felt overwhelmed by lab results, or struggled to figure out how to balance clinical insight with client capacity, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we break down what protocol design really looks like inside a thriving clinical practice—and why it’s so much more than just stacking supplements. We talk about the foundational pillars we never skip, how to prioritize based on labs and client history, and why slow, supportive progress always beats rigid plans. You’ll also hear the specific tools and strategies we use to individualize our recommendations and build trust and momentum with our clients.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:25 How we start designing protocols
• 04:24 The non-negotiable foundations we always build from
• 06:37 Why client habits matter more than the perfect plan
• 12:03 How we personalize protocols based on what’s actually doable
• 17:32 When and how we integrate labs with client history
• 23:05 The value of flexibility and not rushing the process
• 26:56 Final thoughts + what’s coming next inside our community

Links and resources mentioned:

• Listen to Episode 22. The Parasite Cleanse Craze: Marketing, Myths & What You Actually Need: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506559/episodes/18452084

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here.

Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship.

All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.

Are parasites really the root of all your symptoms or just another fear-based fad?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re diving into the popular (and often problematic) phrase: “If you have a pulse, you have a parasite.” We unpack the rise of parasite cleanses in the functional health world, challenge the reflexive use of antimicrobials, and explore why a more nuanced, root-cause approach matters—especially when dealing with vulnerable clients. From testing limitations to the importance of clinical context, we share how we approach suspected parasite issues in our own practices and what truly sets clients up for success. Spoiler: it’s not monthly full-moon cleanses.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:51 Why “If you have a pulse, you have a parasite” makes us cringe
• 04:03 When parasites are actually a concern and when they’re not
• 07:00 What needs to be in place before you even think about treatment
• 12:52 How stress changes everything (and why it's always relevant)
• 14:36 Our final thoughts on discernment, red flags, and what’s coming next

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified provider with questions about your health and never delay seeking care because of something you heard here.

Nothing shared by Unconventional Collaborative is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, and supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This podcast does not create a doctor–patient, provider–client, or supervisory relationship.

All practitioners are responsible for interpreting and applying information within the legal and ethical scope of their own training and credentials. If unsure what falls within your scope of practice, consult your licensing or certifying body.

Unconventional Collaborative and its contributors assume no responsibility for outcomes resulting from use or misuse of this information.