What if the root cause of neurodegenerative disease isn’t just genetics, but something we’ve been overlooking?

In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Schultek to explore the connection between pathogens, brain health, and chronic illness. We dive into how infections like Lyme and other often undetected microbes may influence cognitive decline, and why so many people are being missed in the current system.

Nikki shares her journey from patient to researcher and the work she’s leading to uncover how infections, genetics, and environment interact to shape disease. This conversation will challenge what you think you know about Alzheimer’s, brain health, and what it really means to address root cause.

In This Episode:

• The connection between infections and neurodegenerative disease
• Why Lyme and other pathogens are often overlooked
• How infections can impact the brain across the lifespan
• The role of genetics, and why they’re not the full story
• Why standard testing may miss chronic infections
• Early signs like changes in smell and cognitive function
• How to advocate for your health and dig deeper into root causes
  
  
  

Learn more about our guest Nikki M. Schultek

Executive Director, AlzPI, Founding Director of the Pathobiome Research Center and Research Assistant Professor at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), and Principal Founder, Intracell Research Group, LLC

View the full show notes to read more about Nikki!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Nikki Schultek:

https://www.intracellresearchgroup.com/about

ilads.org

medmaps.org

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/03/30/episode117/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

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Peptides are one of the most talked-about tools in health right now, but with all the attention has come a lot of confusion. In this episode, Susan sits down with peptide expert Connor Dean for a real, accessible conversation about what peptides are, how they work, and why quality, sourcing, and proper guidance matter.

Together, they break down the difference between compounded peptides and FDA-approved options, explore common peptides like BPC-157 and GHK-Cu, and discuss the benefits and limitations of different delivery methods. They also take a deeper look at GLP-1 medications, covering how they work, who they may help, potential side effects, and why lifestyle still has to be the foundation of long-term health.

If you’ve been curious about peptides, recovery, gut support, muscle building, or GLP-1s, this episode is a powerful Peptides 101 conversation designed to help you make more informed decisions.

In this episode:

• What peptides are and how they work
  
  
• The difference between compounded and FDA-approved peptides
  
  
• Why peptide quality and sourcing matter
  
  
• Common peptides for recovery, gut health, skin, and muscle support
  
  
• The pros and cons of different delivery methods
  
  
• How GLP-1s work, plus risks and side effects to consider
  
  

Learn more about our guest Connor Dean:

I lead patient consultations for HRT, GLP-1, and peptide therapies, providing in-depth bloodwork analysis and individualized treatment plans. I focus on translating complex lab data into clear, actionable strategies for hormone balance, metabolic health and overall optimization.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Connor Dean:

Website: Arvada, CO Center | 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions

Phone Number: 720-594-1444

Email: connord@4everyoungarvadaco.com

4Ever Young Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4everyoung_arvadaco

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just_another_bodybuilder

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/03/23/episode116/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

There is a lot of noise online right now around cholesterol, keto, carnivore, and what actually counts as “healthy” and in this episode, Susan cuts straight through it. She unpacks some of the biggest myths being repeated in the wellness space, explains why high cholesterol should never be brushed off without deeper testing, and shares why a one-size-fits-all approach can do more harm than good.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that your body is not a trend. Susan breaks down the connection between lipids, inflammation, insulin resistance, genetics, and cardiovascular risk in a way that actually makes sense. If you’ve ever been told your labs are “fine,” wondered whether high-fat diets are really safe for everyone, or wanted to better understand what testing actually matters, this episode will leave you thinking differently about your health and how to advocate for it.

In this episode:

• Why high cholesterol on keto or carnivore should not automatically be ignored
  
  
• The biggest myths Susan sees around LDL, HDL, and heart health
  
  
• Why standard cholesterol panels often miss the full picture
  
  
• The difference between LDL particle size, particle number, ApoB, and Lp(a)
  
  
• How inflammation and insulin resistance quietly raise cardiovascular risk
  
  
• Why genetics can dramatically change how someone responds to high-fat diets
  
  
• The key labs and advanced testing Susan recommends asking for
  
  
• Why personalized health matters more than following the latest diet trend

RESOURCES:

Stello Glucose Monitor

https://www.stelo.com/

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes:

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/03/12/episode115/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast