MEET THE TEAM
SAM
Sam is the founder of the Functional Nutrition & Metabolism Specialization and Metabolism School, a leading continuing education program for health, fitness, and nutrition professionals. He is a coach, mentor, and podcast host and has more than 15+ years of experience including, but not limited to working with hundreds of coaches, overseeing thousands of clients in their health and fitness journey, and being a featured keynote speaker at Fortune 500 companies and social media giants like LinkedIn.
In addition to his time in the trenches, Sam received his Master’s Degree from North Carolina State University and Bachelors degree from Elon University in North Carolina. First certified to coach in 2007, Sam has gone on to achieve more advanced credentials and certifications ranging from the industry leading CISSN in sports nutrition to also becoming a board certified and credentialed practitioner focused on functional and integrative health (CISSN, AADP, HHP, FNMS). In simple terms, this means a board certified practitioner focused on finding the root cause of health issues and deploying nutrition, movement, and lifestyle as the solution.
Sam has been featured as an instructor for three separate industry leading certifications and has also served as a "behind the scenes" industry resource consulting for professional athletes, influencers, private equity firms, ESPN & UFC executives as well as IFBB Olympians (Professional Physique Competitors). Outside of his contributions to his own brand he has been a writer or featured guest expert for Elite FTS, T-Nation, Barbell Shrugged, Active Life RX, Primal Health Brands, and More.
BRIAN
When it comes to health, fitness, and nutrition Brian has seen all sides of the game. From his own personal health journey to his advanced studies in Biology, Biochemistry, and Biomedicine he has an obsession with the minutia of the body and how it interacts with every external input without losing focus on how it all applies to the bigger picture. He received his undergraduate in Biology from UNCG and his master's from the Technical University of Munich in Germany. Besides mastering the intricacies of nutrition and biochemistry Brian also loves music and was once in a touring band - he’s also played classical guitar at weddings and other events. If you are driving anywhere near Brian in North Carolina, remember to use your turn signal as you will surely piss Brian off if you don’t (it’s his biggest pet peeve).
Brian is our lead researcher, teaching assistant, and assists Sam and the team in content development. You’ll also find him answering questions and dropping knowledge in our “Metabolism School” esque family of programs such as our specialization program, mentorship groups, and alumni programs.
ASHLYN
Ashlyn is our team lead and assistant head coach for all things nutrition and lifestyle coaching. If you happen to find yourself here and you are NOT a coach, OR you are a coach looking for a coach yourself, Ashlyn is your girl. She loves working with clients that are willing to get a bit vulnerable with her and address some tough mindset blocks while also reaching health and fitness goals. She's also been through her fair share of hormonal and digestive health issues, along with some negative relationships with food... and now wants to "give back" as much as she can to help you through similar issues.
If you feel like your relationship with food or exercise isn't the greatest and/or you suspect some hormonal or digestive issues... Ashlyn will definitely help you!
Ashlyn has been coaching in person and online for 4 years and has specializations in reproductive hormones, thyroid, mindset and digestive health. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University. As the story goes Ashlyn hired herself on to the team in 2018 by emailing Sam and being the perfect mix of patient and persistent. She loves sunshine, hikes coffee, waffles, and is an enneagram type 6.
KYLE
Kyle is our producer aka making sure Sam doesn’t say anything stupid or sound bad on the podcast. He is a personal development and sports fanatic! Kyle is originally from Ohio, but now calls Jacksonville home. Sam and Kyle synced up in 2019 and to quote the famous Rob Schnieder, it’s been like “lamb and tuna fish” ever since (Bonus Points: Name that Adam Sandler Movie!?!)
