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Are hormones really the root driver of so many of the challenges women face, from brain fog and fatigue to anxiety, sleep issues, libido changes, and gut struggles? And is hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, something every woman should consider, or something to fear?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett, MD, founder of Inner Balance and a nationally recognized expert in women’s hormone health, longevity, and bioidentical hormone optimization. We dive into why she has seen so many women are chase all the wrong solutions for their health, like gut protocols, weight loss, supplements, etc., when hormones may actually be the main driver.

We dive into why many women start HRT later than they might need to, and what earlier support could look like. Along the way, we unpack common misconceptions about HRT and natural aging, and explore how timing, dosage, and delivery systems can make all the difference. We also look at the broader picture of how hormones influence immunity, metabolism, sexual health, and brain function, and why fear and misinformation around HRT continue to persist.

I share my own questions, hesitations, and devil’s advocate thoughts throughout the conversation, and reflect on how this discussion has somewhat shifted my perspective. This is a nuanced and practical conversation for women of all ages who want to understand their bodies more deeply, make informed choices, and reclaim clarity and agency in their health.

Whether you are curious, cautious, or already on your HRT journey, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and insight, with no hype, no fear, and just real information.

Connect with Dr. Sarah and Inner Balance:

$50 off for listeners: Inner Balance
Inner Balance on Instagram: @innerbalancemd
Dr. Sarah Daccarett on Instagram: @sarahdaccarettmd

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• Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
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• Email: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com

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This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

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Original air date: 7/16/2024

Mitolife listener code (15% off any order): VANESSA15

In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Matt Blackburn, founder of Mitolife and host of the Mitolife Radio podcast. This discussion explores what it means to change your mind thoughtfully in a space that often rewards certainty and punishes nuance. Matt shares his journey of evolving perspectives in health and wellness, why authenticity matters, and how navigating judgment can impact both personal growth and health decisions.

We also dive into several areas where Matt has shifted his thinking over time, including:

• Iron metabolism, ferritin markers, and anemia
• Vitamin C: whole food versus ascorbic acid
• Zinc supplementation
• The broader tendency to demonize nutrients and supplements

This episode also serves as a foundation for an updated conversation coming soon, where Matt and I will continue to chat about the everchanging field of health and wellness.

Connect with Matt:

• Mitolife Website: Mitolife (Vanessa15 for 15% off)
• Matt Blackburn on Instagram: Matt Blackburn
• Mitolife on TikTok: @mitolifeofficial

Connect with the Podcast:

• Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
• Support the Intentionally Well Podcast
• Podcast on Instagram
• Vanessa on Instagram
• Podcast on YouTube
• Podcast on TikTok
• Podcast on X
• Email: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com

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This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

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For my listeners, use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any purchase from https://gembared.com/

Red light therapy has exploded over the last few years, and with that growth has come a lot of confusion, misinformation, and mixed messages.

In this episode, I’m joined again by Andrew LaTour, founder of GembaRed, for an updated, grounded conversation on red light therapy, and what actually matters now in 2026.

Andrew first joined me two years ago for a deep-dive episode that became one of the most comprehensive red light therapy guides on the show. This time, we focus on safety, practicality, and clarity in a social-media-driven landscape.

We talk about what’s changed, what hasn’t, where people are getting confused, and how to use red light therapy safely and effectively without overthinking it.

This conversation also addresses common listener questions, influencer misuse, misinformation circulating online, and why simple, consistent use often matters more than “perfect” wavelengths or high-intensity devices.

In this episode, we cover:

• What red light therapy (photobiomodulation) actually does at a cellular level
• A quick grounding recap for new listeners
• Why red and near-infrared light are more flexible than people think
• The difference between wavelength, intensity, and dosing, and why they’re so often confused
• Why higher intensity doesn’t automatically mean better results
• How exposure time impacts mitochondria and ATP production
• Common safety concerns, and where they really come from
• The role influencer culture has played in misinformation and misuse
• Whether there are any body parts red light should not be used on
• Eye safety, goggles, and why proper use matters more than worry
• Why red light therapy is generally very safe when devices are made responsibly
• Practical guidance for 10-15 minute sessions and consistency
• Using red light therapy for fertility support and hair loss
• Why consumers don’t need to obsess over specs to see benefits

Connect with GembaRed and Andrew:

• GembaRed Website
• Learn More at GembaRed
• GembaRed on YouTube
• GembaRed on Instagram
• Email: gembared@gmail.com

Connect with the Podcast:

• Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
• Support the Intentionally Well Podcast
• Podcast on Instagram
• Vanessa on Instagram
• Podcast on YouTube
• Podcast on TikTok
• Podcast on X
• Email: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com

Support the show

This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.