Metabolically Speaking

Cooking for Love: Finding Hope After a PKU Diagnosis With Brenda Winiarski  Brenda Winiarski shares her journey from speech pathologist to chef, shaped by the moment her daughter was diagnosed with PKU through newborn screening. What began as fear and uncertainty soon became a determination to ensure her daughter could still experience the joy, connection, and celebration that food brings to every...

Metabolically Speaking Rare conditions, Real stories. From Discovery to Daily Life: How GMP Transformed Nutrition for PKU With Dr. Denise Ney and David Paolella David and Denise share the story behind GMP and how its discovery transformed the landscape for people living with PKU. From early research to real-world impact, they reflect on the importance of involving the PKU community in developing n...

Metabolically Speaking Rare conditions, Real stories. Finding Her Voice in Early Adolescence With PKU With Norah and Staci At 11 years old, Norah is learning to navigate early adolescence while living with PKU - balancing school, friendships, jazz band, sports clubs, and the desire to simply fit in. With support from her Mom, Staci, she’s building confidence and independence as she learns to manag...

Metabolically Speaking Rare conditions, Real stories. Thriving with Isovaleric Acidemia: Micah’s Journey with Justin Hensley This month on Metabolically Speaking, we’re joined by Justin, who shares his family’s deeply personal journey of parenting a child with Isovaleric Acidemia (IVA).  Justin explains what IVA is and how his son, Micah, was diagnosed through newborn screening. He discusses the c...

This month on Metabolically Speaking we’re joined by Sarah Chamberlin, founder and Executive Director of flok Health and parent to a daughter with PKU.  A recurring theme on the Metabolically Speaking podcast is the power of community, and this episode is no exception. We explore the story behind flok; why it exists, what it hopes to change, and how its name represents people coming together for p...

This month on Metabolically Speaking, we’re joined by Stephanie Hacker, a Metabolic Dietitian and Newborn Screen Program Manager at the University of Miami.  With years of experience supporting individuals with inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), Stephanie is passionate about helping people live active, balanced, and fulfilling lives.  In this insightful episode, Stephanie and host Maridith Baker...

This month on Metabolically Speaking, we’re joined by Brittany Murray, a doctoral graduate, public speaker, and nurse practitioner at one of the world’s leading pediatric institutions. She’s also living with PKU.   In this inspiring episode, Brittany shares how she’s come to see her condition not as a limitation, but a gift. From her early involvement in the PKU community to building a career in h...

This month on Metabolically Speaking , we’re joined by pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Kendra Bjoraker. With specialized expertise in rare genetic and metabolic conditions, Kendra has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families as they navigate challenges, celebrate strengths, and hold onto hope. Kendra, and host Maridith Baker, dive into the realities of living with both a mental...

Welcome to the very first episode of Metabolically Speaking! We’re kicking things off with an inspiring conversation you won’t forget. Our first guest is a community advocate, leader, and founder of Cambrooke; Lynn Paolella.  In this episode, Lynn shares her experience on receiving not one, but two PKU diagnoses in her family and how those life-changing moments ignited the creation of Cambrooke, a...

Living with a metabolic condition is about embracing more. More things you can do, more you can enjoy, and more adventures along the way.  Metabolically Speaking unpacks the perceived challenges facing individuals and families living with inherited metabolic conditions. Host Maridith Baker, who knows firsthand what it means to live fully with PKU, brings her unique spark, energy and deep curiosity...