Most leaders believe the bottleneck is their business.
According to ex–banker turned performance strategist Ritchie Nkana, it’s not.

It’s the Operator running it.

In this powerful episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, Ritchie shares how he went from a burned-out corporate banker moving millions for global banks to building Operator’s Edge™, a system that helps founders and executives scale energy, impact, and legacy — without sacrificing their health.

We talk about:

• Why burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a systems failure

• The hidden cost high performers pay to “keep up”

• How identity, energy, and decision-making impact business growth

• Why health is a leadership strategy, not a side project

• How speaking can become a predictable growth engine, not just exposure

Ritchie also breaks down his Brand→Stage™ Speaking Engine, showing how leaders can turn one powerful talk into real opportunities, clients, and influence — even in an AI-heavy world.

If you’re scaling, leading, or carrying more than your body can sustain… this conversation may change how you operate forever.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to upgrade your operating system — without burning out.

For the high-achieving woman who’s tired ofchoosing between her career her health and home: I open a small handful ofprivate 1:1 spots a few times a year. If you’re done with car naps, brain fog,and “pushing through,” click here to apply. I’ll personally review your caseand we’ll see if working together is the perfect fit. Applyfor 1:1 coaching

For HR, People Ops, and leaders building smarterworkplaces: I run a limited number of corporate pilots each year focused onautoimmune and chronic-illness wellbeing (no extra headcount required). Want tocut presenteeism, boost retention of your top female talent, and lead the wayin energy-efficient teams? Click hereto book a short strategy call.

Subscribeto the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast for weekly strategies, realtalk, and actionable advice. Because health is real wealth, and every part ofyour life, including your career which relies on the status. New episodes everyweek: real strategies, zero fluff.

Listen on [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]

About the Podcaster: CorporateAutoimmune Consultant | SHRM-SA Board Member | Functional Health Coach(Corporate Wellness + AIP certified) I help high-achieving women withautoimmune conditions reclaim their energy and ambition, and I help companieskeep that talent thriving instead of burning out.

Health is real wealth, and your career depends on it.Let’s make thriving the rule, not the exception.

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does notconstitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare providerregarding your health needs and treatment options.

Subscribe & Connect

Mid-January isn’t a motivation problem, it’s a regulation problem.

In this episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, Desiree Werland breaks down four science-backed tools designed specifically for working women with autoimmune disease who are managing careers, households, and invisible symptoms—without burning out or triggering flares.

We’re talking about:
✔ Why caffeine and willpower backfire for autoimmune bodies
✔ How cold exposure, nutrient timing, gentle movement, and wind-down rituals support immune regulation
✔ Practical strategies you can use at work without drawing attention
✔ Research-backed approaches—not wellness trends or toxic productivity

If you’ve ever had “normal labs” but crushing fatigue, brain fog, or mid-afternoon crashes—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to support your body without sacrificing your career.

🔗 Private coaching: Individuals — Desiree Werland
🏢 Corporate wellness & retention strategies: Employers — Desiree WerlandBecause you’re not lazy.You’re not broken.You’re regulating.

What if part of your autoimmune or chronic illness picture has been hiding in plain sight—your mouth?
For many people living with invisible illness, answers feel scattered, incomplete, or dismissed. This conversation brings clarity without fear.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Toni Engram, a biological dentist, integrative health coach, and founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Richardson, Texas. After navigating her own autoimmune health challenges, Dr. Engram shifted her philosophy from symptom-focused dentistry to a whole-body, prevention-centered approach that honors the deep connection between oral health and systemic wellness.

This episode is for:

• Individuals living with autoimmune disease, Lyme, chronic illness, or invisible illness who feel like something is being overlooked

• Professionals and employers interested in whole-person health, prevention, and sustainable performance

• Anyone curious about how oral health fits into a more integrative, supportive care model

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How oral inflammation can interact with immune and nervous system health

• What “biological dentistry” means—and how it differs from conventional approaches

• Why patients with chronic illness often feel unheard in traditional care models

• What SMART certification and safer dental practices aim to support

• How airway health, breathing, and oral structure can influence overall wellbeing

• Questions to consider when assembling a truly collaborative healthcare team

This episode is educational, empowering, and grounded—designed to help listeners ask better questions and feel more confident advocating for their health, without medical claims or fear-based messaging.

Whether you’re managing an autoimmune condition personally or supporting people who are, this episode offers a broader lens on prevention, resilience, and informed choice.

