Can unresolved experiences continue to affect our emotional and physical well-being years later?

In this episode, Michelle Hecker Davis welcomes Stacey Sandberg, a third-generation massage therapist, Reiki practitioner, and breathwork facilitator. Stacey shares her personal journey through anxiety, the breathwork session that uncovered long-suppressed memories, and how that experience inspired her to help others explore healing through a holistic approach.

Together, they discuss the connection between the nervous system, stored trauma, breathwork, massage therapy, Reiki, guided meditation, and the importance of looking beyond symptom management to better understand the root cause of what we're experiencing.

In this episode:

• Stacey's journey into breathwork and holistic healing
• How trauma may be stored in the body
• The role of the subconscious during breathwork
• Anxiety, emotional healing, and nervous system regulation
• Why healing often requires multiple complementary approaches
• Whether you're curious about breathwork or simply interested in learning more about holistic wellness, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on the relationship between the mind, body, and healing.

Guest: Stacey Sandberg, Owner of Divine Remedy Spa 🌐 https://mydivineremedy.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In Episode 12 of Roots to Reason, Michelle Hecker Davis sits down with Dr. Luiza Prodan, a developmental optometrist and vision therapy specialist with Chattanooga Vision Therapy at Crowder Eye Center. Together, they explore the vital connection between the eyes and the brain—and why functional vision plays a critical role in reading, learning, memory, attention, balance, and even recovery from concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

Dr. Prodan explains why children and adults can pass a routine eye exam yet still experience headaches, blurry vision, words moving on the page, difficulty reading, or anxiety while driving. Through personalized vision therapy, patients can retrain the brain to improve eye tracking, focusing, visual processing, and overall performance.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why 20/20 vision doesn't tell the whole story How vision affects learning, reading, and daily life Common signs of functional vision problems Why concussion symptoms often involve visual processing How vision therapy helps strengthen communication between the eyes and brain

Dr. Prodan specializes in helping children with learning challenges and adults recovering from brain injuries through individualized vision therapy programs that improve confidence, performance, and quality of life.

Resources Learn more about Chattanooga Vision Therapy at Crowder Eye Center and ask your eye care provider whether a comprehensive functional vision evaluation may be appropriate if you or your child experiences persistent reading, focusing, tracking, or visual processing challenges.

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

With over 20 years in conventional medicine, Rebecca shares her personal and professional journey into root cause medicine, sparked by her own unresolved symptoms, postpartum depletion, and a desire to help patients truly heal—not just manage symptoms.

Together, they unpack the limitations of the traditional healthcare model, the rise of functional medicine, and why more people—especially younger generations—are seeking deeper answers about their health.

From gut health and hormone imbalances to advanced testing and toxin exposure, this conversation sheds light on why symptoms persist and how a more personalized, investigative approach can lead to real healing.

Rebecca Gephart has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, primarily in emergency medicine. After facing her own unresolved health challenges, she pursued advanced training in functional medicine to better understand the root causes of chronic symptoms.

She is the founder of New Horizon Functional Medicine, where she works with patients to uncover underlying imbalances using detailed history, advanced testing, and personalized care plans.

Connect with the new online community here: https://newhorizonfm.com/rootstoreason/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

-Why “normal” lab results don’t always mean you’re healthy -The difference between symptom management and root cause medicine -How gut health impacts everything from headaches to brain fog -Why hormone health is often misunderstood in traditional medicine -The role of toxins (like BPA) in fertility and overall health

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

About our Guest

Dr. Courtney Guthrie is a Doctor of Audiology and the founder of 4 Bridges Audiology in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With a background in communication disorders and a passion for individualized care, she specializes in hearing, balance, tinnitus, and auditory processing disorders.

Dr. Guthrie is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and has served as President of the Tennessee Academy of Audiology. She is committed to comprehensive, patient-centered care that improves quality of life.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Dr. Guthrie of 4 Bridges Audiology to explore auditory processing disorder (APD)—a commonly overlooked condition that affects both children and adults. From its connection to ADHD and dyslexia to the real-world struggles of filtering background noise, this conversation uncovers how misunderstood auditory challenges can impact learning, focus, and quality of life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

-What auditory processing disorder actually is (and isn’t) -Why someone can have normal hearing but still struggle to understand speech -The connection between APD, ADHD, and dyslexia -How background noise impacts cognitive load and focus -Why standard hearing tests don’t reflect real-world listening challenges -Treatment options: auditory training, therapy, and hearing aids -The long-term impact of childhood ear infections on processing

🔗 Content & Learn More -4 Bridges Audiology (Chattanooga, TN) -Auditory Processing Disorder resources and testing -LearningRx Chattanooga (sponsor) for cognitive and auditory training

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis, part of the Nooga Podcast Network, and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Together, they explore the importance of moving beyond symptom management to uncover root causes, the growing impact of environmental toxins, and how genetics, gut health, and lifestyle all play a role in our well-being. From liver support and detox strategies to nervous system regulation and mental health, this episode connects the dots between physical and emotional health—and what it really means to thrive.

