Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle

Medicare is one of the most consequential — and confusing — decisions you'll face as you approach 65. In this episode, Greg sits down with Danielle Roberts, co-founder of Boomer Benefits and author of 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make, for a clear-eyed breakdown of how Medicare actually works. From the structural difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, to the one-time Medigap enrollment window most people miss, to the income-based premium surcharges that can blindside high earners — this conversation gives you the roadmap to make smarter decisions, earlier.About Danielle RobertsDanielle Roberts is the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, an independent insurance agency helping people in 49 states navigate Medicare. Over two decades and more than 100,000 policyholders, Danielle and her team have built their practice around making a complex federal program simple and accessible. She is the author of the bestselling book 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make and hosts free public webinars walking people through enrollment step by step.Key TakeawaysOriginal Medicare and Medicare Advantage are fundamentally different products. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides nationwide access to any Medicare provider. Medicare Advantage works like group health insurance — network-based, usually lower premiums, less flexibility. Today the two options split the market roughly 50/50, with Advantage plans slightly edging ahead.Your initial enrollment window is seven months, and the clock is running. It opens three months before your 65th birthday and closes three months after. Missing it triggers permanent late penalties on Parts B and D.The Medigap underwriting window is a one-time, six-month opportunity. Starting from your Part B effective date, you have six months to enroll in any Medigap plan with no medical underwriting. After that window closes, insurers can decline you based on health history.Plan G is currently the most comprehensive Medigap option. It covers everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Once that's paid for the year, your out-of-pocket costs for covered services are effectively zero — regardless of what medical events occur.Skipping Part D drug coverage carries a permanent penalty. Every month without qualifying coverage adds 1% to your Part D premium for life. Even if you take few medications, maintaining a low-cost plan protects you from both penalties and unexpected drug costs.The donut hole is gone — but Part D is still worth understanding. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, out-of-pocket drug costs are now capped at $2,100 annually (2026). All plans must cover six mandatory medication classes, including cancer, anti-depressants, and antiretrovirals.High earners pay more for Medicare — and can plan around it. IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) can push Part B premiums to over $600/month per person based on income from two years prior. Financial decisions at 63–64 — IRA distributions, capital gains, severance — can significantly affect what you pay.Start your Medicare research at 64½. Give yourself six months to learn before you need to decide. Arriving at enrollment with knowledge under your belt changes the entire conversation with a broker.Resources & LinksBoomer Benefits: boomerbenefits.comBook: 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make — available on AmazonMedicare's official website: medicare.govYour state's Department of Insurance website — search your state name + "Department of Insurance"

What does aging well actually look like—and who gets to define it? In this episode, Greg is joined by Dr. Golnosh Sharafsaleh, a triple board-certified physician in geriatric medicine, family medicine, and lifestyle medicine, whose approach to aging turns the conventional medical model on its head. From reframing the very language we use around getting older, to a frank conversation about end-of-life planning and quality of life over quantity, Dr. G brings clarity, science, and personal depth to one of the most important conversations we can have. Her message: aging is not a disease, decline is not inevitable, and your elderhood deserves a plan.About Dr. GDr. G practiced for years within traditional academic medicine before developing her own patient-centered health framework, built around what actually matters to each person. She practices in Asheville, North Carolina, and founded Geri Academy to expand access to her approach to healthy aging. At 46, she has navigated her own health journey—including bilateral hip replacement due to congenital hip dysplasia—and brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work.Key TakeawaysAging is not a disease. The World Health Organization classifies aging as a disease process—Dr. G disagrees. Cellular change and transformation across the life spectrum are natural. Disease and aging are distinct, even when they intersect.Elderhood is the right word. Geriatrician Louise Aronson’s framework—childhood, adulthood, elderhood—gives language that honors the final third of life rather than diminishing it. Each stage carries equal weight and deserves intentional planning.The longevity trap is real. The goal isn’t the longest possible lifespan—it’s the most functional, independent one. Dr. G’s mantra: “I don’t want to ease into death. I want to slam into the wall and die.” Supplements and biohacks aren’t the answer; the foundational pillars of lifestyle medicine are.What matters to you comes first. Before any medical recommendation, Dr. G asks patients what matters to them. That answer shapes everything else. It’s not traditional medicine—and that’s the point.Gait speed is the sixth vital sign. Research supports slower walking speed as a meaningful predictor of morbidity and mortality. Functional strength—getting up off the floor, carrying groceries, maintaining balance—matters more than gym performance metrics.Functional strength is use-it-or-lose-it, but recoverable. Both Greg and Dr. G share personal experiences of noticing strength loss and regaining it quickly with intentional movement. The message: it’s never too late, but it’s always better not to stop.What You’ll HearDr. G’s origin story: a childhood spent with elders, a best friend at age 80, and why geriatrics was always the destinationThe shift from conventional academic medicine to patient-centered, integrative geriatric careWhy the language we use around aging matters—and the case for “elderhood”Aging as transformation, not disease—and what that shift requires of medicine and cultureDr. G’s HEALTH framework: How you age, Energy, Activity, Longevity, Transformation, HabitsGait speed as a vital sign, functional strength as a daily practice, and why Dr. G refuses to let her patients use handicap placards they don’t needThe real cost of cancer treatment that prioritizes length over quality—and when enough is enoughA deeply personal story about making end-of-life decisions for a child, and what another mother’s grief taught Dr. G about medicine’s limitsAdvance directives, family conversations, and why planning before crisis is an act of loveResources & LinksDr. G’s website: GeriAcademy.comBook mentioned: Elderhood by Louise AronsonAuthor mentioned: Eckhart Tolle

Medical assistance in dying is one of the most consequential — and least discussed — health decisions a family can face. Theresa Evans, critical care nurse and author of Choosing to Die, sat with Greg to talk about the three and a half months she spent by her mother's side in Canada as her mother chose MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). The conversation covers the legal landscape, the family dynamics, the anticipatory grief of knowing the exact date, and — most importantly — why having these conversations now, before you need to, changes everything.About Theresa EvansTheresa Evans is a critical care nurse, international educator, and the author of Choosing to Die: A Daughter's Story of Supporting Her Mother's End of Life Through Assisted Death. Having spent decades at the bedside witnessing both good and difficult deaths, Theresa brings a rare combination of clinical fluency and personal candor to one of medicine's most sensitive topics. She lives in the United States and divides her time between nursing education and advocacy for informed end-of-life choice.Key TakeawaysKnowing your options reduces fear. Once Theresa's mother understood that MAID was available to her, she stopped fixating on future suffering and refocused on the time she had left. The option itself became a source of peace.MAID in Canada vs. the US looks very different. Canada permits intravenous administration by a physician; the 13 US states (plus Washington DC) where it is legal require patients to self-administer orally — a critical distinction, especially for those with progressive conditions like ALS.Two independent physicians must approve. In Canada, the patient must be evaluated and deemed appropriate by two separate physicians before MAID can proceed. The process is deliberate, not automatic.Anticipatory grief is its own experience. Knowing the date — November 15th, her mother's 80th birthday — meant living three months of grief before the death itself. Theresa writes honestly about how disorienting and unexpectedly clarifying that was.Advanced directives are a gift to the people you love. Theresa, at 66 with her 75-year-old husband, has already completed her own DPOA for healthcare and finances. She makes the case that waiting until a crisis is too late — and that even grown children may resist these conversations.You can do hard things. Theresa's takeaway isn't about MAID specifically — it's about showing up without an agenda. Her experience taught her that she could hold enormous difficulty with love and without pushing her own outcomes onto someone else.What we talked aboutHow Theresa raised the option of MAID with her mother — and what her mother did with itThe difference between MAID as practiced in Canada and in the US states where it is legalWhy her devoutly Catholic mother called a nun before making her decision — and what happenedHow the family navigated disclosure: who knew, who didn't, and whyThe role Theresa's nursing background played in being the family's "death sister"How a complicated mother-daughter relationship healed over four decades — and at the endWhat Greg's own experience with a dying stepfather revealed about forgiveness and apologyVSED (voluntary stopping of eating and drinking) as an alternative available to anyoneWhy the garden became a metaphor for everything the family was living throughHow to start having end-of-life conversations with people you love — now, not laterResources & LinksTheresa's book: Choosing to Die: A Daughter's Story of Supporting Her Mother's End of Life Through Assisted DeathFollow her in IGWebsite: choosingtodie.comMAID legal status in the US: Currently legal in 13 states and Washington DC, with approximately 12 additional states with legislation in progressVSED: Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking — a legal option available to any patient in any state, typically in the context of hospice or palliative careConnect with the Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle PodcastSubscribe wherever you listen to podcastsShare this episode with someone navigating end-of-life decisions in their familyLeave a review — it helps more people find the show. Need help? Here are step by step directions

What if the hardest things in your life aren't happening to you — they're happening for you? In this conversation, Greg sits down with Dr. Sue Morter, bioenergetics expert, healer, and founder of the Morter Institute, to explore the energetic roots of physical and emotional health. Dr. Sue unpacks why your body responds to imagined threats as readily as real ones, how chronic stress creates the chemistry for cellular breakdown, and what it actually means to live from the inside out. This is a conversation about agency, energy, and what becomes possible when you stop reacting to life and start creating it.Key Takeaways"Breaking in" vs. breaking down: What most people call a breakdown is really a breaking in — a moment of falling into your own wisdom, power, and heart space. The crisis is the doorway.The "it never should have happened" trap: Framing difficult experiences as wrong or unjust — consciously or not — keeps you from receiving the growth inside them. Resistance isolates. Openness integrates.Your body doesn't know the difference: The subconscious responds identically to a real threat and an imagined one. Every stress story you tell yourself triggers fight-or-flight chemistry — the same chemistry that drives cellular breakdown, hormone dysregulation, and immune suppression.Adrenals, thyroid, and the domino effect: Chronic stress exhausts the adrenals. The thyroid steps in as backup — a job it wasn't designed to do long-term. The result: energy crashes, mood swings, hormonal imbalance, and the 3 p.m. wall.Bears vs. beaches: At any moment, you can choose the lens you interpret your circumstances through. That choice directly changes your body chemistry. Three possible positive reasons a difficult situation is happening — write them down. Your cells are listening.Joy isn't something you find — it's something you uncover: You are made of creative energy, and that energy is inherently celebratory. Joy isn't earned or sought; it rises naturally when you release what's compressing it.Drop it into your body: Positive thinking alone has a ceiling. The real shift happens when you bring that possibility into the body — breathe it into your heart center, your solar plexus, your wisdom center below the navel. This is where chemistry changes, where trust lives, where healing begins.Vibrational matching: Your subconscious protects you by keeping out what it doesn't recognize. If you're operating at a "3," an "8" feels foreign and unsafe. The work is incremental — raise your baseline, and what you want becomes something you can actually hold.Responsible stewardship: You can't pour from empty. Serving from a place of self-sacrifice doesn't just harm you — it destabilizes the field around you. Your first job is your own alignment. Everything else flows from there.From the Conversation"I broke in. I broke into myself. I broke into my core, I fell into my heart space — my own wisdom center, my own personal power.""If you're vibrating at a three, your subconscious thinks that an eight is way too different from you. So it's never gonna let you have the eight.""You really can't do it wrong. You can just do it long."About Dr. Sue MorterDr. Sue Morter is an international speaker, master of bioenergetic medicine, and founder of the Morter Institute for Body, Mind & Spirit. Drawing on quantum science, energy medicine, and decades of clinical experience, she helps people bridge their spiritual awareness with practical daily life. Dr. Sue travels the world leading BodyAwake® Yoga experiences, Energy Codes® workshops, and immersive retreats that guide participants from surviving to thriving — at the cellular level.Resources & LinksDr. Sue's website: suemorter.comThe Energy Codes® workshops — introductory single-day and full multi-day immersive formats availableCDs, DVDs, and home-study materials available at suemorter.comConnect with GregWebsite & email list: RebelliousWellnessLifestyle.comPodcast: Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTubeSocial: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

"The task for caregivers of a loved one with dementia is strikingly similar to what we do to support children when they're growing up. But the task and the journey is in reverse — because we are losing cognitive sophistication on the dementia journey. That is very unsettling for caregivers at home when they don't understand what, when, and why it is happening."If someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia, you were handed a life-changing role with almost no training. The medical system is built around patients who can remember, report, and advocate for themselves — which means dementia, by definition, often slips right through the cracks. And caregivers are left trying to make sense of confusing behavior on their own.In this episode, Greg talks with Amy Shaw, palliative medicine practitioner and dementia care educator, about what the medical system routinely misses — and what caregivers actually need to know. Amy breaks down why dementia is predictable, not random, and how understanding the brain's breakdown pattern can replace confusion and resentment with clarity and compassion.Amy's website is betterdementia.com — her course, private family support, and newsletter are all available there.About Amy ShawAmy Shaw is a palliative medicine practitioner, dementia care educator, and founder of Better Dementia. Her background spans primate cognition, wedding photography, urgent care, and cardiology — a path that gave her a uniquely human lens on one of medicine's most misunderstood journeys. She works privately with families, trains professional caregiving organizations, and has built an online course designed specifically for the busy, overwhelmed caregiver. Her book is forthcoming in 2027.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeWhy the medical system is structurally designed to miss dementia — and why patients often appear fine in a clinical settingThe "caregiver backpack" — the invisible emotional weight that builds when behavior goes unexplainedWhy dementia follows a predictable pattern, and how Amy's four-stage framework helps caregivers locate where their loved one actually isThe "cognitive detective" approach — working backward from behavior to brain to understand what's really happeningDementia as an umbrella term — and why understanding Alzheimer's disease (60–80% of cases) gives you the framework for understanding dementia overallPsychiatric symptoms, medication options, and how to have productive conversations with your medical teamNavigating care decisions — home care, memory care facilities, hospice — and how to make them before a crisis forces your handWhy 1 in 5 working adults is also caring for someone with dementia — and what that means for organizationsWhat self-care actually looks like on the caregiving journey — and why there's no single right way to do thisKey TakeawaysDementia is not random. It follows a pattern. When caregivers understand the stages and what's breaking in the brain, confusion gives way to clarity.Your loved one is not lying. Behaviors that look like manipulation or deception are a reflection of brain failure — not character.Dementia may rob skills and abilities, but it will never take away humanity. Caregivers who understand the biology can show up with compassion instead of judgment.There is no right way — only the way that's right for you. What another caregiver chooses is not the standard. Your needs matter too.You're doing a good job. Amy's message to every caregiver who has never heard those words.Resources MentionedAmy Shaw's website and course: betterdementia.comAmy's newsletter — available at betterdementia.comAmy's forthcoming book — expected 2027Connect with Amy ShawCourse: betterdementia.comWork with Amy 1 on 1Newsletter signup: betterdementia.com

What if the most damaging thing about aging isn’t the physical changes — it’s the story you’ve been told about it? Ande Lyons, host of the podcast Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, joins Greg for a wide-ranging conversation about ageism in its many forms: institutional, societal, and the kind we’ve internalized so deeply we don’t even notice it anymore.From retirement myths to gendered medical treatment, from intergenerational community-building to the quiet courage it takes to age out loud and proud — this episode challenges the default narrative and offers a more honest, energizing one in its place.About Ande LyonsAnde Lyons is an entrepreneur, podcaster, and community builder based in Westford, Massachusetts. Since 1992, she’s been self-employed — launching businesses, mentoring startup founders, and most recently building a thriving intergenerational community for indie podcasters she calls the Pod Garden. Her podcast, Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, explores what’s possible when we stop letting age define our limits.In This EpisodeWhy so much of what we believe about aging comes from borrowed narratives — and how to start rewriting themThe real cost of retirement: a WHO study showed societies paying billions when people lose purpose and stop engagingGendered ageism in medicine: how women’s symptoms are routinely dismissed or attributed to ageWhy intergenerational connection matters, and how Ande built a monthly in-person community that draws people from across New EnglandThe patronizing language older adults hear constantly — and how to push back with graceAdvanced directives: why having that conversation before a crisis is an act of self-respectAging out loud and proud: what it costs to hide your age, and what it frees when you stopResources MentionedRewire, Don’t Retire by Jerry Sittser — a book with guided questions to help you discover what fuels your purpose at this stage of lifeAnde’s blog post on healthcare and ageism, including a downloadable list of tests to request at your annual appointment: dontbecagedbyyourage.comThe Pod Garden — Ande’s community for indie podcasters (in-person, New England, with a Zoom option)AARP’s advance directive template — Each state has their own version and it includes space for clarifying statements beyond the standard yes/no questionsConnect with Ande LyonsPodcast: Don’t Be Caged By Your AgeWebsite: dontbecagedbyyourage.comhttps://www.dontbecagedbyyourage.com/LinkedIn: Ande LyonsTikTok: @andelyons

Regina Winkle-Bryan founded Bold Spirit Travel after two decades living and working abroad — from Guatemala to Barcelona — driven by a belief that travel is one of the most powerful ways women can build connection and friendship at any stage of life. Her trips combine modest to moderate physical challenge, cultural immersion, and intentional community in some of the world's most compelling destinations.Key TakeawaysTravel is a community-building tool. The friendships formed on group trips — women who stay in touch and continue traveling together long after returning home — are often what guests value most.The Camino de Santiago is one of the most transformative experiences available to women at a crossroads. Whether facing career change, loss, empty nesting, or simply a desire for something different, the Camino offers unstructured reflection time inside a structure that naturally generates connection.Group travel removes conflict from group dynamics. When itineraries are pre-planned, friends and family can simply show up — no spreadsheets, no arguments, no resentment.Connection is not a nice-to-have — it is a health necessity. Every physician Greg has interviewed over three years of podcasting points to social connection outside of family as one of the most critical and underreported factors in healthy aging.Off-peak travel is almost always better. Spring and fall visits to Europe mean fewer crowds, lower costs, and cooler temperatures — especially relevant as summers across the continent have grown significantly hotter.Nervousness before a group trip is completely normal. What Regina consistently finds is that by the end of the first welcome dinner, women have relaxed into the experience and begun to form real friendships.Destinations DiscussedCamino de Santiago (Spain) — Bold Spirit walks the last 100 kilometers (the minimum to earn the Compostela certificate) over 10 days at roughly 10 miles per day, with luggage shuttled by van. Best seasons: April–early June and September–October. Recommended footwear: Hoka trail runners.Costa Rica — Wildlife-rich and accessible, with monkeys, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Groups stay near an active volcano with on-site hot springs.Scottish Highlands — A hiking-focused trip with serious elevation gain, wilderness trails, and a loch cold plunge followed by a lakeside sauna. Begins and ends in Edinburgh.Iceland — A March adventure built around glaciers, geothermal springs, and lava caves. Highlights include glacier hiking with crampons, the Secret Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon, and geothermally baked traditional brown bread. Next departure: March 2027.Greece & Southern Italy — Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and a boat trip to the island of Ischia (famous for its thermal springs). Best visited May or late September.Japan (in development) — A pilgrimage hiking trip modeled on the Camino experience, planned for a future departure.Actionable GuidanceIf the Camino is on your list, start training now — five miles a day, five days a week in the two to three months leading up to the trip.Consider an immersive language course abroad as a solo travel entry point. You arrive with built-in structure, a daily schedule, and an instant peer community.For private or custom group trips of six or more — milestone birthdays, long-standing friend groups, family reunions — Bold Spirit can plan a custom itinerary.Check Meetup.com for travel-focused women's groups in your area. Regina runs several aimed at connecting women who want to explore together.In Iceland, consider the Sky Lagoon or Secret Lagoon over the Blue Lagoon — equally beautiful, significantly less crowded.Connect with ReginaWebsite: boldspiritravel.comInstagram: @boldspiritravelCustom Groups: Contact Bold Spirit directly for groups of 6 or more.Referenced in This EpisodeGoal Time— Jet lag and recovery supplement developed by previous guest Patti Milligan, Ph.D.The Way (film) — A popular introduction to the Camino de Santiago.Hoka trail runners — Regina's recommended footwear for the Camino. Boots are unnecessary for the last 100km.Meetup.com Regina uses this platform to run travel-focused women's groups.

What do spit, jet lag, chewing your food, and resilience have in common?More than you think.In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and colleague Patti Milligan — dietitian, neuroscience-of-taste researcher, and now PhD — to talk about something most of us never think about… saliva.Yep. Spit.Turns out it might be one of the most underrated keys to digestion, immunity, stress management, and even how well you age.We first worked together decades ago creating fresh, actually-healthy fast food (back when that was revolutionary). Since then, Patti’s career has taken her from hospital nutrition to executive performance coaching to studying the neuroscience of taste at the Sorbonne in Paris — and eventually into researching what really happens to our bodies when we travel.Spoiler: your saliva drops 30–50%.And that one shift affects everything.This conversation is geeky in the most fun way — but also wildly practical. You’ll walk away with simple tools you can use today.✨ What We Talk AboutHow Patti went from dietitian to PhD studying the neuroscience of tasteWhy saliva is far more important than we ever realizedThe connection between saliva, stress, and your nervous systemWhy travel (even short flights) throws your body into fight-or-flightHow that stress response messes with digestion, immunity, and energyThe real reason chewing your food matters (your grandma was right)Why humming or slow breathing can calm your body instantlyThe surprising link between saliva and early disease detectionLymphatic drainage, movement, and why sitting all day makes you acheHydration myths — and why plain water isn’t always enoughSimple electrolyte tricks (salt + citrus = magic)Jet lag, resilience, and bouncing back fasterWhy Patti prefers “resilience” over biohacking or anti-agingAnd yes… how a jet lag remedy we once wrote about over raspberry beer turned into an actual product 😄 It's called Goal Time.🧠 Tiny Practices You Can Try TodayBelly breathing to shift out of stress modeMove your tongue (up/down/left/right) to stimulate salivaChew your food thoroughlyHum or sing before meals to relax your nervous systemAdd minerals or citrus to your waterGet up and move to support lymphatic drainageFocus on resilience, not perfectionSmall inputs → big physiological wins.💛 My Favorite TakeawayWe don’t need complicated protocols or expensive hacks.We need awareness.Your nervous system, your breath, your digestion — these are levers you can actually control.That’s agency.And that’s rebellious wellness.Find Patti on IGAnd LinkedIn

In this solo episode, I tackle a concept that's been brewing for a while—one that finally has the right words. If you've been feeling like something's off about how we talk about aging but couldn't quite name it, this episode gives you the language.This isn't about denying that our bodies change. It's about understanding the critical difference between a number and a practice—and why confusing the two causes unnecessary suffering in how we think about ourselves, move through the world, and show up as we get older.What You'll Explore• The lazy shortcut our culture uses to predict health, capacity, and even value—and why it's causing us to quietly shrink our expectations• Why "this is just your new normal" is where agency goes to die• The real difference between what's common and what's inevitable (hint: they're not the same thing)• How some wellness messaging actually undermines agency while pretending to empower it• Why remaining visible as you age is a form of activism• One powerful question to ask yourself this week that shifts everything: "Where do I have agency, and where have I given it away?"Key TakeawayAging happens. Suffering is optional. Much of that suffering comes from giving up agency long before we have to—and it's time to stop accepting narratives that don't serve us.Greg's Everything Is Food PhilosophyThis episode brings the "everything is food" concept full circle—it's not just about what you eat, but what you consume mentally, emotionally, and environmentally. What messages are you feeding yourself about who you're allowed to be at this age?Have thoughts, pushbacks, or your own experiences with this? Leave a comment on YouTube or email me [email protected] next time: Keep trusting your body and don't negotiate with nonsense.Let's connect on IGFacebook and LinkedIn

In this episode, we challenge the dangerous myth that everyone should follow the same wellness advice. Dr. J Dunn explains why your genetic blueprint determines whether popular supplements help or harm you, and how understanding your biochemistry can solve health problems that conventional approaches miss.About Dr. J DunnDr. J Dunn is the founder of MyHappyGenes® and Wholistic Methylation. After years of battling lifelong depression and finding no answers through conventional or natural approaches, Dr. J discovered the power of genetic testing focused on biochemical pathways. Her work helps people understand how their unique genetic variants affect detoxification, neurotransmitter production, energy creation, and overall health.Topics CoveredWhy genetic testing focused on biochemical pathways differs from ancestry or drug compatibility testingWhat genetic variants are and how they affect enzyme function at the cellular levelThe critical difference between genes and enzymes, and why this distinction mattersWhy popular supplements like turmeric can actually worsen symptoms for some people based on their genetic makeupThe truth about the MTHFR gene and why methylfolate isn't the universal solution many claim it to beHow genetic variants influence sleep patterns, entrepreneurial tendencies, empathy, and relationship dynamicsThe difference between methylation patterns (which can change) and genetic variants (which don't)Case examples: resolving ALS-like symptoms, depression, allergies, and autoimmune conditions through genetic-based interventionsCritical TakeawaysThere is no one-size-fits-all supplement or diet. What helps one person can harm another based on genetic variants that control enzyme function.Genetic variants don't create "fast" enzymes—only normal or slow ones. You inherit either 100% enzyme function or reduced function (30%, 70%, etc.), never increased function.Genes code for enzymes, not outcomes. The focus isn't on turning genes on or off—it's on providing the right co-factors (vitamins, minerals) to help slow enzymes work more efficiently.The MTHFR obsession is oversimplified. Looking at one gene in isolation ignores the complex interplay of biochemical pathways. Methylfolate can trigger rapid detoxification that overwhelms the body.Food reactions may be delayed. If you notice irritability, brain fog, or depression, look at what you ate yesterday—metabolites take time to build up and create symptoms.Genetic testing can reveal why conventional treatments fail. Issues like chronic depression, chemical sensitivities, or difficulty losing weight often have biochemical roots that standard approaches miss.Understanding your genes removes self-blame. When you discover your brain can't make neurotransmitters efficiently or your body holds onto fat due to inherited variants, it's not a personal failing—it's biochemistry that can be addressed.What You Can DoKeep a food diary and track how you feel 24-48 hours after eating specific foods to identify genetic mismatchesQuestion popular wellness trends—just because something is widely recommended doesn't mean it's right for your bodyIf you're taking supplements without understanding your genetic variants, you may be working against your biochemistryConsider genetic testing that focuses on biochemical pathways (detox, methylation, neurotransmitters, energy production) rather than just ancestry or drug interactionsLearn MoreAbout MyHappyGenes® test and sample reportsWeekly Q&A Series: Watch our weekly Q&A videos addressing questions about genetics, wellness myths, and science-backed health information on YouTube.Podcast Resources: Visit the Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle Podcast for more episodes challenging conventional wellness narratives and empowering you to question health limitationsBottom Line: Your genes aren't a life sentence—they're an instruction manual. Understanding your unique genetic blueprint allows you to work with your body instead of against it. Stop blindly following trends and start testing, not guessing.

At long last I've written the "why" for this podcast and who it's for. After one year of living in the energy of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle (formerly named Rebellious Wellness Over 50) it's clearer than ever what this podcast is here to do and I wanted you to know.Too many women are negotiating with a version of aging that doesn't feel true. Aging happens – that's real. But suffering, confusion, and fear-based advice that shrinks your world year by year? Those things are optional.Rebellious wellness isn't loud as the word "rebellious" might indicate. It doesn't require perfection, extreme routines, or a complete lifestyle overhaul. It's quieter than that, and much more powerful. It's about asking better questions, refusing one-size-fits-all answers, taking your health seriously without becoming obsessed, using science without outsourcing your intuition, and staying engaged with your body, your life, and your sense of self as the years go by.This podcast is here to support that courage. You'll hear conversations about the science of longevity, disease prevention, genetics, hormones, brain health, movement, and lifestyle – but always through a lens of discernment, giving you options, not fear.IN THIS EPISODEWhy aging doesn't have to mean decline, resignation, or self-doubtWhat rebellious wellness actually looks like in practiceThe courage required to question conventional health narrativesWhy prescription pad medicine isn't the whole storyHow to age on your own terms – fully expressed, informed, and unwilling to negotiate with nonsense.Why the stories you've been told about health and aging may be creating unnecessary fear and limitationABOUT THE HOSTI, Greg Cox, have been working in the wellness space for 20+ years and was a chef for 25 before that, often creating health meals for restaurants and as a private chef. I created the Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle Podcast to empower women to challenge the limitations society places on them as they age.I believe in science without outsourcing intuition. In prevention over treatment. And in the radical act of remaining visible, engaged, and fully expressed at every age.CONNECTIf you want semi-regular weekly insights into how to live this way you sign up to receive my missives titled Reality Check Radar.Find me on InstagramFacebookLinkedInSubscribe to the Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Guest: Cindy Dupuie, Functional Medicine Practitioner & Menopause SpecialistWhen Cindy Dupuie's digestive system shut down and she abruptly entered menopause at 43 during a stressful divorce, conventional medicine offered little help. This experience launched Cindy on a 20-year journey into functional medicine and hormone replacement therapy.Over the years she has discovered that women are routinely denied basic testing like DEXA scans and vitamin D levels—and that doctors often discourage HRT based on outdated information from the Women's Health Initiative study. Our conversation challenges the standard of care for menopausal women and explores why functional medicine practitioners are filling the gap left by conventional doctors who lack the time and training to properly care for women during this critical life transition."Menopause hits every single organ and tissue in our body. Estrogen and progesterone receptors are everywhere—in our bones, cardiovascular system, brain, gut, skin. This isn't just about hot flashes."Key ThemesThe WHI Study's Lasting Damage: The Women's Health Initiative study from the early 2000s scared an entire generation of women away from HRT, even though the study used synthetic hormones in older women who were decades past menopause. Bioidentical hormones given at the right time offer significant benefits for bone health, cardiovascular health, brain health, and overall quality of life.Menopause Affects Every Organ System: This isn't just about hot flashes. Estrogen and progesterone receptors exist throughout the entire body—in bones, cardiovascular system, brain, gut, skin, and more. The decline in hormones impacts every single organ and tissue, yet most doctors treat menopause as a minor inconvenience rather than a systemic health transition.The Standard of Care is Inadequate: Women are losing ground even when they're doing everything right with diet and lifestyle. Doctors tell them they're "fine" based on lab ranges that are far too broad, leaving women feeling dismissed when they know something is wrong.Hormone Therapy and Cancer: Even women with breast cancer histories are being unnecessarily denied HRT. New research shows that for many women, HRT may not be contraindicated, and some oncologists are beginning to work with their patients on hormone therapy rather than issuing blanket refusals.Actionable GuidanceRequest a DEXA scan if you're over 60 and haven't had oneGet your vitamin D tested and aim for optimal levels (50-90 ng/mL, not just "in range")Understand that "fine" on labs doesn't mean optimal—seek a second opinion if you feel terrible despite normal resultsEducate yourself about bioidentical HRT before dismissing it based on outdated WHI study informationConsider adding a functional medicine practitioner to your care team for comprehensive lab interpretationIf you have a cancer history, don't assume HRT is automatically off the table—the research is evolvingConnect with CindyWebsite: livingbalance.netCourse: Grace in Transition - an 8-week online course covering diet, lifestyle, lab work, hormones, bone health, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, environmental toxins, and gut health for women in perimenopause and menopause. Her next cohort will begin on February 2, 2026Services: Cindy offers multiple levels of support from lab and supplement reviews to comprehensive functional medicine consultations at very reasonable prices."If I can educate my clients, either individually or through courses, on what they need, how to ask for it, and why—and help them be advocates for themselves—I can't be any happier than that."

Happy New Year! I'm kicking off 2026 with a solo episode about finding what you genuinely want this year—not what you think you should want.Why "Enough is Enough"? I woke up one day after reading yet another article targeting women over 60 that was focused on managing aches and pains, and I'd had it. Enough with generic advice on how to act, dress, and age. Enough with words like "senior," "geriatric," and "sunset years."When I look at aging advice for women in their 60s and 70s, I see two extremes:ONE: The supplement-pushers, extreme exercise crowd, personal-best-at-all-costs messaging, and the "do whatever it takes to look young" camp.TWO: Slow cooker meals on a budget, fall-proofing your home, slip-on sneakers, and managing decline gracefully.Both assume things I refuse to accept. The first assumes we're desperately trying to recapture youth. The second assumes we're managing decline and nothing else. I'm in neither camp, and I bet you aren't either.In this episode, I use my own life at 70 as an example—turning the page into a new decade, investing in IFM certification, and walking through my anti-resolution framework to figure out what's genuinely mine versus borrowed from "shoulds."THE 5 QUESTIONS:What worked and what didn't in 2025? Where were you feeling strong and where did you feel like "woe is me"?How do you want to FEEL in 2026?We don't actually want the thing—we want the feeling the thing gives usMy word for the year: EXPANSIVEWhat do you ACTUALLY want vs. what you think you should want?Test: When you imagine NOT doing it, do you feel loss (yours) or relief (borrowed)?Real example: How I found time for 12 hours/week of courseworkWhat are you keeping and what are you kicking to the curb?Keep what serves you, kick what doesn't (or "release" if you're more spiritual than me)Let's talk about vanityRefusing the moralizing about what we "should" want at this ageAlso refusing desperate youth-chasing on the other extremeIf you want the Botox, the sassy shoes, the shimmy dress—make it YOUR choiceUNDERSTANDING SABOTEURS:Extrinsic: Life happens (daughter needs you to pick up kids)Intrinsic: Mindset blocks ("I could never run 13 miles")Don't just give up when they show up—plan for them and work around themDOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET: My VA made a beautiful PDF with all these questions for you to work through. Get a copy here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Most people fail at resolutions not because they lack willpower, but because they're solving for the wrong problemBorrowed goals don't stick—only pursue what's genuinely yoursMake room for saboteurs instead of pretending they won't show upAging happens. Feeling old is optional. Feeling bad is common. Feeling better is possible.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Donna Summer & Barbra Streisand - No More Tears (Enough is Enough)Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) certification programMy newsletter (sign up at rebelliouswellnesslive.com for weekly content on informed skepticism)CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) for tracking blood sugarCONNECT: Website: rebelliouswellnesslifestyle.comSubscribe to the newsletter for articles you won't find on the first five pages of Google.New to the podcast? Subscribe to YouTube for weekly episode notifications.Enough is enough. Let's make 2026 about what's genuinely yours.You are more. You still have more to do, to love, to experience, to feel.Age Better. Live Fully. Beyond 60.

The fitness industry has largely forgotten about women over 40, pushing high-intensity workouts that leave us exhausted and discouraged. Christine Kirkland discovered a different path after becoming a mother and finding that the "no pain, no gain" mentality was destroying her body rather than strengthening it. Through Pilates, she found better results with less impact and has since dedicated her practice to helping women over 40 build strength, balance, and bone density through intentional, low-impact movement. This conversation challenges the assumption that heavy weights and intense workouts are the only path to fitness results and explores why slower, more focused movement might be exactly what our bodies need as we age.I am a convert! I tried traditional Pilates in groups, one on one, on a reformer and on the mat and never felt it was "for me." Then I tried one of Christine's classes using her free, 7-day trial. Now I take one of her classes 3 -4 times per week and am loving it. No more neck strain doing the hundreds!Key Themes· Rethinking Fitness After 40: The high-intensity approaches that work in your twenties often leave women over 40 exhausted and injured. Our bodies need a different approach focused on balance, bone density, muscle mass, posture, and core strength rather than just aesthetics.· The Power of Intentional Movement: Slowing down allows you to actually activate the muscles you're targeting. When we move too fast with too much weight, "bully muscles" take over, leading to improper form, pain, and ineffective workouts.· Building Strength Without Heavy Weights: You don't need heavy weights to build muscle mass and bone density. Resistance comes in many forms including your own body weight, light weights, bands, and small props. A plank is one of the most effective exercises for women over 40.· Balance as a Longevity Marker: Research shows that the ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds predicts lifespan. Balance should be a primary focus for women over 50, as falls can be life-changing events that significantly impact independence and quality of life.· Movement as Prehab: Pilates focuses on joint mobility and proper alignment before adding load. This approach prevents injury and ensures you're building strength from a foundation of good alignment rather than reinforcing compensatory movement patterns.· Finding What Works for Your Body: Not every workout is for every person. If high-intensity training leaves you depleted and discouraged, you're not the problem—you just haven't found the right workout yet.Take aways and to dos· Test your balance: Stand on one leg for 10 seconds. If you can't do this, make balance work a priority in your fitness routine.· Start with lighter weights than you think you need: If you're new to Pilates or intentional movement, try 1-2 pound weights. Focus on feeling the target muscle working rather than how much weight you can lift.· Pay attention to your bully muscles: Notice if your neck tenses during shoulder work or if your hip flexors burn during core exercises. These are signs that the intended muscles aren't activating properly and you need to slow down, reduce weight, or adjust form.· Prioritize alignment before load: Before adding weight or resistance to any movement, ensure your joints are in proper alignment. This prevents injury and makes exercises more effective.· Make time for shorter workouts: You don't need an hour to get results. A focused 20-25 minute workout can be highly effective when done with intention.· Stop comparing yourself to your 25-year-old self: What worked in your twenties won't necessarily work in your forties, fifties, and beyond. Your body has different needs now, and that's not a failing—it's just reality.About Christine KirklandChristine Kirkland is a certified Pilates instructor who specializes in working with women over 40. After struggling with postpartum depression and finding that high-intensity workouts left her exhausted and discouraged, she discovered Pilates and was amazed by the results from low-impact, intentional movement. She became certified to teach Pilates and has adapted her method specifically for the needs of women over 40, focusing on balance, bone health, muscle mass, posture, and core strength. Christine runs My Pilates, an online studio offering over 150 classes, weekly programming, live classes, and regular five-day challenges designed to meet women where they are in their fitness journey.Connect with ChristineWebsiteMemorable Moments· "The fitness industry really has forgotten about women over 40. What 20-year-old fitness influencers are pushing out there for us to do—it's not wrong, it's just not right for women in their forties, fifties, sixties, and up until their eighties."· "When you move too fast with too much load, the bully muscles turn on. That shoulder muscle gets tired and the neck muscles take over—that's when you get the neck pain."· "I wish women would stop thinking that what worked in their twenties is gonna work for them in their forties. It's a whole different ballgame when you're over 40."· "You can build muscle with any type of resistance against your body. A plank using your own body weight is one of the best exercises you can do over the age of 40."· "Balance is one of the most important things you can work on over the age of 50. Falls can have such catastrophic effects on quality of life and independence."· "If anyone's feeling discouraged with exercise, I just really want them to know that they're not alone and you were never the problem. You just haven't found the right workout."

About my guest Elizabeth McGannElizabeth McGann is a holistic nutritionist, life coach, and founder of the Holistic GLP-1 Method. Her podcast, The Holistic GLP-1 Podcast, consistently ranks as a top show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Drawing from her own experience navigating weight challenges from childhood, Elizabeth takes a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of sustainable weight management.This conversation challenges the current approach to GLP-1 medications and offers a science-backed roadmap for anyone considering these drugs or struggling with weight management. Elizabeth doesn't hold back about what's going wrong with standard GLP-1 prescribing practices and provides clear guidance on how to use these medications safely while building genuine, lasting health.Key Insights● The GLP-1 Problem Nobody's Talking AboutMost people are being dosed dangerously high on GLP-1 medications. Elizabeth argues that standard dosing protocols are compensating for poor diet rather than supporting metabolic health. The higher the dose, the more severe the side effects and potential health risks.● The Five-Pound RuleBefore considering GLP-1 medications, Elizabeth recommends losing the first 5-10 pounds on your own through diet management. This proves you understand the fundamentals and means you won't need the highest doses. If you can't lose weight without the medication, you're likely eating in a way that requires dangerous dosing levels.● Food Noise Is Metabolic, Not Just MentalThe 'food noise' that GLP-1 medications quiet isn't just psychological. It's the result of glucose spikes from high-carbohydrate, processed foods. When you eat foods that spike your blood sugar, your body spends the rest of the day seeking the next sugar hit. A properly managed low-glycemic diet can achieve the same mental clarity without medication.● Strength Training Is Non-NegotiableTaking GLP-1 medications without strength training is dangerous, especially for people over 40. These medications cause disproportionate muscle loss, which affects bone health and overall metabolic function. If you're not willing to commit to resistance training, you shouldn't be on these drugs.● The Minimum Effective Dose StrategyWorking with a compounding pharmacy allows for microdosing and customization that standard pharmaceutical protocols don't offer. The goal is to find the smallest dose that supports your metabolic shift while you do the real work of building sustainable habits around nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management.● You Can Get Off These MedicationsContrary to what many doctors suggest, GLP-1 medications don't have to be lifelong. When used correctly alongside fundamental lifestyle changes, these drugs can be tapered down and eventually discontinued without regaining weight. The key is addressing root causes rather than treating symptoms.What You Can Do Today● Track your glucose: Consider using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or apps like MyFitnessPal to understand how different foods affect your blood sugar. Companies like Levels Health provide extensive research on optimal glucose management.● Start with elimination: Remove wheat/gluten, corn, eggs, dairy, and soy for a period of time to identify what may be causing inflammation and digestive issues. Reintroduce one at a time to observe your body's response.● Prioritize gut health: Incorporate probiotic-rich fermented foods and bone broth (especially on an empty stomach) to heal and seal the gut lining. Much of our immune system and metabolic function originates in the gut.● Build strength training gradually: Don't wait until you're on medication. Start with small commitments—visit the gym twice just to sit and have a smoothie, establish the pattern, then add 10 minutes of activity. Anchor the habit before worrying about intensity.● Find your carbohydrate threshold: Experiment with lower-carb eating to find the amount that allows you to feel satisfied, maintain steady energy, and naturally lose weight without triggering constant food thoughts.Why This MattersGLP-1 medications represent a significant tool for metabolic health, but they're being used in ways that create dependency rather than transformation. The medical establishment's approach—prescribe, dose up, stay on forever—ignores the fundamental metabolic and behavioral changes that lead to lasting health.This isn't about shaming anyone who chooses medication. It's about ensuring that choice is informed, safe, and part of a comprehensive approach that addresses why weight became an issue in the first place. Whether you use GLP-1 medications or not, the principles of glucose management, strength training, gut health, and emotional work apply to everyone seeking sustainable wellness.Connect with Elizabeth● Website: elizabethmcgann.com● Podcast: The Holistic GLP-1 Podcast with Elizabeth McGann (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)● Instagram: @elizabethmcgann● Free resource: Freedom from Food Noise masterclass (15-minute video covering best practices—link available in podcast show notes)Resources Mentioned● MyFitnessPal app for tracking macronutrients and carbohydrate intake● Levels Health for continuous glucose monitoring research and education● Rebellious Wellness blog articles on CGMs and blood sugar managementMore from Rebellious WellnessQuestions or topics you'd like explored? Email Greg at [email protected]

My guest, Ellen Barrett is a 30-year veteran of the fitness industry. She had DVDs for sale! And she’s never had an injury in all of her years of teaching movement classes from HIIT to yoga and pilates.I joined her online fitness studio and love the variety of classes. Especially love the 20 minute ones for a midday fitness snack.Are you tired of fitness culture telling you that real workouts require pain, soreness, and 200-pound deadlifts? Ready to rebel against the idea that movement should feel like punishment? Then this is a great conversation for you and you might also enjoy Ellen’s online studio. Ellen Barrett has been teaching movement since 1989—back when it was called aerobics, before Instagram created an economy around fake fitness results, and long before "biohacking" became a buzzword.Her message is refreshingly simple: Movement is medicine. It should feel GOOD. And it should have zero negative side effects.That's right. Zero. No soreness. No exhaustion. No injuries.If you have those things? You went too far.Ellen's fusion approach combines Pilates, yoga, dance, and breathwork—all done barefoot, because shoes might be secretly destroying your alignment and causing chronic pain you can't explain.This conversation will change how you think about fitness, your feet, and what it actually means to be "fit" after 50.What You'll Discover✅ Why gym class trauma turned off an entire generation - Those timed pushup tests and heart rate monitors made fitness feel clinical, competitive, and intimidating instead of joyful✅ The barefoot movement revolution - How going shoeless strengthens feet, fixes alignment, prevents chronic pain, and makes you feel integrated from head to toe✅ Why Ellen is "allergic to shoes" - After 30+ years of barefoot teaching, her feet are so capable they can't stand being trapped anymore✅ Fusion fitness beats perfectionism - Why Ellen left the rigid world of Pilates to create workouts that let you "just move" with heat, strength, and stretch combined✅ The fitness fakery problem - Cosmetic surgery passed off as "results," influencers not walking their talk, and devious behind-the-scenes stuff at an all-time high✅ How breathing reveals how you're living - Show Ellen how someone breathes and she'll show you how they're living their life (tension blocks flow and abundance)✅ Why flexibility is the fountain of youth - Everyone talks about strength training for women over 50, but mobility and flexibility are the neglected keys to longevity✅ Exercise as an anti-aging facial - Movement nourishes your skin through circulation better than any cream or serum✅ The research on movement and creativity - Writers who walk are more prolific than those who don't—even accounting for time spent walking✅ How to avoid victim mentality in your 50s - Why some women lose confidence and capability while others feel like they're just getting startedWho This Episode Is Perfect For✔️ Women over 50 who feel intimidated by gym culture and Instagram fitness✔️ Anyone who's convinced they need to lift heavy or run marathons to be "fit"✔️ People suffering from chronic pain that doctors can't explain (especially back and knee problems)✔️ Rebels tired of the all-or-nothing, perfectionist approach to fitness✔️ Anyone who hated gym class and still carries that trauma✔️ People looking for joyful movement that doesn't feel like punishment✔️ Those curious about barefoot fitness and alignment✔️ Women experiencing loss of confidence or victim mentality in midlife✔️ Anyone who wants affordable, accessible online workouts without the intimidation factorThe Barefoot Movement RevolutionEllen is convinced that shoes are causing chronic pain epidemics—and the research backs her up.What happens when you wear shoes:Your feet are in a cast, disconnected from the rest of your bodyYou lose proprioception (ground feedback and balance)Your alignment gets thrown off from the ground upFoot muscles atrophy from lack of challengeChronic back pain, knee problems, and mysterious aches developWhat happens when you go barefoot:Feet get stronger (no more need for arch support)Balance and stability improve dramaticallyAlignment falls into place naturallyYou feel more integrated and connected head to toeChronic pain often resolvesYou don't need to be extreme:Walk on the beach barefootWalk around your house without shoesTake barefoot fitness classes in controlled environmentsSpend an hour barefoot whenever possibleEllen jokes she's "allergic to shoes" now—like putting rain boots on a dog. Once your feet are strong and capable, being trapped in shoes feels unnatural.The Fitness Fakery ProblemEllen doesn't hold back about what's happening in the wellness industry right now.The issues:All-time high of "posers" - People not walking their talk, doing devious things behind the scenesCosmetic surgery passed off as results - "That body came from fitness" when it actually came from surgery (no judgment on the surgery, but don't lie about it)Intimidation culture - 200-pound deadlifts presented as the only way to be "fit"Perfectionist standards - Creating injury, burnout, and all-or-nothing mentalityExpensive "biohacks" - Selling saunas and supplements when the most effective intervention is free movementMovement as Medicine: The ResearchEllen's "movement is medicine" philosophy isn't just feel-good rhetoric—it's backed by research.Studies show regular exercisers report:Less depression - Movement regulates mood better than many interventionsHigher confidence levels - Capability builds self-esteemMore creative productivity - Writers who walk are more prolific than those who don't, even accounting for time spent walkingGreater sense of capability - Knowing your body can DO things translates to life confidenceThe creative flow connection: When you move, you're not stealing time from productivity—you're enhancing it. Movement sorts things out mentally, gives you processing time, and actually CREATES time by making you more efficient.The skin benefits: Exercise is literally a facial. The circulation, blood flow to your face, and sweating nourishes your skin in ways no cream or serum can replicate. You get that healthy glow at any age.The autonomic nervous system: When you're chronically stressed (sympathetic dominance), your body isn't interested in healing—it's worried about survival. Movement, especially with breath integration, shifts you to parasympathetic (rest and repair) where healing happens.The Zero Negative Side Effects RuleEllen's rule: If you're experiencing soreness, exhaustion, or injuries, you've gone too far in intensity, duration, or chosen the wrong format for your body in that moment.What fitness SHOULD deliver: ✅ More energy (not depletion)✅ Empowerment (not destruction)✅ Confidence (not inadequacy)✅ Better function (not worse)✅ Connection to your body (not...

Okay, I had to use "eye-opening" just once because this conversation literally changed how I think about vision health forever.Are you tired of being told "there's nothing we can do" when your eyesight starts to fade? Ready to rebel against the idea that cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are just inevitable parts of aging you have to accept?What if I told you there's a board-certified ophthalmologist who cured his own life-threatening asthma with homeopathy—and then brought those same principles to eye care?Dr. Edward Kondrot is the world's leading homeopathic ophthalmologist, and he's been treating eye diseases with alternative therapies for over 45 years. He still wears two hats—traditional ophthalmology when surgery is needed, and homeopathic approaches for everything else—which makes him uniquely qualified to tell you what actually works.Here's what makes this conversation so important: Your eyes aren't isolated organs. They're connected to your liver, your emotional state, your circulation, your diet, your stress levels—your WHOLE body health. And that means you have way more control over your eye health than you've been led to believe.What You'll Discover✅ How a traditional ophthalmologist became a homeopath - Dr. Kondrot's near-death experience with asthma led him to a cure Western medicine said didn't exist (and transformed his entire approach to treating disease)✅ Why cataracts are a warning light, not a death sentence - What your body is trying to tell you when a cataract develops, and the questions you should ask before rushing into surgery✅ The truth about glaucoma that most eye doctors won't tell you - It's not just about pressure—it's about the health of your optic nerve, and there are steps you can take to improve it✅ Macular degeneration from a whole-body perspective - Understanding the dry vs. wet forms, and why improving circulation and nutrition can change the trajectory of this disease✅ The Ozempic blindness connection - Why this wildly popular weight loss drug is causing optic neuritis and permanent vision loss in some patients✅ What "the eye is the flower of the liver" means - The Chinese medicine connection between your eyes, your liver, and unprocessed frustration and anger✅ Light therapy and microcurrent that's been used for over 100 years - Ancient modalities that help the eye regenerate and balance your autonomic nervous system✅ The shocking increase in diabetic retinopathy - Why what was rare 45 years ago is now epidemic (hint: it's not just diabetes—it's obesity and what we're eating)✅ Computer vision syndrome and the blue light problem - How our screens are creating a generation of kids with eye problems, and what to do about it✅ How to get a FREE eye health consultation - Dr. Kondrot personally reviews eye records at no charge for people who've been told "there's nothing more we can do"Key Quotes On his asthma cure awakening: "The third remedy I took, it was like somebody turned on the light switch. Not only did my asthma improve, mentally and emotionally there was a shift. I said, why didn't they teach us this in medical school?"On what homeopathy actually is: "The homeopathic doctor feels, if the body's intelligent and wants a fever, let me give something which causes a fever. Then miraculously, you no longer have the fever. When I was cured of my asthma, I was given a substance which causes asthma."On cataracts as a message: "The cataract is like a red warning light that goes off in your car. I wanna find out what's going on. Why do some people go blind with a cataract at age 50 and others live to 80 and 90 and never need cataract surgery?"On what you don't want to see: "Subtly, I always wanna ask the person: what is it they don't wanna see? One of the biggest issues as we get older, we don't wanna see ourself getting older. I'm 75. I feel like I'm 20. When I look in the mirror, I go, who is this old guy?"On glaucoma being more than pressure: "You can have a pressure of 25, which is high, and never lose vision. Or you can have a pressure of 10, which is low, and go blind. It's more the health of the optic nerve. You gotta take those steps to improve your overall health."On food as medicine: "I feel that food is our best medicine. Thomas Edison said the doctor of the future would not prescribe any drugs, but instead advise the patient on diet and nutrition. One of the biggest contributing factors to poor health in the United States is our poor diet."His shopping tip: "If it has a label, don't eat it. Always shop in the periphery of the grocery store. The periphery has the healthy food. The center has the canned and processed stuff."On modern medicine's approach: "Modern medicine is maintaining disease. When you have hypertension, the doctors won't say, let's take steps to cure it. Nope. They're maintaining it. Take this drug, and next year you need two drugs. But homeopathy is one approach where we actually look for a cure."On never giving up hope: "When a doctor tells you there's nothing else that can be done—that's the person I want to talk to. Never give up. The worst thing that can happen to someone is to give up hope. There's always something that can be done."On how your vision projects your reality: "The eye is not just a receptor. It's also a projector. Your vision is projecting your external environment. Is the glass half empty or is the glass half full?"Who This Episode Is Perfect For✔️ Anyone who's been told their eye disease is "just something you have to live with"✔️ People with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy looking for alternatives to surgery or injections✔️ Rebels over 50 who want to preserve their vision and prevent eye disease✔️ Anyone suffering from dry eyes that aren't responding to conventional treatments✔️ People taking Ozempic for weight loss (you need to hear the vision loss connection)✔️ Those curious about homeopathy and how it actually works✔️ Anyone who believes in the body's ability to heal itself with the right support✔️ People ready to address the root causes of disease, not just mask symptomsDr. Kondrot's Home Program: What's IncludedAfter COVID, Dr. Kondrot shifted from a 3-5 day in-clinic program to a home-based program that gives you all the benefits at a fraction of the cost:1. Personalized Homeopathic RemedyAfter reviewing your eye records and case history via Zoom, he prescribes a specific remedy for YOUR body and situation2. Light TherapyUsing specific wavelengths to help the eye regenerate and balance the autonomic nervous system (used by the College of Syntonic Optometry for over 100 years)3. Microcurrent StimulationLow-level electrical current to help the eye regenerate (doctors have been using this since 1803!)Why balancing the autonomic nervous system matters: If you're in a chronic stress state (sympathetic, "grizzly bear chasing you"), your body isn't interested in healing. It's worried about survival. You must shift to parasympathetic (rest and repair) for healing to happen.The Diet and Lifestyle Factors You Can Control TodayFood is medicine even for our eyes--and it's not just carrots!Dr. Kondrot's golden rule: If it has a label, don't eat it. Those chemicals, preservatives, colorings, and dyes? He has a degree in chemistry and doesn't even know what some of them are.Smart shopping: Always shop the periphery of the grocery store. That's where the healthy, whole foods are. The center aisles are full of processed, shelf-stable junk.BLUE LIGHT MATTERSDuring the day: You NEED blue light (that's why the sky is blue)At night: You need to AVOID blue light and shift to red lightThe problem: Computers and phones emit blue light all evening, disrupting your circadian rhythmThe solution: Use blue light blocking screens, enable "night shift" mode on your iPhone (shifts to reddish tone), and get outside in natural sunlight during the dayCOMPUTER VISION SYNDROME IS REALWe're creating a generation of kids with eye problems because they're:Using only central vision (screens) instead of peripheral visionNot going outdoors to play, run, use all aspects of their eyesSpending hours on smartphones and computersYour action step: Reduce screen time, get outside, use your peripheral vision moreVITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND SUNLIGHTOne of the biggest deficiencies we're seeing? Vitamin D, because we're not getting enough sunlight.Get outside—but wisely: If you live in Seattle, you could be outside all year and not

Episode Guest: Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp (Dr. Nat) - Chiropractor, Author & Biohacking ExpertThe Rebellious Truth About "Perfect Health DaysAre you tired of feeling like you need to nail every health habit every single day or you've somehow failed? Ready to rebel against the myth that you have to do everything—the workout, the supplements, the meal prep, the stretching—all in one perfect day?Here's what the wellness industry doesn't always tell you: You don't have to do it all. Not even close.This conversation with Dr. Nat is going to shift how you think about health habits forever. She's redefining biohacking as finding better, more efficient ways to be healthy—not adding more guilt to your already full plate.What You'll Discover✅ Why weekly and monthly habits matter more than daily perfection - Learn how to organize your health goals across different timeframes so you can actually stick with them✅ The three-tier system for building new habits - Discover which changes are quick wins vs. which ones need serious planning (and why you shouldn't tackle too many at once)✅ Sleep as your non-negotiable foundation - Why tracking your sleep might reveal you're getting way less than you think (and what to do about it)✅ The truth about strength training after 50 - Research shows women in their 70s can still build bone density and muscle mass—no excuses, just smart strategies✅ Why CGMs are now affordable (under $100/month) and how they can give you powerful insights about your unique body✅ The connection factor - Why your health habits mean nothing if you're trying to do them aloneKey QuotesOn redefining biohacking: "My definition of biohacking is just finding better and more efficient ways to be healthy. I see so many people thinking, 'If I can't go to the gym an hour and a half, four or five times a week, then I might as well not go at all.' That's not how this works."On the daily perfection trap: "We think we need to do it all in one day—the perfect day where you take all your supplements, do your exercise, do your stretching. It's impossible. Let's face it, it's impossible."Who This Episode Is Perfect For✔️ Women over 50 who are tired of all-or-nothing approaches to health✔️ Anyone feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of "must-do" health habits✔️ Rebels who want to build sustainable routines that actually fit their real life✔️ People struggling with sleep despite thinking they're "doing everything right"✔️ Women concerned about bone density, muscle loss, and staying strong as they age✔️ Anyone curious about blood sugar management and whether CGMs are worth it✔️ Those who want to learn smart habit-stacking strategies from someone who gets it.Your Affordable Biohacking ToolContinuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) - Now available for under $100/month through companies like Stelo and Levels. Worth doing at least once to see how YOUR body responds to different foods and activities.The Social Connection SecretWhile we focused on biohacking and habits, Dr. Nat reminded us of something crucial: people who live longest in Blue Zones aren't just eating well and moving—they're deeply connected to community.Her advice? Find your people. Join a group. Try pickleball. Surround yourself with others on a similar health journey. The social aspect isn't optional—it's essential for longevity and vitality.Beyond the Basics: When You're ReadyOnce you've nailed sleep, movement, and nutrition, Dr. Nat covers advanced topics in her books:Hormone optimization (adrenals, thyroid, female hormones)Detoxification protocolsStrategic supplementationAdvanced biohacking toolsBut here's the rebellious truth: you don't get to skip the basics. You can't exercise your way out of a bad diet. You can't supplement your way past terrible sleep.Resources & Where to Find Dr. NatBooks:Smart Cuts (Latest) - Quick, practical biohacking protocols with cost indicators and bite-sized action stepsHack Your Health Habits - The comprehensive bible with 62 chapters covering everything from mindset to hormonesWebsite: DoctorNat.Life(Sign up for the newsletter and download her free ebook)Podcast/TV: Full season of interviews with 24 different practitioners covering everything from Ayurvedic medicine to mindsetSocial Media: Find Dr. Nat on Instagram for ongoing tips, research updates, and real-talk about health and on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.The Bottom LineSometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to accept limitations that don't actually have to exist. You don't need perfect days. You don't need to do everything. You need consistency over perfection, community over isolation, and curiosity over rigidity.Your body is capable of building muscle in your 70s. Your sleep can improve. Your blood sugar can stabilize. Your energy can return. But it won't happen by trying to be perfect—it happens by being strategic, consistent, and kind to yourself.One habit at a time. One week at a time. One choice at a time.Stay rebellious,GregP.S. What's the ONE habit you're going to focus on this month? Don't try to do three. Pick one. Your future self will thank you for not settling for overwhelm.Ready for more rebellious wellness wisdom? Subscribe so you never miss an episode of real talk about health, aging, and what's actually possible for your body.

Are you ready to tap into the superpower hiding in your subconscious mind? Whether you're leading a team, running a business, or navigating the unfamiliar terrain of retirement, your mindset might be the only thing standing between you and your next breakthrough.In this conversation, I sit down with Michelle Waters—imagination advocate, clinical hypnotherapist, and business coach—to explore how hypnosis can transform everything from limiting beliefs to business success. And no, you won't be clucking like a chicken.What You'll Discover:✨ Why hypnosis isn't meditation (and why goal-oriented people often find it easier to master)🧠 How hidden childhood memories can sabotage your adult life—including a fascinating story about a woman's unexplained phobia of bumblebees💼 The surprising connection between hypnotherapy and business success—discover why it's the "super arrow in a business person's quiver"🎯 How to overcome social anxiety and self-sabotage when your career depends on confidence🚀 Michelle's revolutionary AI-powered app that creates custom hypnosis recordings in just 5 minutes (personalized wellness is here, rebels!)📖 Leadership wisdom for every stage of life—from corporate climber to community volunteerKey Quotes "Hypnosis is like meditation, but with a goal. We're such a goal-oriented society that hypnosis works really well for people—even those who struggle with meditation.""Your subconscious mind listens all the time, whether you are awake or you perceive yourself to be asleep.""Leadership is important throughout one's life. The essence of leadership is always about who are you? How can you be the best you?""You can't make somebody do anything in hypnosis that they're not aligned with doing. When you try to suggest something they don't believe or think is crazy, they just wake up."Who This Episode Is Perfect For:✅ Women over 50 navigating career transitions or retirement✅ Business leaders dealing with imposter syndrome or social anxiety✅ Anyone curious about hypnosis but skeptical of the "woo-woo"✅ Professionals who struggle with meditation but crave mental clarity✅ Leaders looking to unlock their subconscious blocks to success✅ People interested in the intersection of AI and wellnessChallenge the "Just Live With It" MentalityHere's what traditional therapy doesn't always tell you: your conscious mind might not even remember the root cause of your struggles. That social anxiety holding you back at networking events? That fear preventing you from taking your business to the next level? The answers might be locked in your subconscious, waiting to be discovered.Michelle shares how hypnotherapy helped a shy realtor overcome decades of social anxiety by uncovering childhood patterns—transforming his ability to build the relationships his career demanded. Sometimes the barriers to our success were built when we were six years old, and we've been living with them ever since without even knowing it.The Science-Backed Approach to Mindset WorkWhile meditation asks you to empty your mind, hypnosis gives your brain a job to do—making it perfect for those of us who can't sit still without a purpose. Michelle breaks down how hypnosis helps with:Business mindset blocks that keep you playing smallStress relief without adding another hour to your already packed scheduleLost memories that might explain current patternsGoal achievement through subconscious reprogrammingConfidence building for career transitionsGet 25% Off Your Custom Hypnosis RecordingMichelle created something truly innovative: MakeMyHypno.com—an AI-powered app that generates personalized hypnosis recordings in her voice, tailored to your specific goals and preferences. Pick from 19 different topics, choose your ideal setting (moonlit beach, anyone?), add your personal details, and receive a custom recording in about 5 minutes.Use discount code 25PODCAST for 25% off!Take the First Step (No Chicken Dance Required)Want to dip your toes in? Michelle hosts free online hypnosis sessions every month on Friday at noon Pacific. No commitment, no pressure—just a chance to experience what hypnosis actually feels like (spoiler: it's way more relaxing and less Hollywood than you think).Find all the details at MichelleWalters.net, including:Her podcast: Mind Power Meets MysticHer book: The ABCs of Conscious Leadership (featuring Zig Ziglar for "Z" - Zeal!)Classes, events, and servicesThe Bottom LineYour subconscious mind is either working for you or against you—there's no neutral. The question is: are you ready to find out what's really driving your decisions, fears, and limitations?Don't settle for "that's just how I am." Your future self will thank you for questioning what's actually possible.Stay curious, stay empowered, and keep exploring what your mind can really do.Want to try hypnosis but not sure where to start? Leave a comment and let me know what mindset blocks you're working through—I want to hear about it!#RebelliousWellness #HypnosisForLeaders #MindsetMatters #WomenOver50 #SubconsciousMind #BusinessMindset #PersonalizedWellness #LeadershipDevelopment

Are you tired of feeling lost and overwhelmed when you or a loved one ends up in the hospital? Ready to challenge the idea that you're powerless in the healthcare system? This episode is going to transform how you think about hospital stays.Board-certified hospitalist Dr. Monique Nugent pulls back the curtain on what really happens inside hospitals—and more importantly, how you can take control of your care. From understanding what a hospitalist actually does to navigating insurance complications and medication confusion, this conversation delivers the insider knowledge you need to advocate effectively for yourself and your loved ones.What You'll Discover:The critical difference between healthcare and sick care—and why understanding this distinction could save your lifeWhy every hospital patient needs a "care partner"—and what questions they should be askingThe real reason hospital stays feel so chaotic—and how to bring clarity to the confusionWhat "medication reconciliation" means—and why you must demand it before dischargeHow to leave the hospital with a solid plan—even if you don't have a complete diagnosis yetThe shocking truth about emergency room rights—what hospitals legally must provide (and what they don't)Why the American healthcare system is "perfectly designed"—to get exactly the outcomes we're seeingKey QuotesOn the healthcare system: "What we have designed and what we pay for in this country is sick maintenance. Healthcare isn't just something that happens in the four walls of a hospital in the 15 to 20 minutes of a doctor's appointment."On hospital preparedness: "I want people to know what's in their community. Get to know what's in your community...because hospitalizations happen fast."On having support: "The number one thing I want people to have in a hospital stay is another person. I call that person your care partner."On discharge planning: "I don't particularly care if you get a diagnosis. I want you to have a plan. A diagnosis can come two weeks from now as long as someone is still working with you two weeks from now."Who This Episode Is Perfect For:✓ Anyone who's ever felt confused or powerless during a hospital stay✓ Family members who want to be effective advocates for their loved ones✓ People navigating chronic conditions that require repeated hospitalizations✓ Anyone interested in understanding how the healthcare system really works✓ Those looking for practical strategies to improve their hospital experienceThe Truth About Hospital Medicine:Here's what the medical establishment doesn't always tell you: hospital stays are high-stakes, fast-moving experiences where you're expected to make critical decisions while you're in pain, scared, and vulnerable. Dr. Nugent reveals that hospitals aren't just about treating acute illness—they're complex systems where safety, timing, and navigation skills matter just as much as medical expertise.While conventional wisdom says "just trust the system," the research and real-world experience show that informed, prepared patients with strong advocates get better outcomes. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is refuse to accept that confusion and poor communication are just "how hospitals work."Take Action:Get Dr. Nugent's book: Prescription for Admission: The Power and Potential of Hospital Medicine (available on Amazon and wherever books are sold)Visit: drmoniquenugent.comKey takeaways to implement now:Identify your care partner before you need oneResearch the hospitals in your community—what are their specialties and limitations?Always ask for written discharge instructions and medication reconciliationRemember: demand a PLAN, not just a diagnosisFinal Thought:Your future self will thank you for not settling for confusion and chaos during hospital stays. Keep questioning, keep advocating, and remember—you deserve clear communication, safe care, and a solid plan for what comes next.That's what taking control of your wellness journey is all about—even inside the hospital walls.Stay empowered and keep challenging the system to work FOR you.Got a hospital story or question? Share it in the comments—I want to hear about it!

Ready to rebel against bad advice about aging gracefully? Board-certified family physician Dr. Rachel Degurse is pulling back the curtain on the med spa industry - and some of what she reveals might surprise you.After corporate healthcare stripped away her ability to truly care for patients, Dr. Rachel opened Pearl Skin Body in Colorado Springs, where she combines internal wellness with external rejuvenation. This isn't your typical "get Botox everywhere" conversation - it's an honest breakdown of what works, what doesn't, and where you should never get filler.What You'll Discover✅ The med spa wild west - why your state's regulations (or lack thereof) could put you at risk✅ Where filler should NEVER go - the common mistake that won't fix your problem✅ The one treatment that "rolls back the clock 10 years" - Dr. Rachel's go-to for maximum results✅ Why some people get "pillowy" faces from fillers - and how to avoid becoming one of them✅ Red flags to watch for when choosing a med spa - what to look for beyond pretty websites✅ The truth about Botox crossing the blood-brain barrier - should you be concerned?✅ Testosterone for women since the 1920s - why this isn't just for menDr. Rachel on the med spa industry:"Med spa world is like the wild west... A medical director technically doesn't even need to be in the same state when they're supervising a med spa. I, in Colorado, legally could supervise a med spa in Alaska and that would be totally okay."On filler placement mistakes:"That in between the eyebrows, that area is actually not an ideal location for filler because filler is specifically for volume loss... those wrinkles in between your eyes are usually from facial expression."Greg on finding the right provider:"If they don't have a picture of somebody that is my age, like I don't wanna see a 30-year-old before and after of Botox. I wanna see a 65-year-old."Dr. Rachel on taking control of your care:"Nobody should have to feel like a number. So if you're not getting the answers that you feel like you deserve, then meet with somebody else. There's nothing wrong with that."Who This Episode Is Perfect For✓ Rebels considering their first med spa treatment but overwhelmed by options✓ Anyone who's been told their aging concerns are "just normal"✓ People wanting to understand the difference between volume loss and expression lines✓ Those seeking a physician who takes a holistic approach to aging✓ Anyone curious about combining hormone therapy with aesthetic treatmentsThe Rebellious Truth About Aging TreatmentsWhile the beauty industry wants you to believe more is always better, Dr. Rachel reveals a different approach. The most effective anti-aging strategy isn't about filling every line or freezing every muscle - it's about understanding what's actually causing your specific concerns.The game-changer insight: Most people are treating expression lines (caused by muscle movement) with volume fillers, when they should be using neuromodulators like Botox. Meanwhile, actual volume loss in the midface gets ignored.Dr. Rachel's "Bang for Your Buck" RecommendationFor maximum anti-aging results without surgery: Radiofrequency microneedling (Morpheus)This treatment addresses multiple concerns at once:Skin texture and fine linesMild skin tighteningCollagen restorationCan even puncture fat cells for facial contouringThe reality check: Two days of social downtime, but Dr. Rachel offers multiple pain management options including nitrous oxide and facial nerve blocks.Red Flags When Choosing a Med SpaBefore you book anything, ask:Who will actually perform your treatment? If they can't tell you or show pictures of real staff, walk away.Is there a physician on-site? A medical director in another state can't help if you have complications.What are the provider's actual credentials? Not all injectors are created equal.Do they listen to YOUR goals? If they're pushing treatments you don't want, find someone else.Take Action Like a RebelStart with the basics that deliver results:Daily sunscreen (including hands and chest!)Retinol (build up tolerance slowly)Find a provider who spends time understanding YOUR goalsBefore any treatment:Research your state's med spa regulationsMeet the person who will treat youAsk about pain management optionsStart conservatively - you can always add moreRemember: It's easier to add more filler than remove it, and you should always feel like yourself - just a really great version.The Bottom LineThe most rebellious thing you can do in the med spa world is refuse to accept one-size-fits-all approaches to aging. Your face is unique, your concerns are specific, and your treatment plan should reflect that.Don't settle for providers who won't listen, treatments that don't address your actual concerns, or explanations that don't make sense.Keep questioning, keep exploring, and remember: You deserve to age on your own terms.Stay rebellious,GregReady to explore med spa treatments in the Colorado Springs area? Check out Dr. Rachel at pearlskinbody.com - and tell me about your experience! I want to hear what works for you.

What happens when a practicing neurosurgeon questions the very medical system he works in? Dr. Ravi Kumar reveals how pharmaceutical companies profit from keeping you sick while suppressing common sense approaches to health.From the $15 billion statin industry to the vegetable oil deception that's fueling chronic disease, this conversation exposes how medical "truths" are often based on flawed studies and financial interests rather than what actually keeps you healthy.What You'll DiscoverThe Statin Scandal Exposed- Why these fungal toxins masquerading as medicine may be causing the very problems they claim to prevent- How statins destroy mitochondrial function and muscle strength (the #1 factor for longevity)- The shocking truth about cholesterol: it's a repair molecule your brain literally can't survive withoutThe Seed Oil Conspiracy- Why "vegetable" oils are actually industrial byproducts created with gasoline components- How omega-6 fatty acids from processed oils are driving systemic inflammation and chronic disease- The simple swaps that can dramatically reduce your disease riskSupplements That Actually Matter- Why 2 billion people are zinc deficient and what this means for your cellular function- The truth about vitamin C: why the RDA keeps you barely alive instead of thriving- How to know if you need supplements versus getting nutrients from foodSaturated Fat Vindicated- How one flawed study in the 1960s vilified the fats humans have eaten for millennia- Why your ancestors' diet of butter, eggs, and meat was actually protecting their hearts- The real cause of cardiovascular disease (hint: it's not cholesterol)Key Quotes from Dr. Kumar“Heart disease is not inevitable. We have epidemiological studies that show some people never develop heart disease. This challenges the fear-based messaging used to sell medications and treatments.“Statins are fungal toxins. A neurosurgeon's perspective on why these billion-dollar drugs may be doing more harm than good.“25% of your body's total cholesterol is in the brain. The brain cannot get cholesterol from your body - it makes its own cholesterol. This explains why statin-induced brain fog and dementia are real concerns being ignored.”“None of our ancestors ever put a teaspoon of seed oil in their mouth. It just didn't exist - it's an industrial process. A reality check on what we're calling "food" today.The Rebellious Truth About Modern MedicineHere's what the medical establishment doesn't want you to know: many of today's health recommendations are based on studies from 50+ years ago that have since been debunked. Meanwhile, newer research showing the benefits of traditional foods and the dangers of processed alternatives gets buried because there's no profit in telling people to eat real food.The system profits from chronic disease management, not cures. When a neurosurgeon tells you to question everything - including his own profession - it's time to listen.Who This Episode Is Perfect For✓ Anyone taking or being pressured to take statin medications✓ People confused by contradictory nutrition advice about fats and oils✓ Those looking for evidence-based supplement guidance beyond marketing hype✓ Anyone dealing with chronic inflammation, brain fog, or mysterious health issues✓ People who want to understand the financial incentives driving medical recommendations✓ Those ready to question medical dogma and think critically about their health choicesWant to take action?Audit Your Kitchen: Remove seed oils (vegetable oil, canola oil, soybean oil) and replace with olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, or grass-fed butter. This single change can dramatically reduce inflammation.Question Your Prescriptions: If you're on statins, research the actual benefits for someone in your risk category. Most people taking them receive minimal benefit while facing significant side effects. I’ve written extensively on statins and women. Here is a 2-part article on my blog.Read part 1 here.Part 2 here.Think Like Your Ancestors: Ask yourself if your great-grandparents would recognize what's on your plate. The further you get from traditional foods, the more likely you are to develop modern diseases.Supplement Strategically: Focus on nutrients difficult to get from modern food (vitamin C, zinc if vegetarian/vegan, omega-3s) rather than expensive formulations with dubious claims.Connect with Dr. Ravi KumarWebsite: DrKumarDiscovery.com https://drkumardiscovery.com/Podcast: Dr. Kumar Discovery Quick Bites: Extensive blog posts covering 20+ health categories with evidence-based analysisDr. Kumar combines his neurosurgical expertise with ancestral wisdom and modern research to provide actionable health insights you won't hear in most medical offices.Remember, rebels: the most dangerous thing you can do is blindly trust any authority - including doctors - without questioning the evidence. Your health is too important to leave entirely in someone else's hands.

Tired of feeling excluded from the fitness world because you don't look like a Instagram influencer? Online personal trainer Michael Ulloa pulls back the curtain on the fitness industry's biggest lies and reveals why 99% of what you see on social media is designed to make you feel inadequate.This conversation cuts through the noise of coffee enemas, raw meat diets, and mandatory deadlifting to give you the truth: there's no exercise you HAVE to do, and healthy bodies come in every shape and size.What You'll DiscoverThe Exclusionary Machine of Fitness Social MediaWhy the fitness industry deliberately caters to people who are already fitHow clickbait misinformation drowns out sensible health adviceThe psychological damage of being told your body isn't your "business card"Exercise myths that turn people off entirelyWhy you don't need to deadlift to be strong (even trainers skip exercises they don't enjoy)The truth about squats, box jumps, and other "mandatory" movementsHow to modify any exercise to work for YOUR body and circumstancesThe Social Media Fitness Scam ExposedWhy most fitness influencers don't actually look like their filtered photosHow the algorithm rewards extreme claims over balanced adviceThe reality behind supplement pushers and MLM fitness schemesCreating Your Own Sustainable ApproachWhy small, simple changes create lasting results (not dramatic overhauls)How to curate your social media to see diverse, realistic representations of healthThe power of focusing on habits instead of appearanceKey Quotes"There's no exercise that you have to do. There's always a way that you can work a muscle that you might find less tedious or less off-putting." Michael's refreshing take removes the guilt and intimidation from exercise selection."If you can approach nutrition from a place of balance so that nutrition fits around your lifestyle rather than consuming it, it's always going to be a better outcome." This reverses the typical restriction mindset that keeps people cycling through diet failures."Our bodies are not a great reflection of how healthy, how strong, how happy we are. Fit and healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes." A radical message in an industry obsessed with one narrow definition of "fitness."Who This Episode Is Perfect For✓ Anyone who feels intimidated by traditional gym culture or fitness spaces ✓ People tired of conflicting nutrition advice (eggs are good/bad/good again) ✓ Those who've been told they "must" do certain exercises to see results ✓ Anyone following fitness accounts that make them feel worse about themselves ✓ People considering GLP-1 medications and facing judgment from fitness professionals ✓ Anyone ready to focus on health habits instead of appearance outcomesTake actionStart Ridiculously Small: Instead of overhauling everything, pick one tiny habit change. Michael's clients are often surprised by how simple effective programs actually are.Question the "Musts": Next time someone tells you there's an exercise you HAVE to do, remember Michael's approach: find movements you can tolerate or even enjoy that work the same muscle groups.Focus on Function: Ask yourself what you want your body to DO rather than how you want it to LOOK. Build habits around those functional goals.Connect with Michael UlloaInstagram/Social: @MichaelUlloaPTPodcast: How to FitnessServices: Online personal training and nutrition coaching (3, 6, or 12-month options)Michael works with clients in 28+ countries and provides twice-weekly video check-ins, custom exercise programs, and nutrition coaching with a focus on sustainable, simple changes.Remember, rebels: the most radical thing you can do in today's fitness landscape is refuse to accept that health has a specific look. Your habits matter infinitely more than your Instagram aesthetic.

Feeling stuck in midlife and wondering what comes next? Dr. Sue McCreadie, pediatrician who is also a life coach, breaks down why the problem is never actually the problem - and how to dig deeper to find what's really driving your dissatisfaction.Whether you're navigating empty nest syndrome, career transitions, or relationship challenges, this conversation reveals how to move from surviving midlife to thriving in it.What You'll DiscoverThe Real Story Behind Midlife StrugglesWhy surface-level problems mask deeper patterns that started decades agoHow childhood experiences show up in your current triggers and reactionsThe connection between feeling "activated" by others and unhealed parts of yourselfNavigating Relationships When Everything ChangesWhy boundaries become crucial (and harder) as you ageHow to stop being a doormat without becoming selfishThe surprising way meeting others' core needs can transform your relationshipsRedefining Purpose After 50Why "finding your purpose" misses the point entirelyThe six human needs every fulfilling activity must satisfyHow to transition from one life phase to the next without losing yourselfThe Four Midlife Personality TypesTake Dr. McCreadie's quiz and find yoursWhich of the four types describes you (and your blind spots)How to leverage your natural gifts while addressing your challengesWhy knowing your "shadow side" is the key to real growthKey Insights"The problem is never the problem. There's always something underneath that." Dr. McCreadie's approach to coaching reveals how current frustrations often connect to unresolved childhood patterns or unmet needs."When someone's trying to hurt you, it's because they're hurting." This perspective shift can revolutionize how you handle conflict, especially with family members during tense transitions.The Rebellious Truth About MidlifeHere's what nobody tells you: midlife isn't a crisis to survive - it's a strategic opportunity to redesign your life around what actually matters. While society pushes the narrative that your best years are behind you, the research shows that women who embrace this transition intentionally often report their highest life satisfaction in their 50s and 60s.The key? Stop trying to fix surface-level symptoms and start addressing the underlying needs that aren't being met.Who This Episode Is Perfect For✓ Women in their 40s, 50s, or 60s feeling lost after major life changes✓ Anyone struggling with adult children who won't fully launch✓ People questioning whether to stay in long-term relationships✓ Those feeling unfulfilled in careers that once excited them✓ Anyone who finds themselves getting "activated" by the same people repeatedly✓ Women wondering if there's more to life than what they're currently experiencingTake ActionDig Beneath the Surface: Next time you feel triggered or frustrated, ask yourself: "Where have I experienced this pattern before?" and "What need isn't being met here?"Take the Midlife Personality Quiz: Visit Dr. Sue McCreadie's website to discover your midlife type and learn your natural gifts alongside potential blind spots.Experiment with the 90-Day Challenge: Pick one important relationship and spend three months intentionally meeting that person's top two needs. Notice what shifts without saying anything about what you're doing.Connect with Dr. Sue McCreadieWebsite for Pediatrics: Pediatric Holistic MedicineWebsite for Soulful Medicine, coachingTake the Quiz: Discover your midlife personality type and get personalized insights Community: Join other women navigating midlife transitions through her group coaching programsRemember, rebels: the most revolutionary thing you can do is refuse to accept that feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or disconnected is just part of getting older. You get to decide how you do this next chapter.

Are you tired of walking out of your doctor's office with zero understanding of what your blood work actually means? Bloodwork say you're in the "normal range" but you still feel like something's off?This episode features Brent Eck, founder of Sage Healthspan, who transformed personal tragedy into a mission to put health data back in your hands. After losing his father to cancer and spending two decades in the healthcare industry, Brent was tired of seeing people be ignored til it was too late.What You'll Discover✅ How to transform from health outsourcer to health agent - the mindset shift that changes everything✅ The "McDonald's in a bottle" story that launched a 20-year journey into nutrition science✅ Why your "normal" lab ranges might be keeping you sick - and what optimal really looks like✅ The 5 foundational health skills that deliver 98% of your results (spoiler: supplements aren't one of them)✅ How AI can interpret your blood work without compromising your privacy - no more Googling medical terms for hoursKey Quotes Brent on health agency:"I'm not gonna outsource my health to the doctor. I'm gonna become the agent of my own health."On the broken system:So after taking blood for my annual exam, my doctor says "Listen, I'll call you if something's wrong... It turns out three or four weeks later I had to call in and I ended up getting the individual at the front desk saying, 'Hey, are my blood labs back? How were they?' And she said, 'Oh yeah, they're back. They're in the system. Yeah, there's no notes. Everything should be fine.' That's not the world I wanna live in" Brent said.Greg on taking action:"If you've been having this inkling and you just happened upon this podcast and something comes up for you, take the next step."Brent on the race car driver mindset:"You take the best race car driver in the world... and you look at him and say, 'What are three things you could do to improve your driving?' And he'll tell you the three things... That's how we all need to be about our health."Who This Episode Is Perfect For✓ Rebels who are tired of being told "you're normal" when they don't feel optimal✓ Data-driven individuals ready to understand their own biomarkers✓ Anyone who's ever left a doctor's appointment with more questions than answers✓ People ready to learn health as a skill rather than leaving it to chance✓ Those seeking to enhance their relationship with healthcare providers, not replace themAnd anyone who wants access to affordable blood tests without a doctor's prescription The Rebellious Truth About Health DataWhile conventional medicine treats your annual blood work like classified information, Brent reveals how Sage Healthspan is changing the game. Their AI doesn't just tell you what your numbers mean - it's trained by functional medicine doctors and operates in a closed network, so you get expert interpretation without your health data being sent to the cloud.The paradigm shift? Moving from "normal" ranges (based on the average of everyone tested, including unhealthy people) to optimal ranges based on the latest science for your age and demographics.The 5 Health Foundations That Trump Everything ElseAccording to Brent, these skills deliver 98% of your health results:Calorie balance and adequate proteinQuality sleep masteryAvoiding the obvious toxins (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.)Stress management and processingStrategic exercise and muscle maintenanceMaster these first - everything else is fine-tuning.Take Action Like a RebelReady to stop being a passenger in your own health journey? Here's how to start:Download the Sage app - Upload up to 100 tests for free and get AI-powered interpretationsAudit your last blood panel - Are you missing key markers like ApoB or Lp(a)?Track trends, not just snapshots - Health is a moving picture, not a photographPrepare for your next doctor visit - Show up with informed questions, not just complaintsVisit sagehealthspan.com to start your journey from health outsourcer to health agent.The Bottom LineSometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to accept limitations that don't actually have to exist. Your health data belongs to you - it's time to understand what it's telling you.Keep questioning, keep exploring, and remember: health is a skill you can learn, not something that just happens to you.Stay rebellious,GregWant to share your health transformation story? I want to hear about it! Connect with me on social media and let's celebrate your rebellious wellness wins.

Lisa Simmons went from being a "pill-pushing" nurse practitioner to working with heart surgeon Dr. Ovadia at @ifixhearts - whose entire mission is keeping people OFF his operating table. Dr. Ovadia lost 100 pounds and has kept it off for years after realizing that he was metabolically sick. He also realized that he could help more people by teaching them what he learned than by operating. You can listen to my interview with Dr. Ovadia here.Lisa is a nutrition expert and ketogenic counselor who transformed her own health after 30 years using Keto and variations of it. And she, like me and many of you, challenges the conventional healthcare model that focuses on diagnosing and treating rather than preventing and empowering.What You'll Discover:Why the fear around ketogenic eating is largely misunderstood and how it differs from dangerous ketoacidosisThe critical difference between being "healthy" on the outside versus metabolically healthy on the insideWhy you can be insulin resistant for 10-15 years before it shows up in standard blood workHow the order you eat your food can dramatically impact your blood sugar responseWhy continuous glucose monitors are game-changers for understanding your individual body responsesThe simple ice cream recipe that proves fat doesn't make you fatQuotes"We have more power than we realize. We've unfortunately been conditioned through healthcare to think that there's a pill or potion for everything, instead of taking a look within ourselves.""You can be insulin resistant for 10 to 15 years prior to your A1C ever showing pre-diabetes. Most physicians don't do the lab testing to check for inflammation or insulin resistance.""Fat doesn't make you fat. If we could get past this last 50 years of fear around giving people fat - sugar makes you fat."The Truth About Metabolic Health:While conventional medicine waits for disease to appear before acting, true wellness rebels understand that metabolic health, or ill health, is about what's happening inside your body right now. Lisa reveals how inflammation and insulin resistance are the real culprits behind chronic disease, and how you can detect and reverse them years before they become "diagnosable" conditions.Who This Episode Is Perfect For:✓ Recovering yo-yo dieters ready to break the cycle✓ Anyone confused about ketogenic eating and its safety✓ People who "look healthy" but wonder what's happening inside✓ Those frustrated with conventional healthcare's pill-first approach✓ Anyone ready to take control of their metabolic healthConnect with Lisa:Work with Lisa and Dr. Avedia at iixhearts.com for comprehensive metabolic health support that goes beyond conventional medicine.Ready to rebel against accepting metabolic dysfunction as inevitable? Your future self will thank you for not settling for "normal" lab values when optimal health is possible.Stay rebellious, Gregory Anne

In every aspect of health and healing there are medical limitations that we do not have to accept.Ready to rebel against the idea that recovery has a ceiling?Welcome back, rebels! Today we're challenging everything you think you know about stroke, recovery, and the power of your thoughts to create your reality. My guest Tsgoyna Tanzman is a speech-language pathologist turned life coach who's helping stroke survivors shatter the myth that "three months is as good as it gets."What You'll Discover✅ The shocking statistics - Why women are 60% more likely to have strokes than men (and why single women face even greater risks)✅ The rebellious truth about stroke prevention - How 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes, not just genetics✅ The BE-FAST method - A life-saving acronym that could mean the difference between full recovery and permanent disability✅ Why "false hope" doesn't exist - How conventional medical thinking limits recovery potential✅ The mind-body connection rebels need to understand - How your thoughts literally create your cellular reality✅ The power of "I AM" - Why these two words are either your greatest weapon or your worst enemyQuotablesFrom Tsgoyna:"Two times as many women die of stroke when compared to breast cancer each year.”"There is no such thing as false hope. We have to look for evidence of progress, gather strengths and notice what's working.""You don't have to have a brain injury to damage your brain. You can do that with your own stinking thinking."From Greg:"80% is our responsibility, whether it's diabetes, heart disease... Everybody has cancer in their body. Not everybody's gene that carries a cancer turns into a cancer in the body, but the lifestyle is the thing that turns the gene on or off."The Rebellious Truth About Stroke RecoveryHere's what the medical establishment doesn't always tell you: Recovery doesn't have an expiration date. While conventional wisdom says recovery plateaus at 3-6 months, Tsgoyna's work with thousands of patients proves this is a dangerous myth.The research shows that neuroplasticity - your brain's ability to rewire itself - continues throughout your entire life. But here's the kicker: Your thoughts about your recovery directly impact your cellular healing.This isn't just feel-good fluff, rebels. This is science-backed truth that challenges the entire paradigm of "managing" versus healing.The Mind-Body RebellionReady for a paradigm shift? Bruce Lipton's cellular research proves that when cells are exposed to stress (including negative self-talk), they literally shut down - they stop eliminating toxins and can't function properly.Your "I AM" statements aren't just words - they're cellular programming.Try this rebellious experiment Tsgoyna shares: Notice the difference in how these feel in your body:"I must improve my health" vs. "I am improving my health""I should get stronger" vs. "I am getting stronger"The ladder approach isn't woo-woo nonsense - it's strategic nervous system regulation.Your Rebellious Action StepsDon't settle for accepting limitations that don't actually have to exist. Here's how to rebel:Learn the BE-FAST signs and share them with every woman in your lifeAudit your "I AM" statements - are you programming limitation or possibility?Question any medical professional who gives you a recovery timeline ceilingGet Tsgoyna's book: "Hope After Stroke: For Caregivers and Survivors"Start thinking like a stroke prevention rebel - 80% is in your controlResourcesBooks by Tsgoyna Tansman:"Hope After Stroke: For Caregivers and Survivors, the Holistic Guide to Getting Your Life Back""Just Decide: Failproof Strategies to Uplevel Your Life, Career and Relationships"Website: Tsgoyna.com(includes free resources for stroke prevention and brain health)Keep the Rebellion GoingSometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to accept limitations that don't actually have to exist. Your future self will thank you for not settling for conventional wisdom that caps your potential.Stay rebellious, and I'll see you next week for another episode that challenges everything you think you know about wellness!What limitation are you ready to rebel against? Drop a comment and let me know - I want to hear about it!#RebelliousWellness #StrokePrevention #MindBodyConnection #Neuroplasticity #WellnessRevolution

This week I had a wide ranging, super informative, conversation with Dr. Gillian Goddard, endocrinologist and assistant professor at NYU Langone Hospital. With 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Goddard specializes in thyroid health, PCOS, menopause, nutrition, weight management, and diabetes. This episode dives deep into the complex world of hormones during perimenopause and menopause, going far beyond just estrogen to explore the full endocrine picture.Let’s start with this quote from Dr. Goddard: “The endocrine system is endlessly complex.” And so no conversation on hormones at perimenopause and menopause is going to be complete in 35 minutes. But I did my best to ask Dr. Goddard the questions I think cover what we experience and have questions about.Topics CoveredThe Hidden Hormone StoryWhy estrogen is just one piece of the menopause puzzleThe role of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in symptomsHow thyroid, cortisol, aldosterone, and parathyroid hormones are affectedThe metabolic hormone connection: insulin, glucagon, and blood sugar regulationFinding the Right Healthcare ProviderHow to assess your GP's comfort level with menopauseQuestions to ask your doctor to gauge their expertiseWhen to seek out a specialist vs. staying with your current providerUsing The Menopause Society to find certified practitionersTelehealth and Online Menopause CareWhat to look for in online menopause platformsPros and cons of virtual care vs. traditional practiceGLP-1 Agonists (Ozempic, etc.) in MenopauseWhy these weight loss drugs are actually hormone analogsHow they might interact with other menopause treatmentsPotential effects on oral hormone absorptionThe complexity of introducing new hormones during perimenopauseNatural Alternatives and SupplementsBerberine and inositol for insulin sensitivityThe truth about allulose as a "natural Ozempic"Why current natural options pale in comparison to prescription medicationsBirth Control Pills During PerimenopauseHow low-dose pills can regulate heavy, irregular periodsThe contraception factor: pregnancy is still possibleHow birth control acts like hormone therapySafety updates from early high-dose formulationsNon-Hormonal Treatment OptionsSSRIs vs. SNRIs for mood and physical symptomsViosa: the current non-hormonal option for hot flashesUpcoming Bayer medication targeting mood and sleepThe expanding pharmaceutical interest in menopauseIndividual Variability in MenopauseWhy some women "sail through" while others struggle significantlyThe mystery of symptom variation between womenPotential connections between childbirth experiences and menopauseResources MentionedThe Menopause Society: For finding certified menopause practitionersMIDI: Telehealth platform example (fee-for-service, accepts insurance)Viosah: Currently available non-hormonal medication for hot flashesDr. Goddard's Newsletter: "Hot Flash" at savvy patient.substack.comPractice: Park Avenue Endocrinology, Upper East Side ManhattanAnd if you want all 3 years worth of my podcasts head over to Rebellious Wellness Over 50. When I rebranded all of those episodes stayed behind at the old name. I've got so many great docs and others you won't want to miss.

Ready to rebel against the idea that environmental toxins are just something you have to live with? This episode will completely shift how you think about the air you breathe and its impact on your health and aging.Meet Eric Klos, CEO and founder of Daily Breath, the revolutionary app that's challenging how we approach environmental health. While conventional wisdom treats air quality as background noise, Eric's platform puts you in control of understanding and preventing environmental health impacts before they become chronic conditions.What You'll Discover✓ The sad story that inspired Eric to create Daily Breath - and how it could prevent premature deaths✓ Why waiting for symptoms is the old paradigm - and how to get ahead of environmental triggers✓ The hidden pollutants in your home that are impacting your health right now✓ How weather conditions multiply the impact of allergens and pollutants on your body✓ Revolutionary wearable technology that's making personal air quality monitoring possible✓ Why women may experience environmental health impacts differently than men✓ The connection between air quality and cardiovascular disease - the #1 killerKey Quotes from Eric"Why are we pinpointing the triggers after the fact? Why aren't we trying to pinpoint the triggers and associate them with your risk personally?""We're not at the mercy of the weather and the environment. We can do things that will prevent negative health outcomes from occurring and take action.""Without a data platform that tracks environmental exposures and your health, how can we possibly make these correlations?""The medical community has been neglecting environmental determinants of health for years. We have a system that's driven by what I call sick care codes."The Rebellious Truth About Environmental HealthHere's what the healthcare system doesn't emphasize: Your environment is continuously impacting your health, and you can take proactive action instead of just reacting to symptoms.While conventional medicine waits for you to develop asthma, allergies, or cardiovascular issues, Eric's approach arms you with:Personalized environmental forecasts that predict when conditions will trigger your symptomsCommunity mapping that shows where symptoms are clustering in real-timeActionable recommendations for everything from air purifiers to timing your outdoor activitiesLong-term tracking to understand your personal environmental health patternsWho This Episode Is Perfect For✓ People with allergies, asthma, or environmental sensitivities✓ Parents wanting to protect their children from developing chronic conditions✓ Anyone interested in preventive health and biohacking✓ Health-conscious rebels who want to take control of their environment✓ People living in areas with air quality challenges✓ Anyone ready to stop accepting "that's just how it is" when it comes to environmental healthTake Action TodayDownload the Daily Breath app (available free, premium version just $0.99/year) and start tracking how your environment impacts your daily wellness.Connect with Eric and Daily Breath:Website: dailybreath.comAvailable on iOS and Android app storesThe Bottom LineSometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to accept that environmental toxins are just part of modern life. You have access to some control over your environmental health with Daily Breath - it's time to start using it.Ready to stop reactive healthcare and take charge of the air you breathe? Your lungs, heart, and future self will thank you for not settling for "that's just how it is."Stay rebellious,Gregory AnneThis episode is part of the Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle movement - challenging conventional wisdom and empowering you to question limitations that don't actually have to exist.

Welcome back, rebels!Are you exhausted by the "no pain, no gain" mentality that's creating an adversarial relationship with your body? Ready to rebel against the toxic messages about aging, body size, and what it means to move with joy instead of judgment?Then this transformative conversation with Jennifer Joy Jimenez will liberate you from every limiting belief you've ever had about your body and show you how conscious dance can literally heal trauma while reversing the aging process.🎬 Special Note: This episode features a visual presentation with scientific slides AND we actually dance together! For the full multimedia experience, watch the video version on my YouTube channel: Rebellious Wellness LifestyleHere's what in store:• Jennifer's incredible transformation journey - From body-hating professional dancer graded on her body size to movement medicine pioneer helping thousands worldwide• The pregnancy paradigm shift - How learning to love the baby in her body taught Jennifer to finally listen to her body's wisdom instead of suppressing its signals• The birth trauma revelation - Why her 50-hour labor became the greatest gift, exposing the adversarial relationship she still had with her body• The conscious dance breakthrough - How her first conscious dance class made her feel like "a caged bird finally set free"• The science that will blow your mind - Research proving dance outperforms antidepressants, reduces Alzheimer's risk by 76%, and creates new neural pathways• Practical tools you can use today - Simple ways to create your own dance breaks and "body part dance" practices• BONUS: Live dance demonstration - Experience the transformation yourself with Jennifer's guided movement practiceKey Quotes:Jennifer Jimenez: "Your body is your first born... Who puts you to bed at night? Who feeds you? Who bathes you? Who dresses you? You do. You are your own caretaker."Jennifer Jimenez: "When you let your body dance, you strip away the lies and the dogma until all you're left with is the spirit of life itself. Movement is medicine, and if you put the psyche in motion, it will heal itself."Gregory Anne: "There's nothing like your favorite song to get you out of your head... You just can't think negative thoughts when you're letting the music lead."Jennifer Jimenez: "Most people don't realize this, but the heart has an electromagnetic energy field that is 5,000 times greater than the brain's. How do we activate our heart energy? Dance is one of our greatest tools for that."The Science That Changes Everything:While the fitness industry promotes punishment-based approaches, Jennifer's work reveals that joy-filled, intuitive movement is actually more powerful for both physical and mental health:• 21-year New England Journal of Medicine study: Dance reduced Alzheimer's and Parkinson's risk by 76% • UCLA research: Conscious dance produced mental health benefits in 98% of participants • Comparative studies: Dance alone outperformed antidepressants, weightlifting, and walking for mental wellness • UK study: Dance outperformed weight resistance training for people over 70 • Neuroplasticity research: Creative movement creates new brain pathways that keep you mentally young • Happy hormone cascade: Just minutes of music and dance release dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphinsThe Rebellious Truth About Movement:Sometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to treat our bodies like enemies that need to be controlled and punished. Jennifer's "transcendence" approach proves that when we listen to our body's wisdom and move with joy instead of judgment, healing happens naturally.Who This Episode is Perfect For:✓ Rebels tired of the "no pain, no gain" fitness mentality✓ Women over 50 dealing with body changes and self-judgment✓ Anyone with a complicated relationship with exercise or movement✓ People seeking natural alternatives to antidepressants✓ Those curious about the mind-body connection and energy healing✓ Anyone ready to reclaim joy in their body regardless of size or abilityPractical Takeaways:• Create a playlist of songs that make you smile automatically • Try 5-minute dance breaks throughout your day • Practice the "body part dance" - give each part of your body permission to move • Replace negative self-talk with loving, regenerative statements • Remember: there's no "right" way to move - if you've seen an 18-month-old hear music, you know we're all born to moveThe Bottom Line:Your body isn't broken and doesn't need to be fixed - it needs to be loved, listened to, and given permission to move in ways that feel good. The research is clear: conscious dance is more powerful than pharmaceuticals for mental health, more effective than traditional exercise for brain health, and more healing than any punishment-based approach.As Jennifer beautifully puts it: we are the CEOs of our own health, and our bodies are constantly talking to us - we just need to learn how to listen.About Jennifer Joy Jimenez:Movement medicine pioneer, founder of Transcendence conscious dance practice, and Director of Health & Wellbeing at Brave Thinking Institute. Former professional dancer who transformed her relationship with her body and now helps thousands worldwide discover the healing power of conscious movement.Connect with Jennifer:🌐 BTI.com/dance (free class with code: freeclass)🎵 Live classes: 2 Saturdays/month, 10am Pacific📥 Recording + curated playlist included with registrationReady to join the body liberation rebellion? Use Jennifer's free class code and discover what happens when you stop fighting your body and start dancing with it instead!🎬 Don't miss the visual experience! Watch the full episode with Jennifer's scientific slides and our live dance session on YouTube: Rebellious Wellness LifestyleYour future self will thank you for choosing joy over judgment and movement over punishment.

Welcome back, rebels!Are you stuck in the same exhausting relationship patterns, wondering why you keep attracting the same type of partner? Ready to rebel against the unconscious cycles that keep you trapped in toxic dynamics?Then this conversation with Dr. Nima Rahmany will transform how you understand relationships, triggers, and the deep connection between emotional wounds and physical health.What You'll Discover:• The shocking link between relationship trauma and chronic illness - How relational ruptures create physical health problems that doctors can't solve with pills• Dr. Nima's transformation story - From successful chiropractor to relationship expert after his own toxic relationship turned abusive• The narcissist-codependent dance explained - Why these two attachment styles are "like moth to a flame" for each other• The unconscious deal that creates trauma bonds - How childhood wounds drive us to recreate familiar but harmful dynamics• Why traditional couples therapy fails - The difference between first-order and second-order change in healing• The "Infinite Loop of Doom" - How anxious-avoidant cycles destroy your nervous system and health• Becoming trigger-proof vs. trigger-less - Learning to use triggers for deeper connection instead of destructionKey Quotes:Dr. Nima: "The thing is, we don't know what's there until we're in a relationship. And there's something about intimate relationships where there's the vulnerability... where now the attachment hooks are in and you're no longer governed by your kind of adult brain anymore. It's the child brain that takes over."Dr. Nima: "My sense of safety depends on your validation and approval of me. Your disconnect, your dysregulation becomes my dysregulation. There's no boundary energetically between what's happening inside of you and me. It's like a skinless peach."Gregory Anne: "Anybody who's listening who feels like they're looking for that next person and can't seem to find somebody different, I think there's some work to be done."Dr. Nima: "Becoming trigger proof doesn't mean trigger less. It means responsive. What do I do to self-soothe? Then how do I communicate from my adult self rather than from the child self?"The Rebellious Truth About Relationship Patterns:While conventional wisdom focuses on communication skills and compromise, the real work lies in understanding how childhood attachment wounds unconsciously drive us to recreate familiar dynamics. Dr. Nima's approach reveals that toxic relationships aren't random - they're unconscious attempts to heal unfinished business from our earliest relationships.Who This Episode is Perfect For:✓ Rebels tired of attracting the same type of toxic partner✓ Anyone stuck in anxious-avoidant relationship cycles✓ People dealing with chronic health issues tied to relationship stress✓ Those ready to break generational patterns of dysfunction✓ Anyone curious about the deep connection between emotional and physical health✓ People who've tried traditional therapy without lasting resultsThe Bottom Line:Sometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to stay unconscious in our relationship patterns. Dr. Nima's work proves that we don't have to keep repeating the same toxic cycles - but breaking free requires going deeper than surface-level changes.Your triggers aren't the enemy - they're messengers pointing you toward the wounds that need healing. The goal isn't to avoid being triggered, but to develop the skills to respond rather than react.Ready to become trigger-proof instead of trigger-avoidant? Start by understanding your attachment style and recognizing that the pattern you're in has nothing to do with your current relationship and everything to do with unhealed childhood wounds.About Dr. Nima Rahmany:Former chiropractor turned relationship expert specializing in shadow work and emotional regulation. Creator of the "trigger-proof" methodology and founder of the Cycle Breakers Collective. Known for his deep understanding of narcissist-codependent dynamics and trauma bond healing.Connect with Dr. Nima:🌐 DrNima.com📺 Dr. Nima TV (YouTube channel)🎯 Monthly "Overview Experience" workshops💫 Cycle Breakers Collective (invitation only)Your future self will thank you for choosing conscious relationship patterns over unconscious repetition.

Welcome back, rebels!Are you exhausted by conflicting wellness advice from influencers who seem more interested in selling than healing? Ready to rebel against an industry where "expertise" can literally be purchased for the right price?Then this conversation with Sandy Kruse will validate everything you've suspected about the wellness world - and empower you to trust yourself instead of the latest guru.What You'll Discover:The shocking reality of bought expertise - How some wellness "experts" pay $30,000+ to be featured in high profile media as authoritiesSandy's incredible personal journey - From three family health crises in three years to becoming a holistic nutritionist at 46Why following expert advice backfired - How Sandy became insulin resistant while doing intermittent fasting recommended by authoritiesThe authenticity crisis in wellness - Podcasters charging guests money, bought followers, and hidden financial motivationsHow to spot fake vs. authentic wellness voices - Practical questions to separate genuine guidance from paid promotionThe power of inner wisdom - Why trusting yourself trumps any external expert every timePractical health navigation - Building your own team of practitioners and using discernment in researchSandy Kruse: "Once again, it's like you need to have these, whether it is even some practitioners that are online that you know and trust are good. Having a physician that's your best health advocate that wants the best for you... it's like you have your team, right? That know you."Sandy Kruse: "I became insulin resistant while I was doing 16:8 listening to one of the experts... So I'm like, no, I'm living proof because my HbA1c went up to 6.1 while I was doing that. And so what I was doing was I was listening to an expert, not listening to my body."Gregory Anne: "And I think we downplay our own inner wisdom. We as a collective group of women at any age, and if we had never been good at trusting ourselves before, by the time we're 50, 60, now, we're really like... you just gotta clear out all that noise and really give it a chance, right? Give your own inner wisdom a chance to come out."Sandy Kruse: "The biggest blocker of that inner wisdom is... fear. So I've been there before where you're scared shitless because you just got a diagnosis... and fear can really blur that inner wisdom and what feels right... but then also never being quiet."The Rebellious Truth About the Wellness Industry:While the industry promotes expensive protocols and one-size-fits-all solutions, the real path to health lies in developing discernment, curating a team of trusted professionals, and trusting your own body's wisdom. Sandy's journey from health crisis to holistic nutrition expertise proves that authentic healing happens when you combine knowledge with intuition, not blind obedience to authorities.Who This Episode is Perfect For:✓ Rebels overwhelmed by conflicting wellness advice✓ Women who've tried every expert protocol without lasting success✓ Anyone suspicious about the wellness industry's true motives✓ People ready to trust their inner wisdom over external "experts"✓ Those dealing with thyroid issues or health practitioner challenges✓ Anyone wanting to separate authentic guidance from clever marketingThe Bottom Line:Sometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to outsource our health decisions to influencers who may have bought their credibility. Your body has been giving you signals all along - you just need to get quiet enough to listen.Don't settle for following the latest trend from someone who paid their way to "expert" status. Trust yourself, build your own practitioner team, and remember: authentic wellness comes from within, not from someone else's affiliate link.Ready to join the authentic wellness rebellion? Start by asking yourself: Does this advice resonate with MY body and experience, or am I just following someone else's paid promotion?About Sandy Kruse:Registered Holistic Nutritionist who returned to school at 46 after family health crises. Host of "Sandy K Nutrition Health and Lifestyle Queen" podcast for 5+ years. Known for her authentic, no-BS approach to wellness and fierce advocacy for personal empowerment over expert worship.Connect with Sandy:🌐 SandyKruse.ca🎙️ "Sandy K Nutrition Health and Lifestyle Queen" podcast📝 Substack (where she gets "fiery" about industry issues)

Are you tired of accepting that vision problems, learning struggles, or cognitive decline are just "part of life"?Ready to rebel against the idea that your brain can't learn new tricks at any age? Then this episode is going to blow your mind!Today's guest, Dr. Dana Dean, is here to challenge everything you think you know about vision - and rebels, this goes WAY beyond needing glasses. We're talking about a complete paradigm shift in how your brain processes information, learns new skills, and reaches its full potential.What You'll Discover🔥 The rebellious truth about vision: It's learned - which means it can be retrained and optimized throughout your entire life🧠 Why 75% of all sensory input is vision - and how nobody teaches us to handle this massive information stream properly💥 How 2 in 4 children have undiagnosed vision-related learning issues that often get mislabeled as ADHD or other conditions⚡ The real story behind stroke recovery: How patients can rewire neural pathways through vision training when traditional therapy plateaus🎯 Visual memory vs. rote memorization - the game-changing difference that transforms how you learn and remember🚀 Why primitive reflexes matter for adults - and how something as simple as crawling can unlock better cognitive function✨ The connection between C-sections and learning difficulties - plus how to address these challenges at any ageKey Quotes "Vision is so much more than eyesight. It's how our brain and our eyes and our body connect together." Dr. Dean"Sometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to accept limitations that don't actually have to exist." Greg"The magic happens in what we don't see - peripheral vision, focusing systems, visual memory. All of these tools are really the unseen, and that's where all the magic is." Dr. DeanThe Rebellious Truth About Vision IntelligenceHere's what the medical establishment doesn't always tell you: Vision is learned. While conventional wisdom says you're stuck with the vision you're born with (plus whatever glasses can fix), the research shows something completely different.Dr. Dean reveals how vision training can help:Stroke patients regain cognitive function faster than traditional therapiesChildren with learning struggles overcome challenges without medicationAdults experiencing vision changes retrain their depth perception and visual processingAnyone feeling cognitively overwhelmed learn to efficiently process the 75% of sensory input that comes through visionThis isn't just another wellness trend - it's a paradigm shift in understanding human potential.Dr. Dana's Incredible JourneyFrom struggling student to vision revolutionary, Dr. Dean's personal story proves that limitations don't have to be permanent. After being a straight-A student in South Africa, she hit a wall in later years of school, barely made it through college, and then failed her optometry boards three times.The turning point? Discovering vision training. After just six months of working on her own vision intelligence, she retook the boards and scored nearly perfect. That experience transformed not just her career, but her entire mission to help others break free from unnecessary limitations.Who This Episode Is Perfect For✓ Rebels ready to challenge cognitive decline as "normal aging"✓ Parents of kids struggling in school (with or without diagnoses)✓ Anyone dealing with stroke, concussion, or brain injury recovery✓ People experiencing balance issues, memory concerns, or vision changes✓ Adults who want to expand their cognitive abilities instead of watching them contract✓ Anyone labeled with "learning disabilities" who suspects there might be more to the storyReady to Explore Your Vision Intelligence?Dr. Dean offers both in-person and online vision training sessions, plus she's developing workshops on different aspects of vision intelligence including:Peripheral awareness training for better balance and spatial confidenceVisual memory expansion to reduce cognitive load and improve recallPrimitive reflex integration to build the foundation for efficient learningCellular-level vision training to support overall visual healthDon't settle for a world that keeps getting smaller. Your brain can learn new visual skills at any age, and your future self will thank you for not accepting limitations that don't actually have to exist.Connect with Dr. Dana DeanWebsite: visionintelligence.orgNewsletter: Join for ongoing vision intelligence tips and workshop announcementsExplore her comprehensive resource library, read success stories, and discover which aspects of vision intelligence might be the missing piece in your wellness journey.Sometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is question what we've been told is "just the way things are." Whether you're dealing with learning challenges, cognitive changes, or simply want to optimize your brain's potential - vision intelligence might be the paradigm shift you've been looking for.Keep questioning, keep exploring, and remember: limitations that don't actually have to exist are meant to be challenged.That's what rebellious wellness is all about.Stay rebellious,Gregory AnneReady for more paradigm-shifting conversations? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join our community of rebels who refuse to settle for conventional limitations.

Welcome Back, Rebels!Are you tired of knee pain dictating what you can and can't do? Ready to rebel against the idea that chronic pain is just something you have to live with? Then this episode is for you.I'm sitting down with two absolute game-changers in the world of knee pain relief: Tom Andriacchi (Emeritus Professor at Stanford and 50-year veteran of knee pain research) and Jenny Hledik (former marathoner turned biomedical engineer). Together, they've created something revolutionary called KNEEMO - and the testimonials are incredible.And Tom and Jenny have generously offered a 20% discount with code WELLNESS20 applied in the cart.What You'll Discover in This Episode:🧠 The Science That Changes EverythingHow the "gate control theory" allows vibration to literally block pain signals from reaching your brainWhy staying active is actually BETTER for your joints than "protecting" themThe surprising connection between knee pain, obesity, and the sedentary lifestyle trap⚡ KNEEMO: Smart Technology That Actually WorksMotion-sensing bands that know exactly when to apply vibration during your movementReal-time adaptation whether you're walking, jogging, playing pickleball, or climbing stairsHow this isn't just pain relief - it's functional improvement💪 The Results That MatterImmediate improvements in quadriceps muscle functionEnhanced proprioception (your body's sense of where it is in space)Better stair navigation and balance - no more fear of falling!Post-surgery success stories that will give you hopeKey Quotes:"We wanted to apply our expertise to working on things that help people, especially people that were suffering with pain."- Tom Andriacchi"You should stay moving to support your joint health. That helps to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility." - Jenny Hledik"We saw drastic improvements... for the naked eye, you see them struggling and then when they were wearing KNEEMO... they were better able to get their motion under control." - Jenny HledikWho This Episode Is Perfect For:✅ Anyone dealing with knee osteoarthritis✅ Post-knee replacement patients still experiencing pain✅ Athletes with ACL or meniscus tears✅ Active adults who want to stay that way✅ People afraid of losing their balance or mobility✅ Anyone looking for non-invasive pain solutions✅ Physical therapy patients struggling with pain complianceThe Rebellious Truth About Knee Pain:Here's what the medical establishment doesn't always tell you: movement is medicine. While conventional wisdom says "rest and protect," the research shows that strategic, supported activity is what your joints actually crave.Tom and Jenny aren't just selling a device - they're challenging the entire paradigm of how we think about pain management. Instead of masking symptoms, they're addressing the root functional issues that keep us trapped in cycles of pain and inactivity.What's Coming Next:Tom revealed they're working on applications for back pain, shoulders, elbows, and ankles using the same revolutionary technology. The future of pain management isn't in a pill bottle - it's in smart, responsive technology that works WITH your body's natural healing mechanisms.Take Action:Ready to rebel against knee pain?Learn more about KNEEMO: theKNEEMO.comRead the full team bios, dive into the research, and check out those incredible testimonials I mentioned. This isn't just another "solution" - it's a paradigm shift.Connect & Share:Did this episode change how you think about pain management? I want to hear about it! Tag me on social media and let me know your biggest takeaway.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregoryannecox_/Have a stroll around my websiteAnd if you know someone who's been struggling with knee pain and limiting their activities because of it, please share this episode. Sometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to accept limitations that don't actually have to exist.Until Next Week...Keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep living that rebellious wellness lifestyle. Your future self will thank you for not settling for "that's just how it is."Stay rebellious,Gregory AnneDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan.

This episode is full of the kind of advice I want to bring you more of. You, if you are, like me, swimming in an ocean of anti-aging, pre-aging, longevity suggestions. Supplements, protocols, diets, the hot new exercises--wondering how to make sense of it all. And, what's worth our investment?I discovered Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, orthopedic specialist turned longevity expert, while researching spermidine. If not for her thoughtful guidance on how to take this "it" anti-aging supplement, I'd be pill popping to my detriment.With 30 years of experience in sports and spine medicine, Dr. Yurth shares how she transitioned from simply "patching people together" to pioneering cellular medicine approaches that help people truly heal.And she did this all while raising 5 children!What You'll Learn:The truth about joint degeneration: it's not inevitable wear and tear but an inflammatory disease process that can be addressedHow our most critical cellular components (like NAD and spermadine) decline with age and the smart way to approach supplementationWhy plugging the "leaky bucket" matters more than just pouring in more supplementsThe science behind regenerative therapies including exosomes, stem cells, and peptidesThe surprising top three predictors of longevity (hint: they have nothing to do with supplements!)Key Moments:Dr. Yurth explains why blindly taking NAD supplements can actually create problems without addressing the root causeThe revolutionary approach to joint health that challenges the "joints just wear out" mentalityWhy your own stem cells might not be the best option as you ageThe three most powerful predictors of longevity that most people ignoreWhat predicts our health span might surprise you"If you look at the top three predictors of longevity... the number one predictor is your socialization... Number two is the amount of time you spend actually in nature... And then the last one is... purpose."Dr. Yurth's Human Optimization Academy empowers people to become their own health advocates by teaching them to understand their lab results and the science behind longevity interventions.Connect with Dr. Yurth:Website: boulerlongevity.comAcademy: bli.academyStay rebellious, and I'll be back next week with another fascinating guest who's challenging the status quo in aging well!And if you like this kind of information, check out my past episodes at RebelliousWellnessOver50.com/podcast

In this episode of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle, host Gregory Anne Cox speaks with Brea Johnson, founder of Heart and Bones Yoga. Brea shares her journey from traditional yoga instructor to creating a more inclusive, anatomy-informed approach to yoga that works for all body types.Brea's online, global community and class portal offers over 400 different classes, guided meditations, and live classes once a month.Key Points:Brea has been teaching yoga since 2003 and experienced what she calls a "yoga existential crisis" about 10 years into her teaching careerHeart and Bones Yoga combines biomechanics and anatomy knowledge with traditional yoga practicesThe approach focuses on building strength rather than just flexibilityProps are celebrated and encouraged for everyone, not just as modifications for those who "can't do" a poseClasses are organized by body focus (hips, thoracic spine, etc.) and energy level (relaxing, easygoing, energizing) rather than beginner/intermediate/advancedOnline format makes yoga more accessible with shorter class options (10-20 minutes)The anatomy-informed approach acts as a "great equalizer" that works for different body typesHeart and Bones offers an online yoga teacher training programTheir approach includes strength training options with weights for bone healthQuote from Brea:"Move with love. Move your body with love, move with love with your community and your people. What is moving with love for you? And maybe do more of that."I'm a big fan of yoga in its many variations and have interviewed yogis of many different persuasions. Yogi Aaron, for instance, insists we stretch too much and to our detriment. Kathy White has developed a type of asana that renews aging joints.The key is to find what works for you. Brea's no-pressure-to-be-bendy, work with the body you have and the way it feels when you arrive at the mat feels like a great place to start a practice or keep one going if the old way is no longer working.Resources:Website: heartandbonesyoga.comOnline yoga membership with 400+ classesTeacher training program availableUpcoming Tuscany yoga retreatFree 7-day TrialThis episode highlights the importance of inclusivity in wellness practices and finding movement that truly feels good for your unique body.

This episode is one I hope many women will listen to for hints that they might have one or two of the genes responsible for this blood disorder. Why? Hemochromatosis can silently rob you of your health. You can also spend years trying to manage or rid yourself of symptoms that sound like so many others. I know firsthand, but was lucky to have a doctor 20 years ago who decided to test my iron levels when nothing worked to relieve my fatigue and joint pain.The levels were high so he ordered the genetic test to confirm and bingo, heterozygous or two genes worth of the "Celtic Curse" as it's sometimes called because I was so happy to come across naturopathic doctor Eric Lewis about hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food.Dr. Lewis explains that hemochromatosis is a "genetic metabolic disorder of excessive iron absorption from our meals" that affects approximately 1 in 9 people of Northwestern European ancestry (with one gene variation) and about 1 in 200-250 people (with two gene variations).The conversation covers:Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, and insomniaWhy women often discover the condition after menopauseThe potential health consequences of untreated iron overload include arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, and heart problemsA possible link to an always-on parasympathetic nervous systemHow therapeutic phlebotomy (blood donation) helps manage the conditionDietary strategies to reduce iron absorption, including which foods inhibit or enhance iron uptakeSurprising facts about spinach, red wine, and other foods that affect iron levelsResources available at hemochromatosishelp.com include newsletters, books and a cookbook by Dr. Lewis and his wife"When you look out over the years, the decades, over a lifetime, it can start to accumulate and can lead to iron overload, where the storage of iron in your body exceeds what is normal. And this can lead to problems." - Dr. Eric LewisDr. Lewis emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis through proper blood testing and explains how this common genetic condition is often underdiagnosed or misattributed to other causes. People with hemochromatosis can effectively manage their iron levels and prevent serious complications with proper management through phlebotomy, diet modifications, and lifestyle changes.Their website is hemachromatosishelp.com.Check out their library of information on all things iron overload.Meanwhile, if you fit the profile and have some of the symptoms mentioned, tell your doctor you want a full iron panel that includes ferritin, TIBC, and Transferrin. Dr. Lewis offers lab services.If your serum transferrin saturation and serum ferritin levels are high, a doctor will likely order gene testing.I was able to manage my levels for a long time with just phlebotomy every two months, but got off track, so I am now going once per month to get back to baseline. My symptoms start to show up when I'm not diligent; for me, it's high blood pressure, joint pain, and erratic sleep. I will now be better at staying on schedule, as enduring that big needle more than needed is something I will not miss.

In this episode we're delving into a game-changing workout approach that might sound intimidating but is actually revolutionary for women over midlife.I was so taken by the idea that I signed up for the foundational program right after I got done with the interview. It's been a month now and I love this program! My arms are taking shape and my core is getting stronger. I asked Ashley if I could have a special deal for my rebellious listeners and she said "Sure because my goal is to get this to as many women as possible."Read about the program here. If you are interested in giving it a try use code REBEL50 at checkout and you'll save $50! If you have questions about the program or which level to pick, book a 20 minute call with me here.My guest Ashley Selman brings 30 years of expert training experience (recognized as a top 100 trainer by Men's Health and top 10 in the Bay Area) to share how Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training can transform your fitness journey with minimal joint stress and maximum results.What We Cover:Why muscle loss is such a critical issue for women over 40 and why traditional advice fails usAshley's personal journey from hip replacement at 43 to finding BFR as her solution after years of strugglingHow BFR training increases human growth hormone naturally (which plummets during menopause alongside estrogen)The shocking truth about GLP-1 medications and muscle loss (hint: about 40% of weight loss is muscle!)Why lifting light weights with BFR bands creates muscle growth that would be impossible otherwiseThe unexpected benefits including better sleep, improved metabolism, enhanced brain function, and greater vascular flexibilityHow BFR can help protect your muscle while losing weightBFR isn't just another fitness fad – it's backed by decades of science and widely used in physical therapy and with elite athletes. The difference is that now it's accessible for everyday women who want strength without killing themselves in the gym.Ashley's program makes this unique training method approachable with virtual coaching that includes personalized guidance, specialized bands designed by a cardiologist (much safer than cheap versions), and workouts that take just 20 - 25 minutes while using 3-5 pound weights. As you get stronger you''ll want to use heavier weights but never more than 10 pounds.The best part? No soreness, no intimidation, and quick results – making it perfect for women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond who want to reclaim their strength without the stress.Visit SELIstrength.com to learn more about Ashley's program and see how women of all ages are transforming their bodies and health with this revolutionary approach.And again, if you want to join the program at anytime use code REBEL50 at checkout to save $50. Start on this page to learn more.

Before I dive in, if you enjoy this kind of podcast, head over to RebelliousWellnessOver50.com for 2 years worth of goodness. I rebranded but didn't change my rebellious intention to help us all live fully so we can age better.In this episode of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle, host Greg speaks with Shannon Jamail, owner of a retreat center in Austin, Texas, that offers unique transformative experiences with the help of her four-legged assistants—horses.Episode Highlights:Shannon's background includes corporate sales and mental health therapy before transitioning to hosting retreatsHer retreat center in Austin features seven horses (plus one mini) that free-range on 46 acresShannon's signature retreat "Wine and Unwind" offers women a chance to disconnect from daily stressors in an elevated camp-like experienceShe also teaches entrepreneurs how to successfully launch and run their own retreatsThe Healing Power of HorsesShannon discovered the transformative power of horses after bringing them to the ranch for her family. This led to incorporating them into her retreat offerings:"When you have a 1200 pound partner, you are so tuned in to what is happening and what you are feeling, because what you're feeling, your partner's feeling... You experience this peace that just cannot be described. It's just really, truly magical."Guests can interact with horses at different comfort levels—from casual interactions as they roam freely to trail rides, equine yoga sessions, and deeper equine coaching experiences.Keys to Successful RetreatsFor entrepreneurs interested in hosting retreats, Shannon shares essential advice:Be prepared to dedicate time and resources—retreats aren't a "set it and forget it" businessGet specific about your target audience: "If you're marketing to everyone, you're marketing to no one"Create a clear "retreat promise" that addresses specific pain points and delivers solutionsDo market research and attend other retreats before hosting your ownDevelop a comprehensive budget that includes your desired profit marginHave proper legal documentation (waivers) in place before collecting any money"The budgeting is so important... It's not a hobby. It's a business and it can be a very lucrative business for everyone, your guest and you."Shannon emphasizes that virtually any passion or expertise can become the foundation for a successful retreat—from crocheting to plant medicine to art workshops.Final AdviceFor potential retreat-goers who might be nervous about attending, Shannon encourages an open mind and heart:"Please come with an open heart and be open-minded and know, at least at my retreats, I know for sure, but most people who are in this space—all we wanna do is love on you and give you a place to just let it all out."For entrepreneurs considering hosting retreats, she acknowledges the risks but emphasizes the rewards are worth it—creating deep connections and lifelong customers through these transformative experiences.To learn more, visit mindbodycomplete.com for retreat information or theretreatleaderplaybook.com for resources on hosting your own retreats.

In this episode of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle, I welcomed Dr. Mary Sanders, a medical intuitive and chiropractor with over 30 years of experience.We explored how our bodies communicate with us through chakras, energy medicine, and intuitive healing. Dr. Mary shares her journey from traditional chiropractic practice to becoming a medical intuitive and offers practical wisdom on how listeners can tap into their body’s innate intelligence.I’m always intrigued by the idea–science really–that says our body holds on to traumas, big and small resulting in pain, anxiety, a constant feeling that something isn’t right. Mary expands on this concept and emphasized that we can release these traumas and heal.

This week’s guest, pharmacist Dr. Kathy Campbell, challenges conventional wisdom about health, obesity, and medication. Dr. Campbell shares her journey from childhood obesity to becoming a “wellness pharmacist” dedicated to helping patients avoid medications through proper nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. She reveals why being “nutrient empty” is the real culprit behind many modern health issues and offers practical insights into creating true wellness.Dr. Kathy Campbell is a pharmacist with over 33 years of experience who owns her independent pharmacy in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She’s the author of “Obesity: The Modern Famine” and advocates for a prevention-focused approach to healthcare. She speaks nationally and internationally on pharmacist-led lifestyle medicine and is working to create a network of wellness pharmacies across the country.Website: drkathydoes.comBook: “Obesity: The Modern Famine”Products: Dr. Kathy Nourish salts and spicesShe shared her recipe for Spicy Chicken Soup–one of the favorites of her cooking class attendees. Download a copy here.Get a copy of her book Obesity – The Modern Famine: Discover the Underlying Drivers of Weight and Navigate Your Way to Health, available on Amazon

In this episode of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle, I speak with Brehan Crawford, a Chinese medicine practitioner who combines ancient healing wisdom with modern scientific understanding to help people with chronic conditions.Brehan Crawford is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a four-year master’s degree and additional six years of direct mentorship focusing on complex and chronic cases. He specializes in helping people with conditions that haven’t responded well to conventional treatments, particularly digestive disorders and autonomic nervous system issues.

My guest this week is Alicia Botyrius from Lifeline Screening.This short episode was sparked after a few conversations with people close to me who had relatives who suffered strokes or heart attacks from unidentified vascular anomalies. With companies like Life Line affordable testing is in our hands regardless of what a doctor might think is necessary.Peace of mind is priceless and the information one gets from these tests can give you that and or, save a life if there is a problem.

My guests today were Bridgett and Colleen from Hot Flashes, Cool Topics.I just love that name. We covered a wide range of cool topics from menopause to the good news about turning 60.

ngels, Awareness, and Creating a Joyful Reality: A Conversation with Seph DeitlinTake a walk on the woo side of Rebellious Wellness Over 50, as Gregory Anne speaks with Seph Dietlin, an angel communicator and spiritual guide with over 20 years of experience.Seph laughs about how it all began–he was having a really bad day and was bargaining with god–and how shy he was telling people he had been talking to angels. And this was in Southern California! Once he did he realized lots of people have experienced this.

In this episode, I interviewed David Zemach-Bersin, a 50-year veteran practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method. David explains how this unique approach to movement and pain management works with the brain’s neuroplasticity to create lasting change without pain or strain.

Unlock the secret to conquering anxiety with Daniel Packard’s unique approach. Daniel has spent many years and thousands of dollars perfecting a system that promises permanent relief from stress and anxiety. With a staggering 90% success rate, Daniel challenges conventional mental health practices and offers hope for those struggling with fear-related issues.

I’ve been banging on about the importance of bio-identical hormone replacement for years–literally 15 years–which is why I was so happy to host Kristen Johnson and Maria Clap of Wise and Well.I followed them for at least a year and dug deep into their social posts for the science behind what they were sharing. It’s all there and easy to understand. We share a point of view that peri-menopause and menopause are not the end of the world. There are times of serious changes going on, and we have to learn to adjust and get the help we need if needed.Knowledge is the first step, and this episode will enlighten you in many ways.

My guest this week is retired neonatologist and author, Kaye Drew White. She shares her journey through the male-dominated medical field during a time when sexism and racism were rampant issues. Her memoir, Stress Test, is set to release on June 7th, provides an insightful look into the challenges she faced as a woman in medicine and offers advice for young women pursuing similar careers.

This episode is for you if you are suffering (in silence or if you feel everyday is a battle for your self worth), in a relationship gone bad or has been bad for years.Shannon Petrovich, LSCW, LISAC, BCD is an expert in the complex world of toxic relationships.This is an especially important interview in light of the many studies highlighting how common it is for women to be the victims of verbal abuse, diminishment, and feelings of shame due to a toxic relationship. This can be from a partner, family member, or even an adult child.According to the American Psychological Association, “One nationally representative study showed that 27% of Americans are actively estranged from at least one family member.”