Intentionally Well

Vanessa Lopez
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  • Alternative Health

A podcast for those ready to unlearn, relearn, and walk with intention toward true well-being. Together, we explore what it really means to be well—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. With open minds and honest hearts, we dive into evolving conversations that challenge mainstream health narratives and invite deeper understanding. Expect thoughtful guests, perspective-shifting insight, and a space that honors both curiosity and conviction.

  1. 2 Sept

    When the Body Starts Reorganizing Around the Problem: Lymph, Organs, Vestibular Function, Cranial Nerves & Posture | Dr. Perry Nickelston

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail! Dr. Perry Nickelston of Stop Chasing Pain returns to Intentionally Well for a deep conversation about what happens when the body begins adapting, compensating, and reorganizing around a problem. We explore the relationship between the lymphatic system and organ function, the often-overlooked role of the vestibular system and cranial nerves, the way posture can change over time, and how chronic sympathetic activation can shape the way the body moves, protects, and responds. Dr. Perry also breaks down why pain is often only one part of the story, and why focusing solely on the area that hurts can leave important pieces unexplored. In this episode, we discuss:  Lymphatic flow and organ function  The vestibular system and posture  Cranial nerves and whole-body function  Chronic compensation  Sympathetic dominance and fight-or-flight  What years of altered posture can teach the nervous system  Connections between the feet, jaw, thoracic region, fascia and more  Why symptoms can show up far from the original driver  How to approach a complex body without making the healing process unnecessarily complicated If you’re new to Dr. Perry’s work, check out Episode 52: our original conversation on the lymphatic system and the Big 6 Reset You can also watch the standalone Big 6 Reset demonstration from our original conversation. Both below. CONNECT WITH DR. PERRY NICKELSTON / STOP CHASING PAIN Stop Chasing Pain Website Stop Chasing Pain on YouTube Stop Chasing Pain on Instagram Stop Chasing Pain on X MORE WITH DR. PERRY Episode 52 — Original Intentionally Well Conversation Big 6 Reset Demonstration SUPPORT INTENTIONALLY WELL A few of my favorite things: Mitolife PUFA Protect — A clean Vitamin E supplement I have trusted for several years. Use code VANESSA15 to save 15% sitewide. Gembared Red Light Therapy — Affordable red light therapy devices I’ve used for years. Use code VANESSA10 to save 10%. Equip Foods — My favorite grass-fed protein and clean protein bars. Use code VANESSA15 to save 15%. Purchasing through these links is an easy way to support the podcast at no additional cost to you. Shop All Favorite Products + Listener Discounts Support Intentionally Well on Buy Me a Coffee CONNECT WITH VANESSA Intentionally Well Website Intentionally Well Reflections on Substack Podcast Instagram Vanessa on Instagram TikTok X Email: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com Support the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

  2. 19 Aug

    The Way You Move Tells a Story: What the Feet Can Tell Us About the Body & Nervous System with Dr. Jen Perez

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail! What if the way you walk, stand, load your feet—or even grip the ground—is telling a story about far more than your feet? This is not simply an episode about foot pain. In fact, you don’t need to have foot pain at all to get something from this conversation. Today I’m joined by Dr. Jen Perez of Gait Happens, a chiropractor whose work centers around functional movement, biomechanics, gait and lower-extremity assessment, for a fascinating conversation about what the feet can reveal when we stop looking at them in isolation. We talk mechanics, gait, loading, recoil, footwear, and orthotics—but we also go somewhere conversations about the feet rarely go: the nervous system. How might fear change the way we move? What does compensation tell us about what the body has adapted to? Can our mental and emotional experiences influence the way the body moves, protects, and holds on? And what happens when a diagnosis stops being something we have and slowly becomes part of who we believe we are? Gait Happens has spent the last decade helping change the conversation around foot health, filling a much-needed gap in education and challenging us to think beyond the conventional, isolated approach to pain and dysfunction. In this episode: Why foot pain isn’t always simply a foot problemThe two-way relationship between the feet and the rest of the bodyThe fascinating connection between the feet, gait, and nervous systemWhat the way someone walks and carries themselves can tell usSurprising signs of fight-or-flight that may show up through the feetFear of movement and how pain can change the way we moveAdaptation, compensation, and the body’s ability to protectThe mental and emotional components of painWhy language matters when talking about pain and the bodyGait, loading, recoil, and healthy foot mechanicsFootwear as a tool (not a universal prescription)The nuance around orthotics and individual needsWhat Dr. Jen looks for in footwearBuilding capacity and resilience rather than simply chasing symptomsConnect with Dr. Jen & Gait Happens: Gait Happens YouTubeGait Happens InstagramGait Happens Toe SpacersGait Happens Toe StrengthenersBe Lenka Barefoot Shoes — Use code GAITHAPPENS for discountAltra RunningSUPPORT INTENTIONALLY WELL:  A few of my current favorites:  Mitolife Vitamin C — My go-to vitamin C. Use code VANESSA15 to save 15%.Mitolife KDF Shower Filter — The shower filtration system I use in my own home. Use code VANESSA15 to save 15%.Equip Foods — My favorite grass-fed protein + clean protein bars. Use code VANESSA15 to save 15%.Purchasing through these links is an easy way to support the podcast at no additional cost to you.  See all of my favorite products + listener discounts Want to support the podcast directly? Buy Me a Coffee – Intentionally Well Connect with Vanessa and IWP: IWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSubstack: Intentionally Well ReflectionsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

