We often talk about sleep as something we should “get more of,” but rarely stop to ask why it matters in the first place. In this episode, Dr. Wayne Lai returns to help us better understand sleep as a foundational part of whole-body health. From how disrupted sleep affects your mood, focus, and immune system to what might actually be keeping you up at night, this conversation explores how sleep impacts daily life in ways we often overlook. If you’re struggling to feel rested, or just curious about what better sleep could mean for your health, you’ll want to take a listen.

This is our third episode with Dr. Lai, if you enjoyed this one be sure to check out the other two!

In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast, Shauna Nyrose speaks with Counsellor Ashley Phillips about how trauma impacts our mental health and why we don’t always recognize it. Ashley explains the difference between "big T" and "little t" trauma, what happens in the brain during a traumatic experience, and how EMDR therapy can help people process what’s been holding them back. This conversation offers a deeper understanding of how trauma works and what healing can look like.

Money is more than numbers in a bank account. It is peace of mind, security and a vital part of your overall health. In this episode of (w)healthy, host Shauna Nyrose talks with Rod Gibbings, Senior Financial Consultant at IG Wealth Management, about why financial health is such a critical pillar of well-being. Rod shares practical strategies for planning a secure retirement, guiding young adult children toward independence, working effectively with a financial planner and navigating money conversations as a couple. He also reflects on personal experiences, including health challenges and the sudden loss of a dear friend and colleague, that have shaped his perspective on what it truly means to live well. This is not just a conversation about building wealth for the future, it is about creating freedom and living a life that aligns with your values today.

In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast, Dr. Brittany Schamerhorn, licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, joins us to unpack the complex world of women’s hormones, perimenopause, and metabolic health. Drawing from her clinical experience and evidence-informed approach, Dr. Schamerhorn shares why so many women feel unheard in the health care system, and how a more personalized, integrative model of care can make all the difference. Her insights offer a fresh, grounded perspective on what it means to truly care for women’s health.

We all know sleep is important, but what’s really happening in the brain while we rest? In this solo episode, Dr. Wayne Lai — neurologist and sleep medicine specialist — breaks down the science of sleep in clear, practical terms. From deep sleep cycles to why you wake up at 3 a.m., this conversation will leave you better informed about what your brain truly needs to heal, function, and thrive.

Concussions affect hundreds of thousands of Canadians every year, yet many remain misunderstood or overlooked. In this episode, host Shauna Nyrose speaks with Dr. Wayne Lai, neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, and Gerome Louie, a clinician specializing in concussion care. Together, they unpack what happens in the brain during injury, how sleep and mental health play a role in recovery, and what we all need to know about the lasting impact of concussions. Whether you're recovering yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insight, clarity, and hope.

What if the real prescription for lifelong health isn't found in a clinic, but on a playground, in a pool, or during a triathlon? In this episode, we sit down with Drew Mitchell, Director of Physical Literacy at Sport for Life, to explore how movement shapes our health, our communities, and our sense of belonging. From saving a beloved triathlon to creating more inclusive sport systems, Drew shares powerful stories and insights on why physical literacy matters at every age and in every body.

What if aging didn’t have to mean decline? In this episode, Dr. Grant Pagdin, a Kelowna-based physician and expert in regenerative and preventative medicine, joins us to explore the future of healing. From stem cell therapy and PRP to male hormone balance and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Pagdin unpacks what’s real, what’s emerging, and what it means to take control of your health span, not just your lifespan.

In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast, local fitness pro Taylor Kolar shares why strength training is essential, especially for women over 40. We bust common fitness myths, explore social media trends, and talk about building a sustainable routine that fits your age, goals, and lifestyle. Plus, we dive into the role of nutrition, cardio, and mindset in supporting long-term health and strength.

What if your jaw pain, your back tension, or that old shoulder injury weren’t just physical? In this episode, we sit down with physiotherapist Vince Cunanan to talk about TMJ, movement dysfunction, stress, and how pain can be both a signal and a story. Vince shares why healing often begins with awareness and how we can start reconnecting with the bodies we’ve learned to ignore.