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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 

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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)

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© 2025 Vanessa Lopez, Intentionally Well Podcast. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast or show notes may be copied, shared, o

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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

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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.

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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

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What may seem like a simple, practical conversation about food, light, and breath turns out to be anything but basic. In this episode, Dr. John Douillard shares insights that are immediately applicable, yet profoundly transformative for your health and resilience.

Dr. John is a globally recognized leader in Ayurveda, natural health, nutrition, and sports medicine, with over 40 years of experience helping more than 100,000 patients. He blends ancient wisdom with modern science to show us how foundational practices can transform our physical and mental well-being. 

We cover a wide range of practical, research-backed strategies, including:

• Building Resiliency with living in harmony with nature
• Food & Microbiome: How overly restrictive elimination diets can backfire, and why food diversity strengthens your microbiome
• Seasonal Eating: Simple, actionable tips for aligning meals with the natural rhythms of the year, and how food influences mood and digestion
• Circadian Rhythm/Light: The science behind why exposure to light and timing of meals matters and why you should pay extra attention to lunchtime
• Breathing Practices: Why proper exhalation and good respiratory capacity is critical and more

About Dr. John Douillard:

Dr. John is the host of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast and the bestselling author of seven health books, including Eat Wheat and The Three Season Diet. He is also the creator of LifeSpa.com, the leading online Ayurvedic health resource with hundreds of free educational articles, videos, and a community of over 500,000 readers and followers. 

Connect with Dr. John Douillard:

• LifeSpa.com
• LifeSpa Store
• Newsletter Signup
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• LinkedIn
• X / Twitter
• YouTube

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• Support Vanessa Lopez
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In this brand new episode, I chat with Hope Pedraza about the foundational role minerals play in our health from energy and mood to hormones and overall wellbeing. As a Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CHN) and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), Hope supports people from all backgrounds in overcoming health challenges, particularly when they’ve felt stuck, drained, or unsure how to move forward. 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed when you hear “balance your minerals,” this episode is for you. 

We cover:

• Why minerals are crucial for your body’s function
• Common mineral imbalances and who’s most at risk
• The surprising role of stress as the main driver of mineral imbalance
• Easy ways to support and balance your minerals daily
• How to prioritize key minerals without overwhelm

Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a refresher, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to take control of your mineral health.

Resources / Links / Guest Info:

• Website: hopefulandwholesome.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/thehopepedraza
• Instagram: instagram.com/thehopepedraza
• YouTube: youtube.com/@HopePedraza
• Apple Podcasts: Hopeful and Wholesome

Connect with the Show / Vanessa: 

• All My Favorites + Exclusive Discounts: Linktree 
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• Email: [email protected]

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Original air date: 3/28/23

In this powerful and educational conversation, I sit down with trauma-informed somatic coach Mandy Flanders to explore the role of nervous system regulation in healing. Mandy brings deep insight into topics like attachment, parts work, somatic experiencing, polyvagal theory, and more...all through a lens of compassion, biology, and hope.

We dive into:

• How chronic dysregulation keeps the body stuck in survival
• The link between early experiences, trauma, and adult relationship patterns
• Why true healing is hard without nervous system support
• Actionable tools to begin shifting into safety and flexibility
• The biological basis for co-regulation and why it matters

Mandy also shares personal stories, busts common myths, and reminds us of this crucial truth: healing is absolutely possible. Even if you feel like you’ve tried everything, there’s more to your story.

Helpful Links and Resources:

 Helpful Links & Resources:

• Follow Mandy on Instagram: @healwithmandy
• Explore Mandy’s work & offerings: Linktree
• Visit her website: mandywellness.com

Connect with the Podcast, Vanessa and Offerings:

• All My Favorites + Exclusive Discounts: Linktree 
• Podcast on Instagram: @well.with.vanessa
• Vanessa on Instagram: @thegiftofgoods
• Vanessa on Threads: @thegiftofgoods
• Podcast on YouTube: @IntentionallyWellPodcast
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• Email: [email protected]

Support the Podcast:

• If you appreciate the work here and want to support Intentionally Well, consider becoming a monthly supporter below. Every bit helps keep meaningful conversations coming your way: Become a Monthly Supporter
• Also, there’s a one-time support link at the very bottom of this page you might want to check out; just a simple way to show your support.

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This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

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Original air date: 3/26/24

• LISTENER DISCOUNT: Use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any GembaRed product (U.S. customers only)
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Ready to cut through the noise on red light therapy?
This BEST OF episode brings back one of the most comprehensive, myth-busting conversations ever aired on IWP. Here I sit down with Andrew LaTour, founder of GembaRed, and one of the most research-driven voices in the light therapy space.

We dive deep into the real science behind red and near-infrared light, how it impacts the body, and what most companies (and influencers) get wrong. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your practice, this conversation is your go-to resource.

Some of What We Cover:

• The basics of red light therapy (photo biomodulation)
• Red vs. near-infrared vs. far-infrared
• Cellular & mitochondrial health benefits
• How to dose correctly
• EMFs, flicker, and other overlooked risks
• Using RLT for pain, inflammation, skin health, wound healing & more
• Contraindications (tattoos, implants, cancer, medications)
• Are red light bulbs and heat lamps effective?
• Industry honesty & informed consent concerns
• What to actually look for in a quality device

GembaRed Discount for Listeners

Save 10% with code: VANESSA10 (U.S. customers only)
Shop GembaRed: https://gembared.com

Helpful Links & Resources

• GembaRed Website
• Learning Center
• Product Shopping Guide
• Dosing Calculator
• EMF Information
• Flicker Safety
• GembaRed Vector Mini Panel
• GembaRed on Instagram
• GembaRed on YouTube

Connect with the Podcast, Vanessa and Offerings:

• All My Favorites + Exclusive Discounts: Linktree 
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• Vanessa on Threads: @thegiftofgoods
• Podcast on YouTube: @IntentionallyWellPodcast
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• Podcast on X (Twitter): @wellwithvanessa
• Email: [email protected]

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What if you’re not actually living…just holding it all together?

In this powerful episode, I sit down the founder of She’s In Power, Tania Khazaal, for a raw conversation about what happens when women stay in survival mode for too long. We talk about the nervous system toll of hustle culture, the emotional cost of staying silent to “keep the peace" within family and marriage, how self-worth and power slowly erode when we’re on autopilot, and SO much more.

We also explore what it looks like to reclaim your voice, your vitality, and your God-given power...without trading one part of yourself to keep another alive.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re disappearing inside the life you worked so hard to build, this one’s for you.

Connect with Tania:

She’s In Power Community
Follow Tania on Instagram

Connect with the Podcast, Vanessa and offerings:

• All My Favorites + Exclusive Discounts: Linktree 
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• Podcast on YouTube: @IntentionallyWellPodcast
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• Email: [email protected]

SUPPORT INTENTIONALLY WELL:

If you appreciate the work here and want to support Intentionally Well, consider becoming a monthly supporter below. Every bit helps keep meaningful conversations coming.

Become a Monthly Supporter: Become a Monthly Supporter

There’s also a one-time support option at the bottom of this page, which is a simple way to give if that’s more your style.

Blessings to you!

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This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.