Most people think longevity is about diets and supplements—but that’s not the real secret. The key to living longer is shaping your environment in ways that make healthy choices effortless. From walkable cities to small changes in your kitchen, this approach has been tested in 70+ cities. If you’re tired of forcing yourself to be healthy, watch this.

Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

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***

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Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. ⁠⁠https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/⁠⁠

***

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#Longevity #BlueZones #HealthyLiving

There are defining moments that split your life into before and after. Moments when everything you thought you knew gets stripped away, leaving only what truly matters. For Dr. David Fajgenbaum, that moment came not once, but five times, each bringing him closer to death and, paradoxically, teaching him how to live.

This week's episode explores what happens when the system fails you and you refuse to accept failure. When David was diagnosed with Castleman disease at 25, a rare condition where your immune system turns against your own body, traditional medicine reached its limits. But David didn't. Instead of surrendering, he became both patient and researcher, ultimately discovering the treatment that would save not just his life, but potentially thousands of others.

In our conversation, David reveals the mindset shifts that kept him fighting when hope felt impossible, how AI is revolutionizing our approach to drug discovery, and why the cure for your condition might already exist in a pharmacy right now. His story challenges everything we think we know about medicine, healing, and what's possible when you refuse to take no for an answer.

What struck me most about our conversation wasn't just David's survival story, but how he turned personal crisis into a mission that's reshaping medicine. His ability to stay curious even when doctors said there was nothing left to try, and his belief that the answers we need might already exist, just waiting to be discovered. David showed me that breakthrough thinking isn't always about creating something new, but seeing what's already there differently.

About Dr. David Fajgenbaum:

Dr. David Fajgenbaum is a physician-scientist, bestselling author of Chasing My Cure, and co-founder of Every Cure, a nonprofit on a mission to unlock the full potential of every approved drug to treat every disease it possibly can. Recently named to TIME's 100 Health list for 2025, he's revolutionising medical research by repurposing existing drugs to treat rare diseases. His TED Talk has inspired millions, and his nonprofit work continues to unlock life-saving treatments hidden in plain sight.

Connect with Dr. David Fajgenbaum:

• Website: https://everycure.org

• Instagram: @dfajgenbaum

• Facebook: David Fajgenbaum

• Twitter: @DavidFajgenbaum

• Book: Chasing My Cure – Available on Amazon

  
  

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

www.vivobarefoot.com

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

The Brain-Immune Expert: ALERT! Social Media Is Reprogramming Your Immune System | Prof Nicolau

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNw6pzv8qk

Sophie Scott on Breaking Free from Anxiety: Practical Strategies That Workhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyyUCN6j4W0

How to Prevent Cognitive Decline: Neurologists Share 6 Key Brain-Boosting Habits | Be Well Moments

https://youtu.be/I9k2zQV0ZzE?si=Pe8nQX3XClpm7HnR

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

***

Highlights:Introduction (00:00)

David’s First Near-Death Experience (01:00)

The Search for a Cure (04:00)

Breathing Through Pain: Hope, Vision & Grit (07:00)

Why Drug Repurposing Could Change the World (10:00)

AI + Medicine: How Every Cure Finds New Hope (16:00)

The Autism–Folate Connection (23:00)

Building A New Kind of Medical Community (28:00)

Lidocaine & Breast Cancer: What No One’s Talking About (31:00)

From Book to Big Screen (36:00)

Living Life in Overtime (39:00)

What Live Well Be Well Means to David (46:00)

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  

🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  

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💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Do you really enjoy being social or are you just good at faking it? This conversation unpacks what it means to be introverted in a world that rewards extroversion. From social exhaustion to quiet leadership, we explore how to honor your energy without apology.

Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

⁠www.vivobarefoot.com⁠

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. ⁠https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/⁠

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:⁠  / sarahannmacklin⁠

📹 Subscribe:⁠   / @livewellbewellsarah  ⁠

🐦 Twitter:⁠  / sarahannmacklin  ⁠

📱 TikTok:⁠  / sarahannnutrition  ⁠

💌 Newsletter: ⁠https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/⁠

#IntrovertedWomen #AuthenticLeadership #WomenWhoLead

This week on Live Well Be Well, I got to sit down with the incredible Dr. Jessica Zucker, psychologist, writer, and fierce advocate for women’s reproductive and mental health. We dove into some of the hardest stories we rarely talk about, the pressure to become a mother, the quiet weight of miscarriage, and that strange guilt that can come with ambivalence about parenthood. Jessica’s wisdom on how our cultural scripts shape our inner lives is breathtaking and a much needed reminder that sharing our truths is how we heal.

We peel back attachment theory in real life, exploring how our earliest bonds echo through every relationship we have and why rewriting those old narratives can be our greatest act of self love. Jessica does not shy away from the emotional labor we carry, the hidden tears, the unspoken hopes, and the ways we hold ourselves back from speaking up. This is not just theory, it is a heartfelt guide to giving voice to the parts of ourselves we have been taught to silence.

By the end of our chat you will see why honesty is revolutionary, why compassion for yourself changes everything, and what courage really looks like in the messy middle of life. If you have ever felt alone in your doubts or stifled by expectations this episode is for you.

About Dr. Jessica Zucker:

Dr. Jessica Zucker is a renowned psychologist, writer, and advocate specialising in women’s reproductive and maternal mental health. Based in Los Angeles, she has spent over 15 years supporting women through the emotional complexities of fertility, miscarriage, and motherhood. Jessica is the author of the bestselling book I Had a Miscarriage, which helped spark a global movement encouraging women to speak openly about pregnancy loss and reproductive grief. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, and The Guardian, and she is widely respected for her compassionate, feminist approach to breaking the silence around topics traditionally shrouded in shame.

Connect with Dr. Jessica Zucker:

• Website: drjessicazucker.com/

• Instagram: @ihadamiscarriage

• Twitter: @DrZucker

• Book: I Had a Miscarriage – Available on Amazon

• Newsletter: Sign up via her website

  
  

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

www.vivobarefoot.com

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

Using Dating Apps to Fill a Void? Here’s the Hard Truth | Emilia Vuorisalmi | Be Well Moments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvL3Ty7mcCU 

Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic | John Vervaeke on Trust, Belonging & Meaning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbxCzAt6ZcM 

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

***

Highlights:

Introduction (00:00)

Do All Women Really Want Children? (01:23)

Why Talking About Reproductive Choices Still Feels Taboo (05:23)

Understanding Maternal Ambivalence (08:44)

How to Let Go of Shame and Self-Blame After Miscarriage (14:36)

The Psychology of Attachment Styles Explained (24:17)

Are You Disconnected From Yourself? (28:01)

Why We Struggle to Talk About Mental Health (29:19)

When to Turn to Friends vs. Therapists for Support (30:54)

Holding Space Without Trying to Fix People (32:52)

How to Recognise and Manage Anxiety and Shame (36:15)

The Power of Trying: Why Vulnerability Builds Resilience (44:10)

What Living Well Means to Dr. Jessica Zucker (49:27)

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  

🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  

📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  

💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Ever feel like dating apps are just emotional quick fixes?

This honest conversation explores why online dating often leaves us feeling lonelier, how love addiction shows up in our choices, and what it really means to attract the kind of relationship we deserve.

It’s not about finding someone, it’s about finding yourself first.

Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

www.vivobarefoot.com

OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aging

http://oneskin.co/LWBW

Use code LWBW for 15% off your first order 

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

Identifying Your Bad Relationship: How to Leave and Find Healthier, Lasting Love | Paul Brunson

https://youtu.be/zMYIwp9oUX8?si=KU0pvlcoIbe7dwF0

Simon Sinek: The 8-Minute Rule That Could SAVE YOUR Friendships

https://youtu.be/3JCjOQv9Y5E?si=9v8OszGVaogBySXZ

Get Over a Breakup, Fix Your Broken Heart & How To Practice Emotional First Aid | Guy Winch

https://youtu.be/ocUJTFUOitA?si=C9oJHIW-brSjJSza

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  

🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  

📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  

💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

#LoveAddictionRecovery #MindfulDating #ManifestLove

This week on Live Well Be Well, I'm delighted to welcome cognitive scientist and philosopher John Vervaeke to explore what he calls "the meaning crisis" - a profound cultural shift affecting our collective wellbeing and sense of purpose.

John unpacks why meaning is so essential to our cognitive agency, selfhood, and personhood. We explore how modern life has disconnected us from ourselves, from each other, and from the world around us, leading to rising mental health issues, addiction, and loneliness. As John explains, finding meaning isn't about pursuing individual purpose but about cultivating wisdom through shared experience and connection.

As he powerfully notes, we shouldn't get deeply involved with someone who hasn't experienced significant grief because "they have not developed their humanity." We also discuss how to develop wisdom through what he calls "the flow state" - when we're so fully engaged that our sense of time diminishes and self-consciousness falls away.

About John Vervaeke:

John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist, philosopher, and award-winning lecturer at the University of Toronto. His work combines cognitive science, philosophy, Buddhism, and other wisdom traditions to address the challenges of meaning-making in our modern world. John is the creator of the Awakening from the Meaning Crisis lecture series and author of a book by the same name.

Connect with John Vervaeke:

• Website: johnvervaeke.com

• Facebook: John Vervaeke

• YouTube: @johnvervaeke

• Book: https://amzn.to/3Udpgox

• Lectern Courses: http://lectern.teachable.com

  
  

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

www.vivobarefoot.com

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

Dr. Tommy Wood Shares Expert Advice on Reversing Cognitive Decline

https://youtu.be/yJKSksMBmn0?si=0ktpQKBh5X3jvEBk

Holistic psychologist Explains How Your Trauma Is Not What You Think It Is with Dr Mariel Buqué

https://youtu.be/5FJ8h5kd2HI?si=gKGW9u4cGq6QjrY8

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

***

Highlights:

Introduction (00:00)

How Meaning Works in Cognitive Agency (01:06)

Belonging and Connection to Reality (04:14)

The Role of Trust in Meaning (06:21)

The Breakdown of Trust in Society (13:04)

John's Personal Journey Through Meaning Crisis (15:07)

The Connection Between Wisdom and Meaning (19:45)

Trauma, Transcendence and Meaning (22:55)

Purpose vs. Orientation in Life (24:13)

The Three Dimensions of Disconnection (28:57)

Declining Birth Rates and Psychological Development (31:31)

How We Define Wisdom (35:16)

The Psychology of Intuition (45:52)

The Flow State and Meaning (52:03)

Ecology of Practices for Finding Meaning (55:08)

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  

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💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Is fiber still the cornerstone of gut health? What role do polyphenols play if they barely reach the bloodstream? And why is diversity, not restriction, the true goal in dietary choices?

This conversation explores the science of microbiota-targeted nutrition, fiber fermentation, butyrate production, and the risks of oversimplified food advice.

Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aging

⁠http://oneskin.co/LWBW⁠

Use code LWBW for 15% off your first order 

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

Dr. Stacy Sims EXPOSES the Myths Hurting Women's Health | Fasting, Protein & Exercise

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uksGzoick⁠

Can Women Follow Bryan Johnson’s $2M Anti-Aging Blueprint? Kate Tolo Shares Her Experience

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJC_E_gXYMg⁠

Dr. Louise Newson: Hidden Menopause Signs You’re Missing⁠ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJC_E_gXYMg⁠

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. ⁠https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/⁠

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:⁠  / sarahannmacklin⁠

📹 Subscribe:⁠   / @livewellbewellsarah  ⁠

🐦 Twitter:⁠  / sarahannmacklin  ⁠

📱 TikTok:⁠  / sarahannnutrition  ⁠

💌 Newsletter: ⁠https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

#MicrobiomeHealth, #FiberMatters, #WholeFoodNutrition

This week on Live Well Be Well, I'm exploring the world of modern love and relationships with dating coach and author Francesca Hogi. In an era where AI relationships are becoming reality and dating apps dominate our search for connection, Francesca offers refreshing insights into how we can find authentic love in these complex times.

Our conversation dives deep into what creates emotional safety in relationships, the importance of developing self-trust, and why so many people are feeling burnt out by modern dating culture. Francesca shares her powerful perspective on the "new definition of true love" and explains why rejection isn't what we think it is.

Francesca explains that when you truly value yourself, you naturally become attracted to people who genuinely appreciate you rather than those who merely tolerate you. We also explore her fascinating Meet Cute Mindset framework for creating more opportunities to find love in everyday life.

About Francesca Hogi:

Francesca Hogi is a renowned dating coach, matchmaker, and author of How to Find True Love: A Practical Guide to Getting the Relationship You Want. With over a decade of experience helping people find meaningful connections, Francesca brings a unique blend of practical advice and profound wisdom to the often challenging world of modern dating.

Connect with Francesca Hogi:

• Website: francescahogi.com

• Instagram: @dearfranny

• Facebook: Francesca Hogi

• LinkedIn: Francesca Hogi

  
  

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

www.vivobarefoot.com

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

These 3 Hormones Could Be Why You’re Addicted to Love | Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi

https://youtu.be/tjms17l7hao?si=-a3hIc_YKjUvOiD3

ATTACHMENT STYLES: No.1 Matchmaker Paul Brunson reveals the KEY the finding a healthier relationshiphttps://youtu.be/EwVaiVaZvL4?si=blicqOntJVvGqvhp

Get Over a Breakup, Fix Your Broken Heart & How To Practice Emotional First Aid | Guy Winch

https://youtu.be/ocUJTFUOitA?si=z7y24BBUSunU-dOn

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

***

Highlights:

Introduction (00:00)

Emotional Safety in Relationships (01:31)

The Importance of Self-Trust (04:29)

The Evolution of Marriage and Relationships (07:42)

The New Definition of True Love (11:32)

Dating Problems and Projection (14:23)

Authenticity and Lasting Relationships (18:20)

Self-Love and Accepting Compliments (25:06)

The Connection Between Self-Love and Partner Choice (33:15)

How Marriage Has Changed Over Time (38:39)

Francesca’s Struggle with Dating (43:04)

Navigating Love Bombing (47:06)

Four Dating Archetypes (50:37)

The Inside Job of Finding Love (54:11)

The Meet Cute Mindset (01:00:43)

Dependence on Dating Apps (01:05:44)

Attentiveness as a Style of Dating (01:09:44)

Better Questions for Deeper Connection (01:11:47)

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  

🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  

📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  

💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Each week, I ask my guest five questions designed to nourish their mind, body, and soul pre interview. These questions help us explore what makes each guest tick as an imperfect, evolving human, taking them out of their heads and into their bodies.

While our discussions often go deep into the intellect, these questions invite my guests to step out of their comfort zones, gain a fresh perspective, and perhaps hold a bit more compassion for themselves. I believe this shift from headspace to heart space is something we can all relate to – it’s the universal journey of being human.

And as a listener, I hope you’ll come away feeling a little more connected, not only to these stories but to the shared truths and vulnerabilities we uncover here. Each conversation is an opportunity to peek behind the scenes and share in the humanity of those on the other side of the microphone.

Sixth - The Plant Power Doctor, Dr Gemma Newman

Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor! 

VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’

For 20% off, use code LWBW20

www.vivobarefoot.com

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

The #1 BETTER HEALTH Technique You Never Knew Existed! Dr Kristin Neff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKq069w4rjI

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannmacklin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📹 Subscribe:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / @livewellbewellsarah  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🐦 Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannmacklin  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📱 TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannnutrition  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS

#GemmaNewman #5Questions #LiveWellBeWell

Be Well Moments brings you my favorite bite-sized highlights from the season. Enjoy quick insights from our longer conversations in a digestible format. If you'd like to listen or watch the full episode, click the link below.

I discovered why tracking our individual experiences matters more than following generic cycle-syncing advice, and how some women like Dr. Stacy Sims actually feel bulletproof right before their period. The research on menstrual cycle training is finally evolving beyond outdated stereotypes, and what I learned might just change how you approach your fitness routine forever.

Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

***

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aging

http://oneskin.co/LWBW

Use code LWBW for 15% off your first order 

***

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

Dr. Stacy Sims EXPOSES the Myths Hurting Women's Health | Fasting, Protein & Exercise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uksGzoick

Can Women Follow Bryan Johnson’s $2M Anti-Aging Blueprint? Kate Tolo Shares Her Experience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJC_E_gXYMg

Dr. Louise Newson: Hidden Menopause Signs You’re Missinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJC_E_gXYMg

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  

🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  

📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  

💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

#MenstrualCycle #WomenFitness #HormoneHealth