We were lucky to catch up with Sina McCullough recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.
After completing graduate school, my inaugural position was as the Director of Research and Development for a family-owned supplement company. Intriguingly, I hadn’t applied for the job as there was no formal job posting.
During my graduate research, I studied how to change fuel utilization through dietary interventions among both trained and untrained subjects. This led to a collaboration with elite athletes at the University of California, Davis. One of those athletes asked if I would recommend a supplement for her to consume during an upcoming triathlon.
I conducted an exhaustive comparison of products available at local health food stores and supplement markets. Finding none ideal for a triathlon, I applied my knowledge to create a custom supplement in my kitchen.
The athlete not only consumed my supplement before and during her competition, but also emerged victorious. Subsequently, she shared her success with one of her sponsors, a family-owned supplement company. This connection led to my invitation to their headquarters, where I elucidated the scientific principles behind my supplement and addressed biochemical inquiries related to human and equine performance.
After returning home, I received a phone call from the company stating they are interested in my supplement but “we are more interested in hiring you to work for us.” I was shocked. I was still immersed in my graduate studies and hadn’t embarked on a job search. In fact, the idea of finding employment had not yet crossed my mind. With several months left before graduation, my primary focus was on completing my dissertation to ensure a timely graduation.
As fate would have it, they tailored a job position specifically for me. The company demonstrated complete confidence in my skills, entrusting me with the responsibility of overseeing an entire Research and Development (R&D) department. This encompassed formulating supplements, creating marketing materials, and attending health conferences of my choosing. Remarkably, they agreed to reserve the position for me until I completed my graduation.
Viewing it as a rare and unparalleled opportunity, I recognized that it would afford me the freedom to explore innovative ideas and pursue my professional aspirations. Consequently, I joyfully accepted the offer, a decision I have never regretted.
Sina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the creator of the online program “GO WILD: How I Reverse Chronic & Autoimmune Disease,” guiding individuals on a transformative journey to conquer chronic and autoimmune diseases through a comprehensive step-by-step road map.
My proficiency spans Nutrition, Disease Reversal, Functional Medicine, Exercise Physiology, and Energy Medicine. I hold certifications as a Natural Healer™, Master Herbalist, and Gluten Free Society Practitioner.
As the author of two impactful books, “HANDS OFF MY FOOD” and “BEYOND LABELS” (co-authored with Joel Salatin from Polyface Farm), I offer valuable insights into health and wellness.
Currently, I co-host and co-produce the Beyond Labels Podcast alongside Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farm. Each week, I have the privilege of discussing the latest news in food and health with a world-renowned expert in regenerative farming. This platform provides an opportunity to encourage personal empowerment and provide practical solutions for how to live healthy, happy, and free.
In addition to my role as an Expert Health Writer for the Epoch Times, I’ve recently launched a cooking show, “Intuitive Cooking with Dr. Sina,” available through the Beyond Labels Podcast subscription service.
Educationally, I hold a PhD in Nutritional Biology and a B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (with a minor in Exercise Physiology) from the University of California at Davis. I also taught Biochemistry and Bioenergetics at UC Davis. In my previous role, I served as the Director of Research and Development for a nutraceutical company.
Beyond my professional pursuits, my greatest joy lies in homeschooling my three children, serving as a constant reminder of life’s essential priorities—cherishing moments with loved ones.
The reason I am deeply passionate about my professional career is because I nearly died from an autoimmune disease; however, through the grace of God, I was able to fully heal without the use of medication. Now I am dedicated to helping others find their second chance.
What sets me apart from other experts is my distinctive capability to comprehend the health challenges my clients face, as I have personally traversed through similar struggles myself. This firsthand experience allows my clients to recognize that I can relate to their health journey, fostering a level of trust that is likely unparalleled by someone who has not undergone the challenges of a debilitating disease.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Joel Salatin and I became business partner because of a fundraiser.
We were both asked to headline a fundraiser in Richmond for the Virginia Independent Consumers and Farmers Association. Joel didn’t know who I was at the time, but I certainly knew about him.
Joel was featured in Michael Pollan’s book The Omnivore’s Dilemma, as well as several food documentaries, including Food Inc. He had published 12 books at the time, was the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, and had flown around the world teaching farmers how to apply regenerative practices to help heal our land, our food, and our bodies. Needless to say, I felt intimidated to share the stage with Joel.
I wanted to impress Joel because I was hoping he would agree to an interview for my newly launched website. However, a day before the event, I came down with the flu!
The organizers needed me to take the stage regardless of the acute illness. So, I spent the day taking vitamin C, fasting, and drinking herbal teas. The night of the event, I smelled like a candy cane from covering myself in peppermint essential oil to help curb the nausea and keep me alert enough to deliver a speech.
After my speech, I remember sitting down next to Joel and his wife, Teresa. I couldn’t stop thinking that I blew it. But Joel leaned toward me and said, “You just thoroughly impressed me.” I responded like a giddy school girl, “Really? I was so nervous because I really wanted to impress you.” Joel laughed and Teresa said, “Are you kidding? His pen ran out of ink because he was taking so many notes.”
In that moment, the Spirit came over me, and I decided to have a child-like faith. Instead of asking for an interview, I boldly asked, “Do you want to write a book with me? I don’t know exactly what it will be about, but I have an idea.” Joel paused for only a moment and responded, “Sure, why not!”
About a year later, we unveiled our book titled “Beyond Labels: A Doctor and A Farmer Conquer Food Confusion One Bite at a Time.” The reception was incredibly positive, particularly for our friendly banter.
Encouraged by the book’s success, we decided to broaden our platform and launched a weekly podcast. Through this podcast, we offer regular updates on the latest news in food and health, infusing humor and providing valuable insights into the realms of health and wellness.
Since then, we’ve been receiving requests to take Beyond Labels on the road, allowing us to share the stage together at various venues.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My commitment to seeking truth has played a pivotal role in establishing my reputation and credibility in the field of health and wellness. I make a conscious effort to remain impartial, recognizing that vested interests can introduce bias and hinder the pursuit of truth.
Thorough research is a cornerstone of my approach, and in my books and articles, you’ll find references to original sources. This practice aims to eliminate bias and enhance the reliability of the information presented.
Rather than accepting information at face value, I approach it with an open mind and a compassionate heart. I actively listen to perspectives from all sides, but I don’t blindly accept them as truth. Instead, I engage in independent research, forming conclusions based on both empirical evidence and intuitive insights.
I hold intuition in high regard, viewing it as a superior form of intelligence compared to book smarts, and I exercise this intuition daily, trusting it wholeheartedly.
Another key aspect of my methodology is fearlessly questioning mainstream narratives. When something raises doubts or intuitively feels amiss, I embark on thorough research, developing my own theories and conclusions. This commitment to unbiased exploration and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth have been instrumental in earning trust and credibility within the health and wellness community.
I am also transparent about admitting when I am wrong, acknowledging that we all operate with the best available knowledge and resources at a given time. If new information or insights emerge that challenge my previous conclusions, I take the initiative to openly admit my oversight and share the updated information.
I try to remain humble and emphasize to people the importance of conducting their own research instead of unquestioningly relying on experts, like me. Instead, I provide my thoughts while emphasizing the need for individual exploration, critical thinking, and intuition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drsinamccullough.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondlabelspodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsinamccullough
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyondlabelspod
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondlabelspod
- Other: Link to Beyond Labels Podcast: https://beyondlabels.buzzsprout.com/ Link to my Go Wild Healing Program: https://drsina.thinkific.com/courses/how-i-reverse-chronic-autoimmune-diseases
Image Credits
Julie Massie for the head shot and family picture.