Intentionally Well

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What happens when the experience of chronic illness itself becomes traumatic?

In today’s episode, we explore the intersection of chronic illness, health trauma, the nervous system, and the brain-body connection. This conversation goes beyond root causes and diagnoses to examine what living in survival mode for long periods of time can do to the body, mind, and healing process over time.

Dr. Krista Morton and I discuss how chronic illness can shape the nervous system, reinforce fear patterns, impact emotional safety, and create physiological adaptations that many people living with complex illness know all too well. We also talk about the nuanced relationship between real physical illness and nervous system involvement—and why acknowledging the brain’s role in healing is not the same as dismissing physiological dysfunction.

This was a deeply thoughtful conversation that weaves together physiology, trauma, emotional health, nervous system regulation, and faith in a grounded and compassionate way.

Dr. Krista Morton, D.Sc., MA, INHC is an integrative medicine practitioner and founder of SomaSonder Wellness, where she works with individuals navigating complex chronic illness through a whole-body, root-cause approach that honors both physiology and lived experience. Her work focuses on conditions including mold illness, Lyme disease, MCAS, CIRS, autoimmune conditions, and nervous system dysregulation.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Health trauma and the long-term impact of chronic illness 
•  How the brain and nervous system adapt to prolonged stress and illness 
•  Chronic illness as a survival state 
•  Fear, hypervigilance, and symptom amplification 
•  Complex PTSD and the nervous system 
•  Brain retraining and neural pathways 
•  The relationship between physiology and emotional health 
•  Mold illness, Lyme disease, MCAS, and chronic inflammatory conditions 
•  Root-cause healing and whole-body approaches 
•  The role of faith, resilience, and emotional safety in healing

Connect with Dr. Krista Morton:

• Dr. Krista’s Website
• Follow Dr. Krista on Instagram

Books Referenced:

• You Were Never Broken
• Healing the Shame That Binds You

Connect with Vanessa and the podcast: 

• IWP Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
• Podcast on Instagram
• Vanessa on Instagram
• Podcast on YouTube
• Podcast on TikTok
• Podcast on X
• 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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In this episode, I’m joined by classically trained homeopath Krista Rivet for a deeper conversation about homeopathy—what it is, how it’s used, and why it continues to be widely misunderstood.

Rather than staying at the surface level of “homeopathy basics,” we explore the nuance behind this practice: how remedies are selected, why two people with the same diagnosis may require completely different approaches, and what it actually means to treat the individual rather than just the condition.

We also discuss some of the most common misunderstandings around homeopathy (especially in real-world use), along with the role of emotional and mental states in the healing process, and how practitioners think about supporting the body as a whole system.

This conversation is both educational and reflective, and is intended for anyone curious about homeopathy, whether you’re completely new to it or already have experience but want a deeper understanding of how it works in practice.

Topics covered include:

•  What homeopathy is and how it differs from conventional approaches 
•  Why it is often misunderstood 
•  The importance of individualized treatment 
•  Emotional and mental health in relation to physical symptoms 
•  Common misconceptions and mistakes in usage 
•  How homeopathy can be used alongside other approaches 

Krista Rivet is a classically trained homeopath based in Canada with a background in psychology and health. She works extensively with women and children and continues to expand her studies through ongoing education and training.

Connect with Krista and resources mentioned:

• Krista Rivet’s Website
• Homeopathy Research Institute
• AIH Guide to Homeopathic Research
• Krista on Instagram

Connect with Vanessa and the podcast: 

• IWP Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
• Podcast on Instagram
• Vanessa on Instagram
• Podcast on YouTube
• Podcast on TikTok
• Podcast on X
• 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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This is not your typical interview episode. For this milestone, I am the one being interviewed in a role reversal conversation that brings out a more personal and unfiltered side of this journey.

If you have ever been curious about the deeper story behind this work, or about the lived experience of navigating long term health, healing, and building something meaningful while going through your own human challenges, this episode will resonate in a different way. 

In this conversation, I am joined by Gretch Elizabeth, lead admin of NeverTox, a worldwide community supporting individuals who have experienced adverse reactions to botulism-related treatments. She leads the questions in this episode and guides a deeper look into the story behind this show.

We talk about the evolution of Intentionally Well, the experience of creating long form health and wellness conversations, and the personal growth, challenges, and reflections that come with showing up week after week.

This episode is honest, reflective, and unfiltered. It offers a behind the scenes look at the podcast, the mission behind it, and the lived experience of building something in real time.

If you are new here, this is also a powerful entry point into the heart of the show.

You'll hear:

•  Behind the scenes perspective on life and growth over time 
•  Unfiltered conversation that goes beyond surface level interviews 
•  Episode 100 milestone reflection and personal journey insight 
•  Deeper connection to the voice behind Intentionally Well

Connect with Vanessa and the podcast: 

• IWP Website: Intentionally Well Podcast
• Products mentioned on the show: Recommended products
• Podcast on Instagram
• Vanessa on Instagram
• Podcast on YouTube
• Podcast on TikTok
• Podcast on X
• 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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IWP Website: Intentionally Well Podcast

What happens when a diagnosis becomes the end of the conversation...instead of the beginning?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Pamela Cipriano, a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner specializing in functional and integrative medicine, to unpack what’s often missed in modern healthcare. After years working in conventional medicine, and through her own son’s complex health journey with Lyme disease, Dr. Pamela began to see patterns that couldn’t be ignored: patients being labeled, managed, and medicated…without ever truly understanding what was driving their illness.

We dive into the challenges of misdiagnosis, exploring how patients are often given a label while the underlying cause remains hidden. We talk about why conventional testing can miss what’s really going on, when antibiotics may be necessary and how to approach them responsibly, and the impact of chronic inflammation, diet, and other lifestyle factors on reversing disease processes. Dr. Pamela also sheds light on hidden contributors to conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, why the medical system often stops investigating too soon, and the gap between managing disease and truly resolving it.

If you’ve ever felt like your diagnosis didn’t tell the full story, this episode will give you a completely different lens to look through.

Key Takeaways

•  A diagnosis is often the description of a problem, not the explanation
•  Testing is not always definitive, especially with chronic infections 
•  Many chronic conditions may have underlying drivers that are never explored
•  The body is often responding to something deeper, not randomly “breaking down” 
•  Asking better questions can completely change the direction of healing

Connect with Dr. Pamela Cipriano:

• Visit Her Website
• Mention Intentionally Well or Vanessa for 10% off patient services
• Follow on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram
• Watch on YouTube

Connect with Vanessa and the podcast: 

• Podcast on Instagram
• Vanessa on Instagram
• Podcast on YouTube
• Podcast on TikTok
• Podcast on X
• 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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This episode is a quick, in-between episode — a few clips from my conversation with Dr. Pamela Cipriano that I wanted to share. The full, rerecorded episode will feature a complete conversation with all the stories and insights, and is really where the full value is. Think of this as a sneak peek to give you a sense of what’s coming.

These clips touch on misdiagnosis, hidden drivers of disease, and factors that conventional medicine often overlooks. They are valuable perspectives on their own, even before the full episode is ready.

If you haven’t already, check out the most recent episode (98) with Matt Blackburn, and feel free to explore older episodes, recommended products, and other resources on the website.

I wanted to share these clips because I felt they were worth hearing, even before the full conversation is ready. I hope they give you a little insight and something to think about. 

Connect with Vanessa and 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.

Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail!

Mitolife Listener Code: Vanessa15 for 15% off at https://www.mitolife.co/

Feeling exhausted, burned out, or like your health efforts aren’t giving you the results you want? In this episode, I sit down with repeat-guest Matt Blackburn, founder of Mitolife, to explore the hidden drivers of burnout, cellular aging, and chronic degeneration.

Matt explains his CLF protocol (calcification, lipofuscin, and fibrosis), and how these processes affect energy, recovery, and long-term health. We discuss why conventional wellness advice like “eat clean, sleep well, get sun” is essential but often not enough in today’s modern, high-stress, high-toxin world. In his well-researched opinion, strategic and foundational supplementation can provide the support your body needs to recover and thrive.

We touch on:

• The science of calcification, fibrosis, and lipofuscin
• How modern stressors and environmental toxins impact recovery
• Key nutrients that support cellular health (Examples: Vitamin E, Vitamin K2, etc.)
• Systemic enzyme therapy and why it matters
• His recent experience with peptide therapy
• Listener questions about health foundations, supplements, and practical takeaways

This episode is for anyone ready to go deeper than surface-level health advice. We break down the foundations most people overlook and highlight strategies that can truly help your body recover, perform, and thrive.

Connect with Mitolife/Matt Blackburn:

• Mitolife Website (use code Vanessa15 for 15% off): https://www.mitolife.co/
• Instagram: @mattblackburn
• Mitolife Instagram: @mitolife
• Mitolife YouTube Channel: Mitolife Official
• Mitolife Radio Podcast: Apple Podcasts
• Peptide Resource: Peptide Initiative

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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• Listener Discount ($50 off Inner Balance) —
  Click here to redeem the podcast code
• Support the Intentionally Well Podcast

Are hormones really the root driver of so many of the challenges women face, from brain fog and fatigue to anxiety, sleep issues, libido changes, and gut struggles? And is hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, something every woman should consider, or something to fear? 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett, MD, founder of Inner Balance and a nationally recognized expert in women’s hormone health, longevity, and bioidentical hormone optimization. We dive into why she has seen so many women are chase all the wrong solutions for their health, like gut protocols, weight loss, supplements, etc., when hormones may actually be the main driver. 

We dive into why many women start HRT later than they might need to, and what earlier support could look like. Along the way, we unpack common misconceptions about HRT and natural aging, and explore how timing, dosage, and delivery systems can make all the difference. We also look at the broader picture of how hormones influence immunity, metabolism, sexual health, and brain function, and why fear and misinformation around HRT continue to persist.

I share my own questions, hesitations, and devil’s advocate thoughts throughout the conversation, and reflect on how this discussion has somewhat shifted my perspective. This is a nuanced and practical conversation for women of all ages who want to understand their bodies more deeply, make informed choices, and reclaim clarity and agency in their health.

Whether you are curious, cautious, or already on your HRT journey, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and insight, with no hype, no fear, and just real information. 

Connect with Dr. Sarah and Inner Balance:

Inner Balance Website: Inner Balance
Inner Balance on Instagram: @innerbalancemd
Dr. Sarah Daccarett on Instagram: @sarahdaccarettmd

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]

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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: 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
• 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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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.

Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail!

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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.