About the Guest Cady Kuhlman is a nutritionist with a Master’s in Holistic Nutrition and co-owner of Nutrition World, a family-founded health store established in 1979. Raised in a health-conscious environment, Cady developed a deep understanding of nutrition early on. Her personal health journey—particularly her battle with mold toxicity—has shaped her passion for helping others uncover the root causes of their health challenges. She now works with clients to address physical, mental, and emotional health through a holistic lens, integrating nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle practices.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why symptom management isn’t enough—and how to think in terms of root causes
• The hidden impact of mold and environmental toxins on the body
• How genetics (like MTHFR and COMT) influence detoxification
• Why liver health is foundational to overall wellness
• The role of binders and detox protocols in healing
• How chronic stress affects digestion, absorption, and mental health
• Why nervous system regulation is essential for true healing
• The connection between energy, health, and living a full life

Key Takeaways Root cause matters: Managing symptoms without addressing underlying issues leads to incomplete healing Toxic load is cumulative: Mold, plastics, chemicals, and diet all contribute to overall burden Detox pathways matter: Supporting liver function and elimination is critical Stress blocks healing: A dysregulated nervous system impacts digestion, cognition, and recovery Energy = quality of life: True health allows you to show up fully for your family, work, and purpose Awareness is power: Many health issues are subtle and easily misattributed

Resources -Visit Nutrition World (Chattanooga, TN) to explore supplements, wellness products, and expert guidance -Learn more about detox pathways, binders, and liver support through trusted practitioners -Explore nervous system tools like breathwork, movement, and mindfulness practices -Subscribe to Roots to Reason on Spotify for more conversations on integrative health

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

Find us online: https://www.rootstoreason.com https://www.fb.com/rootstoreason https://www.instagram.com/rootstoreasonpod/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Perry shares the deeply personal story that sparked her passion for lifestyle medicine—watching two grandmothers age in dramatically different ways based on their daily habits. From that moment, she began asking a powerful question: How much control do we really have over our long-term health?

Together, they explore the shift toward preventive care, the limitations of the traditional medical model, and how lifestyle medicine is changing the conversation around chronic illness. Dr. Perry breaks down the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and explains how small, personalized changes can lead to lasting transformation.

About the Dr. Elizabeth Perry

Elizabeth Perry is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Lifestyle Medicine from Southern Adventist University. She is also a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.

With over 20 years in pediatric and neonatal nursing, Perry now helps patients prevent and reverse chronic conditions through personalized, lifestyle-based care. She works at LifeMed Clinic in Chattanooga, TN, providing concierge-style medicine rooted in prevention, education, and long-term wellness.

What You’ll Learn

• What lifestyle medicine actually is—and why it’s gaining momentum
• The six core pillars that influence long-term health
• The role of nutrition, sleep, stress, and community in disease prevention
• How to begin your own health optimization journey

🔗 Content & Learn More LifeMed Clinic: https://lifemedclinic.org Recommended podcasts mentioned in the episode: The Exam Room Podcast Reverse Mullet Podcast

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Together, they explore how foundational habits—nutrition, sleep, stress management, movement, and relationships—shape not just children’s health, but entire family systems. Dr. Litwin shares how her unique model allows for deeper, more meaningful care, focusing on prevention, resilience, and long-term thriving rather than quick fixes.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that raising healthy kids starts with supporting healthy families—and that small, intentional changes can transform outcomes for generations.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr. Aileen Litwin is a triple board-certified pediatrician specializing in general pediatrics, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine. A former active-duty medical officer in the United States Navy, she now serves families in Chattanooga through her practice, Happy Healthy Pediatrics. Her approach combines evidence-based Western medicine with holistic, lifestyle-focused care. By spending extended time with families and creating personalized wellness plans, Dr. Litwin helps parents build strong foundations for their children’s long-term health, resilience, and success.

