Sofia Unfiltered

What do you say to a child who’s seriously ill—or grieving the loss of someone they love? In this powerful conversation, pediatric palliative care physician and Episcopal priest Dr. Bob Macauley shares how to speak honestly and compassionately with children facing illness, grief, or death.

We explore developmental stages, emotional awareness, and what not to say—plus insights from Dr. Bob’s new memoir, Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor’s Soul. You’ll walk away with clarity, courage, and practical language for the hardest conversations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to talk about death without euphemisms.
•  Age-specific insights into how children understand loss.
•  Real language you can use with children facing hard questions.
•  Emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.
•  Why “just showing up” is often the most powerful thing you can do.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Why does menopause still feel so confusing—even in 2025?

In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, science writer Amy Alkon joins host Riley Rees to share what she uncovered while researching her latest book, Going Menopostal. From hormone myths to misinformed care, Amy unpacks why so many women are still being dismissed in midlife—and how they can begin to ask better questions, challenge outdated advice, and advocate for themselves with confidence.

You’ll learn:

- Why many doctors aren’t trained in menopause or perimenopause
- What research actually says about hormone fluctuations and “normal” labs
- Why blood tests don’t always reflect what’s happening in your body
- The ethical problem of treatment without adequate expertise
- How to approach your next appointment more prepared and less passive

Amy isn’t a doctor—but she’s done the work to make sense of the science. If you’ve ever walked away from a medical visit feeling unheard or unsure, this episode is for you.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling rushed, dismissed, or more like a “chart” than a person? You’re not imagining it.

In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with two nationally recognized physicians—Dr. Alan Roth and Dr. Andy Lazris, co‑authors of A Return to Healing—to unpack how a century of policy decisions, corporate interests, and profit‑driven care reshaped medicine into something unrecognizable.

From the 1911 Flexner Report and the elimination of diverse medical schools, to today’s overtesting, overprescribing, and 8‑minute appointments, Drs. Roth and Lazris reveal why everything about modern healthcare feels… off. More importantly, they share what patients can do to reclaim their power, demand whole‑person care, and find providers who actually listen.

Whether you’re frustrated by endless lab results, confused by conflicting prescriptions, or simply want care that treats you as a human being—not a number—this conversation is your roadmap to taking back control of your health.

🎧 Why Everything About Modern Healthcare Feels… Off will change the way you see your doctor’s visit—and show you how to advocate for the care you deserve.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Why do we keep reaching for more—but never feel truly satisfied?

In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley Rees is joined by physicist, screenwriter, and bestselling author Michael Long to unpack the brain science behind distraction, impulse, and the constant craving for “something more.” Based on his new book Taming the Molecule of More, Michael explains how dopamine drives anticipation—not happiness—and why modern life is overstimulating our brains in ways that leave us anxious, scattered, and emotionally drained.

You’ll learn:

• Why scrolling, swiping, shopping, and multitasking feel addictive.
• How dopamine fuels craving—but not contentment.
• Why “more” is never enough—and what your brain actually needs.
• A practical roadmap to calm your urges and build a life of meaning, not just reward.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in cycles of distraction, this conversation will help you take back control—one choice at a time.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Bloat. Fatigue. Brain fog. Stubborn weight. These symptoms aren’t random—and they’re not something you just have to live with. According to holistic health coach Jane Durst Pulkys, they may all point to one root cause: chronic inflammation.

In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Jane breaks down the food-inflammation connection and shares what your symptoms might be trying to tell you. You’ll learn how to spot common signs of inflammation, which foods fuel it (and which reduce it), and how to begin supporting your body with personalized, realistic changes—without cutting everything out.

We also talk about her new book, The Metabolic Balance Kitchen, which is filled with real-life strategies and recipes to help you feel better through food that works for your body.

If you’ve ever felt like something’s “off” in your body but haven’t been able to explain it—this episode is your sign to listen in.

In this episode, We Discuss:

• Discover the signs of inflammation and how to reduce them naturally.
• Understand the difference between Chronic and Acute Inflammation.
• Learn about the biggest villains that may be present in your diet
• Know the top anti-inflammatory foods that can heal you.
• Find out what metabolic balance is, and how it helps reduce inflammation.
• Find out what to expect from Jane's book, The Metabolic Balance Kitchen.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Are your bones getting weaker with age, or are you just missing the key pieces to build them back naturally? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with a Certified Yoga Therapist and Functional Bone Health Expert, who helps women over 40 rebuild strength, restore balance, and feel confident again, without relying on medications alone. Learn the root causes of bone loss, how food and movement help you rebuild, and practical tools you can start using today.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why bone loss starts in your 30s (and how to test for it early).
• The silent risk factors you didn’t know to look for.
• How gut health and inflammation affect your bone strength.
• Recognize the early signals and symptoms your bones send before problems arise.
• Bone-safe movements to build density and avoid fractures.
• Which supplements and nutrients actually support bone regeneration.
• Key factors that can weaken your bones and lead to disorders.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

You’re not broken. But you're tired—emotionally, mentally, physically. You can’t sleep. Lab tests say you’re “fine,” but deep down, you know something isn’t right.

In this deeply resonant episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley Rees speaks with Dr. Jihan Ansari, who’s helping women break free from the epidemic of silent burnout. Dr. Ansari understands your overwhelm isn’t just stress—it’s a hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle whisper that your body is sending up.

Together, they explore how modern medicine often misses what women most need: being seen, heard, and healed—without quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers. It’s time to reclaim your energy, restore hormonal harmony, and feel whole again.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

In this powerful episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with renowned spiritual teacher and mental strength coach Howard Falco to unpack the extraordinary power of mindfulness, self-awareness, and what it really takes to achieve an “invincible mind.” From his spiritual awakening at age 35 to coaching elite athletes, Howard shares how the words “I AM” can redefine your reality. Whether you're facing anxiety, burnout, or just stuck in a pattern that isn’t serving you, this episode will challenge how you see yourself—and what’s possible. Tune in to learn how to stop suffering, shift your story, and step into the life you’re meant to live.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Struggling with fertility or exploring natural ways to support your reproductive health? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, we're diving deep into how Ayurveda—the ancient Indian system of holistic healing—can support fertility for both women and men. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing your body for pregnancy, or navigating fertility over 35, this conversation will leave you feeling informed and empowered. Our guest, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, shares how lifestyle changes, herbal support, and personalized nutrition can help balance hormones, reduce stress, and enhance reproductive function. You'll learn how the doshas influence fertility, what to eat (and avoid) to support conception, and why regulating the nervous system is key—especially in today’s fast-paced world. We also talk about male fertility, including Ayurvedic solutions for sperm health, libido, and energy. Plus, if you're combining Ayurveda with IUI or IVF, we cover how both systems can work together.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Dementia isn’t just about memory loss. It shows up in ways most people never expect—behavior changes, emotional shifts, language issues—and it can be devastating if you don’t know what to look for. 

In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, we’re sitting down with Dr. Macie Smith to decode what dementia really looks like, when to act, and how to support yourself or someone you love. This isn’t a clinical lecture. It’s real-life, real-talk guidance from one of the nation’s leading experts in dementia-competent care.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What dementia actually is and why it’s not just Alzheimer’s.
• Overlooked early signs that often get dismissed as “normal aging”.
• Key genetic tests to identify early-stage dementia risks and how family history impacts diagnosis.
• How vitamin B12, D, and other deficiencies could contribute to pseudo-dementia, potentially masking true cognitive issues.
• How to know when to get help—for yourself or a loved one.
• Everyday habits that support brain health (it’s not too late to start).
• Reminiscence therapy and the importance of meeting dementia patients in the moment to support good quality of life.
• Holistic tools like breathwork, nutrition, movement, and mindfulness to slow cognitive decline and build cognitive reserve.
• What caregivers need to hear right now to avoid burnout and find better support.

Episode resources:

• Visit Dr. Macie Smith’s website
• Find both of Dr. Macie’s books on Amazon
• Follow Dr. Macie on Instagram
• Subscribe to Dr. Macie on YouTube
• Explore her caregiver resources at SYNERGY HomeCare

Take Action

Explore providers on Sofia Health who specialize in:

• Nutrition coaching
• Cognitive behavioral support
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Aging and caregiver support
• Movement therapy and breathwork

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own.

Share This Episode

Know someone caring for a loved one with dementia—or feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what’s next? Share this episode. It could offer clarity, compassion, and practical support when they need it most.

The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.