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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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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

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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

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Here, I sit down with Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy, for a highly unconventional conversation that moves far beyond a traditional interview. What unfolds is a raw, real-time exploration of pain, compensation, nervous system protection, and the complex relationship we develop with our bodies when healing doesn’t follow a straight line. Vinny shares his perspective on why pain is always real, but not always accurate, how the nervous system can confuse discomfort with danger, and why adaptive patterns that once protected us can later become part of the problem. Throughout the episode, I’m used as a live example—making this conversation deeply personal, vulnerable, and honest. If you’ve ever worked hard at your health and still felt stuck, unseen, or confused by your body, this conversation is for you.

Explore Vinny Crispino’s work at Pain Academy
Follow Pain Academy on Instagram: @painacademy
Check out Pain Academy on YouTube: Pain Academy YouTube

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If you have frustratingly questioned why your gut just won’t heal, no matter how many diets, protocols, or supplements you’ve tried, you are not alone...and today’s episode brings clarity, insight, and practical guidance for anyone who has felt stuck in their gut healing journey.

I’m joined by Dr. Kate Davis, a Functional Medicine doctor who personally spent nearly a decade struggling with chronic gut issues—from bloating and constipation to IBS and acid reflux—before discovering a massive parasite infection. Her journey transformed the way she approaches gut health, and she’s since helped hundreds of people address chronic gut challenges in a safe, practical, and sustainable way.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Why gut symptoms keep returning even when you feel like you’re doing everything right
• The critical role of hidden infections, stress, and organ function in gut health
• How to approach healing in the right sequence for lasting results
• Practical, actionable insights you can start applying immediately

Whether you’ve felt like you’ve tried everything or just want a deeper understanding of how your body really works, this episode offers a fresh perspective on supporting gut health without extremes or fear.

Connect with Dr. Kate Davis and Resources:

• Dr. Kate Davis — Website Visit Dr. Kate’s Website
• Dr. Kate on Instagram:
• Exclusive Listener Offer DM Dr. Kate on Instagram with the word “100” for $100 off an initial consult + labs package.
• Books Mentioned: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art Find the book on Amazon and The Oxygen Advantage
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• Lymphatic System Episode Mentioned: Listen to the Lymphatic System Guide

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For listeners: Shop FATSKN and use code VANESSA15 at checkout for 15% off

Feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, health advice, and the pressure heal or get it all “right” with your health? In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Warrington, founder of FATSKN, for a candid conversation about what it really means to navigate the modern wellness world.

Some of what we talk about:

• How Caitlin has evolved her approach to health over the years
• Seasonal eating, how light plays a role, and the basics on deuterium’s importance
• Sticking to what works for you, even if it looks extreme to others
• The difference between knowledge and action when it comes to wellness
• Finding your intuition again in a world full of noise
• Troubleshooting real-life challenges without relying solely on external advice
• The value of mistakes, contrast, and learning from the harder parts of the journey

Whether you’re drowning in conflicting health advice, curious about balancing trends with real-life choices, or just want to hear a relaxed, practical conversation about wellness, this episode has insights for everyone. Caitlin also shares a little about her business, FATSKN, as well as a couple resources she loves for cutting through the noise and finding what works for her family and herself.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• FATSKN – Caitlin’s Brand
• Follow Caitlin on Instagram
• OTT Index – Science of Light
• Previous Episode: The Wonders of Tallow & Minimalism
• Email Caitlin: caitlin@fatskn.com

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Listener Discount: Try out your first 3 months with CrowdHealth for $99/month. Use code VANESSA upon signup:

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In today’s episode, I’m first sharing a short personal update on my own experience after officially ditching traditional health insurance earlier this year — and then revisiting one of my favorite past conversations with CrowdHealth founder, Andy Schoonover.

If you’ve ever wondered how crowd-based healthcare actually works, what happens when something big comes up, or how it compares to the insurance system most of us are used to, this episode gives you a clear, honest look.

We discuss:

• How CrowdHealth works and why it's built so differently
• The flaws of traditional health insurance that keep you bound
• What makes crowd-funding such a smart and freeing alternative to standard health insurance
• Financial savings and comparisons
• Why this approach puts real care and decision-making back into your hands

Follow CrowdHealth on Instagram: @joincrowdhealth

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NEW WEBSITE: https://intentionallywellpodcast.com/

In this episode, I sit down with William Parker, PhD, a scientist with decades of research in biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Best known for discovering the function of the human appendix and as a leading researcher studying acetaminophen (Tylenol) and its impact on neurodevelopment, William shares his insights on a topic that has recently garnered widespread media attention and public discussion, sparking conversation around acetaminophen and autism risk.

We explore:

• How acetaminophen interacts with the body during critical periods of development
• The biological pathways connecting acetaminophen exposure to neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Why this research matters to parents, caregivers, and anyone invested in child health
• Common questions, concerns, and rebuttals surrounding acetaminophen and autism risk
• The gaps in pediatric education and medical literature that often leave these risks under-discussed

This episode is designed to break down complex science in a way that is understandable, actionable, and presented through a compassionate and logical lens. Whether you’re a parent, healthcare professional, or just curious, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of the evidence, the controversies, and the implications for children’s health today.

For those who’d like to explore Dr. Parker’s research and related literature, here are the studies and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Acetaminophen and Autism: Evidence from a Systematic Review (MDPI, 2024)
  
  
• Mechanisms of Acetaminophen-Induced Neurodevelopmental Effects (MDPI, 2024)
  
  
• Preprint: Revisiting Acetaminophen and Autism—A Global Call for Reevaluation (2025)
  
  
• Preprint: Acetaminophen, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodevelopmental Risk (2025)
  
  
• Prevent Autism—Educational and Research Resource
  
  
• Evidence That Acetaminophen Triggers Autism in Susceptible Individuals Has Been Ignored and Mishandled for More Than a Decade (RealClear Public Health, 2025)

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