What if the root of most chronic symptoms isn’t “one diagnosis”… but cellular stress?

In Part 1, Susan sits down with Dr. Bill Rawls, MD to explore what happens when we live outside the margins set by our genes, and how modern life (processed foods, toxins, blue light, chronic stress, poor sleep, sedentary days) shifts cells into a constant survival state. Dr. Rawls breaks down his Five Elements of Wellness and why supporting the cell is the most practical place to start.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• Why inflammation and chronic symptoms often trace back to cellular stress
  
  
• What it means to live “outside the margins” of our genetic programming
  
  
• The 5 Elements of Wellness: food, environment, recovery, movement, and microbes
  
  
• Why sleep + downtime matter for cellular repair (autophagy)
  
  
• How simple daily movement helps circulation, lymph flow, and inflammation
  
  
• The power of nose breathing to shift the nervous system and exercise stress

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we go deeper into microbes + herbs.

Learn more about our guest Dr. Bill Rawls, MD:

Vital Plan Co-Founder and Medical Director

For over 30 years, Dr. Bill Rawls has dedicated his life to medicine. When a health crisis with chronic Lyme disease abruptly changed his quality of life, he came face to face with the limitations of modern medicine and began to explore the vast possibilities of alternative treatments. Restoring his health through holistic and herbal therapies inspired him to share his revelations on the importance of cellular wellness for defending against microbes and other root causes of illness. Today, he works to bring life and vitality to others as he helps them establish their own paths to wellness through modern herbology.

Through his bestselling books, Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution, Dr. Rawls demonstrates why crucial herbal phytochemicals are key to protecting cellular health and strengthening the body's defense against illness. Dr. Rawls is also the founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company, where he developed the signature RESTORE180 program, an advanced herbal protocol that has helped thousands to reclaim vibrant health. 

Dr. Rawls is a #1 bestselling author and seasoned speaker and interviewee. With a compassionate approach and an incredible depth of knowledge, Dr. Rawls has a distinct ability to make scientific concepts accessible and enriching for everyone.

RESOURCES:

Website: https://rawlsmd.com/resources/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawlsmd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawlsmd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RawlsMD%20

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-rawls-md/

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/03/02/episode113/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

Shift work isn’t “just a schedule.” It’s a full-body stressor that can quietly rewire your circadian rhythm, metabolism, immune function, hormones, and even the way your genes express. And if you’re a first responder, medical professional, or anyone grinding through nights or rotating shifts, this episode is for you.

Susan shares her personal experience working graveyard shift as a police officer (and how fast it affected her body), then breaks down what’s happening beneath the surface: circadian misalignment, blood sugar disruption, inflammation, immune suppression, and the mental health ripple effects that too many people normalize as “part of the job.”

This isn’t doom-and-gloom, it’s empowerment. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to reduce the epigenetic impact of shift work, protect your sleep, support your metabolism, and stay sharp (because your work, and your life, deserve that kind of support).

In This Episode

• Why shift work is a major disruptor of circadian rhythm, and how that impacts gene expression
• The metabolic fallout: insulin resistance, weight gain, cravings, and late-night eating traps
• Immune and mental health effects: increased illness risk, anxiety/depression vulnerability, and brain fog
• Sleep strategies that actually help (blackout curtains, temperature, stimulant timing, nervous system downshifts)
• Shift-worker nutrition basics: what to prioritize, what to avoid, and how to simplify meal prep
• Support tools Susan recommends for resilience (hydration, key nutrients, immune support habits)
• A breakdown of how shift work affects each pH360 health type, and the most supportive adjustments for each
  Why labs matter before symptoms show up (and how often to monitor if you’re on shifts)

RESOURCES:

St. Michael Farms: https://www.stmichaelsfarms.com/

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes: 

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/23/episode112/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

What if your “age” isn’t just the number on your driver’s license? In this episode of Everyday Epigenetics: Raw, Real, Relatable, Susan Robbins pulls back the curtain on epigenetic age testing, what it measures, why it matters, and how it can be one of the most empowering tools in your optimization toolbox. Joined by Dr. Lauren Clark of TruDiagnostic, Susan breaks down epigenetics in a way that finally makes sense: your genes are the hardware, but your epigenome is the software, shaped by stress, sleep, movement, nutrition, environment, and the life you’ve lived.

Then Susan brings you behind the scenes of her own TruAge results with Jess Bonthius (medical science liaison at TruDiagnostic), including a real-time walkthrough of her report and what it means for longevity, healthspan, and the pace at which you’re aging. If you’ve ever feared what a test might reveal, or assumed results would be doom-and-gloom, this conversation offers a different lens: data as a guide, not a verdict. You’ll leave understanding how these markers can help you make better decisions now, without panic, perfectionism, or expensive “biohacking” extremes.

In This Episode

• A clear “Epigenetics 101” explanation (and what DNA methylation actually is)
• Genetics vs. epigenetics: why your DNA isn’t your destiny
• What epigenetic age testing measures, and why different tests can give different insights
• The three key TruAge clocks: biological age, healthspan-focused aging, and pace of aging
• Susan’s personal results walkthrough (and why lifestyle still matters especially during a hard season)
• Why low percentile can be a good thing in biological age reporting
• How inflammation, recovery, and training load can show up in epigenetic biomarkers
• The truth about “optimization”: simple lifestyle changes vs. expensive protocols
  
  

Learn more about our guests in the show notes below!

Jessica Bonthius and Loren Clarke, M.D. 

RESOURCES:

Shownotes: https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/16/episode111/

Discount code: https://shop.trudiagnostic.com/discount/SUSANGENES

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

Is walking really exercise, or just something we do between workouts?

In this Raw, Real, Relatable mini episode, Susan tackles one of the most common (and damaging) fitness myths out there: that walking “doesn’t count.” And she’s not holding back.

In a culture obsessed with intensity, sweat, and punishment-style workouts, walking is often dismissed as too easy or ineffective. But science, and real-world results, tell a very different story.

From clients with chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions to high performers and endurance athletes, Susan has seen firsthand how walking can dramatically improve health, metabolism, mood, blood pressure, blood sugar, and longevity. And research backs it up.

This episode reframes walking not as a fallback, but as one of the most accessible, powerful, and personalized forms of movement we have — especially when done with intention.

Susan also explores how walking works differently depending on your unique biology and health type, why “no pain, no gain” thinking is outdated, and how walking can complement, not replace, other forms of exercise.

If you’ve ever said “I only walk”… this episode might completely change how you see movement.

In this episode:

• Why walking absolutely qualifies as exercise
• How walking lowers heart disease risk, blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation
• Why intensity-obsessed fitness culture overlooks powerful daily movement
• The science behind steps, pace, and long-term health benefits
• How walking supports mental health, mood, and cognitive clarity
• Why walking works differently for different health types and nervous systems
• When walking is enough, and when it should be paired with other training
• Simple ways to make walking more effective and intentional

RESOURCES:

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes: 

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/26/episode108/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

Susan Robbins sits down with Shelly Jefferis, M.A. for a high-energy, real-talk conversation about toxins, lifestyle, and how everyday exposures can influence genetic expression. They break down what actually matters (without fear or perfectionism): how environmental toxins can dial up inflammation, impact detox pathways, and contribute to symptoms people often normalize, like brain fog, low energy, and poor sleep.

You’ll learn simple ways to reduce your toxin load starting where you are, reading labels, spotting “health” products that aren’t so healthy, avoiding common artificial sweeteners and synthetic fragrances, and making realistic swaps in food, skincare, and home products. The bottom line: you don’t need to do everything, you just need better awareness, smarter choices, and consistent habits that support your body’s natural detox systems.

In This Episode:

• Why toxins don’t have to be scary, but ignorance can be costly
• How environmental chemicals can influence inflammation, detox genes, and overall health
• The biggest red flags to watch for on food and supplement labels
• Why “sugar-free” and “wellness-branded” products often aren’t what they claim
• Simple, realistic ways to reduce toxin exposure without becoming obsessive
• How lifestyle basics, sleep, movement, hydration, and nutrition, support natural detox pathways
• Why feeling “okay” isn’t the same as feeling your best

Learn more about our guest Shelly Jefferis:

Shelly Jefferis, M.A. is an expert in wellness & longevity and has been in the profession for over 40 years. She is an educator, speaker & mentor. Through teaching & her compassionate nature, she is dedicated to the goal of impacting the lives of others to feel and live their best lives! Shelly is a retired college professor, is partnered with a global wellness company, and is passionate about increasing awareness and educating on toxins and ways to reduce our exposure in order to live healthier lifestyles. She is the podcast host of “Words of Wellness” and is the founder of Moms Who Flourish, a community created to empower moms to put their health and self-care as a priority through 1:1 & group mentorship and live wellness in-person events!!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Shelly Jefferis:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish

Products Mentioned:

Yuka: https://yuka.io/en/

Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/

Crunchy: https://crunchi.com/

Branch Basics: https://branchbasics.com/

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/02/episode109/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

“Everything in moderation” sounds harmless, even responsible.
 But what if that phrase is actually keeping you stuck… or quietly damaging your health?