  3. 5 Aug

    The Carnivore Diet Explained: Science, Nuance, & Metabolic Health with Casey Ruff

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail! If you are enjoying this podcast and want to support Vanessa's work, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee – Intentionally Well The carnivore diet is one of the most talked-about (and often misunderstood!) approaches to nutrition today. While many people associate it with weight loss or social media trends, there's much more to the conversation than that. In this episode, I'm joined by Casey Ruff, host of Boundless Body Radio, for what became one of the most in-depth discussions I've had on the podcast surrounding carnivore nutrition, ketogenic diets, and metabolic health. Together, we explore the science behind these approaches, why some individuals choose them for reasons far beyond weight loss, and the importance of recognizing that nutrition is rarely one-size-fits-all. We also discuss protein, metabolic flexibility, differences between men and women, GLP-1 medications, what Casey actually eats in a day, and why asking better questions about our health may be more valuable than searching for one perfect diet. Whether you're simply curious about carnivore or you've been hearing more about it lately, I hope this conversation helps you better understand the thinking behind this approach. We discuss: Casey's journey into ketogenic and carnivore nutrition, and why it was never part of the original plan. The differences between ketogenic and carnivore diets. Why some people explore these approaches for therapeutic and medical reasons beyond weight loss. Common misconceptions surrounding carnivore. Protein, metabolic health, and metabolic flexibility. Important considerations for women versus men. Individualized nutrition and why there is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach. GLP-1 medications and the broader conversation around metabolic health. What a day-in-the-life of eating looks like for Casey.Practical advice for someone who is simply "carnivore curious."Connect with Casey and Boundless Body Radio: Website: myboundlessbody.comPodcast on Apple: Boundless Body Radio on Apple PodcastsPodcast on Spotify: Boundless Body Radio on SpotifyYouTube Channel: Boundless Body LLC on YouTubeConnect with Vanessa and the podcast:  Click here to explore the Intentionally Well Affiliate & Discount HubIWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSubstack: Intentionally Well ReflectionsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com Support the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

  4. 22 Jul

    Dry Eye, Screen Fatigue, & Vision Changes: What You Need to Know | Dr. Pam Theriot

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail! If you are enjoying this podcast and want to support Vanessa's work, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee – Intentionally Well Most of us don't think much about our eye health until something changes. Earlier this year, I experienced an unexpected change in my own vision that led me down a path of learning more about eye health, and it quickly became clear just how many people are navigating dry eye, screen fatigue, floaters, and other vision concerns without fully understanding what's happening. In this episode, I'm joined by optometrist and dry eye specialist Dr. Pam Theriot for a practical conversation about protecting your vision in today's digital world. We discuss why dry eye is becoming increasingly common, how screen use impacts the eyes, changes that can occur with age, and simple habits that can support long-term eye health. Whether you're experiencing symptoms or simply want to be more proactive, this episode is filled with practical, evidence-informed advice you can begin applying today. In This Episode: Why dry eye is becoming increasingly commonThe impact of screen time on eye health and digital eye strainHormones and their role in dry eye and vision changesUnderstanding floaters and the eye's gel-like vitreousCommon vision changes that can occur as we ageEye makeup, false lashes, and habits that may affect your eyesChoosing and using eye drops wiselyPractical strategies for protecting your long-term eye healthWhen it's time to see an eye care professionalAbout Dr. Pam Theriot: Dr. Pam Theriot serves as the Clinical Director of the Dry Eye Center at Lusk Eye Specialists in Shreveport, Louisiana. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rice University before receiving her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. She completed a residency at the State University of New York College of Optometry and a fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry. Passionate about patient education, Dr. Theriot launched her educational blog and published Alleviate Dry Eye to help individuals better understand and manage dry eye disease. She serves on the Public Awareness Committee of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), is the Dry Eye Disease columnist for Optometric Management, and lectures internationally on ocular surface disease, aesthetics, presbyopia, and dry eye. In 2025, her TEDx talk on the importance of eye health in the digital age received an Editor's Pick Award. Connect with Dr. Pam: Website & Resources Dr. Pam's WebsiteFree Dry Eye Guides & Patient ResourcesWatch Dr. Pam's TEDx TalkFollow Dr. Pam InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInX (Twitter)TikTokConnect with Vanessa and the podcast:  Click here to explore the Intentionally Well Affiliate & Discount HubIWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSubstack: Intentionally Well ReflectionsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

  5. 8 Jul

    Conversations Worth Revisiting: Stage 4 Brain Cancer, Faith, & Healing with Dr. Pete Sulack

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail! If you are enjoying this podcast and want to support Vanessa's work, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee – Intentionally Well Click here to explore the Intentionally Well Affiliate & Discount Hub (Every purchase made through these affiliate links helps support Intentionally Well at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping me continue these conversations.) Originally aired: June 18, 2025  Every summer, I like to revisit one or two conversations that have continued to stay with me long after the microphone was turned off. As part of this Conversations Worth Revisiting series, I'm bringing back one of the most powerful and hope-filled episodes in the history of Intentionally Well. In this conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Pete Sulack—a husband, father, practitioner, and passionate follower of Christ—who shares the extraordinary story of walking through a diagnosis of Grade 4 diffuse astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Rather than allowing fear to define his path, Dr. Pete shares how his faith, intentional lifestyle changes, and commitment to supporting his body's terrain became central to his healing journey. Here we explore the intersection of faith, functional health, resilience, and what it means to pursue hope in the face of an impossible diagnosis. Whether this is your first time hearing this conversation or you're revisiting it alongside me, I pray it encourages you as much today as it did when it first aired. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Pete's diagnosis and the mindset that shaped his responseWhy informed decision-making matters when navigating serious illnessThe role of metabolism, mitochondria, and cellular health in healingHow chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation can influence overall healthLifestyle strategies that helped create an environment supportive of healingDr. Pete's experience with various therapeutic approaches, including ivermectin and fenbendazoleThe importance of supporting detoxification pathwaysWalking through suffering with faith, resilience, and hopeTrusting God while making thoughtful, intentional health decisionsConnect with Dr. Pete Sulack: Instagram: @drpetesulackBe Resilient Program: redeemfm.comRedeem Essentials (Supplements): redeemessentials.comMatthew 10 International (Nonprofit): matthew10.comTo receive Dr. Pete’s Resilience Protocol for free, comment the word “PROTOCOL” on any IG video.Book a consultation: redeemfm.comConnect with Vanessa and the podcast:  IWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSubstack: Intentionally Well ReflectionsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

  6. 24 Jun

    Inside My Ongoing Health Journey | A Conversation with Casey Ruff

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail! If you are enjoying this podcast and want to support Vanessa's work, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee – Intentionally Well A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to join Casey Ruff on Boundless Body Radio for a conversation about my ongoing health journey. After the interview, Casey generously invited me to share the episode here on Intentionally Well, and I knew it was one I wanted to bring to this community. While many of you have heard pieces of my story over the years, this conversation gave me the chance to reflect on the physical side of my journey in a way I haven't often done on the podcast. We discuss the challenges of navigating chronic symptoms, the search for answers, the realities of living through an ongoing healing process, and what it looks like to continue showing up when the path forward isn't always clear. I appreciated Casey's thoughtful questions and the space he created for an honest and meaningful discussion, and I'm excited to share it with you today. In this episode, we discuss:  Aspects of my personal health journey and how it has evolved over the years  The physical challenges that have shaped my day-to-day life  Searching for answers when progress feels slow or uncertain  What I've learned through years of navigating chronic health concerns  The role of hope, perseverance, and continuing to move forward  Reflections on healing while still being in the middle of the story About Casey Ruff: Casey Ruff is the host of Boundless Body Radio, a podcast dedicated to helping listeners optimize health, fitness, and longevity through thoughtful conversations with experts, practitioners, and individuals with inspiring health journeys. Connect with Boundless Body Radio: Casey's Podcast on Apple Casey's Podcast on Spotify Connect with Vanessa and the podcast:  IWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastCheck out IWP Recommended ProductsSubstack: Intentionally Well ReflectionsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review or sharing it with a friend. Your support helps so much! Support the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

  7. 10 Jun

    Cellular Health, Sulforaphane, GLP-1 Pathways & Detoxification with David Roberts

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail! A special listener discount is available for Mara Labs products featured in this episode: Explore Mara Labs (Code is VANESSA) If you enjoy the podcast and want to support Vanessa's work, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee – Intentionally Well In this episode, I’m joined by David Roberts, founder of Mara Labs, for a conversation exploring cellular health, modern environmental stressors, and the body’s natural resilience systems. David’s journey into this space began after his late wife Mara’s cancer diagnosis, which led him to deeply explore plant-based compounds and how they interact with cellular protection and repair mechanisms. That path eventually led to the development of BrocElite, a stabilized sulforaphane supplement designed to support detoxification pathways, mitochondrial function, and overall cellular resilience. We discuss topics including sulforaphane, oxidative stress, detoxification and autophagy pathways, metabolic health and GLP-1 signaling, genetic variability such as MTHFR and COMT, and how modern environmental exposures like microplastics may be impacting overall health. This is a wide-ranging conversation aimed at helping make complex biology more understandable and grounded in real-life application. Key Topics Covered:  Sulforaphane and cellular defense systems  Detoxification pathways and autophagy  Mitochondrial health and oxidative stress  Modern environmental exposures (including microplastics)  Metabolic health and GLP-1 signaling  Genetic variability (MTHFR / COMT) and sensitivity  Why some people feel more reactive in today’s environment Sulforaphane and pet health BrocElite and Mara Labs story Connect with David: Mara Labs on InstagramExplore Mara LabsConnect with Vanessa and the podcast:  IWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastIWP Recommended ProductsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

  8. 27 May

    How “Heart-Healthy” Became Harmful: The Hidden Story of Seed Oils with Cherie Calbom

    Send Vanessa a text or a voicemail!  If you’d like to support Vanessa and the podcast, you can do so here:  Buy Me a Coffee In today’s episode, I’m joined by Cherie Calbom, widely known as The Juice Lady. Cherie holds a Master’s degree in nutrition and has been a pioneer in whole-food nutrition and the juicing movement for decades. She is the author of 36 books, including the global bestseller Juicing for Life, which has helped millions of people reclaim their health through vibrant, nourishing foods. Her latest book, The Truth About Seed Oils, explores one of the most controversial and overlooked topics in modern nutrition:  How industrial seed oils became widely promoted as “heart healthy,” and what that shift may have meant for public health over time. But this conversation goes far beyond just seed oils. Together, we explored:  The history and rise of industrial seed oils  How marketing and dietary guidelines shaped public perception  The role of industry influence and lobbying in modern food systems  The contrast between whole, traditional foods and ultra-processed oils  And the deeper question of how far we’ve drifted from real, nourishing food We also found ourselves moving into a more reflective space as we discuss our cultural disconnection from food, the loss of reverence around eating, and what it might look like to return to a more grounded and intentional relationship with nourishment.  This is a conversation that blends history, nutrition, culture, and deeper reflection on what it means to truly nourish the body. I also mentioned my daily vitamin E supplement during this episode: Mitolife PUFA Protect Vitamin E You can use code Vanessa15 for 15% off if you choose to try it.  Connect with Cherie:  Cherie’s Seed Oil Book & Resources: The Truth About Seed Oils Cherie’s Website: Juice Lady Info Instagram: @juiceladycherieConnect with Vanessa and the podcast:  IWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastIWP Recommended ProductsPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubeVanessa on TikTokVanessa on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

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About

A podcast for those ready to unlearn, relearn, and walk with intention toward true well-being. Together, we explore what it really means to be well—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. With open minds and honest hearts, we dive into evolving conversations that challenge mainstream health narratives and invite deeper understanding. Expect thoughtful guests, perspective-shifting insight, and a space that honors both curiosity and conviction.

Information

  • Creator
    Vanessa Lopez
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Intentionally Well
  • Show Website
    Intentionally Well

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