Dr. Toni EngramBiological Dentist | Integrative Health CoachFounder, Flourish Dental Boutique
www.flourish.dental

For Individuals with Autoimmune or Chronic Illness:
If this episode resonated and you’re looking for support navigating energy, symptoms, or sustainable routines, explore 1:1 autoimmune health coaching designed to help you feel more supported—not overwhelmed.

For Corporate & Organizational Leaders:
If your organization cares about employee wellbeing, retention, and long-term performance, learn how autoimmune-aware health education and consulting can support teams managing invisible illness in high-pressure environments.

Podcast Support CTA:
Follow the show on Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a more whole-body perspective on health.

#AutoimmuneHealth
#ChronicIllness
#InvisibleIllness
#LymeDisease
#BiologicalDentistry
#IntegrativeHealth
#WholeBodyHealth
#OralSystemicHealth
#WomenInMedicine
#HealthAdvocacy
#PreventiveCare
#WorkplaceWellbeing

⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Listener-Friendly)📣 Calls-to-Action (CTAs)🔎 Hashtags / Keywords (Spotify Search Optimized)

Three days into January, and your resolutions are mocking you with that wired-tired crash? Snoozing five times, three coffees by 10am, napping in your car, brain fog rereading emails, sound familiar? As a 32-48-year-old high-achiever in marketing, healthcare, or corporate mid-level, I've lived the flop: Normalizing exhaustion, joint pain, bloating, guilt over takeout, snapping at loved ones, and fearing flares cost your career. This episode pierces "everyone's tired" scripts: tired isn't normal, it's common and gives four science-backed tools for real, sustainable shifts without quitting your job or toxic positivity. No bubbly vibes, just hopeful realism fitting your hustle culture.

✓ Tool 1: 8-Min Energy Anchor – Vagus stimulation (Huberman Lab at hubermanlab.com) with hum (like Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing") and eye trace to calm nerves, dodge 2pm crashes, and cut brain fog.✓ Tool 2: Blood Sugar Balancer – Pair carbs with protein to stabilize energy, end shaky irritability, and reduce flares.✓ Tool 3: Resolution Reframe Script – Shift "push through" guilt to grace (Gabor Maté at drgabormate.com), like closing 47 tabs on 2% battery.✓ Tool 4: Desk Drawer Reset – 5-min doodles for cortisol regulation, turning snaps to steady focus.

That crash taught me we're adapting, not failing, let's flare-proof your year.

Grab the free Flare-Proof Fresh Start Toolkit (with these tools expanded + planner) here: Fresh Start and Flare Free in 2026

For 1:1 coaching, book at desireewerland.com/privatecoaching. Individuals — Desiree Werland

Corporates, email desiree@desireewerland.com for wellness or Employers — Desiree Werland#AutoimmuneWarrior #HashimotosHealing #ChronicFatigue #NervousSystemRegulation #WomenWithAutoimmune #NewYearAutoimmune #InvisibleIllness #ThyroidHealing #AutoimmuneAtWork #BurnoutPrevention

Dive into this inspiring episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune featuring Russell Carter, co-owner of Heartland Elderberry Farms in Northern Indiana. Russell shares his journey from corporate America to sustainable farming, growing six varieties of American elderberries for premium immune-supporting syrup, and managing over 450 beehives for raw honey. Explore natural remedies, beekeeping, regenerative practices, and how elderberries aid autoimmune health. Ideal for wellness seekers!

About the Guest:Russell Carter is the co-owner of Heartland Elderberry Farms, located in Northern Indiana. Alongside his wife, he has built a vertically integrated farming operation specializing in cultivating six varieties of American elderberries. These nutrient-rich berries are crafted into premium elderberry syrup designed to support immune health. After leaving a career in corporate America, Russell pursued his passion for niche farming, combining innovation with tradition to bring high-quality, natural wellness products to families. In addition to elderberries, he manages a thriving beekeeping operation with over 450 beehives, producing the raw honey that sweetens Heartland’s elderberry syrup. Dedicated to transparency, sustainability, and uncompromising quality, Russell’s work reflects his mission to provide authentic, farm-grown wellness from the heart of the Midwest. Visit their website: https://www.heartlandelderberryfarms.com/

Timestamps:0:00 - From Corporate to Farming: A New Beginning4:26 - The Buzz About Beekeeping: A Sweet Hobby6:51 - Elderberries: A Family Tradition and Health Secret8:55 - The Quality of Elderberry Syrup: A Game Changer11:07 - Personal Experience with Elderberry: A Natural Remedy13:02 - Crafting the Perfect Elderberry Syrup: Ingredients Matter15:17 - Daily Rituals: How to Use17:36 - Sustainable Farming Practices in a Changing Climate21:22 - The Future of Farming: Regenerative vs Organic25:25 - Quality Over Certification: The Heartland Approach27:25 - The Health Benefits of Elderberries29:22 - Podcast Outro

About the Host:Dez is the host of Stronger Than Autoimmune Podcast, an advocate for autoimmune disease awareness. She offers private coaching and corporate consulting services to support individuals with autoimmune conditions. Through her solo podcasts and programs, Dez helps people with autoimmune disease in the workforce continue to work and thrive both at home and at work.

To learn more about the host: Desiree Werland

#ElderberrySyrup #ImmuneBoost #AutoimmuneHealth #SustainableFarming #Beekeeping #RegenerativeAgriculture #NaturalRemedies #ElderberryFarms #PodcastEpisode #WellnessTips #StrongerThanAutoimmune

As we head into New Year's, if your resolutions are already fading into that wired-tired crash, hitting snooze five times, chugging three coffees by 10am, napping in your car at lunch, or doom-scrolling "normal TSH but still exhausted", you're not failing!

As a high-achieving professional like you, I've lived those flop years: Normalizing brain fog rereading emails three times, guilt over takeout, snapping at your partner, and fearing this invisible illness will steal your career and dignity.

This teaser episode pierces those "everyone's tired" scripts: tired isn't normal, it's common and validates your autoimmune signals without shame. No toxic positivity, just two science-backed tools for real, sustainable shifts without quitting your job.

✓ Tool 1: 5-Min Vagus Nerve Anchor – Calm inflammation with a quick inhale-hold-exhale hum (like Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing") and eye trace to dodge 2pm crashes and shaky irritability.✓ Tool 2: Symptom Reframe Script – Turn "I'm weak" guilt into empowering data, spotting triggers like stress to reduce flares.

Pushing through until you can't? I've been there! Let's make 2026 your breakthrough. For the full flare-proof episodes dropping soon, subscribe now.

Grab my free Flare-Proof Fresh Start Toolkit at desireewerland.com/newsletter. Ready for 1:1 coaching?

Book at Individuals — Desiree Werland

Corporates, email desiree@desireewerland.com for wellness to retain top talent or learn more here: Employers — Desiree Werland

#AutoimmuneWarrior #HashimotosHealing #NewYearAutoimmune #ChronicFatigue #NervousSystemRegulation #WomenWithAutoimmune #InvisibleIllness #ThyroidHealing #AutoimmuneAtWork #BurnoutPrevention

✓ Tool 1: 5-Min Vagus Nerve Anchor – Calm inflammation with a quick hum and eye trace (Huberman Lab-backed) to dodge 2pm crashes and shaky irritability.✓ Tool 2: Symptom Reframe Script – Turn "I'm weak" guilt into empowering data (inspired by Dr. Mark Hyman), spotting triggers like stress to prevent flares.

I've been there—pushing through until I couldn't. Let's make 2026 your turning point. Ready for 1:1 guidance? Visit desireewerland.com/privatecoaching. For corporate support to retain top talent, email desiree@desireewerland.com.

#AutoimmuneWarrior #HashimotosHealing #NewYearAutoimmune #ChronicFatigue #NervousSystemRegulation #WomenWithAutoimmune #InvisibleIllness #ThyroidHealing #AutoimmuneAtWork #BurnoutPrevention

Today on Stronger Than Autoimmune, I’m joined by Dr. Jason Bachewich, a naturopathic doctor who’s become the Sherlock Holmes of complex illness. After his own life-altering battle with Lyme disease, Dr. Jason made it his mission to uncover what most providers miss: hidden infections, co-infections, gut dysfunction, detox roadblocks, and the real reasons people don’t fully heal.

Dr. Jason has spoken internationally, helped develop Canada’s first publicly funded Lyme clinic, and now works with patients who’ve been told “your labs are normal”—yet still feel exhausted, inflamed, and stuck.

If you’ve ever wondered:👉 Why am I only 20–30% better?👉 Is this autoimmune… or something deeper?👉 Why do I flare when I start treatment?

This conversation will change how you look at healing.

We cover:• Why autoimmune symptoms can be driven by chronic infections• The truth about Lyme testing and why so many people test negative• Co-infections like Bartonella and Babesia—and how they complicate recovery• How to tell the difference between an autoimmune flare vs. infection activity• What Herxheimer (die-off) reactions actually mean—and how to manage them safely• Why chronic Lyme treatment can take months to years• When antibiotics, herbal protocols, or combined approaches make the most sense• Natural therapies for those who can’t tolerate long-term antibiotics• What Dr. Jason discovered working with CelWel, Long COVID, and chronic Lyme patients

If you want to work with the Lyme Doc Dr. Jason Bachewich, ND | Winnipeg Naturopath — Nature DoctorsCelWel Home – CelWel USA

If you’re navigating autoimmune disease, chronic Lyme, or unexplained symptoms—or you support employees dealing with invisible illness—this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 – Why this conversation matters if you’re “not getting better”

02:15 – Dr. Jason’s personal Lyme journey & how it reshaped his practice

06:40 – The top 3 reasons patients improve but never fully heal

11:10 – What co-infections are (Bartonella, Babesia) & why they matter

12:45 – Infection vs autoimmune flare: how to tell the difference

14:30 – Signs your autoimmune diagnosis may have an infectious root cause

18:10 – Understanding Herxheimer (die-off) reactions & staying safe

24:20 – Detox overload: liver & kidney warning signs to watch for29:50 – Why Lyme testing fails so many patients

35:15 – International testing: what’s different & why it’s more accurate

35:40 – Why chronic Lyme treatment can take 3 months to 2 years
38:30 – CelWel, Long COVID & chronic Lyme: what Dr. Jason discovered

✨ Ready to stop guessing and start healing?

If you’re an individual navigating autoimmune disease or chronic illness, learn how we work together through nervous-system-first autoimmune coaching. 🔗 Work with me: ⁠Individuals — Desiree Werland

If you’re an employer, HR leader, or executive looking to support employees with invisible illness and reduce burnout, absenteeism, and healthcare costs—I also work as a Corporate Autoimmune Health Consultant.🔗 Work with me: Employers — Desiree Werland

🎧 Don’t forget to follow Stronger Than Autoimmune, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s still searching for answers.

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #LymeDisease #ChronicLyme #AutoimmuneHealing #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllness#FunctionalMedicine #NaturopathicDoctor#CoInfections #LongCovidRecovery #AutoimmuneCoach
#CorporateWellness #EmployeeHealth

Feeling like autoimmune is quietly stealing your ambition, your fire, your “I’ve got this” energy?

This episode is your Monday-morning shot of military-grade resilience.

30-year Army veteran and congressional-honored leader Otis “Scotty” Scott Jr., author of the book Stay Hungry joins Desiree for a no-BS conversation about how to stay driven when your body is throwing every possible roadblock at you.

Scotty doesn’t hand out supplements or vagus-nerve hacks. He hands out something way more powerful: the exact mindset framework (built on Maslow’s Hierarchy from his book, Stay Hungry) that has kept soldiers, CEOs, and now high-achieving women with autoimmune from ever giving up, even on the days they can barely get out of bed.

You’ll discover:✓ Why most motivation fails the second a flare hits – and the one question Scotty asks himself every morning to stay hungry anyway

✓ How to reframe “I’m exhausted” into “My physiological needs are screaming – now what do I do about it?” (the Maslow pivot that changes everything)✓ Why self-esteem isn’t about affirmations – it’s about stacking tiny, undeniable wins on your worst days (Scotty shows you how he does it)

Zero fluff. Zero “just meditate.” Just pure, battle-tested mindset from a man who has led through war and boardrooms, now passed straight to women who refuse to let chronic illness write the ending of their story.

✨ You were built for the boardroom AND the battle. Let’s keep both.

Connect with Scotty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/otis-scotty-scott-jr-scott-5ba8937/Grab Stay Hungry on Amazon from Otis “Scotty” Scott Jr. ⁠https://a.co/d/3Qd7eLq

🔗 Private coaching for ambitious women who want to protect their fire (and their body): Individuals — Desiree Werland

📧 Bring this mindset training to your team: desiree@desireewerland.com or Employers — Desiree Werland

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #StayHungry #MaslowMindset #AutoimmuneWarrior #CorporateAutoimmune #WomenWithAutoimmune #ChronicIllnessWarrior #HashimotosAtWork #InvisibleIllness #AmbitiousAndAutoimmune #AutoimmunePodcast #DesireeWerland #LeadershipMindset #ResilienceMindset