The DNA Talks Podcast

One out of five people struggle with what they need to do due to their mental health. With this in mind, how can we make healthcare for mental health more accessible?

There have been several solutions found for mental health over the years - therapy, medications, and the like - but these are costly and not attainable for all. We live in a world where there has been much progress on the mental health stigma, but there is still a ways to go in uncovering all the truths about mental health. Despite this, there are actually natural solutions that are within our reach and will allow prevention of a continuous decline in mental health. This is achievable by addressing the root cause and understanding what factors affect the state of our mental health.

Dr. Krista Kostroman takes us into refreshing our perspective on mental health. She is licensed as a naturopathic doctor (ND) with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). Dr. Krista is also an active member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP).

In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman, N.D. discusses the five types of communities in dealing with mental health: Gut, Body, Mind, Community, and Spirit. These are discussed in relation to mental health in order to keep things simple while optimizing your mental health functions for the long run.

00:00 Introduction
02:55 Backstory of Dr. Krista Kostroman, N.D. 
07:24 Diving into Mental Health
11:52 Five Types of Community
13:16 The Community of the Gut
17:02 The Community of the Body
21:01 The Community of the Mind
25:23 Community and Mental Health
30:26 The Community of the Spirit
34:58 Conclusion

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This episode was first published on October 31, 2023.

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

What if the answers to hormone imbalances, infertility, poor sleep, or unexplained symptoms aren't found in your hormone levels alone, but in how your body processes them?

In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Krista Kostroman sits down with Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, Chief Medical Officer at Precision Analytical, creators of the DUTCH Test, and a leading educator in reproductive endocrinology and fertility medicine. Together, they explore the evolution of hormone testing, the limitations of conventional diagnostics, and how combining genetics, hormone metabolite testing, and functional medicine is changing the future of personalized healthcare. 

Drawing from her own experience with primary amenorrhea as a teenager, Dr. Smeaton shares the journey that led her into women's health, fertility, and integrative medicine. She discusses how functional testing tools like the DUTCH Test provide a more complete picture of hormone production, metabolism, and detoxification, helping practitioners move beyond symptom management and uncover root causes. 

The conversation also dives into stress physiology, cortisol patterns, fertility optimization, menopause, genetic individuality, and the promise of AI-powered medicine. Along the way, Dr. Smeaton highlights a powerful truth: optimal health is rarely about choosing between conventional and integrative medicine. It's about choosing the right tool for the right patient at the right time.

If you wish to learn more from Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, you can do so through the following links:

• Instagram: @drjaclynsmeaton
• LinkedIn: Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton
• Precision Analytical / DUTCH Test

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Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

What if some of the most powerful tools for improving mental health are already in your kitchen? 

In this episode of The DNA Talks, Dr. Tracey Stead, sits down with Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, professional chef, nutritional biologist, and pioneer in the field of nutritional psychiatry. Together, we explore the powerful connection between food, mood, anxiety, inflammation, metabolism, and the gut-brain axis, and discuss practical ways to support mental health through everyday dietary choices.

Dr. Uma Naidoo shares the patient encounter that transformed her approach to mental health care. A conversation about a daily coffee loaded with sugar and creamer revealed how empowering patients with nutrition knowledge can create meaningful behavioral change and improve treatment outcomes.

Following the success of This Is Your Brain on Food, Dr. Uma explains why she devoted an entire book to anxiety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed a dramatic surge in anxiety symptoms among patients and saw firsthand how lifestyle changes, isolation, and altered eating habits affected mental health.

If you wish to learn more from Dr. Uma Naidoo, you can do so through the following links:

• Instagram:@drumanaidoo (https://www.instagram.com/drumanaidoo/) 
• YouTube: Dr. Uma Naidoo MD (https://www.youtube.com/@DrUmaNaidoo)
• Official Website: https://umanaidoomd.com

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednacompany

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

What do you do when your DNA report reveals dozens of insights across hormones, blood sugar, cardiovascular health, mood, detoxification, and more?

In this episode, the clinical team at DNA Company explores one of the most common questions they receive from new DNA360 users:"Where should I start?" The conversation dives into how genetic insights can help prioritize health interventions, guide lifestyle choices, personalize supplementation, and support more informed discussions with healthcare providers. 

From hormone replacement therapy and peptides to vitamin D optimization and seasonal wellness strategies, this episode highlights a practical approach to using genetic information to work with your biology rather than against it.

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednacompany

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

What if chronic disease isn't primarily an organ problem, but a cellular one?

In this episode, Dr. Will Cole joins Justin Harris to explore the emerging science of cellular health and longevity. Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine practitioner, New York Times bestselling author, and host of The Art of Being Well podcast. 

They sit down to discuss his latest book, Heal Your Cells: Reversing the Irreversible, co-authored with Dr. Josh Axe. Together, they explore why cellular dysfunction may be the true root of chronic disease, how lifestyle and environment shape our health trajectory, and why longevity is about more than simply extending lifespan.

If you wish to learn more from Dr. Will Cole, you can do so through the following links:

• Visit his website at https://drwillcole.com/
•  Podcast: The Art of Being Well
• Pre-order Dr. Cole's book now at https://thehealthinstitute.com/products/heal-your-cells and get bonuses before it releases on September 8th!

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednaco3
• Justin's Instagram Account: @justinharrisofficial

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

"One more life. One more life impacted. One more life supported. One more life saved."

In this episode of The DNA Talks, CEO Tracy Wood sits down with SVP for Science, Dr. Krista Kostroman, and COO Alison Henry to reflect on the incredible evolution of The DNA Company. 

The conversation explores the creation of DNA University, the expansion of the company’s latest genetic testing platform, and the power of combining science, education, and technology to make functional genomics more accessible.

Together, they discuss why individualized health insights matter in a world filled with one-size-fits-all wellness advice, how genetics can influence everything from stress response to hormone health, and why understanding your unique blueprint can be the first step toward better outcomes. 

Tune in today and recognize the importance of women's health, practitioner education, and building a healthcare model rooted in curiosity, compassion, and evidence-based solutions. 

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednaco3

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

"Your doctor doesn't live inside your body. AI doesn't live in your body. Influencers don't live in your body. Only you live there."

What if the future of medicine isn't about treating disease, but empowering people to take ownership of their health long before illness appears?

In this compelling conversation, Dr. Lara Varden sits down with renowned physician, author, and longevity expert Dr. Erika Schwartz to discuss a lifetime spent challenging conventional medicine and advocating for personalized, preventive healthcare.

Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified internist, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and nationally recognized leader in hormone health and longevity medicine. For more than three decades, she has championed personalized, preventive care — long before it became mainstream. 

She is the founder of Evolved Science and ESHealth, where she has been a pioneer in the use of bioidentical hormone therapy, focusing on restoring vitality, optimizing healthspan, and redefining how we approach aging. 

Dr. Schwartz has authored eight best-selling books, including The Hormone Solution and The Intimacy Solution, helping bring conversations about hormone balance and quality of life into the medical mainstream. Her work has appeared in major publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Town & Country, and The New York Post, and she is a frequent media contributor across television and international podcasts. 

She is also a distinguished faculty member of A4M — the world’s leading longevity and functional medicine organization — where she hosts the widely followed Redefining Medicine podcast. 

Drawing from more than 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Schwartz shares her journey from emergency medicine physician to one of the earliest pioneers of hormone optimization, functional medicine, and healthy aging. She explores why modern healthcare often focuses on disease instead of wellness, the truth about hormone replacement therapy, the importance of patient empowerment, and how genetics can help personalize health decisions.

Tune in and realize how longevity isn't just about living longer, it's about living better.

If you wish to learn more from Dr. Erika Schwartz, you can do so through the following links:

• Visit her website for Evolved Science at https://www.eshealth.com/
• Instagram: @eshealth and @drerikaschwartz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evolvedscience/

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednaco3

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

What if aging isn’t decline but a powerful opportunity for growth?

In this inspiring episode of DNA Talks, Dr. Lara Varden sits down with Michele Hughes, an entrepreneur, longevity expert, and media personality. She is the founder and CEO of the Ageless & Timeless Podcast and a contributor to Top Doctor Magazine. Through her work, she educates and empowers individuals to take control of their health and live vibrant, purpose-driven lives.

From overcoming personal and professional adversity to becoming a voice in integrative health, Michele shares her journey into the longevity space and the mindset, habits, and tools that support a vibrant healthspan. 

Together, they unpack the science and philosophy of aging, genetics, and how we can all take ownership of our health journey.

If you wish to learn more from Michele Hughes, you can do so through the following links:

• Listen to Michele's podcast, Ageless & Timeless Podcast, on YouTube
• Instagram: @AgelessAndTimeless
• Read through her articles on Top Doctor at www.topdoctormagazine.com
• Michele Hughes — available on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednaco3

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

What if the biggest lie you’ve ever been told about your health is that your brain is destined to decline?

Justin Harris is joined by Dr. Tommy Wood, who currently works as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, where my laboratory focuses on brain health across the lifespan — conducting research that focuses on ways to treat a range of brain injuries. This includes babies born preterm, adults who experience brain trauma, and the confluence of factors that can affect long-term cognitive function and risk of dementia.

​Dr. Tommy Wood received a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, a medical degree from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of Oslo. He has published dozens of scientific papers and lectured all over the world about brain health, metabolism, physical activity, and human performance. Dr. Tommy also spent more than a decade working as a performance consultant to professional athletes in multiple sports including several Olympians and world champions. 

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important conversations in modern health: how to protect, strengthen, and future-proof your brain. Dr. Tommy Wood breaks down why cognitive decline is not inevitable and how your daily choices, your epigenetic inputs, play a powerful role in shaping brain health across your entire lifespan.

From neuroplasticity and skill-building to sleep, social connection, and metabolic health, this episode delivers a practical, science-backed blueprint for long-term cognitive performance.

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If you wish to learn more from Dr. Tommy Wood, check out the following links:

• Check out his book entitled "The Stimulated Mind" it is now available wherever books are sold and is available as an audiobook on Spotify Premium
• Check out his website at drtommywood.com 
• Follow him on Instagram: @DrTommyWood
• Listen to his Podcast: Better Brain Fitness

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednaco3

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

What if your sex life was one of the most powerful drivers of longevity?

In this episode, Dr. Tracey Steady Hardcastle is joined by intimacy expert Susan Bratton to explore the science-backed connection between sex and longevity, and why she calls it the missing pillar of health.

Together, they unpack the concept of ageless intimacy - how pleasure, connection, and “orgasmic intimacy” support everything from blood flow and hormones to nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.

This conversation reframes intimacy not as a luxury, but as a biological necessity for living a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.

If you wish to learn more from Susan Bratton, you may do so through the following channels:

• Visit betterlover.com to subscribe to Susan's newsletter and connect directly with her with your questions and concerns.
• Try out Susan's Nitric Oxide supplement at getflowfree.com (free 30-day supply)

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Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:

• The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcast
• The DNA Company Instagram: @thednaco
• The DNA Company's Official Tiktok Account: @thednaco3

Medical Disclaimer:  The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.