Intentionally Well

By Vanessa Lopez

A podcast for those ready to unlearn, relearn, and walk with intention toward true well-being. Together, we explore what it really means to be well—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spirituall

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FAQs about Intentionally Well:

How many episodes does Intentionally Well have?

The podcast currently has 96 episodes available.

Intentionally Well episodes:

February 04, 2026BEST OF IWP | The Penalty for Evolving Publicly: The Health Benefits of Changing Your Mind with Matt Blackburn
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Original air date: 7/16/2024
Mitolife listener code (15% off any order): VANESSA15
In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Matt Blackburn, founder of Mitolife and host of the Mitolife Radio podcast. This discussion explores what it means to change your mind thoughtfully in a space that often rewards certainty and punishes nuance. Matt shares his journey of evolving perspectives in health and wellness, why authenticity matters, and how navigating judgment can impact both personal growth and health decisions.
We also dive into several areas where Matt has shifted his thinking over time, including:
Iron metabolism, ferritin markers, and anemia
Vitamin C: whole food versus ascorbic acid
Zinc supplementation
The broader tendency to demonize nutrients and supplements
This episode also serves as a foundation for an updated conversation coming soon, where Matt and I will continue to chat about the everchanging field of health and wellness.
Connect with Matt:
Mitolife Website: Mitolife (Vanessa15 for 15% off)
Matt Blackburn on Instagram: Matt Blackburn
Mitolife on TikTok: @mitolifeofficial
Connect with the Podcast:
Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
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Podcast on YouTube
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Email: [email protected]
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This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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2h 28min
January 21, 2026Red Light Therapy in 2026: What’s Changed, What’s Safe, and What Actually Matters with Andrew LaTour
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For my listeners, use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any purchase from https://gembared.com/
Red light therapy has exploded over the last few years, and with that growth has come a lot of confusion, misinformation, and mixed messages.
In this episode, I’m joined again by Andrew LaTour, founder of GembaRed, for an updated, grounded conversation on red light therapy, and what actually matters now in 2026.
Andrew first joined me two years ago for a deep-dive episode that became one of the most comprehensive red light therapy guides on the show. This time, we focus on safety, practicality, and clarity in a social-media-driven landscape.
We talk about what’s changed, what hasn’t, where people are getting confused, and how to use red light therapy safely and effectively without overthinking it.
This conversation also addresses common listener questions, influencer misuse, misinformation circulating online, and why simple, consistent use often matters more than “perfect” wavelengths or high-intensity devices.
In this episode, we cover:
What red light therapy (photobiomodulation) actually does at a cellular level
A quick grounding recap for new listeners
Why red and near-infrared light are more flexible than people think
The difference between wavelength, intensity, and dosing, and why they’re so often confused
Why higher intensity doesn’t automatically mean better results
How exposure time impacts mitochondria and ATP production
Common safety concerns, and where they really come from
The role influencer culture has played in misinformation and misuse
Whether there are any body parts red light should not be used on
Eye safety, goggles, and why proper use matters more than worry
Why red light therapy is generally very safe when devices are made responsibly
Practical guidance for 10-15 minute sessions and consistency
Using red light therapy for fertility support and hair loss
Why consumers don’t need to obsess over specs to see benefits
Connect with GembaRed and Andrew:
GembaRed Website
Learn More at GembaRed
GembaRed on YouTube
GembaRed on Instagram
Email: [email protected]
Connect with the Podcast:
Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
Support the Intentionally Well Podcast
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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2h 20min
January 07, 2026Your Pain Is Real, But Is It Always Accurate? — with Vinny Crispino
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Here, I sit down with Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy, for a highly unconventional conversation that moves far beyond a traditional interview. What unfolds is a raw, real-time exploration of pain, compensation, nervous system protection, and the complex relationship we develop with our bodies when healing doesn’t follow a straight line. Vinny shares his perspective on why pain is always real, but not always accurate, how the nervous system can confuse discomfort with danger, and why adaptive patterns that once protected us can later become part of the problem. Throughout the episode, I’m used as a live example—making this conversation deeply personal, vulnerable, and honest. If you’ve ever worked hard at your health and still felt stuck, unseen, or confused by your body, this conversation is for you.
Explore Vinny Crispino’s work at Pain Academy
Follow Pain Academy on Instagram: @painacademy
Check out Pain Academy on YouTube: Pain Academy YouTube
Connect with the Podcast:
Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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1h 54min
December 10, 2025Why Your Gut Isn’t Healing, Despite Everything You’ve Tried with Dr. Kate Davis
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If you have frustratingly questioned why your gut just won’t heal, no matter how many diets, protocols, or supplements you’ve tried, you are not alone...and today’s episode brings clarity, insight, and practical guidance for anyone who has felt stuck in their gut healing journey.
I’m joined by Dr. Kate Davis, a Functional Medicine doctor who personally spent nearly a decade struggling with chronic gut issues—from bloating and constipation to IBS and acid reflux—before discovering a massive parasite infection. Her journey transformed the way she approaches gut health, and she’s since helped hundreds of people address chronic gut challenges in a safe, practical, and sustainable way.
In this conversation, we dive into:
Why gut symptoms keep returning even when you feel like you’re doing everything right
The critical role of hidden infections, stress, and organ function in gut health
How to approach healing in the right sequence for lasting results
Practical, actionable insights you can start applying immediately
Whether you’ve felt like you’ve tried everything or just want a deeper understanding of how your body really works, this episode offers a fresh perspective on supporting gut health without extremes or fear.
Connect with Dr. Kate Davis and Resources:
Dr. Kate Davis — Website Visit Dr. Kate’s Website
Dr. Kate on Instagram:
Exclusive Listener Offer DM Dr. Kate on Instagram with the word “100” for $100 off an initial consult + labs package.
Books Mentioned: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art Find the book on Amazon and The Oxygen Advantage
Find the book on Amazon
Lymphatic System Episode Mentioned: Listen to the Lymphatic System Guide
Connect with the Podcast:
Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]

Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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1h 35min
November 25, 2025The Wellness Noise: Overwhelm, Confusion, and Finding Your Own Path with Caitlin Warrington
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For listeners: Shop FATSKN and use code VANESSA15 at checkout for 15% off
Feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, health advice, and the pressure heal or get it all “right” with your health? In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Warrington, founder of FATSKN, for a candid conversation about what it really means to navigate the modern wellness world.
Some of what we talk about:
How Caitlin has evolved her approach to health over the years
Seasonal eating, how light plays a role, and the basics on deuterium’s importance
Sticking to what works for you, even if it looks extreme to others
The difference between knowledge and action when it comes to wellness
Finding your intuition again in a world full of noise
Troubleshooting real-life challenges without relying solely on external advice
The value of mistakes, contrast, and learning from the harder parts of the journey
Whether you’re drowning in conflicting health advice, curious about balancing trends with real-life choices, or just want to hear a relaxed, practical conversation about wellness, this episode has insights for everyone. Caitlin also shares a little about her business, FATSKN, as well as a couple resources she loves for cutting through the noise and finding what works for her family and herself.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
FATSKN – Caitlin’s Brand
Follow Caitlin on Instagram
OTT Index – Science of Light
Previous Episode: The Wonders of Tallow & Minimalism
Email Caitlin: [email protected]
Connect with the Podcast:
Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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1h 42min
November 12, 2025BEST OF IWP | Why I Ditched Health Insurance: My Update + Replay with Andy Schoonover
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Listener Discount: Try out your first 3 months with CrowdHealth for $99/month. Use code VANESSA upon signup:
Check out CrowdHealth

In today’s episode, I’m first sharing a short personal update on my own experience after officially ditching traditional health insurance earlier this year — and then revisiting one of my favorite past conversations with CrowdHealth founder, Andy Schoonover.
If you’ve ever wondered how crowd-based healthcare actually works, what happens when something big comes up, or how it compares to the insurance system most of us are used to, this episode gives you a clear, honest look.
We discuss:
How CrowdHealth works and why it's built so differently
The flaws of traditional health insurance that keep you bound
What makes crowd-funding such a smart and freeing alternative to standard health insurance
Financial savings and comparisons
Why this approach puts real care and decision-making back into your hands
Follow CrowdHealth on Instagram: @joincrowdhealth
Connect with the show:
Podcast Website: intentionallywellpodcast.com
Support the Podcast:
Support the Intentionally Well Podcast
Recommended Product Page:
Visit my recommended product page
Social Media:
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]

Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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1h 24min
October 29, 2025Tylenol and Autism: The Science Behind the Headlines with Dr. William Parker
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NEW WEBSITE: https://intentionallywellpodcast.com/
In this episode, I sit down with William Parker, PhD, a scientist with decades of research in biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Best known for discovering the function of the human appendix and as a leading researcher studying acetaminophen (Tylenol) and its impact on neurodevelopment, William shares his insights on a topic that has recently garnered widespread media attention and public discussion, sparking conversation around acetaminophen and autism risk.
We explore:
How acetaminophen interacts with the body during critical periods of development
The biological pathways connecting acetaminophen exposure to neurodevelopmental outcomes
Why this research matters to parents, caregivers, and anyone invested in child health
Common questions, concerns, and rebuttals surrounding acetaminophen and autism risk
The gaps in pediatric education and medical literature that often leave these risks under-discussed
This episode is designed to break down complex science in a way that is understandable, actionable, and presented through a compassionate and logical lens. Whether you’re a parent, healthcare professional, or just curious, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of the evidence, the controversies, and the implications for children’s health today.
For those who’d like to explore Dr. Parker’s research and related literature, here are the studies and resources mentioned in this episode:
Acetaminophen and Autism: Evidence from a Systematic Review (MDPI, 2024)

