When you're physically ill, rest and support are often readily offered. But when you're mentally unwell—grappling with anxiety, depression, or even deeper struggles—not only is recognition rare, but the help you receive might even set you back. This week, we tackle mental health in the year ahead. How can you prepare for a proactive, mentally healthy 2025? Join us for an honest conversation about recognizing struggles, offering real support, and creating a foundation for mental wellness in the coming year.

Listen and learn: 

• Why so many addicts’ therapy journeys end in tragedy 
• Why we rarely work on our mental health proactively
• How you might support yourself and your family in 2025 for mental health 

Links

https://www.DrjalaliandAssociates.com

https://alignremedy.com

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Shahrzad Jalali is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Newport Beach, California, specializing in depth-oriented psychotherapy that addresses the root causes of psychological distress. With advanced training in trauma, addiction, and couples therapy, she integrates a bio-psycho-social approach to help individuals reconstruct their identities and foster personal growth.

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In 2002, the Women's Health Initiative study on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) sent shockwaves through the medical world, halting a major study due to a reported 26% increase in breast cancer risk.

The statistic sounded terrifying, but what it really meant was just eight additional cases per 10,000 women per year. Unfortunately, the lack of clear communication and context sparked widespread fear, leading millions of women to avoid HRT without fully understanding its risks and benefits.

Listen and learn:

• Why the Women’s Health Initiative study on HRT was flawed and misunderstood
• The difference between relative risk and absolute risk—and why it matters
• How HRT protocols from 20+ years ago compare to today’s options
• The importance of advocating for yourself with your doctor
• How modern research and individualized care can reshape menopause treatment
• Practical insights to help you make informed decisions about your health and longevity

LINKS

Dr Schwartz’ s Site

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Erika Schwartz is a physician, author, and advocate for integrative and patient-centered healthcare. Specializing in hormone health, preventive medicine, and women's wellness, she has spent decades challenging traditional medical paradigms and empowering patients to take an active role in their health journey. With multiple books, national media appearances, and a holistic approach to medicine, Dr. Schwartz bridges the gap between conventional and alternative healthcare strategies.

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We’re living in a time where mental health is at an all-time low, and while awareness of the mental health crisis has never been higher, the question of what to do about it remains a mystery for many. One-on-one talk therapy is incredible, but it’s not always accessible, affordable, or the right fit for everyone. Emotional healing often involves more than just talking; for many, it includes experiences in nature, group support, and even time in the water. In this week’s episode, meet Natalie Small, a family and marriage counselor whose groundbreaking work integrates therapy with the ocean itself.

Listen and learn:

• The magnetic draw of the ocean and its healing role in our lives
• Why a fear of water or an inability to swim shouldn’t stop you from diving in
• Beginner tips for success with surf, sea, and therapeutic experiences

LINKS

Groundswell Surf Therapy

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Natalie Small is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Groundswell Community Project, a nonprofit organization offering surf therapy programs designed to empower women, particularly those recovering from trauma. She specializes in blending nature, movement, and expressive arts into traditional therapeutic approaches

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Chronic pain affects an estimated one in five people, manifesting as knee pain, back pain, migraines, and countless other symptoms. Unfortunately, the pain management market is filled with questionable products, risky medications, and unproven treatments. On this week’s episode, my guests bring expertise in mind-body wellness, exploring new perspectives on how we experience and manage pain.  

Listen and learn:

• How fear and anxiety can drive or intensify pain
• Why feelings of safety and support are key to recovery
• How mind-body approaches support healing, even in structural pain
• Why a collaborative pain management team will offer more effective support than a single provider

LINK: The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Olivia S. Sinaiko, LPC, and Vanessa M. Blackstone, MSW, are accomplished mental health professionals specializing in chronic pain treatment and co-authors of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook.

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When it comes to health and wellness, it’s easy to focus on diet, exercise, and even supplements, but sleep often takes a back seat. Since sleep is essential and happens every day, it might make more sense to start with sleep rather than end there. Understanding its role as a powerful leverage point for overall health could shift your priorities. This week, I’m joined by a medical doctor specializing in sleep medicine to dive deep into the science and strategies of better sleep.

Listen and learn:

• Why sleep apnea is on the rise and its effects on health
• The pros and cons of sharing a bed with children or grandchildren
• Myths vs. reality around wine, cannabis, and prescription sleep aids
• How to use the CREATE acronym to prepare for restful sleep

LINK: TheRestfulSleepPlace.com

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is triple board-certified in pediatrics, pediatric pulmonology, and sleep medicine, reflecting her extensive expertise in these areas. She’s the author of Beyond Tired: A Sleep Physician's Guide To Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems for Good.

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Fertility isn’t just about having kids—it’s a health signal for everyone. Gabriela Rosa, a fertility expert, unpacks the deeper health issues often missed, why quick fixes don’t work, and how a holistic approach can help couples facing challenges. Listen in for a realistic, hopeful perspective on fertility and balanced health.

Listen and learn:

• How fertility reflects overall wellness
• The impact of PCOS, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, and insulin resistance
• Why IVF alone isn’t always the answer.
• Positive paths forward for couples.

Guest’s Site

Fertility Breakthrough

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Gabriela Rosa is a renowned fertility specialist, naturopathic doctor, and founder of The Rosa Institute, an organization dedicated to improving clinical outcomes in reproductive medicine. With over two decades of experience, she has assisted more than 140,000 couples across 110 countries in overcoming fertility challenges.

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One of the main reasons people stop doing the activities they love is injury—especially to the lower back and knees, which are common in midlife and beyond. When most people see a doctor for these injuries, the primary focus is on pain relief, with little thought given to long-term recovery. However, if your goal is to return to—or even exceed—your previous activity levels, the approach needs to be more nuanced. In this week’s podcast, we’ll dive into the many options available today for healing, including biologics, surgeries, and even joint replacements, so you can keep doing what you love for life.

Listen and learn:

• About PRP injections (and PRP + surgery) as potential treatment options
• The use of stem cells to support healing
• Timeline planning for knee injury recovery
• The possibilities around returning to running

Links

Dr Stone’s Clinic

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Kevin R. Stone is an orthopedic surgeon, known for his innovations in joint repair and cartilage regeneration. He founded The Stone Clinic and the Stone Research Foundation in San Francisco, focusing on advanced biologics, robotic surgery, and new techniques for knee and ligament repair. He is also the author of Play Forever: How to Recover from Injury and Thrive, where he explores how people can stay active well into old age by taking care of their joints and recovering from injuries.

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Since 2020, the way we work has shifted dramatically. Many of us are now working remotely, at least part-time, and even those back in physical offices face rapid turnover and increasingly demanding environments. Today, we’re speaking with a leader and author who specializes in workplace dynamics to help us gain clarity on navigating these evolving times.

Listen and Learn:

• Why the traditional two week notice period is often unfair for both employers and employees
• The importance of open, honest transition conversations and how to approach them
• How to lead difficult conversations as a core skill in effective leadership
• Insights into the future of work as younger generations reshape workplace culture and expectations

Links

Robertglazer.com

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Robert Glazer is a speaker, and author. He is the founder of Acceleration Partners marketing agency and a top rated CEO on Glassdoor. He’s the author of a number of books including: Elevate, Performance Partnerships, and his new title, Rethinking Two Weeks’ Notice.

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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally. While we know the importance of exercise, weight management, and blood pressure control, what role do scans and testing play? Can coronary calcium (CAC) scores help detect risks before it's too late? And if arterial plaque is found, are there steps you can take to reverse or manage it? This week, we dive deep into heart disease prevention, diagnostic scans, and practical options to take control of your heart health.

Listen and learn:

• What a CAC (coronary artery calcium) score is and why it matters
• Safety versus efficacy of statins in heart disease management
• Non-statin options for heart health
• The difference between managing and reversing heart disease
• Costs, options, and taking agency over your cardiovascular wellness

Links

https://calciumscan.com/

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Matthew J. Budoff is a Professor of Medicine at UCLA and the Director of Cardiac CT at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He is a leading researcher in the field of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging and a pioneer in coronary artery calcium scoring, focusing on early detection and prevention of heart disease.

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If you break your arm, your next steps are clear. The doctor will put it in a cast for a couple months, and then afterwards, you’ll nurse it back to strength and all will be fine. If your brain is broken - perhaps from a sudden loss, job change, or financial challenge - the path forward is often opaque. You’re clearly in pain and struggling, but what do you do? On this week’s podcast you’ll learn about hypnotherapy not as a cure, but as part of the path toward healing. 

Listen and learn:

• What hypnotherapy is and how it differs from other forms of treatment
• Why the stigma around mental health might have ended but the stigma around “you’re broken” lingers
• How to use hypnotherapy to help you manage life’s stresses
• Why stress is used as an umbrella term for everything we’re struggling with 

Links

DanielFryer.com

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Daniel Fryer is a UK-based cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT), coach, and author of The Four Thoughts That F*ck You Up… and How to Fix Them. He has a background in psychology and mental health, specializing in helping people reframe negative thought patterns to improve their mental wellbeing. He is the author of a new book: How to Cope with Almost Anything with Hypnotherapy.

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