CONNECT & LEARN MORE

Website: happyhealthypediatrics.com Schedule a consultation or learn about her care model Recommended Reading: The Whole-Brain Child Explore integrative resources in nutrition, movement, and mental health

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga & the Nooga Podcast Network: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of Roots to Reason, Michelle Hecker Davis sits down with speech-language pathologist Rebecca Iwanczyk, owner of the Speech Language Reading Center in Chattanooga, to explore how underlying language, processing, and cognitive differences can impact learning and development.

Rebecca shares how comprehensive testing—including cognitive, academic, and behavioral insights—can uncover the root causes behind challenges like dyslexia, speech delays, and learning disabilities. She explains how these struggles often show up as behavioral issues, low confidence, or avoidance—when in reality, the child simply needs the right support.

The conversation highlights the importance of early intervention, collaboration among professionals, and helping both children and parents understand why challenges are happening. Because when we shift from guessing to understanding, everything changes.

ABOUT THIS GUEST: Rebecca Iwanczyk is a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience and the owner of the Speech Language Reading Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

She specializes in working with children and young adults ages 3–21, focusing on speech, language, reading, and learning challenges. Rebecca is passionate about identifying the root causes of difficulties through comprehensive testing and individualized care, while collaborating with families and other professionals to support each child’s unique developmental journey.

CONNECT & LEARN: Speech Language Reading Center 📍 Hixson, Tennessee 🌐 chattanoogaspeech.com 📚 Free dyslexia resources: nessy.com (free PDFs for understanding dyslexia and learning differences)

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

Episode 5, hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Clint Powell, they interview Dr. Nathan Warren, a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner. Dr. Warren shares his journey from a Division I athlete with severe health issues to a chiropractor, emphasizing the body's ability to heal through proper function and adaptation. He discusses his practice's expansion over 11.5 years, including the addition of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and lymphatic work. A notable success story involves a nonverbal autistic child who improved significantly through chiropractic care, highlighting the transformative power of holistic approaches in healthcare.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why chiropractic care goes far beyond “cracking backs” and focuses on nervous system function
• How the brain and spine influence immunity, behavior, digestion, and overall health
• The role of functional medicine in addressing root causes rather than symptoms
• How collaborative care between specialists creates better outcomes for patients
• Why health is defined by adaptability — not simply the absence of disease
• How early intervention and holistic support can transform developmental outcomes in children
• The importance of empowering patients and families with more than one path to healing

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

What if the challenges a child faces with learning, coordination, or communication aren’t simply behavioral or academic—but rooted in the body’s earliest neurological patterns?

In this episode of Roots to Reason, Michelle Hecker Davis sits down with occupational therapist Courtney Pittman, founder of Integrated Pathways, to explore Masgutova Neuro-Sensory Motor Reflex Integration (MNRI)—a powerful approach focused on restoring foundational reflex patterns in the brain and nervous system.

Courtney explains how developmental reflexes formed in infancy influence motor coordination, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and learning throughout life. When those reflexes become “stuck,” they can interfere with everyday functioning—from holding a pencil to speaking clearly or managing sensory overwhelm.

Through her work with children, teens, and young adults, Courtney helps clients rebuild neurological foundations so the brain can move forward into higher-level development. She shares how MNRI fits into a collaborative care model alongside chiropractic care, neurofeedback, cognitive training, and other therapies. This episode highlights why addressing foundational neurological patterns can unlock progress that families may have been searching for for years.

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/ Integrated Pathways: https://www.integratedpathways.net

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Dr. Lauren Mansolf - Pediatric and Family Chiropractor joined MIchelle in-studio to talk about neurologically based care at Sprouting Life Chiropractic and how it differs from the traditional approach AND more importantly...how it can help the child AND the family!

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Sarah Woodcock is a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) intern who works directly with couples, families, and individuals to foster connection, resilience, and healing. In her full time work, she specializes in supporting those navigating intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health challenges. A wife, veteran spouse, and mom of three, Sarah is passionate about helping military families, first responders, and couples build stronger relationships. She also holds a Master of Science in Psychology and will complete her clinical training toward full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in coming months.

A podcast exploring the vital optional therapies, rooted in science and community!

Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis and Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

A podcast exploring the vital optional therapies, rooted in science and community! Hosted by Michelle Hecker Davis AND Powered by LearningRX Chattanooga: https://www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm