The immune system plays a central role in how we age—but what if we could train it to work better over time?

In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Lara Varden welcomes Dr. Chris D’Adamo, PhD, epidemiologist and integrative medicine researcher, for an in‑depth conversation on beta‑glucans, trained immunity, and longevity‑focused health strategies.

Dr. D’Adamo explains the critical difference between stimulating the immune system and modulating or training it, why not all beta‑glucans are created equal, and how specific forms influence natural killer cells, gut health, stress resilience, and biological aging pathways.

The discussion also explores:

• Immune health and its link to aging, mood, and chronic disease
• The gut‑brain‑immune connection
• Stress, recovery, and immune resilience
• Clinical insights on respiratory infections, autoimmunity, and detoxification
• How genetics and lifestyle together shape immune response

With insights drawn from decades of research and recent clinical trial data, this episode offers a practical and empowering look at how immune optimization fits into precision, functional, and longevity medicine. Tune in to discover why immune health may be the foundation of a longer, healthier life.

If you wish to learn more from Dr. Chris D'Adamo, you may do so through the following links:

• Ovation Lab Website: https://ovationlab.com
• Research‑backed, beta‑glucan educational chatbot: https://www.betaglucan.com/
• BWH Labs: https://bwhlabs.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
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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.

Have you been told your thyroid labs are “normal,” yet you’re exhausted, gaining weight, foggy‑headed, or losing your hair?

In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Tracey Steady‑Hardcastle is joined by Dr. Amie Hornaman, “The Thyroid Fixer”, for a deep, empowering conversation on why conventional thyroid care fails so many women and what truly optimized, personalized treatment looks like.

Dr. Amie Hornaman is the CEO and Founder of the Advanced Thyroid & Hormone Clinic, an international telehealth practice serving patients across the U.S. and parts of Canada. Known as The Thyroid Fixer, she is a hormone optimization specialist, educator, speaker, and host of The Thyroid Fixer Podcast. She is the author of The Thyroid Fix: The No‑Nonsense Guide to Fixing Fatigue, Fogginess, and Fat That Won’t Budge.

Together, they explore the powerful roles of genetics, reverse T3, the forgotten thyroid hormone T2, autoimmune triggers like gluten, and why symptoms matter more than reference ranges. 

If you wish to learn more from Dr. Amie Hornaman, you may do so through the following links:

• Preorder The Thyroid Fix (book) before May 12, 2026 at the https://thyroidfixbook.com to receive exclusive bonuses!
• Website: https://dramie.com
• Podcast: The Thyroid Fixer Podcast
• Supplements: FixxR Science‑Backed Formula Line (Thyroid Fixer & Metabolism Fixer)
• Community: Just Fix Your Thyroid (Facebook Group)

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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.

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Dr. Tracey Steady‑Hardcastle sits down with Dominique D’Vita—registered nurse, certified Tantra educator, and trauma‑informed master coach—to explore the intersection of Tantra, nervous system healing, genetics, and soulful intimacy.

Drawing from more than three decades in critical‑care nursing and her own powerful heart‑opening awakening, Dominique shares how Tantra’s ancient tools—breath, sound, movement, intention, and embodied presence—align with modern neuroscience to help us move from survival mode into healing, vitality, and self‑love. She explains how tantric practices awaken safety in the body, regulate stress responses, and restore our ability to feel, connect, and receive life more fully.

Together, Tracey and Dominique dive into:

• How tantric healing reduces stress, supports oxytocin release, and helps regulate the nervous system
• Why slowing down, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with the body increases emotional resilience
• How intentional touch, presence, and self‑compassion can soften old wounds and repair inner safety
• Ways Tantra can support people healing from trauma, disconnection, or feeling shut down
• How tantric practices help rebuild self‑trust, deepen relational connection, and expand personal growth

If you wish to learn more from Dominique D'Vita of Yes Tantra, you may do so through the following links:

• The mentioned quizzes in the interview can be found here: https://yestantra.com/relationship-quizzes
• Website: YesTantra.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YesTantra

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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.

How do the clothes we wear shape not only our comfort, but also our healing, identity, and empowerment as women?

In this inspiring conversation, Krista sits down with Keira Kotler, founder of Everviolet, a company dedicated to creating intimate apparel that supports women through the many changing seasons of life. From breast cancer recovery to pregnancy, menopause, and beyond, Keira shares how garments can nurture both body and spirit, offering comfort, inclusivity, and empowerment.

This episode explores the intersection of personalized medicine, women’s health, and clothing design, reminding us that healing is not only medical but also deeply personal and embodied.

Key Topics Covered

• ✨ Keira’s Journey – From brand marketing to lingerie design after her own breast cancer diagnosis and bilateral mastectomy.
•  ✨ The Birth of Everviolet – How the lack of supportive, feminine, and comfortable garments inspired her to create a new kind of intimate wear.
•  ✨ Inclusivity in Design – Garments that accommodate reconstruction, prosthetics, asymmetry, surgical drains, and diverse body types.
•  ✨ Fabric Matters – Why natural, breathable, and environmentally conscious fabrics are essential for healing and comfort.
•  ✨ The Beauty of Change – EverViolet’s tagline and mission to support women through puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, illness, menopause, and beyond.
•  ✨ Personalized Support – Free fit and style consultations, both in-person and virtual, to help women find their best fit.
•  ✨ Community Storytelling – In Her Words, EverViolet’s journal series where women share their health and life journeys.

If you wish to learn more from Keira Kotler and her company, Everviolet, check out the following links:

• Website: Use the code "DNATALKS20" for a 20% off discount at everviolet.com; you may also explore their community series, In Her Words: Journal series on their website
• Contact: [email protected]
• Instagram: @everviolet 

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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.

 “Every time we visited my grandmother in India, she went to the kitchen first before the pharmacy. Nine out of ten times, she came back with something that made us feel better.” -Gita Vellanki

In this episode of DNA Talks, host Krista Kostroman sits down with Gita Vellanki, founder of Neeshi, a food-based wellness brand inspired by Ayurvedic traditions.

Gita shares her personal journey from working in high tech to creating products that support women through hormonal transitions—from teenage years to perimenopause—using nutrient-dense foods instead of conventional hormone therapies.

Together, Krista and Gita explore the intersection of Ayurvedic medicine, genetics, and functional nutrition, highlighting how food can act as medicine when used consistently and thoughtfully. They discuss the importance of empowered choice, the limitations of supplements, and how traditional wisdom aligns beautifully with modern genomic insights.

Here are the highlights of this episode:

• 01:59 Background Story
• 05:35 Ayurvedic Medicine
• 07:06 Innate or Born Constitution
• 09:55 Gita, Her Daughter, and the Kitchen
• 13:46 The Role of the Clinician
• 24:15 Leveraging Food as Medicine for People in Perimenopause and Menopause
• 29:34 Gaps in the Medical Market

If you wish to learn more from Gita Vellanki and her company, Neeshi, check out the following links:

• Website: Use the code "DNACO20" for a discount at https://neeshi.com/
• Instagram: @neeshiwellness, @shopneeshi

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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 very behaviors you judge in yourself and others are not flaws at all, but echoes of subconscious programming and unresolved trauma waiting to be understood?

In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle sits down with Kelley Oswin and Laura Slinn of New Avalon to explore their unique approach to Evolved Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Together, they unpack how subconscious programming, trauma awareness, and values levels shape human behavior—and how practitioners can use these insights for healing, transformation, and sustainable coaching practices.

Laura Slinn and Kelley Oswin are the co-founders of New Avalon, a graduate-level training platform for coaches, practitioners, and leaders ready to integrate advanced neuroscience, trauma-informed facilitation, and identity-level transformation into their work.

With over 30 years of combined experience across clinical social work, applied neuroscience, creative direction, and values-level coaching, Laura and Kelley have worked with thousands of individuals through one-on-one mentorship, group coaching, live retreats, and practitioner certifications. They certify coaches and practitioners across multiple modalities and are known both for their ethical, evidence-informed approach and for the profound, miracle-driven results they help facilitate through deep subconscious and cellular-level transformation.

They are co-authors of the best-selling books Evolved NLP and Is Coaching Your Calling?, and are widely respected for translating deep inner work into clear, embodied leadership. Their methodology blends neurosomatic tools, evolved NLP, and developmental theory to support the next generation of ethical, impact-driven practitioners.

This conversation blends science, spirituality, and psychology, offering practical tools for coaches, healers, and anyone navigating personal growth in complex times. This episode is a must for anyone seeking:

• Tools to integrate trauma awareness into their practice
• Insights into values levels and spiral dynamics
• Strategies to avoid burnout and navigate high-functioning codependency
• Inspiration from two leaders blending science, spirituality, and psychology

Excitingly, Kelley and Laura are launching a brand-new course with our very own DNA University, bringing their evolved NLP framework and trauma-conscious coaching practices to a wider audience of learners and practitioners.

If you wish to learn more from Kelley and Laura, check out the following links:

• Website: https://www.avalonempowerment.com/
• Instagram: @kelleyoswin, @laura_slinn

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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.

In this deep‑dive conversation, Dr. Krista Kostroman and Dr. Richard Horowitz explore what may be one of the most comprehensive frameworks for understanding chronic disease today: Dr. Horowitz’s 16‑point MSIDS model (Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome).

Dr. Richard Horowitz is an internationally recognized physician practicing in Hyde Park, NY. He is an award-winning author of two bestselling books on Lyme disease and chronic illness, and co-author of the 2018 HHS Tick-borne Disease Working Group report to Congress. He has received humanitarian awards from the Turn the Corner Foundation and Project Lyme, has appeared on numerous local and national media outlets—including the Today show and Fox News, for his work on Lyme disease and COVID-19—and is now providing novel solutions for our climate emergency.

Across 40+ years and 13,000+ chronically ill patients, Dr. Horowitz has repeatedly seen that chronic illness is never caused by just one thing. Instead, it’s the collision of infections, toxins, gut disruption, hormonal imbalance, immune dysregulation, and more. Together, they break down:

• Why the “one cause, one cure” medical model no longer fits modern chronic disease
• How inflammation is the central biological event behind most conditions
• Why the same 16 factors appear across Lyme disease, long‑COVID, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disease, mood disorders, metabolic disorders, and beyond
• The role of genes and epigenetics in both illness and healing
• Why younger and younger people now present with high inflammation markers
• How we can meaningfully reverse disease trajectories — including cognitive decline
• What a future “Chronic Disease Center of Excellence” could look like
• And why patient advocacy is reshaping the medical system more than ever before

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

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrichardhorowitz/
• Book Website: https://cangetbetter.com/ending-chronic-illness/
• Contact him at [email protected]

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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.

Menopause and perimenopause affect women greatly, yet they remain shrouded in stigma and misinformation. With that, how do we become equipped to embrace these stages of life without being overwhelmed with how to take care of ourselves whilst knowing our medical needs?

In this episode of DNA Talks, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle sits down with Amy Alkon — award-winning writer, syndicated columnist, and author of Going Menopausal. With her trademark wit and rigorous approach to science, Amy unpacks the realities of menopause and perimenopause, exposing the vast gap between evidence-based research and the medical care women often receive.

From battling misinformation in doctor’s offices to uncovering the overlooked role of progesterone, Amy shares how women can reclaim agency over their health during one of life’s most transformative stages. This episode is both a wake-up call and a toolkit for navigating hormonal transitions with clarity, courage, and humor.

Dr. Tracey and Amy talk about Amy's self-journey into perimenopause and menopause with her gynecologist, leading her to dive into 

Here are the highlights of today's episode: 

01:12 The Story Behind "Going Menopostal"

10:50 One Concerning Thing and One Hopeful Thing

20:44 Shifting Power from Institutions Towards the Individual?

32:24 The Role of Pharmacogenomics and  Pharmacogenetics Testing

If you wish to learn more from Amy Alkon, check out the following links:

• Website: https://www.amyalkon.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyalkonbookstagram

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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 key to supporting autism lies in understanding the body’s environment as much as the brain itself? 

In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of biohacking and autism based on the experience and study of Jackie McMillan as she joins Dr. Tracey Steady Hardcastle for our interview today. Jackie McMillan has autism, and has spent the years since 1976 - a period of dramatic functional gains and losses - figuring out what helps, what hurts, and the science which explains this.  Drawing on a degree in Environmental Studies, two years of premedical training, and many years in complementary health, she demystifies autism recovery, with a particular focus on inexpensive and DIY options for all ages and stages.

Here are the highlights of today's episode:

• 00:58 Jackie's Interest in Biohacking
• 07:53 Interventions that Help with Autism and Environmental Toxicity
• 08:56 The Goldilocks Zone
• 09:58 Using a "SMART" System
• 12:53 The Evaluation Process
• 20:02 Optimizing vs Pathologizing Autism
• 24:11 Does Tylenol Cause Autism?
• 27:55 Social Services in Canada

If you wish to learn more from Jackie McMillan, you may do so from the following channels:

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jackiethrives
• FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Thrive.With.Autism
• Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ThriveWithAutismCa
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/autismrecoveryguide

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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.

Artificial Intelligence, or more commonly called and shortened as “A.I.” has become a household term during the past couple of months. In fact, from the simplest of tasks to the most complicated, a huge population of the world would consult AI applications such as ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Meta AI, and several more that can also be found integrated into different software and hardware today. 

In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman is joined by Dr. Shane Saunderson. Dr. Shane Saunderson is an expert in the design and psychology of interactions with social machines. He is an Assistant Professor at McMaster University researching the social implications of increasingly humanlike technologies through the Research on Artificial Persons (RAP) Lab. Shane also lectures on digital transformation, design thinking, and emerging technologies with Schulich Executive Education at York University. He has spent over a decade consulting for Fortune 500 clients on digital strategy, disruptive innovation, and technology projects. Shane has helped found several startups, has chaired numerous industry boards, is a prolific technology writer, and frequently gives talks on robotics, AI, design thinking, and the future of technology in society. He is a former Vanier scholar who holds a PhD in robotics with a specialization in psychology from the University of Toronto, a MBA in technology and innovation from the Ted Rogers School of Management, and a B. Eng. from McGill University.

Dr. Krista and Dr. Shane discuss situations in which AI is a friend or a foe specifically in the healthcare space. They tackle issues such as the dangers of AI responding with suicidal ideations, AI giving out false information, AI allowing experts to develop their research further, and so much more. 

Tune in, and be educated about the impact of Artificial Intelligence today!

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If you wish to learn more from Dr. Shane Saunderson, you may do so from the following channels:

Website: https://shanesaunderson.com/home/
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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
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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.