(w)healthy

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 testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) 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.

In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast, we sit down with Dr. Diana Kim, a Kelowna-based neurologist, to explore the inner workings of brain health, from the everyday impacts of stress and sleep, to the life-changing consequences of stroke and neurological disease.

What if your headaches, brain fog, or a child’s struggles in school were actually rooted in vision — not eyesight, but how the brain processes what we see? In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast, Dr. Sophia Capo, optometrist and founder of A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy in Kelowna, unpacks the powerful connection between vision, brain health, and healing. We explore how vision therapy is helping kids and adults recover from concussions, overcome learning challenges, and reclaim quality of life — all through a new lens.

In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast, Shauna Nyrose sits down with Beth Walley, Executive Director of the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice, for a grounded and hopeful conversation about the evolving landscape of primary care. Together, they explore what primary care really means, why it matters, and how it's changing to meet the needs of patients and providers. From the role of relationships and community partnerships to the challenges of access and physician burnout, this episode offers thoughtful insight into how care can become more connected, compassionate, and ultimately, closer to home.

You can register to get a family doctor or nurse practitioner at this link https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/find-care/health-connect-registry

What’s stopping us from eating well? For most people, it’s not knowledge — it’s time, energy, and real life. Morgan Decksheimer, founder of Meal Prep For You, joins us to talk nutrition and how local food can help us live healthier, one meal at a time.