Mechanisms of Acetaminophen-Induced Neurodevelopmental Effects (MDPI, 2024)

Preprint: Revisiting Acetaminophen and Autism—A Global Call for Reevaluation (2025)

Preprint: Acetaminophen, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodevelopmental Risk (2025)

Prevent Autism—Educational and Research Resource

Evidence That Acetaminophen Triggers Autism in Susceptible Individuals Has Been Ignored and Mishandled for More Than a Decade (RealClear Public Health, 2025)
Connect with the show:
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]
Support the Show
If this podcast has encouraged you and you’d like to help me continue sharing impactful content, you can support the show here:
Support the Show
© 2025 Vanessa Lopez, Intentionally Well Podcast. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast or show notes may be copied, shared, o
Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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1h 46min
October 15, 2025When the Spark Fades: Navigating Burnout and Collective Fatigue, with Vanessa
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NEW WEBSITE: https://intentionallywellpodcast.com/
In this short and heartfelt episode of Intentionally Well, I open up about the reality of creative and emotional fatigue, not just personally, but collectively. From navigating burnout and shifting seasons to noticing how the tone of the world has changed, this reflection invites you to pause and consider your own state of mind.
Some of what’s mentioned in this episode:
My personal experience with recent creative and emotional fatigue
How collective exhaustion shows up in our lives and work
The tension between wellness information overload and deeper emotional/spiritual work
The media/social media noise and observing the overwhelm
Why pausing and reflecting can be more important than always “doing”
The small yet meaningful ways connection and encouragement show up
Navigating seasons of plateau while staying aligned with your values

Support Vanessa and the Show: Support the Podcast
Note: You can now find social media links, all product recommendations, discount codes, blog, etc. directly at the new website above.
Connect:
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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18min
October 01, 2025My Health Update: Finding Hope in the Hardest Seasons, with Vanessa
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This week’s episode is a little different. For the first time in a long while, I’m sharing what feels like an overdue personal update. If you’ve been a longtime listener, you know my podcast has always been about YOU and providing encouragement, hope, and practical insight for the seasons you’re walking through with your health. But lately, I've felt prompted to invite you into my own story in a deeper way, and in efforts to give a more comprehensive view so you can connect better with who's behind the microphone.
This is not a super polished or ultra curated version of my story, but a real and honest account of what it’s been like to walk through ongoing health challenges.
My hope is that you'll feel less alone if you’re also walking through something extra challenging, and that you may see glimpses of how God shows up even in the messiest, most difficult seasons.
This was not an easy episode for me to release, but I believe it matters. Because meaning is so often found in the middle, not the mountaintop. I pray this encourages you right where you are.
Support Vanessa and the Show: Support the Podcast
BRAND NEW Podcast Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
Note: You can now find social media links, all product recommendations, discount codes, blog, etc. directly at the new website above.
Connect:
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa on Instagram
Podcast on YouTube
Podcast on TikTok
Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]

Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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45min
September 17, 2025BEST OF IWP | Why the Thyroid Needs Attention When Dealing with Hormonal Imbalances and Other Health Concerns – Dr. Elizabeth Bright
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Original air date: 7/2/24
Update: Since this episode first aired, Dr. Elizabeth Bright has released her newest book, The Power of Your Thyroid and Adrenals: How They Shape Your Health Throughout Life and How to Heal.
If you’ve enjoyed her insights, be sure to check out this latest work for an even deeper dive into her approach to women’s health.
In this BEST OF episode, I sit down with Osteopath and Naturopath, Dr. Elizabeth Bright, to discuss the crucial importance of addressing thyroid and adrenal function when experiencing hormonal imbalances—as well as a host of other health conditions.
Dr. Bright explains the significance of a high-fat diet and iodine for thyroid support, and why the thyroid is truly the master regulator of the body. This conversation remains every bit as impactful and relevant today.
We cover:
Thyroid basics rarely explained by doctors
Why the thyroid is the body’s control center
How hyperthyroidism can reflect hypo patterns
When blood markers don’t tell the full story
Feeling unwell despite “good” labs
What stresses the thyroid
Common thyroid-related symptoms and conditions
Why proper thyroid testing is often missed
The role of fat in thyroid and adrenal health
Challenges women face through menopause and perimenopause
Early puberty in young girls
Post-pregnancy thyroid changes
The importance of iodine and safe supplementation
Listener questions on HRT, libido, seasonal thyroid shifts, and more
Resources & Links:
Dr. Bright’s New Book
– The Power of Your Thyroid and Adrenals: How They Shape Your Health Throughout Life and How to Heal
Dr. Bright’s Website
Dr. Bright’s Instagram

Connect with the Podcast:
Podcast on Instagram
Vanessa’s Homebase (discount links, etc.)
Vanessa on Instagram
Vanessa on Threads
Podcast on YouTube
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Podcast on X
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.
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1h 21min

FAQs about Intentionally Well:

How many episodes does Intentionally Well have?

The podcast currently has 96 episodes available.

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