In this Raw, Real, Relatable mini episode, Susan breaks down why moderation is not one-size-fits-all and how this widely accepted advice can work against your unique biology.

Epigenetics shows us that health is personal. What’s “moderate” for one person can be inflammatory, disruptive, or even dangerous for another, especially when it comes to food, alcohol, sleep, stress, and exercise.

This episode isn’t about restriction or perfection. It’s about awareness, precision, and accountability.

In this episode:

• Why “everything in moderation” is outdated and oversimplified
  
  
• How moderation often removes responsibility and delays real change
  
  
• Why individual biology matters more than generic health advice
  
  
• How small daily habits create cumulative epigenetic stress
  
  
• Who moderation fails the most (and why)
  
  
• What to focus on instead: personalization, patterns, and awareness
  
  
  

RESOURCES:

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes: 

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/26/episode108/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

What happens when an old epigenetics training connection pops back into your inbox… talking stem cells, regenerative medicine, and the future of healing? Susan reconnects with Daniel Fazio for a high-energy, “buckle up” conversation that makes stem cells feel way less mysterious, and a lot more practical.

Daniel breaks down Stem Cells 101 in a way you’ll actually remember (think: your body as a city, and stem cells as the “contracted construction crew” that gets called in when roads, buildings, or systems need repair). From inflammation and recovery to performance and longevity, they unpack why stem cells are becoming one of the most talked-about tools in regenerative medicine, and what most people still don’t understand about how they work.

They also dive into the real-world differences between using your own cells vs donor-based options, why adipose-derived (fat tissue) harvesting can be less invasive than bone marrow, and the key questions to ask any provider (including cell viability, safety protocols, and candidate considerations). If you’ve ever wondered whether stem cells are “for you,” how banking works, or what the next wave of medicine could look like… this episode is your starting point.

In this episode

• Stem Cells 101 explained with a memorable analogy: your body’s “repair crew” for recovery and rejuvenation
  
  
• The difference between mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow/adipose) and pluripotent cells (perinatal sources like umbilical/placenta)
  
  
• Adipose-derived stem cells: what they are, how harvesting works, and why many see them as a more accessible option
  
  
• Why people often feel changes first through reduced inflammation and improved daily function/performance
  
  
• The big “must-ask” question: cell viability, and why it matters for results
  
  
• Who may be a better candidate for using a younger blood relative’s cells (and why age and health history matter)

Learn more about our guest Daniel Fazio:

With a deep background in regenerative medicine, Daniel recognized a critical gap in the healthcare landscape. Cutting-edge stem cell science existed — the technology to help people heal, recover, and thrive — but for most Americans, it remained out of reach.

Too often, he witnessed patients being overlooked. Told "no" without a second thought. Dismissed because they didn't fit a narrow profile or couldn't afford boutique clinic prices. These weren't edge cases — they were everyday people seeking real solutions.

That's when the vision for Legacy Labs was born: to bring the best stem cell technology in the United States to everyone — not just the wealthy or well-connected.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Daniel Fazio:

https://getlegacylabs.com/

https://app.minnect.com/expert/DanielFazio

https://l2bio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danfazio_

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/19/episode107/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

What if some of what you’re calling “anxiety,” brain fog, low mood, or restless sleep isn’t a personality flaw… but a gut + immune signal your body has been trying to send for years?

In this raw, real, and deeply empowering conversation, Susan sits down with functional medicine physician Dr. Jill Carnahan (and yes, she’s right here in Colorado!) to unpack the gut-brain axis and how the microbiome can influence neuroinflammation, cognition, mood, histamine, and resilience.

Dr. Jill shares her extraordinary personal story—breast cancer at 25, Crohn’s disease, and mold illness, and the core truth that shaped everything that followed: you are not broken, and you are not powerless. Your symptoms have information.

In this episode:

• What the gut-brain axis really is 
• The reason extreme diets can feel good short-term and backfire long-term

This one is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or stuck cycling through symptom “management.” You deserve root-cause clarity, and a plan that fits your body.

Learn more about our guest Dr Jill Carnahan:

Dr. Jill Carnahan is Your Functional Medicine Expert®. She is dually board certified and is the founder and Medical Director of Flatiron Functional Medicine. As a survivor of breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, and toxic mold illness, she brings a unique perspective to treating patients. She specializes in searching for the underlying causes of illness through cutting-edge lab testing and personalized medicine protocols.

Released in 2023, Dr. Jill's Best Selling book, Unexpected: Finding Resilience though Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith is a powerful prescriptive memoir that will have you laughing and crying with her on the journey, leaving you with the key resources you need to achieve optimal health and wellness. She is also executive producer, film writer, and featured in an award winning new documentary about her journey overcoming chronic illness called Doctor/Patient, now available streaming online and on Amazon Prime.

As a popular inspirational speaker and prolific writer, she shares her knowledge of hope, health, and healing live on stage and through newsletters, articles, books, and social media. Patients and fans alike are encouraged by Dr. Jill’s science-backed medical knowledge delivered with authenticity, love, and humor. She is known for inspiring her audience to thrive even in the midst of difficulties. Be sure to follow @drjillcarnahan on Instagram for access to all her content.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Dr Jill Carnahan:

https://www.jillcarnahan.com/

https://www.drjillhealth.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Tg7FE_TgHuCLGrHgP8sdw

https://www.facebook.com/flatironfunctionalmedicine

https://instagram.com/doccarnahan

https://twitter.com/DocCarnahan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillcarnahan

https://healthyawakening.co/2026/01/12/episode106/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

This episode is a heartfelt end-of-year reflection, and a moment to pause after passing a major milestone.

With 105 episodes now behind her, Susan takes time to reflect on what it has meant to create Everyday Epigenetics: Raw. Real. Relatable, a space built on honesty, curiosity, and the belief that lifestyle truly drives genetic expression.

In this episode, Susan shares gratitude for the listeners who’ve helped this podcast grow into a global community, opens up about the personal challenges of the past year, and explains why authenticity, not perfection, has always been the foundation of this show.

She also walks through important updates heading into the new year, including changes to the podcast format, a return to one intentional episode every Monday, and why choosing quality over quantity matters, especially when the goal is real impact.

You’ll also hear an exciting preview of upcoming conversations on gut-brain health, histamine, epigenetic aging, stem cells, sleep, HRV, and more, including deeply personal episodes where Susan shares her own epigenetic test results after one of the most difficult years of her life.

This episode is honest, reflective, and deeply human. It’s a thank-you, a reset, and an invitation to step into the new year with more awareness, intention, and self-trust.

P.S. There won’t be a brand-new episode next week, but we are revealing the Top 5 episodes of 2025 and the Top 5 of all time, it’s the perfect chance to catch up on listener favorites.

RESOURCES:

Find all of Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes: 

Shop the products: http://healthygut.com/healthyawakenings (this link will provide you a special discount!)

https://healthyawakening.co/2025/12/29/episode105/

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast

This mini episode is exactly what Everyday Epigenetics promises: raw, real, and relatable, literally recorded out in nature, wind, trail noise, construction sounds and all.

After my conversation with Katie Asmus from the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute, I decided to stop talking about somatic nature therapy… and actually experience it. So I headed to Boulder, Colorado, met two incredible therapists-in-training, and stepped onto the trail with no plan, no expectations, and zero control.

What followed was one of the most unexpected, grounding, emotional, and regulating experiences I’ve had in a long time.

This episode captures:

• the beginning of the session in real time
  
  
• conversations on the trail about intention, surrender, and presence
  
  
• moments of disruption (because… nature + life happen)
  
  
• and my honest reflection afterward on what shifted in my body, mind, and spirit
  
  

No edits. No polish. Just lived experience.

In this mini episode:

• What somatic nature therapy actually feels like, not just how it’s described
  
  
• Why letting go of control can create profound nervous system regulation
  
  
• How sensory awareness opened emotional and physical release
  
  
• What surprised me most after the session (including deep exhaustion + incredible sleep)
  
  
• How this experience changed the way I’ll approach time in nature moving forward
  
  

If you’re curious about somatic work, nervous system regulation, or what happens when you stop “doing” and allow yourself to simply be, this episode is for you.

And yes… there are interruptions, wind gusts, trail sounds, and imperfect audio. Because healing doesn’t happen in a studio, it happens in real life.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Katie Asmus and her therapists:

Website: https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaticnaturetherapy/

Events: https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/calendar

Show notes: https://healthyawakening.co/2025/12/26/episode104

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

Connect with Susan:

• Check out Susan’s NEW E-book! Download it FREE here: https://healthyawakening.co/ebook-signup
• Contact me for your DNA testing or epigenetic coaching! To schedule a FREE Personalized Health Strategy Session, send an email to [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening
  Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach

Susan’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/susanrobbins

P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast