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Fall is here — which means chili, fresh Michigan apples, pumpkin baked goods, roasted vegetables, pot roast…and apparently a butternut squash plant that has completely taken over our garden.

In this lighter episode of Vitals & Values, Lara and David share the fall foods they look forward to most, debate the foods that might be a little overrated, and talk about why eating seasonally can be both fun and good for adding more variety to your diet.

They also get into food fear, why enjoying pumpkin bars or cobbler doesn’t make your diet “bad,” the benefits of shopping local and eating fresh produce, and why David still feels personally attacked by Lara’s opinion of people who eat the same foods every day.

From chili and Honeycrisp apples to pumpkin bars, butternut squash and pot roast, this one is less about creating the perfect diet and more about enjoying food, embracing variety, and making room for the foods that make each season great.

What fall food did we miss?

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In this episode, Dr. Todd Chassee, Dr. Lara Baatenburg and David discuss the innovative model of Right Care Clinic, its benefits over traditional emergency rooms, and how it aims to transform healthcare delivery in West Michigan. They share personal experiences, the clinic's unique features, and insights into healthcare cost management. In this episode, we explore the innovative model of Right Care Clinic, its challenges, and future plans. Our guests share insights on healthcare delivery, marketing, insurance complexities, physician wellness, and the impact of media on medical practice.

Key  Topics

The origin and mission of Right Care Clinic
Differences between urgent care, ER, and the Right Care model
Cost savings and patient experience improvements
The clinic's unique features like expanded labs and imaging
Physician ownership and its impact on care quality
Challenges and surprises in launching the clinic The model and growth plans of Right Care Clinic
Challenges with insurance reimbursement and patient billing
Physician burnout and wellness strategies
Marketing and community outreach for healthcare services
Partnerships with specialists and hospital systems
Media influence on perceptions of emergency medicine
Future expansion and sustainability of healthcare clinics

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Right Care Clinic and its mission
00:01 Introduction to Right Care Clinic and Guests
01:57 Dr. Chassee's background and the clinic's origin
03:58 How the clinic differs from traditional emergency rooms
04:13 The Model and Growth Plans of Right Care Clinic
06:53 Personal experience with the clinic and cost comparison
08:06 Challenges with Insurance and Patient Billing
10:01 Services offered and conditions treated at the clinic
11:53 Physician Wellness and Burnout in Emergency Medicine
13:02 Financial model and insurance considerations
15:59 Surprises and lessons learned after two years of operation
16:14 Marketing Strategies and Community Outreach
17:53 Marketing, target audience, and future plans
20:00 Partnerships with Specialists and Hospital Systems
23:52 Media Influence on Emergency Medicine Perceptions
27:57 Future Expansion and Sustainability of Healthcare Clinics

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In this episode, we explore the complexities of vaccine information, media portrayal, and public perception, focusing on the MMR vaccine and recent debates. Our experts clarify misconceptions, review historical data, and discuss the influence of social media and political figures.

Key Topics

History of the MMR vaccine from 1963 to present
Vaccine efficacy and safety data over 50 years
Misconceptions and misinformation about vaccines
The influence of social media and political figures on vaccine perception
Recent changes and proposals in vaccine recommendations
The importance of reading full research and context
How headlines can mislead public understanding
The role of healthcare professionals and public accountability

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to vaccine misinformation and headlines
01:53 History of the MMR vaccine and its development
03:58 Vaccine efficacy, safety, and common misconceptions
06:06 The influence of social media and political figures
08:02 Recent changes in vaccine recommendations and proposals
09:58 Misinterpretation of research and headlines
12:02 Current measles outbreak and vaccination rates
14:05 The importance of reading full research and context
16:09 Public trust, media portrayal, and accountability
18:01 Healthy skepticism versus misinformation
20:01 How to critically evaluate vaccine information
21:55 Final thoughts on vaccine communication and trust

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In this episode, Melissa shares her unique journey from massage therapy to manual therapy and physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of manual techniques, patient trust, and the shift from volume-based to results-oriented care. Discover how her holistic approach and personal passions influence her practice and patient outcomes. In this episode, experts discuss innovative approaches to physical therapy, manual therapy, muscle activation, and personalized patient care, emphasizing the importance of intuition and experience in treatment.

Key  Topics

Melissa's progression from massage to physical therapy
The role of manual therapy and bodywork
Differences between insurance-based and cash-based models
Building patient trust and personalized care
Manual therapy techniques and their applications
The importance of patient education and communication
Shifting from volume to results in healthcare
Melissa's personal passions and their influence on her practice Muscle activation and inhibition techniques
Manual therapy and manual releases
Patient-specific treatment strategies
The role of intuition and experience in therapy
Addressing chronic pain and systemic issues
The importance of personalized therapy plans
Differences in treatment approaches for men and women
The challenge of diagnosing and treating complex conditions
The value of manual therapy as an art form
Building tolerance and long-term patient outcomes

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In this episode, David and Lara share their personal health journeys and debunk common myths about nutrition, sleep, and fitness. They emphasize the importance of humility, adaptability, and understanding science to make sustainable health choices.

 Key  Topics

Personal health journeys and lessons learned
The teachability index and willingness to change
Common misconceptions about sleep, supplements, and diet
The role of carbs, fasting, and calorie intake in health
The importance of humility and adaptability in health choices


 Sound Bites

"I've almost taken away almost every single supplement"
"Running is not the only way to stay healthy"
"Eating less isn't always the answer"


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to common health misconceptions
02:02 Personal health journeys and lessons learned
04:10 The myth of supplements and whole foods
06:21 Undervaluing sleep and its impact
09:06 The truth about water intake and overhydration
12:25 The evolution of running and exercise habits
14:36 Myth of low carb diets and carbs as fuel
17:02 The dangers of restrictive eating and cheat days
19:18 Fasting, intermittent fasting, and their misconceptions
22:30 The obsession with eating less and body image
27:09 Health is not solely determined by weight
28:18 Embracing humility and continuous learning in health

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People are talking about testosterone more than ever—but who actually needs it?

In this episode of Vitals & Values, David shares his personal six-month experience on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) while Dr. Treisenberg separates science from social media.

Together they discuss:

•  The real symptoms of low testosterone 
•  Why so many younger men are seeing lower testosterone levels 
•  Who should (and shouldn't) consider TRT 
•  How testosterone affects energy, mood, muscle, libido, and mental health 
•  Fertility concerns every younger man needs to understand 
•  The truth about heart disease and prostate cancer risks 
•  Injection vs. cream vs. pellet therapy 
•  How doctors safely monitor testosterone therapy 
•  Whether estrogen blockers are actually necessary 
•  The growing popularity of peptides like BPC-157 and what the evidence really shows 

Whether you're simply curious about testosterone or actively considering treatment, this episode offers an evidence-based discussion designed to help you make informed decisions instead of following internet trends.

Low testosterone is diagnosed using both symptoms and lab work.

 Free testosterone often matters more than total testosterone. 

 TRT isn't appropriate for every man. 

 Lifestyle changes should accompany hormone therapy. 

 Testosterone can improve energy, mood, muscle mass, libido, and quality of life for the right patient. 

 Fertility is an essential discussion before starting TRT. 

 Regular blood work is critical during treatment. 

 Heart disease and prostate cancer fears are often overstated when therapy is appropriately monitored. 

 Injection therapy tends to be the most reliable delivery method. 

 Pellets and creams have important limitations. 

 Estrogen management should be individualized—not automatic. 

 Not everyone responds dramatically to testosterone. 

 Peptides remain promising but are still an evolving area of medicine. 

 Evidence should always outweigh testimonials.

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Understanding the Pelvic Floor: Insights from a Pelvic Floor PT.  This episode dives into the complexities of the pelvic floor, debunking myths and explaining its vital role through visual analogies and expert insights. Perfect for those curious about pelvic health, whether for personal knowledge or clinical application.

Main Topics Covered:

• The pelvic floor as a supportive system, likened to a trampoline, emphasizing interconnectedness

• Differences and similarities in pelvic health concerns for men and women, highlighting the importance of inclusive treatment

• Common dysfunctions, symptoms, and the importance of holistic treatment rather than isolated exercises

• Role of diaphragm, core, and posture in pelvic health, with visualizations for better understanding

• The significance of early intervention, especially during pregnancy, to prevent long-term issues

• Safe assessment practices and the role of internal vs. external evaluations

• Effective treatment approaches including neuroplasticity, movement retraining, and functional exercises

• Addressing misconceptions about pelvic health and the limitations of simple solutions like Kegels

• The importance of addressing systemic factors over isolated muscle training

Note: For those seeking to understand pelvic health holistically, this episode emphasizes systemic treatment, movement, and addressing misconceptions, particularly highlighting the importance of early intervention and personalized care.

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Top 5 Things to Know Before Starting GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss In this episode, we dive into the essential considerations for anyone contemplating GLP-1 therapies, addressing myths, safety, and real-world insights from healthcare professionals. Whether you're a patient or a healthcare provider, these points will help clarify the role of medications in weight management. Key Topics:

• The growing use of GLP-1 for weight loss and its current approval status
• Importance of sourcing and avoiding non-FDA approved compounded medications
• Critical contraindications and family history considerations
• The significance of proper nutrition alongside medication use
• Navigating dose titration and managing side effects effectively
• Long-term use versus short-term catalysts in weight management
• Addressing stigma and misconceptions around medication and lifestyle
• The role of genetics and behavioral factors in obesity
• How holistic health principles, beyond medications, impact outcomes
• The importance of personalized medical guidance

Note: Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. 

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Travel, Food, and Fitness Insights from a European HoneymoonIn this episode, David and Lara share their recent honeymoon experiences in Italy, providing practical insights on enjoying travel while maintaining health and fitness habits. They dive into the realities of travel, cultural experiences, culinary delights, and how to balance indulgence with staying active.

Key Topics:

• The value of walking and exploring cities like Rome on foot for a richer experience.

• How e-bikes revolutionized touring historical sites like the Appian Way, making exploration effortless and fun.

• Authentic Italian food experiences, including favorite restaurants, pizza-making, and wine.

• The realities of weight change during European vacations—gaining fat despite high activity levels.

• The cultural differences in coffee and bathroom facilities in Italy, and the surprising alcohol consumption habits.

• The importance of spontaneous adventures, like hiking to the top of cliffside towns and discovering hidden shops.

• Practical tips for vacationers: balancing sightseeing, exercise, and indulgence without stress.

• How technology like ChatGPT can aid in trip planning, uncovering unique route options and local gems.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Rethinking worry about vacation food and activity
02:15 - Exploring Rome on foot: walking as a way to deeply connect with the city
03:50 - The decision process behind the Italian itinerary including considerations about cruises vs. city stays
05:07 - Highlights of Rome: Vatican, Coliseum, and e-bike tour of the Appian Way
07:56 - Experiencing the Coliseum and watching Gladiator in the hotel
09:37 - Daily routines during travel: balancing heat, naps, and adventures
11:14 - Discovering Rome’s historic sites and hidden gems via e-bikes
13:36 - Exploring the Roman catacombs and aqueducts with engaging local guides
15:41 - Biking through the outskirts of Rome: real estate and local life insights
17:24 - Culinary adventures: pizza, pasta, and authentic Italian dining experiences
19:02 - The significance of classic Italian wines and rooftop dining experiences
21:22 - The luxurious atmosphere of a high-end restaurant and insightful connections with locals
22:49 - The challenges of Europe’s dining hours and bathroom facilities
25:55 - Coffee culture critique and the surprisingly uniform espresso taste in Italy
28:15 - Alcohol consumption habits in Europe versus perceptions of health
30:40 - Touring Sicily: stunning landscapes, Mount Etna, and hidden beaches
36:39 - Shopping streets and local fashion in Teano
37:44 - Climbing to panoramic views and exploring the historic hillside in Tiramina
41:31 - Encounters with fascinating travelers and locals, including a nurse-turned researcher
42:46 - Spontaneous side trips like the Grand Canyon of Sicily and abandoned hiking trails
45:10 - Ending the trip with a luxurious stay in Ortigia, exploring historical towns and fresh seafood
48:54 - Reflecting on the decision fatigue of airport logistics and last-night meals
50:57 - The reality of weight gain despite high activity and healthy eating myths in Europe
52:51 - The truth about European food being more authentic, not necessarily healthier or lower calorie
54:29 - The cultural love for dogs and the fun idea of a “Dogs of Europe” series
55:17 - The benefits of incorporating fitness routines such as running and lifting even during travel
56:41 - Practical advice for balancing travel, food indulgence, exercise, and recovery

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We’re back—and officially married!

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our wedding and honeymoon, sharing the moments you'll never see in the photos, the surprises we didn't expect, and the lessons we'll carry into marriage.

We talk about what went into planning our wedding, balancing budgets with priorities, the traditions that meant the most to us, and why we believe it's so easy to lose sight of what a wedding is actually about. We also share stories from our honeymoon, what went right, what didn't go exactly as planned, and how those experiences reinforced some important life lessons.

Whether you're planning a wedding, newly married, or simply interested in building meaningful relationships, this conversation is about far more than one special day. It's about keeping your values at the center, embracing imperfection, and remembering that the wedding is just the beginning.

In this episode:
• Our biggest wedding planning lessons
• What made our ceremony so meaningful
• How we approached our budget and priorities
• Funny and unexpected moments from the day
• What our honeymoon taught us
• Why perfection isn't the goal
• The mindset we hope carries us into marriage

If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone preparing for marriage—or simply looking for a reminder that the most meaningful moments in life rarely go exactly according to plan.