The DNA Talks Podcast

Bryce Wylde, Kashif Khan, Dr. Lara Varden, and Dr. Stephanie Nielsen

Welcome to the DNA Talks Podcast where we take on the mission of unlocking the code of your genetics. This season is all about you – upgrading your health not just on the surface, but down to the root cause. Join us, as your clinicians of The DNA Company investigate your DNA and beyond! Formerly the UNPILLED Podcast, the DNA Talks Podcast continues to be the innovative provider of  FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS SOLUTIONS for personalized and preventative health and wellness.

  1. Biohacking Autism: Having Agency Over Your Health with Jackie McMillan

    FEB 12

    Biohacking Autism: Having Agency Over Your Health with Jackie McMillan

    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 Biohacking07:53 Interventions that Help with Autism and Environmental Toxicity08:56 The Goldilocks Zone09:58 Using a "SMART" System12:53 The Evaluation Process20:02 Optimizing vs Pathologizing Autism24:11 Does Tylenol Cause Autism?27:55 Social Services in CanadaIf you wish to learn more from Jackie McMillan, you may do so from the following channels: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jackiethrivesFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Thrive.With.AutismGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/+ThriveWithAutismCaLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/autismrecoveryguide______________________________________________________ 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.

    31 min
  2. AI in the Healthcare Space with Dr. Shane Saunderson

    FEB 3

    AI in the Healthcare Space with Dr. Shane Saunderson

    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! ______________________________________________________ If you wish to learn more from Dr. Shane Saunderson, you may do so from the following channels: Website: https://shanesaunderson.com/home/ ______________________________________________________ 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.

    1h 4m
  3. The Gut Thyroid Connection: Taking Control of Your Thyroid Health with Dr. Eric Osansky

    JAN 13

    The Gut Thyroid Connection: Taking Control of Your Thyroid Health with Dr. Eric Osansky

    Have you started your health journey this year? With that in mind, taking care of and ensuring that your thyroid is in good condition is one thing you should not overlook as it regulates several of your bodily functions. In this episode, Dr. Tracey Steady Hardcastle is joined by Dr. Eric Osansky, a chiropractor, clinical nutritionist, and a certified functional medicine practitioner who has over 20 years of experience in health in wellness, and has been helping people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions since 2009.  Dr. Osansky was personally diagnosed in 2008 with Graves’ disease, and after taking a natural treatment approach has been in remission since 2009. After seeing how well natural treatment methods helped with his condition, he began using these natural thyroid treatment protocols to help others with different types of thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, and hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Here are the highlights of this episode: 01:58 Getting Into Thyroid Health 04:33 Evaluating and Helping People's Conditions 08:13 The Bugleweed and Thyroid Treatment 10:19 Types of Thyroid Conditions 13:10 TSH 16:14 What Sets Autoimmune Conditions Apart 19:44 The Gut-Thyroid Connection 22:29 Misconceptions on Thyroid Conditions 25:11 The Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies 32:13 The Legacy ______________________________________________________ If you wish to learn more from Dr. Eric Osansky, you may do so from the following channels: Instagram: @drericosanskyYouTube: @NaturalThyroidDoctorDr. Eric has helped thousands worldwide understand and manage their thyroid health through his books: Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease Hashimoto’s Triggers The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet______________________________________________________ Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below: The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcastThe DNA Company Instagram: @thednacoThe 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.

    36 min
  4. The Future of Nutrigenomics: Where DNA Meets Better Weight Health and Nutrition with Ashley Koff RD

    JAN 6

    The Future of Nutrigenomics: Where DNA Meets Better Weight Health and Nutrition with Ashley Koff RD

    Happy New Year! This time of the year, most declare their resolutions - a huge majority including diet and weight loss, but what is the best way to do it? In this episode, our Chief Science Officer, Dr. Krista Kostroman, N.D., is joined by Ashley Koff, R.D., the founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP), the nutrition course director for UC Irvine’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute’s Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship, and a faculty member at the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA), where she teaches “An Integrative and Functional Nutrition Approach to Obesity and Weight Management.” She is also the author of the recently released book Your Best Shot (HarperOne, Jan. 6, 2026). With over 25 years of practice, Ashley leads a transformative movement in personalized nutrition — turning “better, not perfect” choices into practical, sustainable strategies that create meaningful health outcomes. Through patient stories and personal experience, she demonstrates that optimal health isn’t just possible — it’s essential to living a full life. Her work has been recognized widely: she was named one of CNN’s Top 100 Health Makers, featured in InStyle as “Hollywood’s Leading Dietitian,” and selected as Westin’s Global Nutrition Ambassador. Join us today as we uncover the science and truth about weight health and nutrition! This includes the following highlights: What our genetics says about our weight, diet, and nutritionWhat GLP-1s arePersonalized Nutrition and how to create sustainable strategies for optimal health and weight lossHow supplements affect our diet and nutritionAshley Koff’s book, “Your Best Shot”If you wish to learn more from Ashley Koff, you may do so through the following channels: Website: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/about/Instagram: @thebetternutritionprogramCheck out Ashley’s book at: Your Best Shot: The Personalized System for Optimal Weight Heath - GLP-1 Shot or Not(Harper One, January 6, 2026). Out now wherever books are soldThe real revolution of the GLP-1 shots is the insight that the body regulates appetite and more with the hormones GLP-1, GIP, PYY, and CCK—and with Your Best Shot in hand, you can learn to optimize their function and your weight health for life ______________________________________________________ Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below: The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcastThe DNA Company Instagram: @thednacoThe 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.

    57 min
  5. Movement is Medicine: How Fascia and Movement Informs Our Genetic Expression with Dr. Emily Splichal

    12/18/2025

    Movement is Medicine: How Fascia and Movement Informs Our Genetic Expression with Dr. Emily Splichal

    We are currently living in an epidemic of a sedentary lifestyle. As we live through our screens whether it be glued to our phones, tablets, or laptops, we tend to miss out on the benefits of movement in our day to day lives - how does movement benefit us? In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman, Chief Science Officer of the DNA Company, is joined by Dr. Emily Splichal. She is a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist, is the mind behind Naboso. With a spirit to challenge conformity, Dr. Splichal has taken her conventional Podiatric Medical degree and combined it with years of experience and expertise in human movement and sensory science to found Naboso. Dr. Splichal believes that our experience in this world is built around sensory stimulation and our ability to process, perceive, and integrate this information effectively. Since 2012, Dr. Splichal has been traveling the world to share her unique approach to human movement, foot function, and barefoot science. Having taught in 35 countries and to over 25,000 professionals, Dr. Splichal has quickly become a sought out leader in barefoot training and rehabilitation.  Here are the highlights of today's episode: 03:59 How Our Body Feeds Into Mental Experiences 08:59 How People Can Shift Through Movement and Fascial Engagement 15:17 Walking as An Access Point to Health 26:04 How Fascia and Movement Informs Our Genetic Expression 40:16 Supporting Fascia and Microvasculature 46:33 Reintegrating Body with Space 51:43 Conclusion If you wish to learn more from Dr. Emily Splichal and Naboso, you may do so through the following channels: Website: https://www.naboso.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naboso_technology/YouTube: Master Movement with Naboso______________________________________________________ Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below: The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcastThe DNA Company Instagram: @thednacoThe 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.

    56 min
  6. Why Most Diets Fail and How to Build a Personal Operating System for Sustainable Health with Ben Brown

    12/11/2025

    Why Most Diets Fail and How to Build a Personal Operating System for Sustainable Health with Ben Brown

    New trending diet? Crashing down your calorie levels? What does the ideal diet even look like? In this episode, Justin is joined by Ben Brown, founder of Body Systems — a program designed to boost your energy and support a healthy weight by helping you discover your unique body system blueprint.  Ben once had extreme fatigue and an immune crash. He knew something was wrong, but chalked it up to having a new baby, working very early mornings and long days, as well as pursuing a second Master's degree on the weekends. He began questioning conventional fitness and nutrition advice, started listening to his body, and was able to overcome common immune-suppressing habits. He’s on a mission to help men and women become the CEO of their health by building a body, a mindset, and a personal operating system using a science-based methodology. Justin and Ben tackle how diets work and fail based on their real-life experiences, and as well as stories from how they coach their clients. They discuss what the best way is to navigate through figuring out the right health choices which includes proper lifestyle, diet, nutrition, and rest - and balancing all of them as we live our daily lives. Here are the highlights of this episode: 01:56 Ben's Wounded Healer Story 08:06 Navigating Through Health Choices 15:53 Keeping People in Check 28:19 Recovery and Restoring Adrenal Capacity 31:33 The Baseline 35:38 Go-To's for Muscle Building 41:29 Supplementation 50:25 Switching Your Mindset If you wish to learn more from Ben Brown and Body Systems, you may do so through the following channels: Website: www.bodysystems.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/YouTube: @bodysystemscoachingFacebook: @bodysystemsnutrition______________________________________________________ Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below: The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcastThe DNA Company Instagram: @thednacoThe 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. 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.

    1 hr
  7. Intermittent Fasting: Potential Benefits and Strategies with Dr. Lara Varden and Justin Harris

    12/04/2025

    Intermittent Fasting: Potential Benefits and Strategies with Dr. Lara Varden and Justin Harris

    Are you interested in learning more about intermittent fasting?  Join our expert clinicians, Dr. Lara Varden and Justin Harris, as we look at the science-backed benefits of intermittent fasting, from improved metabolic health to enhanced cognitive function, as our expert hosts delve into the latest research and practical applications. Gain valuable insights into how intermittent fasting can be a powerful tool for achieving optimal wellness. Whether you're new to fasting or looking to refine your approach, this session offers valuable information to help you harness the full potential of intermittent fasting. ______________________________________________________ Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below: The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: @dnatalkspodcastThe DNA Company Instagram: @thednacoThe 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.

    54 min
4.8
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Welcome to the DNA Talks Podcast where we take on the mission of unlocking the code of your genetics. This season is all about you – upgrading your health not just on the surface, but down to the root cause. Join us, as your clinicians of The DNA Company investigate your DNA and beyond! Formerly the UNPILLED Podcast, the DNA Talks Podcast continues to be the innovative provider of  FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS SOLUTIONS for personalized and preventative health and wellness.

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