Modern Thyroid and Wellness

What if the future of weight care is not about losing pounds, but about supporting metabolic health, nourishment, and sustainability?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson sits down with Ashley Koff, registered dietitian, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Your Best Shot. Together, they unpack the rapidly evolving conversation around GLP-1 hormones, GLP-1 agonist medications, and what true weight health really means.Ashley brings a balanced, evidence-informed perspective to a topic often dominated by extremes. She explains the science behind GLP-1s, clarifies common misconceptions, and emphasizes why medications alone are never the full solution. This conversation centers on personalized nutrition, comprehensive assessment, and moving away from diet culture toward sustainable, root-cause care. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhat GLP-1 hormones are and how they function in the bodyHow GLP-1 agonist medications work and what they do and do not addressThe difference between weight loss and weight healthWhy metabolism, muscle, gut health, and nutrient status matterCommon pitfalls of relying solely on medication for weight managementThe importance of comprehensive health assessments before and during GLP-1 useHow diet culture oversimplifies weight and wellbeingWhy personalized nutrition is essential for long-term successSupporting metabolic health without shame, restriction, or extremes 💡 In This Episode, You Will LearnWhy GLP-1 medications are tools, not curesHow weight health differs from scale-based outcomesWhat people often overlook when starting GLP-1 therapyWhy nutrition adequacy and protein intake are criticalHow to protect muscle mass and metabolic functionThe role of individualized care in sustainable weight outcomesWhy one-size-fits-all approaches fail most people🎯 Episode TakeawaysWeight health is about function, not just numbersGLP-1 medications can be helpful, but only within a comprehensive care planNutrition, movement, sleep, and stress all shape metabolic outcomesSustainable health requires personalization, not diet rulesLong-term wellbeing comes from addressing root causes,...

What if the key to feeling strong, energized, and confident during menopause is not doing more cardio but training smarter?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Debra Atkinson, a leading authority on fitness for women over 40 and the founder of the Flipping 50 movement. Together, they explore how women’s bodies change during menopause and why strength training, bone health, and individualized exercise strategies are essential for long-term health.Debra shares practical, science-informed guidance on how women can safely build muscle, protect bone density, and maintain vitality during and after the menopausal transition. This conversation reframes exercise not as punishment or weight loss driven, but as a powerful tool for resilience, independence, and quality of life. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredHow menopause changes muscle mass, metabolism, and bone densityWhy strength training is essential for midlife and postmenopausal womenCommon exercise mistakes women make during menopauseHow to start resistance training safely at any age or fitness levelThe role of bone-loading exercises in preventing osteoporosisYoga, vibration platforms, and complementary movement strategiesWhy generic fitness advice often fails women in midlifeHow to find trainers and programs that understand menopause physiology💡 In This Episode, You Will LearnWhy maintaining muscle is critical for hormone balance, metabolism, and longevityHow strength training supports bone density and reduces fracture riskWhat types of exercises are most effective during menopauseHow to adapt workouts if you are new to resistance trainingWhy “more cardio” is often not the answer for midlife womenHow the right exercise approach can improve confidence, energy, and daily function🎯 Episode TakeawaysMenopause is not a decline, but a transition that requires smarter trainingStrength training is foundational for women’s health after 40Bone health depends on intentional, progressive loadingOne-size-fits-all exercise plans do not work for menopausal womenWith the right guidance, women can remain strong, capable, and vibrant well into later life📚 Where to Learn More About Debra Atkinson🌐 Website & Resources

What if the reason you still feel exhausted, foggy, and unwell on thyroid medication is because the system treating you is using decades-old rules that no longer serve patients?In this powerful episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Elle Russ, bestselling author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution, to unpack why so many people with hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease continue to suffer despite being “treated.”Elle shares her deeply personal thyroid journey, including years of misdiagnosis, failed protocols, and the self-education that ultimately led to her recovery. Together, McCall and Elle explore where conventional thyroid care falls short, why outdated guidelines continue to harm patients, and how individualized thyroid hormone therapy can fully resolve symptoms when done correctly.This episode is a candid, science-grounded conversation about self-advocacy, education, and reclaiming health in a system that often dismisses thyroid patients.Key Topics CoveredWhy patients are still symptomatic even while taking thyroid medicationHow outdated protocols from the 1970s continue to shape modern thyroid careThe dangers of relying solely on TSH to assess thyroid healthWhy suppressed TSH is often misunderstood and incorrectly treatedThe difference between symptom management and true thyroid optimizationHow thyroid dysfunction impacts cholesterol, blood pressure, mood, fertility, and weightThe role of T3, T4, reverse T3, and timing in thyroid hormone therapyWhy many patients are prescribed unnecessary medications instead of correcting thyroid functionCommon misconceptions about natural desiccated thyroid versus synthetic hormonesThe importance of education and self-advocacy in thyroid recoveryKey TakeawaysPersistent symptoms are not normal when hypothyroidism is properly treatedThyroid dysfunction is often the root cause of secondary conditions like depression, PCOS, infertility, high cholesterol, and fatigue“Normal” lab ranges do not equal optimal thyroid functionThyroid hormone replacement, when individualized, is safe and often life-changingPatients must often educate themselves to help clinicians provide better careThyroid issues are fixable at any age with the right knowledge and supportAbout the GuestElle Russ is a thyroid health educator, author, and advocate who has helped thousands of people reclaim their health after being dismissed by conventional medicine. She is the author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution and creator of The Ultimate

What if true longevity isn’t about treating disease after it appears, but about tracking the right data early and becoming the CEO of your own health?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, board-certified surgeon, published author, and co-founder of NEXT|HEALTH, the fastest-growing health optimization and longevity clinic network. Together, they explore why the current medical system is built to manage illness rather than create health, and what it truly means to take a proactive, data-driven approach to longevity.Dr. Shah shares his personal journey from burnout, autoimmune disease, and multiple medications to reclaiming his health through nutrition, movement, functional medicine, and biomarker tracking. This conversation is a powerful reminder that prevention, early intervention, and personal accountability are the foundations of long-term vitality.In This Episode, You Will Learn• Why traditional medicine excels at emergency care but falls short in creating long-term health • How Dr. Shah reversed autoimmune disease and reduced his medications through lifestyle and data • What it means to be the CEO of your own health • Why most routine lab work misses early warning signs of chronic disease • The difference between “normal” lab ranges and optimal health markers • Which biomarkers matter most for preventing chronic illness • Why hemoglobin A1C is one of the most important indicators of long-term health • How metabolic dysfunction develops years before symptoms appear • Why quarterly data tracking is more powerful than annual lab testing • How wearables, grip strength, and body composition predict longevity • When people should start monitoring biomarkers for healthspan and lifespan • The three non-negotiable habits Dr. Shah credits for his health transformationKey Topics Discussed• Reactive medicine vs proactive health optimization • Early detection of chronic disease through biomarkers • Metabolic health and insulin resistance • Inflammation as a root cause of disease • Healthspan vs lifespan • Patient empowerment and data literacy • Strength training and muscle mass as longevity markers • Sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation • Building sustainable habits that compound over timeDr. Shah’s Three Non-Negotiables for Longevity• A protected morning routine that includes movement, mental wellness, and reflection • Strength training as a priority over cardio when time is limited • Creating distance from phones at night to reduce stress and improve sleep qualityAbout Dr. Darshan Shah, MDDr. Darshan Shah is a board-certified surgeon, health optimization expert, and co-founder of NEXT|HEALTH, a nationwide network of longevity and wellness clinics focused on prevention, performance, and personalized care. After experiencing severe health decline himself, Dr. Shah pursued advanced training in nutrition, exercise physiology, and functional medicine, leading to a complete transformation of his health and clinical approach.Resources & Links🌐 NEXT|HEALTHhttps://www.next-health.com📱 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanshahmd/📲 Follow McCall McPherson

What if the path to healing after deep loss begins with understanding exactly what your body needs to feel steady, supported, and whole again?In this deeply personal first episode back, McCall opens up about the recent loss of her brother and how grief has affected her health, energy, sleep, and daily rhythms. She answers one of the most requested questions from her community by walking listeners through her full supplement and medication routine, sharing exactly what she takes, why she takes it, and how each product supports different aspects of her health.From thyroid medication and mitochondrial support to hair repair, gut health, sleep aids, and antioxidants, McCall explains the purpose behind every item in her morning and evening stacks. She offers practical insight into how she is supporting her body through grief, fatigue, inflammation, and stress.She closes the episode with gratitude for the immense support she has received and a reminder to cherish loved ones and prioritize self care during life’s hardest moments.Key Topics Covered• How grief impacts energy, sleep, cognition, and metabolic health • McCall’s complete morning supplement stack and medication routine • Thyroid medications and why she takes desiccated thyroid and micro dose lithium • The role of mitochondrial support in chronic fatigue and long term energy • Hair repair strategies including supplements, minoxidil, and nutrient support • Gut health tools including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and glutathione • Evening supplements for sleep, anxiety relief, and nervous system regulation • How and when she uses targeted supplements like stem cell support, NAD precursors, antioxidants, and focus gummies • Practical tips for choosing quality supplements and dosing wisely • Emotional reflections on loss, gratitude, and community supportIn This Episode, You Will Learn• What McCall takes daily for thyroid function and energy • How she layers mitochondrial support, from methylene blue to Timeline Nutrition • Her personal experience with hair loss, bleaching damage, and repair protocols • Why probiotic choice matters and which brands she trusts • How grief and stress shape supplement needs • Her full nighttime routine including progesterone, glutathione, sleep supports, and trazodone • Supplements she uses only as needed and why • How she sequences her routine to maximize absorption and function📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa