Rooted in Wellness with Mona Sharma

When we talk about health, healing, and performance, we usually focus on the things we have been taught to look at first. We talk about hormones, gut health, sleep, stress, inflammation, nutrition, movement, and nervous system regulation. But most of us never think to ask whether there is another system quietly shaping how we focus, learn, move, process stress, and feel in our bodies. That system is vision. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum to explore why vision is one of the most overlooked foundations of whole-body health. We talk about why 20/20 eyesight does not mean your vision is fully healthy, how the eye-brain connection affects focus, stress, learning, screen fatigue, concussion recovery, aging, and performance, and why standard eye exams can miss functional vision problems that may be affecting your daily life. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum is a pioneer in neuro-optometry, an international TEDx speaker, and the creator of Vision Performance Training, a transformative approach that rewires the eye-brain connection, supports post-concussion vision issues, and builds long-term visual resilience. As the founder and CEO of MyVisionFirst and ScreenFit™, he has become one of the most trusted voices in functional vision, helping people understand why 20/20 eyesight is not the whole story.  If you want to start supporting their visual system beyond today’s conversation, Dr. Appelbaum is offering exclusive discounts on ScreenFit™ and Digital Performance Lenses:  $200 off ScreenFit™ https://checkout.screenfit.com/screenfit-vision-foundations/ using code MONA at screenfit.com/enroll  10% off Digital Performance Lenses https://shop.myvisionfirst.com/ using code MONA at shop.myvisionfirst.com    What's Discussed: (05:43) Why 20/20 eyesight is not the full picture. (07:20) What standard eye exams often miss. (18:05) The difference between eyesight and vision. (25:20) How vision connects to stress and regulation. (28:06) What screens do to the eyes and brain. (30:21) How vision issues can affect children’s learning and focus. (35:56) Everyday signs of functional vision problems. (49:35) How Vision Performance Training rewires the eye-brain connection. Thank you to our Sponsors:  MitoQ: Go to mitoq.com/mona and use code MONA for 10% off  AX3 Life: Use code MONA for 20% off first order at https://ax3.life/ Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at monasharma.com/12tips  Visit Mona's website: monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at @monasharma Learn more about Dr. Bryce Applebaum and MyVisionFirst:  Instagram: @drbryceappelbaum  Website: https://myvisionfirst.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk5moFndYRU

What if your mood swings, your anxiety, your exhaustion, and even your physical symptoms aren't problems to be fixed but messages waiting to be heard? You have probably tried to silence them anyway, pushed through the fatigue, tightened up your routine, added another practice to your morning. But what you have never realized is that your body is not breaking down but breaking open, asking you to finally stop running from the stories, the grief, and the generational weight you have been carrying for years. Your hormones and your emotions are not two separate conversations, and until you bridge that gap, no protocol, no supplement, and no wellness routine will ever be enough. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sat down with naturopathic physician Dr. Sonya Jensen to explore how to close that gap. We also talk about why the trauma your mother and grandmother never processed may be showing up in your hormones today, and why perimenopause is not something to survive but one of the most powerful invitations of a woman's life. Dr. Sonya Jensen is a naturopathic physician with over 15 years of experience specializing in women's hormonal health, the creator of the HER Method, and the author of Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself. With a background in cell biology and over a decade of clinical work at the intersection of hormones, emotions, and relationships, she is one of the most grounded voices in women's health today. What's Discussed: (2:30) The three daily non-negotiables that keep Dr. Sonya feeling rooted. (5:02) What actually causes women to feel uprooted and why hormonal changes amplify it. (8:29) What your hormones are really trying to tell you when you feel exhausted and disconnected. (10:02) The grief that lives inside every stage of a woman's life that nobody talks about. (17:45) Why your labs can look completely normal and you still feel terrible. (24:22) How unprocessed stress and trauma biologically alter your hormonal landscape. (26:43) Why you may be carrying your mother's and grandmother's hormonal patterns in your body. (48:52) What anger, anxiety, and sadness are actually trying to tell you. (50:53) The emotional root behind fibroids and why your body may be holding on. (1:08:32) Three simple things you can start doing today to come back into alignment. (1:09:33) The HER Method explained: Hormones, Emotions, Relationships. Listen to this episode of Rooted in Wellness and walk away finally understanding why everything you have tried has not worked, what your body has actually been asking for all along, and how to start healing from the root instead of chasing the symptoms.  Thank you to our Sponsors:  Cozy Earth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code ROOTED for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here on Rooted in Wellness.  Timeline: Timeline’s clinically proven formula is now available at a new, lower price. Mitopure now starts at $79, when you go to timeline.com/MONA Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at @monasharma Learn more about Dr. Sonya Jensen:  Book: www.healyourhormonesbook.com  Instagram: @drsonyajensen    Website: www.drsonyajensen.com

Have you ever done everything right, the clean eating, the morning rituals, the consistent workouts, and still felt like your body was working against you in ways you could not explain? Probably, you cleaned up your diet even more, added another wellness protocol, pushed harder in the gym, only to end up more exhausted, more inflamed, more frustrated, and no closer to feeling like yourself again. The problem was never your effort or your discipline. It was biology. And specifically, it was one hormone that most women were never told does far more in the female body than reproduction. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with neuroscientist and mitochondrial health expert Dr. Siobhan Mitchell to finally give that biology a name, an explanation, and a path forward. After this conversation you will understand why the belly fat, the brain fog, the cravings, the burnout, and the sleepless nights are all connected, why no amount of discipline was ever going to fix them, and exactly what your body actually needs to start feeling like itself again. Dr. Siobhan Mitchell is the Chief Scientific Officer of MitoQ, holds a PhD from SUNY Albany, and completed her post-doctoral fellowship on brain aging at the University of Washington. She has authored over 80 published papers, holds eight patents in aging, cognition, and mood, and has led research on brain nutrition, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and weight loss across multinational companies and institutions worldwide. With 25 years at the intersection of neuroscience, nutrition, and women's health, there is nobody better placed to have this conversation. Go to mitoq.com/mona and use code MONA for 10% off! What's Discussed: (6:33) Why the symptoms women dismiss as stress in their 40s are actually their hormones talking. (7:45) Why estrogen decline causes a 65% increase in binge eating and how it disrupts blood glucose. (9:27) Why perimenopause is starting earlier than most women are told (12:10) What is actually happening physiologically when a woman's body stops responding to the protocols that used to work. (20:17) The real reason belly fat accumulates in midlife and why it has nothing to do with what you are eating. (28:40) Phytoestrogens, what they are, and how they work on estrogen beta receptors in the brain, heart, and bones. (31:57) What equol is, why only 20 to 30% of western women can produce it, and why it is a game changer for women's health. (37:57) How the gut microbiome regulates estrogen through the estrobolome and why gut health and hormone health cannot be separated. (42:49) How to eat for your estrobolome and the specific foods that support estrogen recycling and brain health. (53:53) The science behind MitoQ, and what makes mitochondrial targeted antioxidants different. (1:05:01) The two biggest drivers of mitochondrial oxidative stress in women and what to do about them. Thank you to our sponsor:  Cozy Earth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code ROOTED for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here on Rooted in Wellness.  Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at @monasharma Learn more about Dr. Siobhan Mitchell:  Instagram: @esiobhanmitchell Website: https://global.mitoq.com/

We have been sold the idea that healing comes from the right supplement, the right protocol, the right biohack, and so we keep consuming more, optimizing more, spending more, and still wondering why we feel so depleted, anxious, and disconnected from ourselves. What nobody is telling us is that the most powerful wellness protocol on the planet does not come in a bottle and it never did. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with Caroline Howell for one of the most grounding conversations I have had on this show. And honestly, if you have ever felt like you are throwing money at your health and still not feeling the way you hoped, this episode is going to be the permission slip you did not know you needed, to finally stop chasing the fix and start returning to what actually works. Caroline Howell is the founder of Canopy Panama, a regenerative sanctuary located in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, who has spent years restoring endangered tropical dry forests, regenerating seasonal river systems, and protecting critically endangered wildlife in Central America. She has built her entire life around understanding what happens when humans return to living in true alignment with the natural world, and there is truly nobody better positioned to have this conversation. What's Discussed: (6:06) Why modern living has pulled us so far from our natural environment and how that drift is showing up as symptoms in the body. (21:01) The concept of nature deficiency and why biodiversity loss in our environment is directly causing biodiversity loss inside the human body. (23:27) How the health of our soil connects directly to the health of our gut microbiome and why this matters more than most people realize. (38:29) The truth about glyphosate, our water, and what is actually happening to the food system that is quietly undermining our health. (50:40) Why water quality and how water moves through a landscape could be one of the greatest untapped sources of healing and resilience. (1:02:14) What regenerative living actually means beyond the buzzword and how to know if what you are supporting is real. (1:16:14) Three meaningful things you can do today to reconnect with nature and support the health of the planet even if you cannot get to Panama. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at @monasharma. Learn more about Caroline Howell:  Visit www.canopyvenao.com to learn about Caroline's regenerative sanctuary and how to experience immersive nature-based healing firsthand. Visit www.proecoazuero.org to learn about the conservation work behind restoring one of the world's most endangered ecosystems and how you can support it. Visit www.cocobolovenao.com to learn about Coco Bolo, Caroline's sister development and another opportunity to experience regenerative living in Panama. Thank you to our sponsors:  Timeline: Timeline’s clinically proven formula is now available at a new, lower price. Mitopure now starts at $79, when you go to timeline.com/MONA  Cozy Earth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code ROOTED for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here on Rooted in Wellness. BIOptimizers: Visit bioptimizers.com/mona and use MONA at checkout to get the best deal on Masszymes and all BIOptimizers products.

Eating well, exercising regularly, and taking a cabinet full of supplements, yet still feeling exhausted, foggy, anxious, and like something fundamental is missing — that experience has a name. The World Health Organization calls it the hidden hunger, and the reason it is so widespread is that the mineral content of our food supply has been quietly declining for decades, leaving even the healthiest eaters chronically depleted at a cellular level. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with Caroline Alan to uncover the one foundation that every health protocol is missing and why without it nothing else can work the way it was designed to. If you have ever felt like you are doing everything right and still not getting there, this conversation is where that finally starts to make sense. Caroline Alan is the co-founder and CEO of BEAM Minerals, one of the only companies in the world specializing in plant-based fulvic and humic mineral supplementation, and the author of The Mineral Reset. After spending over two decades in the technology industry and experiencing a complete health collapse that conventional medicine could not explain or resolve, she discovered the foundational role of minerals in cellular function and rebuilt her health entirely through mineral replenishment. That combination of lived experience, deep research, and years of helping thousands of people resolve chronic symptoms makes her one of the most credible and trustworthy voices on this topic. What’s discussed:  (11:11) The biggest mineral myth keeping people depleted: believing food alone is enough. (12:04) Why electrolyte drinks may be making mineral imbalance worse. (14:55) Caroline’s own story of hidden mineral deficiency and the symptoms it created. (17:48) How modern food and water leave even “healthy” people depleted. (25:16) Why stress may be starting at the cellular level, not just from your schedule. (31:04) Why absorption is not the same as assimilation. (49:25) Why more supplements are not always better. (1:01:47) Why minerals may be the true foundation of healing. Listen to this episode of Rooted in Wellness and learn why doing all the “right” things still may not be enough if the foundation is missing.  Thank you to our Sponsor:  Ax3 Life: Use code MONA for 20% off first order at www.ax3.life    Cozy Earth: This Mother's Day, give the gift that shows up every single night. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code ROOTEDBOGO for an exclusive Buy One, Give One offer running from April 12th to April 18th on sheet sets and if you get a post-purchase survey, mention you heard about Cozy Earth here on Rooted in Wellness. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Caroline Alan:  Website:  https://www.carolinealan.com The Mineral Reset Book: https://www.mineralresetbook.com Instagram: @carolinealan.official/ Learn more about BEAM Minerals:  Website: https://www.beamminerals.com Instagram: @beamminerals Tiktok:  @beamminerals YouTube: @beamminerals

When it comes to health and longevity, we obsess over what we eat, how we move, how we sleep, and how we manage stress, never realizing that one of the most powerful indicators of how well our body is functioning has been hiding in plain sight all along - our mouth. Most people brush twice a day, see their dentist once or twice a year, and assume their mouth is fine, not realizing that the mouth may be one of the clearest entry points into understanding inflammation, airway health, the gut, and long-term disease risk. We dive deeper into this in Rooted in Wellness with Dr. Jonathan Levine. We also chat about the connection between gum inflammation and chronic disease, what mouth breathing may be doing to children and adults, and how oral health habits, diagnostics, and daily tools may be shaping far more than just your teeth.  Dr. Jonathan Levine is a prosthodontist with over 35 years of experience, holds nearly 30 patents on medical device delivery systems, and runs a clinical program at NYU. He is the founder of Smile House in New York City, a dental wellness center integrating advanced diagnostics and modern science, and the founder of the Glow Good Foundation, which brings dental education and care to underserved communities around the world. With decades of clinical practice, academic leadership, and innovation at the intersection of dentistry and medicine, he is one of the most qualified voices in the world to be having this conversation, and everything he shares in this episode is worth paying close attention to. What's Discussed: (05:32) Why the mouth “seeds the gut” and why the oral microbiome matters so much. (09:38) How gum inflammation may be linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and systemic inflammation. (09:38) “Leaky gums” and why the mouth may be working the way people talk about leaky gut. (23:10) Saliva testing, oral biomarkers, and how dentistry may help catch chronic disease risk earlier. (27:30) Why periodontal disease is often silent and how to spot the early signs. (34:24) Why oral health may deserve a permanent place on your preventative care team. (35:35) Oil pulling, oral bacteria, and what it really takes to support the oral microbiome. (47:15) The truth about fluoride, dosage, and what most people misunderstand. (52:54) Mouth breathing, facial development, and why this matters so much for children. (1:00:48) Charcoal toothpaste, hydroxyapatite, whitening products, and enamel damage. (1:10:55) Coffee, apple cider vinegar, acidity, and how pH affects the mouth. (1:12:41) Pregnancy, perimenopause, dry mouth, and how hormone shifts show up in oral health. (1:18:57) Dr. Levine’s ideal oral microbiome routine and how to build a stronger oral health game. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and discover the one part of your health routine that could change everything else. Thank you to our Sponsor:  Timeline: Timeline’s clinically proven formula is now available at a new, lower price. Mitopure now starts at $79, when you go to timeline.com/MONA Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Jonathan Levine:  Website / Smile House: Smile House Instagram: @drjonlevine Smile House Instagram: @smilehousetribeca LinkedIn: Jonathan Levine GLO Good Foundation: GLO Good

Despite spending more on groceries and supplements than any generation before us, chronic fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight, and inflammation are more common than ever. The uncomfortable truth is that the vegetables most people are eating today contain a fraction of the nutrients they did in the 1950s due to soil depletion, which means eating clean is no longer enough on its own. But there is a food that has been used as medicine for thousands of years, backed by over 2000 peer reviewed studies, grows on your kitchen counter in five days for under a dollar a serving, and contains up to 100 times more nutrients than the fully grown vegetables most people are eating. That food is sprouts. And most people have never considered them as anything more than a garnish. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness with Mona Sharma, I sit down with Doug Evans to unpack the science and the simplicity behind one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet and why it might be the missing piece most people have never thought to look at. Doug Evans is the founder of The Sprouting Company, author of The Sprout Book with over 75,000 copies sold, and a three decade collaborator with leading researchers including Dr. Jed Fahey of Johns Hopkins, giving him a rare depth of credibility on a topic most of the wellness world has barely scratched the surface of. What's Discussed: (00:32) Doug's daily success practice and why an identified mistake is a success (07:36) The biggest myth about sprouts and the Johns Hopkins food safety research that debunks it (09:05) How nutrient dense sprouts actually are compared to fully grown vegetables (11:00) The surprising connection between sprouts and natural GLP-1 production (12:49) Why 93 percent of Americans are nutrient deficient despite spending $702 billion a year on groceries (15:56) How Doug discovered sprouting living in a food desert and what happened to his health (41:46) The NRF2 pathway, sulforaphane, and why Japan has built a billion dollar industry around it (50:44) How to get started, what it costs, and where to find the free recipe book and app (55:34) How to prevent mold and the most common sprouting mistakes Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Doug Evans:  Instagram : @dougevans  Website: https://www.thesproutingcompany.com/

You wake up determined to do everything right, eat clean, stay on track, and by mid-afternoon you are still foggy, bloated, and oddly hungry, like your body never got the memo. The frustrating part is you assume it must be you, so you tighten the rules, cut more foods, buy another supplement, and end up right back in the same loop.  In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with registered dietitian Ashley Koff to break down what is actually driving that loop and what to focus on first so you stop guessing and start getting traction. We also talk about why digestion gets overlooked, how stress can distort hunger and fullness signals, and what weight-health hormones like GLP-1, GIP, CCK, and PYY have to do with cravings and satiety. Ashley Koff, RD, is the founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP) and a USA Today bestselling author of Your Best Shot (HarperOne). She has 25+ years of clinical experience and has educated health professionals, with her work featured across major media. Her expertise includes the weight health hormones GLP-1, GIP, CCK, and PYY, so the strategies in this episode are grounded in real clinical practice and evidence, not trends. What’s discussed:  (00:00) Rooted check-in: What makes you feel rooted vs uprooted (and why “wellness checklists” can backfire) (~06:30) Rapid fire: Weight gain myths, weight loss myths, nutrition mistakes, GLP-1 misconceptions, diet trends that keep recycling (~14:00) Why women feel like their body “stopped responding” overnight: Hunger cues shifting, food noise, and why the old rules stop working (~23:30) Digestion as the missing foundation: Bloating, constipation, reflux becoming “normal,” and why protocols fail when gut function is off (~33:30) Stress physiology and nervous system regulation: Why lab results still don’t move the needle if your system is dysregulated (~43:00) Breaking down weight-health hormones: GLP-1, GIP, CCK, PYY and how hunger/satiety signals actually work (~55:30) How to structure meals for satiety: Building a plate that supports cravings, stability, and consistency (~1:06:00) Gut and oral microbiome: What your mouth can reveal about your gut, and simple supportive practices that actually matter (~1:18:00) GLP-1 reality check: muscle loss/bone loss concerns, metabolic priorities, and what to monitor (including DEXA) (~1:28:30) First step if you feel overwhelmed by cravings, weight fluctuations, or confusing hunger cues: where to start so you stop guessing Thank you to our sponsors: BIOptimizers: Visit bioptimizers.com/mona and use MONA at checkout to get the best deal on Masszymes and all BIOptimizers products. Timeline: Get 35% off your first month at Timeline.com/MONA35. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Ashley Koff:  Instagram: @ashleykoffapproved  Website: thebetternutritionprogram.com

Most people blame “getting older” when they wake up foggy, achy, and running on fumes—but the real issue is usually inflammaging: low-grade inflammation + oxidative stress quietly stacking up while you’re busy doing “all the right things.” And the wild part is the longevity world keeps selling “more hacks,” when what you actually need is to fix what’s driving the burnout inside your system first. We dive deeper into this in the Rooted in Wellness with Mona Sharma with Dave Watumull. We also chat about what’s real vs. expensive hype in longevity, why government-funded research matters, and what to look for in an astaxanthin supplement so you’re not wasting money on something your body barely absorbs. Dave Watumull is the co-founder and CEO of AX3 Life. He has 25+ years of experience in astaxanthin research, development, and commercialization. He has contributed to human clinical research and has been involved in lifespan/healthspan research discussions referenced in the episode. What’s Discussed:  00:00 — Sugar amounts, pronunciation, background, and the “rooted” theme 03:10 — Feeling rooted vs. uprooted: why mornings spiral when you start with your phone 07:40 — Rapid fire: the biggest longevity myth, what actually moves the needle, and what most people don’t track 12:30 — Oxidative stress + inflammation, explained in plain English (and why it feels like “aging overnight”) 23:20 — Why astaxanthin stands out: how it works differently than common antioxidants 34:10 — Longevity noise check: what’s real science vs. expensive hype (rapamycin, NAD, etc. 44:30 — Supplement quality + bioavailability: why absorption matters and what makes AX3 different 55:20 — Dosing, food sources (salmon), digestion, safety, and who should be cautious Thank you to our sponsors: LeelaQ: Take 10% off at leelaq.com with code MONA. IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/ Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dave Watumull: Website: https://ax3.life  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davewatumull/

Today’s conversation is a return to what women’s wellness was always meant to feel like: intuitive, rooted, and responsive to the rhythms of the female body. When midlife shifts begin, sleep changes, mood fluctuates, and energy feels unpredictable, it can feel destabilizing. But what if these changes are not a breakdown, but an awakening? I’m joined by Dr. Mindy Peltz to explore menopause as transformation rather than decline. We discuss nervous system regulation, the hormone hierarchy of oxytocin, cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones, and why metabolic health, particularly hemoglobin A1C, forms the foundation for hormonal resilience. We also explore fasting as both a metabolic reset and a spiritual practice that restores intuition and self-trust. Dr. Mindy Peltz is a bestselling author of Fast Like a Girl and Age Like a Girl, and a leading voice in women’s fasting, metabolic health, and the midlife hormonal transition. She is a Doctor of Chiropractic, speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Resetter Academy. What's Discussed: (00:00) Full circle moment and why menopause is an awakening, not a decline (06:30) Nature as nervous system medicine and healing through immersion (14:00) Uprooted in modern life: stress, culture, and losing the feminine voice (22:00) The grandmother hypothesis and the shift from competition to collaboration (30:00) Polyvagal theory, freeze mode, and why women feel better alone (40:00) Grief as a daily practice and processing midlife identity shifts (48:00) Biohacking vs bioharmonizing and reclaiming intuitive health (56:00) Wearables, data, and using biomarkers without outsourcing authority (1:04:00) The hormone hierarchy: oxytocin, cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones (1:12:00) Fasting for women: metabolic reset, ketones, and spiritual insight (1:22:00) Self-inquiry as medicine and building a relationship with your body Thank You to Our Sponsors: Ancient and Brave: Visit ancientandbrave.com and use code MONA for $10 off any order. IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/ Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Mindy Peltz : Website: https://www.drmindypelz.com Instagram: @dr.mindypelz

Perimenopause can feel like your body is sending mixed signals. Appetite shifts. Sleep changes. Stress tolerance shrinks. And when labs come back “normal,” it can leave you feeling unheard in your own experience. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Kleiner to explore circadian rhythm as a foundational regulator of women’s hormones. We unpack leptin as a master safety signal that influences thyroid function, reproductive hormones, metabolism, and appetite. We also discuss how artificial light, screens, chronic stress, and restrictive dieting can blunt this signaling, especially in midlife when resilience narrows. This conversation reframes hormone imbalance through the lens of rhythm and nervous system regulation rather than quick fixes. You’ll walk away with simple, practical ways to begin restoring amplitude to your day, starting with light, timing, and nourishment. Sarah Kleiner is the founder of Sarah Kleiner Wellness and the creator of My Circadian App.  What's Discussed: (00:00) Midlife as recalibration and why hormones reflect circadian rhythm and safety (07:30) Leptin as a master signal and how it informs thyroid, metabolism, and fertility (15:00) Cortisol, melatonin, and the hormonal cascade shaped by morning and evening light (23:00) How artificial light, screens, and late eating disrupt hormone signaling (31:00) Restrictive dieting, fasting, and why low leptin states keep women stuck (39:00) Nervous system regulation and how chronic stress blunts metabolic communication (47:00) Fertility, perimenopause, and why resilience narrows in midlife (55:00) Practical circadian shifts for busy women and families (1:03:00) Rhythm as root healing and returning to biological coherence Thank You to Our Sponsors: Ancient + Brave: Visit ancientandbrave.com and use code MONA for $10 off any order. IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/  Timeline: Get 35% off your first month at Timeline.com/MONA35. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Sarah Kleiner: Website: https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/  Instagram: @sarahkleinerwellness

Perimenopause can feel like your body is speaking a new language. Sleep shifts. Energy fluctuates. Mood feels unfamiliar. And when you are told everything looks “normal,” it can leave you feeling disconnected from your own experience. In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Deanna Minich to explore a more rooted, systems-based understanding of women’s hormones. We talk about the HPTAO axis and why stress, gut health, detox pathways, circadian rhythm, and nutrient diversity all influence how hormones move, signal, and clear. This conversation gently reframes midlife as a recalibration rather than a breakdown. We also explore estrogen metabolism, and the power of plant color and rhythm in supporting resilience.  Dr. Deanna Minich, PhD is the Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health, an international educator and speaker, and the author of The Rainbow Diet. Use code Mona to get 15% off: MacaLife: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/macalife Herbatonin: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/products/herbatonin pHQuintessence: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/products/ph-quintessence What's Discussed: (00:00) Midlife as recalibration and why hormones reflect the whole system (07:30) The HPTAO axis and how stress shapes hormone signaling (15:00) Cortisol, glucose, and insulin as foundational anchors in perimenopause (23:00) Why HRT does not always feel supportive and what may be missing (31:00) Estrogen metabolism, phase 1 and phase 2 detox, and the role of the gut (39:00) Bile flow, toxic load, and clearing hormones effectively (47:00) Melatonin, circadian rhythm, and healthy aging in women (55:00) The rainbow diet, plant diversity, and endocrine communication (1:03:00) Resilience, rhythm, and redefining menopause through a systems lens Thank You to Our Sponsors: Timeline: Get 35% off your first month at Timeline.com/MONA35. IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/ BIOptimizers: Visit bioptimizers.com/mona and use MONA at checkout to get the best deal on Masszymes and all BIOptimizers products.  Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Guest: Website: https://deannaminich.com/ Instagram: @deannaminich

Feeling tired, wired, or overwhelmed has become so common that many women stop questioning it. When wellness starts to feel like another full-time job, it is often a sign that the body is asking for something simpler, steadier, and more supportive. In today’s episode, I sit down with Kate Prince and Jo Woodhurst of Ancient + Brave to explore why modern wellness has become so complicated, and how we can return to practices that actually help us feel well. We talk about ritual over routine, blending instead of balance, and the role nature, rhythm, and community play in nervous system regulation and long-term resilience. We also explore the supplement space through a higher standard, including sourcing, formulation, and synergy, while reframing collagen, creatine, and nighttime support as tools that nourish rather than overstimulate. Kate Prince is the founder of Ancient + Brave, a B Corp certified wellness brand rooted in sustainability and education. Jo Woodhurst is the brand’s Director of Nutrition and Education, bringing a science-led, whole-body approach focused on helping people feel genuinely supported. What's Discussed: (00:00) What it means to feel rooted and why simplicity and regulation matter for health (08:00) Morning rituals, nature, and the free daily practices that calm the nervous system (16:00) Bravery in everyday life and why wellness does not need to be extreme (24:00) Why modern wellness feels so complicated and how trends pull us out of balance (32:00) Ritual versus routine and why meaning creates long-term consistency (40:00) Collagen, creatine, and reframing supplements as support rather than optimization (48:00) Sleep, nighttime rituals, and nourishing the body without overstimulation (56:00) Burnout, stress, and why blending life works better than chasing balance (1:04:00) Longevity, resilience, and creating health that leaves room to truly live Thank You to Our Sponsors: LeelaQ: Leela Quantum Tech focuses on balance and energetic support for daily life. Take 10% off at leelaq.com  with code MONA. IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/  12 tips: Small shifts, big energy—feel clearer, brighter, and more like you. Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: monasharma.com/12tips Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Ancient + Brave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancientandbrave/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ancientandbrave   Website: Visit https://ancientandbrave.earth/ and use code MONA for $10 off any order.

Feeling tired, wired, or out of balance has become so normalized that many people stop questioning it. If your nervous system feels constantly “on,” your sleep feels light, or your body struggles to fully settle, this conversation offers a new way of understanding what may be happening beneath the surface. In today’s episode, I sit down with Todd Shipman to explore the invisible influences shaping our health in modern life. We talk about quantum energy, electromagnetic exposure, and the human biofield through both a scientific and ancient wisdom lens.  We explore how modern environments quietly interact with the nervous system over time, why so many symptoms get dismissed or normalized, and how presence, grounding, and rhythm play a foundational role in regulation and resilience. Todd Shipman is a former technology executive and the CEO of Leela Quantum Tech, working at the intersection of innovation, science, and energetic intelligence. He advocates for quantum energy and natural wellness technologies, known for bridging innovation, science, and energetic intelligence.  What's Discussed: (00:00) What it means to feel rooted and why regulation is the foundation of health (08:00) Presence, nature, and the free daily practices that ground the nervous system (16:00) Common misconceptions about quantum energy and why it isn’t “woo” (24:00) EMFs, modern environments, and the invisible stressors we normalize (32:00) Ancient wisdom, biofields, and how energy was understood long before science (40:00) Terrain, resilience, and why healing is not about blaming food or symptoms (48:00) Ethical technology, discernment, and how to evaluate what actually works (56:00) Protecting children, homes, and sleep in an increasingly wired world (1:04:00) The future of quantum healing and what true optimization could look like Thank You to Our Sponsors: Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Todd: Website: https://leelaq.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelaquantum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatoddtodd/

What if the symptoms you’ve learned to live with were actually your body asking for deeper support? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I’m sharing reflections from a powerful panel I was honored to be part of at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, alongside Samantha Prabhu and Shayun, and hosted by Abdul Karim Hanif and Dr. Iman. Together, we explored how women can reclaim agency over their health, voices, and bodies. Being on that stage reinforced something I see every day in my work: women are often taught to normalize stress, fatigue, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalance instead of listening to what their bodies are communicating.  In this episode, I talk about the biggest gaps in women’s health, why so many high-functioning women are living in survival mode, and how female biology thrives on rhythm rather than constant pushing. We explore stillness, nervous system regulation, and emotional health as foundations for healing, and why your health protocol should be as unique as your biology. What's Discussed: 00:04) Why Women’s Health Was Built on the Wrong Blueprint (03:12) The Symptoms Women Are Taught to Normalize and Why That’s a Problem (07:45) High Functioning vs Truly Well: When Coping Becomes the Baseline (12:58) The Hidden Cost of Chronic Stress on Female Biology (17:40) Why Stillness and Nervous System Regulation Matter More Than Doing More (22:31) Your Healing Path Should Be As Unique As Your Biology (27:18) Technology, Data, and Reclaiming Agency in Women’s Health (32:06) Rest, Rhythm, and Regulation as the Foundation for Healing (36:42) Turning Down the Noise and Rebuilding Trust With Your Body Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Award-winning actress, entrepreneur, and podcast host who uses her platform to advocate for women’s health awareness, autonomy, and informed choice. Instagram: @samantharuthprabhuoffl Learn more about Shayoon (Shayun): (Healer, artist, and founder of the Light Force Center, supporting emotional healing and self-empowerment.) https://www.instagram.com/shayoon  Learn more about Abdul Karim Hanif: (Radio presenter at Pulse 95 and on-stage host guiding conversations on culture, creativity, and wellness.) https://www.instagram.com/abdulonair/

Cholesterol is one of the most fear-charged topics I hear about from clients, and the conversation often starts with a lab result that feels alarming without much context. If you’ve ever been told your cholesterol is “high” and left feeling confused, anxious, or unsure what actually matters, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I sat down with Jonny Bowden to unpack what cholesterol really tells us, and where the standard approach often falls short. We talk about why total cholesterol can be misleading, why LDL is far more nuanced than “good” or “bad,” and which markers like ApoB, particle size, and Lp(a) provide a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk. We also explore insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health as foundational drivers that deserve far more attention. Jonny Bowden is a renowned nutrition educator and bestselling author, including co-author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, known for helping people rethink heart health through science, context, and common sense. What's Discussed: (02:05) Simple daily rituals that support grounding and long-term health (06:40) Why standard cholesterol labs often create fear without clarity (12:15) LDL, particle size, and what actually drives cardiovascular risk (18:10) ApoB and Lp(a), the heart markers most people are never told about (26:30) Insulin resistance as the missing link in heart health conversations (38:15) Continuous glucose monitoring and what it reveals about daily habits (49:10) Inflammation, omega-3s, and the modern imbalance affecting longevity (01:02:40) The overlooked longevity lesson from the Blue Zones Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/ Timeline: Get 35% off your first month at Timeline.com/MONA35. 12 tips: Small shifts, big energy—feel clearer, brighter, and more like you. Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: https://www.monasharma.com/12tips Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:http://monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Jonny Bowden: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnybowden/  Webiste: https://www.jonnybowden.com/

Inflammation is one of the most common words I hear from clients, yet so few people truly understand what it means or how it shows up in the body. If you have been dealing with joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, brain fog, or a sense that your body feels constantly dysregulated, this conversation is for you. In today’s episode, I sat down with Dr. Shivani Gupta to explore inflammation through the lens of Ayurveda and modern science. We talk about how chronic inflammation develops, why digestion and daily rhythm matter so much, and how understanding your unique constitution can change the way you care for your body. We also dive into simple, grounding rituals like tea time, movement in nature, supporting digestive fire, and the science behind turmeric as a powerful anti-inflammatory when used intentionally. Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner, PhD researcher, and author of The Inflammation Code, dedicated to helping people heal at the root and reconnect with their body’s wisdom. What's Discussed: (02:10) Daily rituals that help the body feel grounded and regulated (08:00) Early signs of inflammation most people overlook (11:20) What chronic inflammation really is and why it becomes the root of disease (14:30) Ayurvedic constitutions and why personalized healing matters (19:00) Life stages, perimenopause, and shifting inflammation patterns (22:40) Turmeric science and why most supplements miss the mark (31:10) Why herbal remedies take time and how to know they are working (41:00) Digestion, digestive fire, and the gut as the center of healing (53:30) Detox, nourishment, and restoring balance in a toxic modern world Thank You to Our Sponsors: Timeline: Supporting your cells is one of the most impactful places to invest in your long-term health. Shop Timeline Nutrition here and use code MONA at checkout to save. IM8:  I’m always searching for wellness that’s simple, effective, and rooted in science. That’s why I love IM8, a daily drink with 92 nutrients designed to support energy, gut health, and longevity. Use code MONASHARMA10 for 10% off at im8health.com  BIOptimizers: Go to bioptimizers.com/mona and use promo code MONA upon checkout to save 10% off your order! Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random, it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Shivani Gupta: Website: https://shivanigupta.com/ Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta

If you have tried cleanses, protocols, or lifestyle changes and still feel bloated, fatigued, hormonally off, or stuck in recurring symptoms, this episode offers a clearer way to understand what your body is asking for. In today’s episode, I sit down with Meghan Swidler to explore detoxification as a foundational and restorative process rather than an extreme or short-term fix. We talk about how modern toxin exposure, stress, dehydration, and poor elimination quietly overload the body, even in people who eat well and prioritize their health.  We unpack how the gut, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, and nervous system work together to support detoxification, why detox pathways must be supported in the right order, and how jumping into aggressive cleanses can leave people feeling worse instead of better. Meghan Swidler is a detox educator and author focused on restoring gut and liver function, reducing toxic burden, and supporting the body’s return to balance through practical, sustainable detox practices grounded in physiology. What's Discussed: (00:02) Why detox can feel ineffective even when you’re doing everything “right” (06:10) How gut motility and elimination influence hormones, energy, and inflammation (12:45) Liver congestion and its impact on skin, mood, and blood sugar (20:30) Why aggressive cleanses backfire when detox pathways are not open (28:50) The lymphatic system, movement, and supporting detox beyond diet alone (36:40) Hydration, minerals, and what true cellular hydration actually means (44:55) Heavy metals, parasites, and the importance of sequencing detox properly (54:20) How nervous system regulation and daily rituals support long-term detox and healing Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Meghan Swidler: Website: https://meghanswidler.com Instagram: @meghanswidler

Before anything shows up on a lab report, the body often signals imbalance through lived symptoms. Sleep becomes less restorative, emotional regulation takes more effort, focus shifts, and the nervous system feels less steady, even while test results still appear normal. We dive deeper into this in the Rooted in Wellness with Dr. Chris Renna, DO. Together, we explore why a grounded sense of self is one of the most overlooked indicators of health, how lived experience can be more revealing than lab data, and what truly shifts hormonally between ages 45 and 55. Dr. Chris Renna, DO, is the founder of LifeSpan Medicine and an early pioneer in longevity-focused care. He has over four decades of clinical experience across precision diagnostics, integrative medicine, neuroscience, and hormone health. His work focuses on personalized approaches to aging and long-term health optimization. What’s Discussed: (02:55) Why modern medicine manages disease rather than creates health (07:28) Sense of self and restorative sleep as health markers (11:42) Why “how you feel” can reveal more than lab results (16:58) Early symptoms that appear long before diagnosis (24:36) Diet, movement, sleep, and perspective as longevity foundations (33:12) Fear-based wellness and its role in inflammation (47:58) Hormonal shifts between ages 45–55 and biological management (53:44) Gut health, inflammation, and functional signals  Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 for 30 days as part of your holistic wellness practice. Your body deserves this level of comprehensive support. Visit https://im8health.com/ Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Chris Renna, DO: Website: www.lifespanmedicine.com

You can eat well, journal daily, go to therapy, and still feel stuck in a body that won’t settle. When healing stays cognitive and skips the nervous system, regulation never fully happens and symptoms keep looping. We dive deeper into this in the latest Rooted in Wellness episode with Britt Piper. We also chat about somatic healing, nervous system regulation, generational trauma, and why slowing down can feel more threatening than staying busy. Britt Piper is a somatic practitioner, educator, and author whose work blends nervous system science with emotional and ancestral healing. Her background includes trauma studies, women’s wellness, and somatic experiencing. She specializes in translating complex neuroscience into grounded, body-based practices. What’s Discussed: (00:02) Why healing can stall when regulation stays cognitive instead of nervous system based (05:10) How trauma lives in the body and shows up as anxiety, fatigue, pain, and burnout (12:45) The difference between what happened to you and what your body didn’t receive (18:30) Why slowing down can feel unsafe to a dysregulated nervous system (26:10) Chronic stress, suppressed emotions, and long-term nervous system dysregulation (33:40) How unprocessed trauma reshapes immune, hormonal, and digestive function (41:20) Somatic healing versus talk therapy and why the body must be involved (52:00) Presence, body awareness, and rebuilding safety from the inside out Thank You to Our Sponsors: Sunlighten: Experience the healing power of light for yourself. Visit get.sunlighten.com/monasharma and use code MONA to save up to $1,400 on your own Sunlighten sauna; a space to recharge, restore, and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Britt Piper: Instagram: @healwithbritt Tiktok: @healwithbritt Youtube: @HealwithBritt

If you have been dealing with brain fog, anxiety, chronic fatigue, mood changes, or symptoms that feel real but keep coming back with “normal” labs, this episode will help you understand what your brain and body are signaling beneath the surface. In today’s episode, I sat down with Dr. Eboni Cornish to explore the biological roots of mental and emotional health through the lens of neuroinflammation. We discuss how chronic stress, hidden infections, toxins, and gut imbalances can disrupt brain function, hormones, and mood, often long before conventional testing catches it. We also talk about why conditions like Lyme disease and autoimmune patterns are frequently missed, how the gut-brain connection shapes mental health, and why cleansing without restoration can keep people stuck. Dr. Eboni Cornish is a physician specializing in brain health and neuroinflammation, with a focus on integrating neuroscience, functional medicine, and compassionate, whole-person care. What's Discussed: (00:02) Why brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue can exist even when labs look normal (06:00) How chronic stress becomes biological and impacts brain function (11:00) Why cleansing without restoration can keep healing stuck (15:55) What it means to view mental health as measurable brain biology (21:30) Neuroinflammation, anxiety, and the gut–brain connection (30:40) Hidden toxins and infections driving chronic symptoms in women (35:50) Why Lyme and chronic infections are often misdiagnosed (53:20) Hormones, perimenopause, and protecting long-term brain health Thank You to Our Sponsors: Sunlighten: Experience the healing power of light for yourself. Visitget.sunlighten.com/monasharma and use code MONA to save up to $1,400 on your own Sunlighten sauna; a space to recharge, restore, and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Eboni Cornish: Instagram: @dr.ebonicornish

What if the holidays become a space where you stay connected to yourself instead of feeling depleted by January? In Part 3 of the holiday solos, I bring together everything we have been exploring so you can support your body with clarity and steadiness.  I share how alcohol affects digestion, sleep, inflammation, and energy, and what the liver truly needs this time of year. You will hear the simple practices I use to minimize bloating, calm the nervous system, and keep my rhythm steady without perfectionism or restriction. We explore mindful drinking, gut friendly food choices, hydration rituals, and the supportive herbs and supplements that help your system recover with ease. I also talk about boundaries, emotional triggers, and how to stay grounded when gatherings feel overwhelming or routines fall apart. This final part is an invitation to choose nourishment, intention, and self trust so you can move through the season feeling centered, supported, and well. What's Discussed: (00:06) The Holiday Season and Why Our Rhythm Shifts (00:23) Today’s Focus: Supporting Your Body Through the Holidays (00:30) Your Grounding Guide for the Season Ahead (00:40) Alcohol, Digestion, Sleep, Boundaries, and Real Holiday Support (01:12) Question Seven: Mindful Drinking and What the Liver Needs (10:35) Tools for Bloating, Inflammation, and Gut Friendly Choices (23:57) Closing Reflections and Holiday Nourishment Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma.

If you have been feeling inflamed, fatigued, overly stressed, or unsure why your body is not responding the way it used to, this episode will help you understand what your physiology is trying to communicate.  In today’s episode, I sat down with Dr. Ara Suppiah, a functional sports medicine physician who makes complex biomarker data feel simple, practical, and grounded. We explore why health is shaped by patterns and trends rather than isolated numbers and how markers like the Omega-3 index, hs-CRP, cortisol, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio reveal what is happening beneath the surface.  We also discuss oral health as an early inflammation signal, the connection between movement and longevity, and the small daily habits that strengthen resilience. Dr. Ara Suppiah is a functional sports medicine physician known for translating complex physiology into guidance people can apply right away. What's Discussed: (00:00) Why your labs look “normal” even when your body doesn’t (04:18) The biomarkers that quietly predict resilience or burnout (09:52) What Omega-3, hs-CRP, and NLR reveal about hidden stress (15:10) How your gums expose inflammation before symptoms begin (21:44) The link between movement, recovery, and long-term vitality (28:30) What natural movement teaches us about microbiome health (36:12) How overtraining disrupts hormones and drains energy (42:58) When tools and medications support longevity goals (51:05) How to build a physiology that ages slowly and feels grounded Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: I’m always searching for wellness that’s simple, effective, and rooted in science. That’s why I love IM8, a daily drink with 92 nutrients designed to support energy, gut health, and longevity.Use code MONASHARMA10 for 10% off at im8health.com. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Ara Suppiah : Website: http://www.draraoncall.com  Instagram: @draraoncall

If you have been dealing with bloating, irregular digestion, sensitivities, or feeling off after meals, this episode will help you understand what your gut is trying to communicate. In today's episode, I sat down with Dr. Rajan Karan, a gastrointestinal surgeon and gut-health researcher who makes complex digestive science feel simple and grounded. We explore why digestion is more than isolated symptoms and how the microbiome functions as a living ecosystem that reflects your stress levels, routines, food diversity, and nervous system patterns. We also discuss the role of fiber, the oral microbiome, healthy transit time, and the small daily habits that genuinely improve gut resilience. This conversation is a reminder that supporting digestion does not require extremes. It begins with accessible, sustainable practices that help your whole body feel more rooted. Dr. Karan Rajan is a board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon and gut-health researcher known for translating complex physiology into practical guidance people can apply right away. What's Discussed: (00:00) How travel throws digestion, routine, and nervous system balance off (03:12) The simple morning rituals that create predictable energy and gut rhythm (05:08) When traditional medicine falls short and why prevention matters more (10:42) The deeper reasons bloating and sensitivities return even with a “healthy” diet (18:27) What fiber diversity really means and how it transforms your microbiome (26:42) How different fibers feed different microbes along the colon (33:15) The truth about stool tests and what they can actually reveal (55:32) Why gut diversity influences cravings, metabolism, mood, and long-term vitality Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Karan Rajan: Website: https://www.drkaranrajan.com/ Instagram: @drkaranrajan  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran

What if the holidays become a time to return to your natural rhythm instead of something you have to recover from? In Part 2 of the holiday solos, I answer your top questions about how to stay grounded, nourished, and supported through a season that often disrupts our routines. I share how I support my gut when travel and schedule changes show up, how I reduce bloating with simple daily rituals, and how I keep my energy steady using a blend of Ayurvedic wisdom and functional science. We explore mindful ways to enjoy nostalgic holiday foods without guilt, how to regulate your nervous system when emotions feel heightened, and the grounding rituals warm morning tonics, herbal teas, mindful chewing, breathwork, and post meal walks that help you feel balanced even when life feels full. I also share realistic tools for traveling well and navigating family dynamics with intention. This episode is an invitation to choose nourishment over pressure and stay rooted in what helps your body feel safe, calm, and well. What's Discussed: (00:00) Welcome Back to Rooted in Wellness (00:20) How Holidays Disrupt Your Rhythm and Energy (01:40) Your Top Holiday Wellness Questions (02:50) How to Support Your Gut When Routines Break (08:10) Travel and Microbiome Support That Actually Helps (13:45) Staying Nourished During Holiday Eating (20:10) Tools for Indulgent Meals Without Guilt (23:45) A Rooted Closing for a Season of Ease Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma.

What if the symptoms you feel every day were actually gentle messages from your energy body asking you to slow down, reconnect, and listen a little more closely? In today’s episode, I sat down with Dr. Jason Yuan, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist whose work blends functional medicine with Eastern healing and energy wisdom.  Our conversation explores what energetic congestion really looks like, why so many people feel ungrounded even when they are doing all the right things, and how subtle signals like fatigue, anxiety, digestive shifts, or feeling off are often early invitations back to balance. We talk about the biofield, the heart’s electromagnetic field, and the way emotions and belief shape healing. Dr. Jason shares simple, supportive practices you can begin right away to restore flow and reconnect with your inner guidance. This is a beautiful reminder that healing becomes possible when we honor every layer of ourselves. Dr. Jason Yuan is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and educator whose work sits at the intersection of functional medicine, Eastern healing, and energy medicine.  What's Discussed: (00:00) Settling into LA and the surprising intensity beneath the calm (03:15) Blending functional medicine with the energetic layers of healing (07:54) Unlocking energy flow and understanding subtle early symptoms (13:13) What “blocked energy” actually looks like in the body (20:30) How mitochondria, coherence, and ancient wisdom connect (30:39) When physical symptoms reveal emotional or energetic roots (38:13) The role of belief, openness, and the placebo effect in healing (51:45) Simple daily practices to support flow, grounding, and inner balance Thank You to Our Sponsors: Sunlighten: Experience the healing power of light for yourself. Visit get.sunlighten.com/monasharma and use code MONA to save up to $1,400 on your own Sunlighten sauna; a space to recharge, restore, and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Jason Yuan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjasonyuan

What if aging wasn’t something that simply “happens,” but a reflection of how well your cells are able to repair, restore, and keep you in balance? Today on Rooted in Wellness, I’m joined by Dr. Nichola Conlon, scientist and founder of Nuchido, to explore how NAD, cellular repair, and lifestyle shape the way we age from the inside out. We dive into what NAD actually does in the body, why it declines so quickly, and how stress, inflammation, and modern living accelerate that loss. We also explore biological versus chronological age, what the newest tests can actually tell us, and why certain trends, NAD IVs, high-dose NMN/NR, and supplement stacking, aren’t always supportive. You’ll hear grounded, practical habits that naturally activate your repair pathways, along with early clinical findings showing improvements in inflammation, sleep, and even biological age. Dr. Nichola Conlon is the founder and CEO of Nuchido, where she brings years of training in molecular biology and drug development to the world of accessible longevity. Her approach is deeply science-informed yet refreshingly balanced, focused on restoring the body’s own repair systems so we can feel more clear, energized, and rooted as we age. What's Discussed: (00:00) Why Nature Calms Your Cells (Not Just Your Mind) (04:42) The “Inner Repair System” Your Body Is Begging You to Remember (09:04) How Modern Life Speeds Up Aging (More Than Genetics Ever Will) (23:27) NAD 101: The Molecule Your Energy Runs On (29:19) The Truth About NAD IVs, NMN, and Supplement Stacking (37:55) How Fasting and Movement Switch Your Repair Pathways Back On (43:44) Rebuilding NAD the Way Your Body Actually Wants (48:50) What a 28-Day Clinical Trial Revealed About Biological Age (56:07) Why NAD Matters Even More in Perimenopause & Menopause (01:09:05) NAD and Sleep: The Missing Link No One Talks About Thank You to Our Sponsors: Nuchido: You can get 20% off your first order at nuchido.com with code MONA20. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Nichola Conlon and Nuchido: Instagram: @drnicholaconlon Instagram: @nuchido Website: https://nuchido.com/

What if healing didn’t mean doing more, but simply returning your body to its natural rhythm? Today on Rooted in Wellness, I’m joined by Connie Zack, co-founder and co-CEO of Sunlighten, to explore how infrared and light therapy support the body’s innate ability to restore, repair, and regulate itself. We dive deep into what makes infrared different from traditional saunas, the science behind near, mid, and far wavelengths, and how each one interacts with your cells, mitochondria, and nervous system. We also discuss photobiomodulation, inflammation, HRV, sleep, and why the most powerful results come from consistency, not intensity. You’ll learn how to pair sauna sessions with breath work, meditation, and minerals to make them deeply restorative, especially during stressful or darker seasons. This is a conversation about reconnecting with light, warmth, and balance, the same elements our ancestors used to heal, through a modern, science-backed lens. Connie Zack is the co-founder and co-CEO of Sunlighten, a company dedicated to advancing safe, effective infrared and light therapies.  We Also Discuss: (05:01) How infrared therapy became a daily ritual for calm, clarity, and balance. (17:55) The science behind infrared light and why not all wavelengths are created equal. (26:26) How light and heat work together to support detox, mood, and circulation. (36:12) The link between infrared therapy, mitochondrial energy, and longevity. (44:23) Why consistency, not temperature, creates the most powerful infrared results. (56:11) Simple ways to enhance your infrared sessions with breath, minerals, and ritual. (01:00:33) Real-life stories of healing and transformation through infrared therapy. (01:13:44) What’s next for infrared technology and how gratitude anchors true wellness. Thank You to Our Sponsors: Sunlighten: Experience the healing power of light for yourself. Visit get.sunlighten.com/monasharma and save up to $2,200 + FREE shipping + FREE gift with purchase through December 5th! Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Connie Zack and Sunlighten: Instagram: @sunlightensaunas Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sunlightsaunas/videos  Website: https://www.sunlighten.com/

What if the holidays weren’t something you had to recover from, but a chance to return to your natural rhythm? Today on Rooted in Wellness, I’m answering your top questions about how to feel grounded, nourished, and supported through a season that often disrupts our routines. I break down how to strengthen immunity, support digestion, reduce bloating, and stay energized using both Ayurvedic principles and modern functional science. We explore mindful ways to enjoy nostalgic holiday foods without guilt, how to regulate your nervous system around emotional triggers, and simple rituals, like warm morning tonics, post-meal walks, herbal teas, and breathwork, that help you stay balanced even when schedules shift.  I also share realistic tools for traveling, drinking mindfully, and navigating family dynamics with more ease and intention. This episode is an invitation to choose nourishment over perfection and stay rooted in what helps your body feel safe, calm, and well. What's Discussed: (00:06) How to Stay Well When the Holidays Disrupt Your Rhythm (12:34) Winter Indulgence Without the Aftermath: Digestion That Actually Feels Good (22:48) Enjoy the Treats You Love Without Spiraling or Guilt (30:22) Travel-Proof Your Gut: Simple Microbiome Support on the Go (44:53) How to Break the Holiday Binge–Restrict Cycle for Good (51:42) What to Do Right After You Overindulge (Without Punishment) (01:02:23) Realistic Holiday Self-Care: Rituals That Keep You Grounded (01:15:33) A Rooted Approach to Joy, Health, and Ease This Season Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma.

What if longevity wasn’t about adding more to your routine, but about helping your body do what it’s already designed to do? Today on Rooted in Wellness, I’m joined by Dan Pardi, Chief Health Officer at Qualia Life Sciences, to explore how stem cells, cellular repair, and resilience actually work in the body. We discuss why recovery shifts as we age, the role of inflammation in slowing regeneration, and how simple lifestyle rhythms like movement, sleep in true darkness, fasting, and circadian alignment create the internal environment for healing. We also look at senolytics, autophagy, and stem cell support through a grounded, science-informed lens that feels accessible rather than extreme. This is the bridge we love on this show: emerging research meeting practical daily life. Dan Pardi leads health strategy and research at Qualia Life Sciences, where he focuses on supporting the body’s natural repair systems through education, systems-level formulation, and a healthspan-first approach. His work blends emerging science with real-world application to help people feel well longer. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Why Healing Isn’t Just Physical: The Emotional + Lifestyle Foundation (04:55) Resilience in Real Life: Getting Back on Track with Compassion (10:25) We Don’t Age All at Once: Personalized Aging & Repair Patterns (14:08) Stem Cells 101: The Body’s Built-In Repair System (20:33) What We Get Wrong About Healing (and What Actually Works) (28:28) How Stem Cells Keep Us Young—Until They Don’t (33:20) Stem Cell Exhaustion: Why Recovery Slows with Age (50:14) Supporting Regeneration Without Overwhelm (58:21) The Pulse Protocol: Activating Repair, Then Resting (01:07:44) The Future of Aging: Reprogramming, Senolytics & Longevity Science (01:22:18) How to Explore Stem Cell Support Safely and Intentionally Thank You to Our Sponsors: Qualia: If you’d like to try the products Dan and I talked about, you can visit www.qualialife.com/mona and use my code MONA for 15% off. Bon charge: Bon charge: Go to boncharge.com and use the code MONA to treat yourself to this incredible mask and get 15% off today. Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dan Pardi and Qualia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Qualialife   Instagram: @qualialife   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpardi/

What if the symptoms you’re trying to fix, fatigue, bloating, anxiety, weight change, are really your body’s way of asking you to listen? Today on Rooted in Wellness, me and my guest Dr. GuyCitrin, explore the intricate connection between the gut, hormones, and nervous system, and how inflammation and stress create the “stuck” feeling so many women describe. This is the bridge we love on this show: modern functional medicine meeting ancient wisdom in a way that feels empowering, not overwhelming. In this conversation, we dive into why gut health must come before hormone therapy, how nervous system regulation transforms digestion, and why true detoxification isn’t a cleanse, it’s a reconnection to your body’s natural rhythm. We also discuss peptides, NAD, and regeneration through a balanced, grounded lens. Dr. Guy Citrin is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and founder of Citrin Wellness and EndoAxis, where he helps patients restore vitality through integrative gut and hormone optimization. He blends evidence-based functional medicine with the wisdom of Ayurveda and emotional healing to guide people toward true regeneration. What's Discussed: (00:00) Reclaiming Your Health: What Wellness Really Means (05:58) The Gut is the Gateway: Where Real Healing Begins (16:15) How Gut Health Shapes Every Hormone in Your Body (24:34) Decoding Female Hormones: What Balance Actually Looks Like (31:26) PCOS Is Not One Thing: Understanding the Real Root Causes (42:30) Your Nervous System on Fire: The Hidden Cost of Inflammation (47:03) Stress, Digestion, and the Body’s Cry for Safety (51:13) Detox Without Deprivation: Supporting the Body’s Natural Rhythm (01:04:16) Learning to Trust Your Body Again (01:08:36) The Peptide Conversation: When Modern Science Meets Healing (01:14:00) NAD, Regeneration, and the Future of Cellular Repair (01:21:40) Creating a Whole-Body Ecosystem for Lasting Wellness Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Guy Citrin: Website: https://www.doctorguy.com/ Clinic: https://citrinwellness.com/ Instagram: @askdrguy

What if the most powerful medicine is already free and built into your biology? Today on Rooted in Wellness, we explore light, water, sound, and coherence through the lens of quantum biology, and how these simple inputs help your body remember how to heal. This is the bridge we love on this show: ancient wisdom meeting modern science in a way that feels practical and human. In this conversation, we break down quantum biology in plain language, connect circadian rhythm to mitochondrial function, and get specific about morning light, daytime “sun breaks,” and the role of darkness at night.  Why minerals and infrared matter for real hydration, and how music, humming, and chanting can shift nitric oxide, vagal tone, mood chemistry, and a felt sense of safety. We also get honest about coherence and nervous system regulation. For the data lovers, we touch on emerging research linking heart coherence to mitochondrial resilience, plus when labs help and when the basics move the needle first. My guest is Dr. Catherine Clinton, a naturopathic physician, author, and educator whose work weaves modern research with indigenous wisdom. She teaches practitioners worldwide and shares accessible tools that reconnect us to nature, community, and the intelligence of the body. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science (09:50) How Light Speaks to Your Cells (21:55) Activating Your Body’s Innate Healing Intelligence (36:36) The Science of Sound: How Music Rewires Your Biology (41:57) The Hidden Language of Energy and Vibration (46:01) Emotional Coherence: Why Feeling It All Heals You Faster (01:00:17) The Daily Rituals That Sync Light, Sound, and Body (01:11:48) The Return of Ancient Healing in Modern Medicine Thank You to Our Sponsors: Qualia: Qualia Stem Cell was designed to support your body’s natural repair systems, helping you heal, recover, and keep going strong. And right now, you can try it for up to 50% off at qualialife.com/MONA. And here’s a bonus, use the code MONA for an additional 15% off your order at qualialife.com/MONA. Sunlighten: Experience it for yourself. Visit https://get.sunlighten.com/monasharma and use code MONA to save up to $1,400 on your sauna today. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Catherine Clinton: Website: https://www.drcatherineclinton.com/ Instagram: @dr.catherineclinton

What if your thyroid labs say you’re “normal,” but your body keeps saying otherwise? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, my guest McCall McPherson, PA-C, founder and medical director of Modern Thyroid Clinic, joins me to uncover the science, symptoms, and solutions behind the thyroid epidemic. We explore why millions of women are told their labs look fine yet still feel exhausted, foggy, anxious, or stuck in bodies that no longer respond the way they used to. Together we unpack what’s missing in conventional thyroid care: why optimal ranges matter more than “normal,” how Hashimoto’s and Graves fit into the autoimmune puzzle, and how hormonal shifts during postpartum and perimenopause often trigger deeper imbalances. We talk adrenals, cortisol patterns, gut inflammation, and toxins, and how to use fasting and movement as gentle tools for restoration rather than depletion. McCall McPherson, PA-C, is the founder and medical director of Modern Thyroid Clinic, a nationwide integrative telemedicine practice specializing in advanced thyroid and hormone optimization.  What's Discussed: (00:00) Why “Normal” Isn’t Well: The Hidden Story of Thyroid Health (08:47) The Labs That Actually Matter, and Why Ranges Can Mislead You (18:42) Autoimmunity, Hormones, and the Female Thyroid Connection (26:47) Metabolism, Fasting, and Healing from the Inside Out (39:13) Adrenals, Cortisol, and How Stress Shapes Thyroid Function (49:25) Movement That Heals: Rethinking Exercise for Energy and Balance (01:02:33) Food, Inflammation, and the Power of Personalized Nutrition (01:10:00) From Confusion to Clarity: Becoming Your Own Thyroid Advocate Thank You to Our Sponsors: Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted Boncharge: Go to boncharge.com and use the code MONA to treat yourself to this incredible mask and get 15% off today. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about McCall McPherson: Website: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa Instagram: @modernthyroid

What if aging well didn’t have to feel like a science project, or a race against time?In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit down with neuroscientist and longevity educator Dr. Kay Linker to explore the calm, grounded side of longevity. We talk about what’s really behind the “healthspan” movement, and how to balance data-driven tools like wearables with intuitive rituals that cost nothing: movement, laughter, breath, and rest. Dr. Kay explains why VO₂ max is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive longevity, how Zone 2 and Zone 5 training work, and why the brain thrives on both movement and recovery. We unpack the latest research on hormone testing and HRT, mitochondrial health, and autophagy, plus supplements that actually make a difference (think creatine, spermidine, omega-3s and more!). She also shares why sauna therapy, meditation, and friendship might be the most powerful “biohacks” of all. Dr. Kay Linker is a neuroscientist and educator bridging research and real-life application. Her work focuses on women’s brain health, hormone balance, and evidence-based longevity practices that support resilience, beauty, and mental clarity. What's Discussed: (00:00) Bridging ancient wisdom with modern science to redefine wellness. (03:58) Exploring biohacking, hormones, and the future of graceful longevity. (14:43) How movement shapes the brain and protects cognitive health. (22:32) Unlocking mitochondrial energy, fasting, and cellular renewal. (35:11) The healing power of heat, detox, and meditation for brain health. (43:53) Supplements that truly support longevity and vitality. (52:58) A holistic roadmap for aging well with grace and balance. (01:00:55) Peptides as powerful allies in recovery and regeneration. (01:06:07) The science behind hyperbaric oxygen and restorative health. Thank You to Our Sponsors: Qualia: Qualia Stem Cell was designed to support your body’s natural repair systems — helping you heal, recover, and keep going strong. And right now, you can try it for up to 50% off at qualialife.com/MONA. And here’s a bonus, use the code MONA for an additional 15% off your order at qualialife.com/MONA. Pulsetto: If you’ve been feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from your body, Pulsetto is a gentle, wearable tool that supports your vagus nerve—the gateway to your rest-and-restore state. Try it for 10% off at pulsetto.sjv.io/MONA with code MONA. Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Kay Linker:  Intagram:@dr.kaylinker  Instagram:@aonian.longevity Website: https://www.aonian.org

What if your health is shaped just as much by the cosmos as it is by what you eat or how you move? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit with astrologer and empowerment mentor Madi Murphy to explore how tuning into the moon, your rising sign, and the archetypes of the zodiac can help you feel more grounded, resilient, and aligned. Madi shares the simple rituals that root her, the patterns that pull her off balance, and why embodying your authentic self is one of the most powerful medicines for burnout, anxiety, and disconnection. Together, we talk about the role intuition plays in health, how to spot when self-care turns into a stressful checklist, and why living in alignment can shift everything from your energy to your digestion. Madi Murphy is an intuitive astrologer, empowerment mentor, and the founder of CosmicRx, a spiritual wellness brand helping thousands of people align with their cosmic purpose and unapologetically own their magic. She’s the host of CosmicRx Radio, and the author of the upcoming book In the Cosmic Zone, a practical–magical guide to awakening your inner wisdom and rewriting your story from the stars down.  We Also Discuss: 07:45- Protecting Your Energy and Honoring Boundaries 12:03- Learning to Trust and Follow Your Intuition 24:27- Astrology as a Guide for Emotional Wellness 29:32- Living in Alignment with Your Cosmic Blueprint 42:05- Bridging Astrology and Holistic Healthcare 56:09- Finding Guidance in Times of Change 01:12:19- Unlocking Growth Through the Zodiac Thank You to Our Sponsors: Bon Charge: Go to boncharge.com and use the code MONA to treat yourself to this incredible mask and get 15% off today. Sunlighten: Experience it for yourself. Visit https://get.sunlighten.com/monasharma and use code MONA to save up to $1,400 on your sauna today. CosmicRx+: Madi is giving our community a free month inside CosmicRx+, her moon-based membership with bonus moon podcasts, seasonal ritual guides, and a live New Moon circle. Plus, you’ll join a private WhatsApp group of cosmic besties. Get yours here! Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Madi Murphy:Instagram: @iammadimurphy Website: https://shop.cosmicrx.com/

What if the biggest shift in your health came not from supplements or diets, but from the way you sleep? In this grounding episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Breus, known worldwide as The Sleep Doctor, to explore how sleep impacts every part of our well-being. A clinical psychologist and board-certified sleep specialist, Dr. Breus brings decades of research and real-world experience to show us that better sleep isn’t about complicated hacks, it’s about rhythm, consistency, and understanding your body’s natural design. Together, we uncover how aligning with your chronotype (Lion, Bear, Wolf) can transform your energy, why a consistent wake-up time is the true 80/20 of sleep, and how breathwork and HRV can quiet nighttime anxiety. We also dive into the connection between sleep, hormones, and weight, debunk common myths about melatonin, and highlight five free daily shifts that reset your rest and resilience. Dr. Michael Breus is a clinical psychologist and board-certified sleep specialist, author of multiple bestselling books, and a trusted voice on platforms like The Today Show and Oprah.  We Also Discuss: (00:00) Rooted Wellness & Why Sleep Comes First (03:52) Simplicity Over Hacks: The Real 80/20 of Rest (09:49) Consistent Wake Times & Anxiety-Calming Tools (20:05) Chronotypes Explained: Lions, Bears & Wolves (38:39) Sleep, Hormones & the Cost of Deprivation (51:00) Melatonin, Cannabis & Supplement Myths (01:04:45) Creating a Restful Sleep Environment (01:15:14) Ancient Wisdom & the Future of Sleep Wellness Thank You to Our Sponsors: Bon Charge: Go to Boncharge.com and use the code MONA to treat yourself to this incredible mask and get 15% off today. Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Michael Breus:  Instagram: @thesleepdoctor Website: https://sleepdoctor.com/

When it comes to weight loss, most of us have been taught the same formula: eat less, move more, and work harder. But the truth is, lasting weight release isn’t about punishment or restriction, it’s about alignment, safety, and balance within your body. In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I share five often-overlooked factors that influence your ability to release weight, blending ancient wisdom with modern science. You’ll learn why your self-talk directly impacts your biology, how syncing with your circadian rhythm resets metabolism, and why addressing hormones may be the missing link. I also explain how strength training just two to three times per week supports sustainable health, and why restorative movement can sometimes do more for your body than endless hours of cardio. If you’ve felt stuck despite “doing everything right,” this conversation offers a gentle, empowering path to create true balance and lasting change. I Also Discuss: (00:31) The surprising reason your body resists weight loss (12:17) What your internal clock has to do with your metabolism (24:17) The overlooked factor that could be stalling your progress (43:55) Why “pushing harder” might be backfiring on your goals (48:17) The mindset shift that changes everything Thank You to Our Sponsors: Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now: monasharma.com/quiz iFit: Movement is medicine—iFIT makes it personal, science-backed, and ready for you anytime, anywhere. Explore more at iFIT.com Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at @monasharma

What does it mean to truly live after hardship?  In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Dawn Mussallem, an integrative physician whose story is as extraordinary as her work. A stage 4 cancer survivor who lived with heart failure for over two decades before receiving a heart transplant, Dawn brings a rare perspective on resilience, healing, and hope. Together, we explore how mindset and gratitude shape recovery, why prevention and screening can be empowering instead of fear-driven, and how food, movement, and rest become powerful daily medicine. Dawn also shares how spirituality and science meet in her own healing journey, reminding us that health is about so much more than the absence of disease, it’s about vitality, grace, and purpose. Dr. Dawn Mussallem is an integrative physician at the Cleveland Clinic, specializing in lifestyle and preventive medicine. A stage 4 cancer survivor and heart transplant recipient, she brings rare personal insight into resilience and healing.  We Also Discuss: (00:00) A story of survival that redefines what healing really means (03:43) The moment Dawn’s life took a turn, and the resilience that followed (13:51) Where science meets spirituality in the healing journey (18:15) Facing life-threatening illness: what loss can teach us about living (23:15) Near-death as a doorway to transformation and grace (34:38) Daily practices that turned hardship into healing (41:59) Why mindset may be the most powerful medicine of all (47:26) Gratitude as biology: how it rewires the heart and body Thank You to Our Sponsors: Sunlighten: Experience it for yourself. Visit https://get.sunlighten.com/monasharma and use code MONA to save up to $1,400 on your sauna today. Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted  Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Dawn Mussallem: Instagram: @drdawnmussallem

What if your health is shaped just as much by the culture you work in as it is by what you eat or how you move? In this episode of Rooted in Wellness, I sit with my friend John Lufburrow to explore the hidden impact of workplace environments on our well-being. John shares the three forces that keep him grounded: faith, family, and frequency. He opens up about how simple practices like affirmations, mindset shifts, and energy awareness create ripple effects that extend far beyond personal wellness. Together we explore burnout, the roots of our current “sick care” system, and why prevention and culture are essential for lasting health. John Lufburrow is the CEO and co-founder of Revive Health, a company reimagining how employers support the well-being of their people. With a career rooted in health care innovation, John brings a deep understanding of where our system falls short, and a clear vision for what’s possible when prevention, access, and culture come first. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Faith, Family, and Frequency: The Foundations of True Wellness (11:48) Why the U.S. Healthcare System Leaves So Many Behind (23:45) How Companies Can Build a Real Culture of Care (34:55) From Burnout to Balance: Empowering Employees in the Workplace (46:01) Beyond Perks: What Actually Works in Corporate Wellness (56:37) Values in Action: Turning Culture Into Lasting Change (01:06:32) The Future of Well-Being at Work and at Home (01:12:15) The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Parents While Raising Kids Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about John Lufburrow Instagram: @revive.health.members Website: https://www.revive.health/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lufburrow

What if your body held a built-in reset button for stress, energy, and digestion? In this episode, I sit down with Povilas Sabaliauskas, CEO and co-founder of Pulsetto, to explore the fascinating world of the vagus nerve, the communication highway between your brain and body.  Together, we dive into why so many of us feel “stuck” in fight-or-flight, how vagus nerve activation supports sleep, mood, and recovery, and the ways both ancient practices and modern technology can bring us back into balance. Povilas shares insights on stress resilience, the science behind vagal tone, and why even four minutes of daily activation can shift how you feel and function. Povilas Sabaliauskas is the CEO and co-founder of Pulsetto, a wellness technology company creating innovative tools to support vagus nerve stimulation and nervous system balance. We Also Discuss: 00:00 – The Surprising Link Between Hormones and Aging Gracefully 15:08 – How Hormones Secretly Shape Your Energy, Mood, and Health 25:32 – The Breakthrough Changing the Future of Hormone Therapy 29:38 – Women’s Hormones Explained: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You 40:00 – Hormone Care From Home: The Rise of Online Therapy 50:00 – What Your Diet Isn’t Telling You About Your Hormones 01:04:19 – Your Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing Hormones for Vitality Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pulsetto: If you’ve been feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from your body, Pulsetto is a gentle, wearable tool that supports your vagus nerve—the gateway to your rest-and-restore state. Try it for 10% off at pulsetto.sjv.io/MONA with code MONA. Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. Subscribe here! Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Povilas Sabaliauskas and Pulsetto: Website: https://pulsetto.tech/ Instagram: @pulsetto.tech

What if the secret to deep, restorative sleep begins at sunrise, not bedtime? In this grounding episode, I sit down with sleep educator and former insomniac Mollie Eastman to explore why rest is a skill, and how light, food, temperature, and mindset shape the way we sleep. Together, we uncover why so many of us feel tired but wired, how morning sunlight and meal timing set the stage for deep rest, and what to do when you wake up at 3 a.m. Mollie shares compassionate, science-backed insights on alcohol, blue light, circadian rhythms, and the nervous system, showing us that sleep isn’t about perfection, but about remembering how to work with our bodies instead of against them. If you’re ready to restore your nights and reclaim your energy, this episode is for you. Mollie Eastman is the creator of Sleep Is a Skill, a podcast and platform dedicated to helping people transform their sleep through science and circadian wisdom. We Also Discuss: 00:00 – Welcome & Why Sleep Is a Skill 09:40 – Morning Light and Circadian Rhythm Basics 19:20 – Sleep Anxiety, Mindset, and Nervous System Health 29:00 – Sleep Apnea and Common Sleep Disorders 38:40 – Alcohol, Food Timing, and Deep Sleep Quality 48:20 – Blue Light, Scrolling, and Sleep Disruption 58:00 – Hormones, Cortisol, and Restorative Sleep 01:07:40 – Wearables, Sleep Metrics, and Biohacking Rest 01:17:20 – Sleep Positions, Ancient Wisdom, and Final Takeaways Thank You to Our Sponsors: iFit: Movement is medicine—iFIT makes it personal, science-backed, and ready for you anytime, anywhere. Explore more at iFIT.com.Pulsetto: If you’ve been feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from your body, Pulsetto is a gentle, wearable tool that supports your vagus nerve—the gateway to your rest-and-restore state. Try it for 10% off at pulsetto.sjv.io/MONA with code MONA.Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Mollie Eastman Instagram: @mollie.eastman Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/

What if the key to healing emotional trauma, reducing inflammation, and reconnecting with yourself isn’t another quick fix, but ancient wisdom and simple daily rituals? In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with healer, musician, and soulful guide Shayoon Alexander to explore the intersection of emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and embodied living. Together, we unpack how trauma gets stored in the body, how discipline can be a gentle act of self-respect, and why regulation, not restriction, is the new foundation for lasting wellness. Shayoon shares powerful tools from both ancient lineages and modern neuroscience to help you release emotional wounds, return to your body, and live a life anchored in love, purpose, and peace. Whether you're navigating stress, chronic symptoms, or just feeling disconnected from your inner self, this episode is for you. Shayoon Alexander is a musician, a trauma-informed healer and co-founder of the LightForce Center, where she combines neuroscience, somatic therapy, and quantum healing to help people release emotional trauma and regulate their nervous system.  We Also Discuss: (00:00) – Self-Healing Journey and Ancient Wisdom for Wellness (07:30) – Daily Rituals, Discipline, and the Power of Saying No (15:00) – Healing Emotional Trauma and Releasing Stored Pain (22:30) – Nervous System Regulation and Emotional Processing Tools (30:00) – From Fear to Self-Healing and Living with Purpose (37:30) – Overcoming Resistance and Doing the Inner Work (45:00) – Transforming Wellness through Pain to Purpose Awakening (55:00) – Ancient Remedies, Health Misconceptions, and True Healing Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pulsetto: If you’ve been feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from your body, Pulsetto is a gentle, wearable tool that supports your vagus nerve—the gateway to your rest-and-restore state. Try it for 10% off at pulsetto.sjv.io/MONA with code MONA. 12 tips: Small shifts, big energy—feel clearer, brighter, and more like you.Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: monasharma.com/12tipsStress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Find out more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Find out more about Shayoon Alexander:  Instagram: ​​@shayoon The Light Force Center: @thelightforcecenter Website: https://www.thelightforcecenter.com/

What if your immune system isn’t attacking you… but protecting you in ways we’ve only just begun to understand? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, to explore why autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammation are on the rise, and how shifting the story we tell about our health can transform the way we heal.  Dr. Bland shares why 70% of our immune system begins in the gut, how our immune age may be a more powerful marker of vitality than our actual years, how some colorful foods can help rejuvenate our cells and more! Dr. Jeffrey Bland, PhD is widely celebrated as the “father of functional medicine.” He’s authored best-selling books and over 120 peer-reviewed studies and launched Big Bold Health. For more than four decades, Dr. Bland has been pioneering a systems-based, personalized approach to healing, what we now call functional medicine.  What's Discussed: (04:33) What if disease labels are holding us back from true healing? (14:48) Why your immune system may actually be protecting you, not attacking you. (24:19) How colorful plants can literally rejuvenate your immune system. (33:49) Discover why your immune age matters more than birthdays. (40:02) When high achievement pushes the immune system into overdrive. (47:16) Simple choices that help your body return to balance. (01:04:25) What soil, farming, and human health teach us about resilience. Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pendulum: Nourish your gut, support your whole body—head to pendulumlife.com and use code MONA for 20% off your first membership order. iFit: Movement is medicine—iFIT makes it personal, science-backed, and ready for you anytime, anywhere. Explore more at iFIT.com. 12 tips: Small shifts, big energy—feel clearer, brighter, and more like you.Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: monasharma.com/12tips Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Bland: Website: https://bigboldhealth.com Instagram Big Bold: https://www.instagram.com/bigboldhealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreybland/

What if the secret to better digestion, deeper sleep, balanced hormones, and lasting longevity isn’t in the latest supplements, but in ancient wisdom you can apply today? In this episode, I sit down with Ayurvedic wellness expert and Ayurgamaya founder, Salila Sukumaran, to uncover how simple morning rituals, seasonal lifestyle practices, and herbal remedies can transform your health. We explore how aligning with your circadian rhythm reduces inflammation and bloating, why your doshas influence metabolism and menopause symptoms, and how mindful eating supports synergy between body and mind. From tongue scraping to oil massage, from optimizing digestion to empowering women through holistic healthcare. Salila Sukumaran is an Ayurvedic wellness practitioner, yoga educator, and founder of Ayurgamaya, where she helps clients around the world restore balance through time-honored Ayurvedic principles.  What's Discussed: (00:00) Ancient wisdom that transforms health today (11:12) How modern life disrupts digestion and how to fix it (16:32) Discover your Ayurvedic body type and what it means (31:31) Simple lifestyle shifts that spark deep healing (37:46) Morning rituals that fuel your energy all day (43:02) Ayurvedic tools to navigate menopause with vitality (53:41) Herbal remedies for everyday health issues (01:01:47) Creating mind-body synergy through Ayurveda Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pulsetto: If you’ve been feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from your body, Pulsetto is a gentle, wearable tool that supports your vagus nerve—the gateway to your rest-and-restore state. Try it for 10% off at pulsetto.sjv.io/MONA with code MONA. Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Salila Sukumaran: Website: https://www.ayurgamaya.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salila.ayurveda/

What if your metabolism isn’t something you “fix,” but something you free? In this episode, I sit down with Ben Azadi, author of Metabolic Freedom and host of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast, to explore what’s really driving fatigue, weight resistance, hormone chaos, and why so many people are stuck in cycles of doing more… but healing less. Ben shares how his first breakthrough had nothing to do with food. It started with a decision to take radical responsibility for his thoughts. From there, everything changed. We talk about the hidden signs of insulin resistance, what it really means to be metabolically “flexible,” and how your mitochondria, the tiny energy factories inside your cells, hold the key to long-term vitality. We also dive into the science of gratitude (what Ben calls Vitamin G), and how a single thought can signal your DNA to either protect or inflame. Ben Azadi is the founder of Keto Kamp and the bestselling author of Metabolic Freedom. Through science-backed education, emotional awareness, and a root-cause approach to healing he helps thousands reclaim their energy. What's Discussed: (00:00) Why ancient wisdom still holds the answers to modern health(05:46) The truth about fat loss: it’s not about the scale(09:32) How your mitochondria shape your metabolism, mood, and energy(13:58) Everyday habits that damage (and heal) your cellular energy(22:06) Are you stuck in sugar-burning mode? Here’s how to know(32:14) What metabolic flexibility actually looks like(36:14) Blood sugar, fasting insulin, and why your labs might be lying(44:51) Ketosis as a tool, not a lifestyle, and how to use it wisely(53:31) Can your thoughts really change your physiology? (yes)(58:56) Gratitude, presence, and the medicine that costs nothing Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8:I’m always searching for wellness that’s simple, effective, and rooted in science. That’s why I love IM8, a daily drink with 92 nutrients designed to support energy, gut health, and longevity.Use code MONASHARMA10 for 10% off at im8health.com Pendulum: Nourish your gut, support your whole body—head to pendulumlife.com and use code MONA for 20% off your first membership order. iFit: Movement is medicine—iFIT makes it personal, science-backed, and ready for you anytime, anywhere. Explore more at iFIT.com. Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Ben Azadi: Website: www.benazadi.com  Instagram: @thebenazadi YouTube: Keto Kamp Book: https://ketokamp.clickfunnels.com/metabolic-freedom  TikTok: @thebenazadi

What if the most overlooked pillar of your health isn’t food, sleep, or exercise, but your relationships? In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Stevenson, bestselling author and host of The Model Health Show, to explore how connection shapes everything from your stress response to your metabolism, gut health, and even gene expression. Shawn shares his journey of healing from a spinal diagnosis at 20, and how building a culture of connection, through food, family, and presence, transformed not only his body, but his entire life. We talk about why eating together is a healing ritual, how loneliness affects your biology, and why being seen and supported is essential for long-term wellbeing. Shawn Stevenson is a nutritionist, researcher, and the creator of The Model Health Show. Shawn is the author of the international bestsellers Sleep Smarter and Eat Smarter, which have been published in over 20 countries. His work bridges the gap between evidence-based health strategies and real-world application, with a focus on metabolic health, sleep science, and the impact of social and environmental factors on long-term wellbeing. What's Discussed: (00:00) Rooted in Wellness: Opening the conversation on healing through connection(04:45) From processed foods to healing: Shawn’s turning point and early health awakening(14:49) How community and relationships reshape your biology(29:03) Creative family rituals that build lasting bonds(38:28) Cooking as connection: empowering wellness through shared meals(47:18) Belief and biology: how mindset influences gene expression(54:04) What your biological age reveals, and why self-quantification isn’t everything(01:30:53) Your relationships are the most powerful wellness tool you have Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pulsetto: If you’ve been feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from your body, Pulsetto is a gentle, wearable tool that supports your vagus nerve, the gateway to your rest-and-restore state. Try it for 10% off at pulsetto.sjv.io/MONA with code MONA. Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted 12 Tips: 12 tips: Small shifts, big energy, feel clearer, brighter, and more like you.Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: monasharma.com/12tips Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Shawn Stevenson:  Website: https://themodelhealthshow.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/shawnmodel Podcast: https://themodelhealthshow.com/podcasts  Books: Eat Smarter, Sleep Smarter

What if eating at the wrong time is silently sabotaging your energy, hormones, and mood? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rupy Aujla, medical doctor and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, to explore how syncing your meals, movement, and light exposure with your circadian rhythm can recalibrate your entire system. Dr. Rupy and I explain how inflammation disrupts your brain and metabolism, why late-night eating throws your hormones off track, and how simple daily rituals can reignite your energy and clarity. We also unpack the science of timing, why joy matters in your healing journey, and how sustainable habits can reconnect you to your body’s natural rhythm. This conversation is a refreshing blend of science and soul, practical, grounded, and full of tools to help you feel vibrant again, without the overwhelm. Dr. Rupy Aujla is a medical doctor, best-selling author, and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, who discovered the power of food as medicine after facing his own health scare in his early twenties. His journey led him to bridge the gap between nutrition and conventional medicine, showing that lifestyle isn’t just supportive, it’s foundational. We Also Discuss: (00:00) What Ancient Wisdom Can Teach Us About Healing Today (09:40) Dr. Rupy’s Turning Point: From Exhaustion to Empowerment (19:20) Your Body’s Hidden Clock: Why Timing Is Everything (29:00) Eat, Move, Rest: Syncing with Your Natural Rhythms (38:40) Food That Loves You Back: A Joyful Approach to Eating (48:20) Tiny Shifts, Big Results: The Power of Daily Rituals (58:00) Inflammation, Mood, and Energy: How It’s All Connected (01:07:40) Reclaiming Balance: Tools to Feel Like Yourself Again Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pendulum: Nourish your gut, support your whole body, head to pendulumlife.com and use code MONA for 20% off your first membership order. 12 tips: Small shifts, big energy—feel clearer, brighter, and more like you.Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: monasharma.com/12tips Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about  Dr. Rupy Aujla:  Website: https://www.thedoctorskitchen.com/  Instagram: @doctors_kitchen

What if the root of your symptoms isn’t in your head or your hormones, but in your gut? In this episode, I sit down with Kiran Krishnan, microbiologist and founder of Microbiome Labs, to explore why the gut is so much more than a digestive system. It’s the control center for your mood, your energy, your hormones, and your healing. Kiran breaks down how the gut and brain communicate, why stress disrupts your entire microbiome, and what most people get wrong about probiotics. We also explore the surprising role of fiber in longevity, how early morning light sets your gut rhythm, and why sometimes the simplest habits are the most powerful medicine. This conversation is a grounded, science-backed invitation to stop fighting your body, and start supporting it. Because when you understand your gut, you understand yourself. Kiran Krishnan is a research microbiologist and co-founder of Microbiome Labs. He has spent his career studying the gut-brain axis and helping people shift from symptom management to root-cause healing. Through his work, Kiran empowers people to trust their body’s intelligence and embrace daily rituals that create lasting balance. We Also Discuss: 2:10 – What your gut is really doing when you're stressed, tired, or overwhelmed13:25 – The gut-brain connection explained simply: how your body "talks" to itself26:40 – Why fiber is more powerful than any supplement (and how to get enough)39:50 – Daily habits that regulate your nervous system and support gut repair53:05 – The truth about probiotics: what works, what doesn’t, and why1:05:15 – Hormones, inflammation, and gut health: how it’s all connected1:17:30 – Breath, sound, and light: ancient tools that reset your microbiome1:30:45 – What the future holds for personalized gut healing (and where to begin) Thank You to Our Sponsors: IM8: I’m always searching for wellness that’s simple, effective, and rooted in science. That’s why I love IM8, a daily drink with 92 nutrients designed to support energy, gut health, and longevity.Use code MONASHARMA10 for 10% off at im8health.com. Ifit: Movement is medicine. iFIT makes it personal, science-backed, and ready for you anytime, anywhere. Explore more at iFIT.com. Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips.  Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Kiran Krishnan: Website: https://rebelhealth.co/byrg-mod1-offer-48hr/ Website: microbiomelabs.com ​​Instagram: @kiranbiome

What if the key to healing isn’t adding more, but coming back to yourself?In today’s episode, we slow down to reconnect with the body, the breath, and the quiet wisdom within you. I’ll share a powerful practice to release stuck emotions (yes, even if journaling isn’t your thing) and guide you into a gentle remembrance of your inner child, the version of you who knew how to move freely, feel deeply, and live with wonder.You’ll also learn why so many of us struggle to stay consistent, and how the shift from discipline to identity can make all the difference. Together, we’ll explore how rituals, community, and presence can help you stop striving and start embodying the version of you that already knows how to heal. This is your invitation to reset. To release. To remember who you are.So ask yourself: What are you holding onto that it’s time to let go of?I Also Discuss: 00:00 – Welcome: Reconnect with Your Body’s Wisdom03:30 – Feeling Stuck? Why Less Might Be More07:15 – The Scribble Practice: Releasing with Movement11:00 – Visualizing Your Inner Child15:00 – Reclaiming Joy and Identity Through Emotion18:30 – Motivation vs. Embodiment in Healing23:00 – What's Driving Your Health Choices?27:30 – Embody What Inspires You Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips. Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation.Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma.

What if the way back to health isn’t about doing more, but about listening more deeply?In this episode, I sit down with Seamus Mullen, award-winning chef, health coach, and chronic illness thriver, to explore how true healing begins when we shift from control to connection.Seamus shares how his journey through autoimmune illness led him to reimagine food as nourishment, not restriction. We dive into the emotional and physical reset of fasting, how detoxing from modern toxins changed his vitality, and the unexpected healing that came from reconnecting with animals and energy.This conversation unpacks what most wellness plans overlook: the impact of environmental toxins, the spiritual dimension of healing, and the quiet power of choosing rest over hustle. Seamus reminds us that healing isn’t a destination, it’s a remembering. Seamus Mullen is an award-winning chef, health coach, and author who transformed his life after a near-death experience with chronic autoimmune disease. Through his personal story, Seamus reminds us that healing is possible, even when it feels out of reach—and that sometimes, the most powerful medicine is believing in your ability to begin again. We Also Discuss: (00:02) From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Our Healing Stories(08:44) Autoimmunity Isn’t a Life Sentence—Here’s Where to Start(14:56) Terrain Theory: Why Your Inner Ecosystem Matters(19:26) Lifestyle as Medicine: The Daily Shifts That Heal(28:26) Fasting for Clarity, Energy & Cellular Repair(48:22) Animal Wisdom & the Power of Energetic Connection(56:18) Co-Regulation: Why Healing Doesn’t Happen Alone(01:15:01) Becoming the Healer of Your Own Life Thank You to Our Sponsors: Pendulum: Nourish your gut, support your whole body, head to pendulumlife.com and use code MONA for 20% off your first membership order.iFit: Movement is medicine, iFIT makes it personal, science-backed, and ready for you anytime, anywhere. Explore more at iFIT.com. 12 tips: Small shifts, big energy, feel clearer, brighter, and more like you. Download my 12 wellness tips with Dr. Mark Hyman: monasharma.com/12tips Stress Quiz: The way you react to stress isn’t random—it’s rooted in your biology and lived experience. Discover your unique stress type + get a personalized healing plan to help you feel more calm, clear, and resilient. Take the quiz now:monasharma.com/quiz Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips. Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation.Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Seamus Mullen Website: seamusmullen.com Instagram: @seamusmullen