The DNA Talks Podcast

Dr. Krista Kostroman, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle, Dr. Lara Varden, Justin Harris
  • 4.8 (37)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

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. Ageless & Timeless: Redefining Longevity, Purpose, and Your Genetic Blueprint with Michele Hughes

    3d ago

    Ageless & Timeless: Redefining Longevity, Purpose, and Your Genetic Blueprint with Michele Hughes

    What if aging isn’t decline but a powerful opportunity for growth? In this inspiring episode of DNA Talks, Dr. Lara Varden sits down with Michele Hughes, an entrepreneur, longevity expert, and media personality. She is the founder and CEO of the Ageless & Timeless Podcast and a contributor to Top Doctor Magazine. Through her work, she educates and empowers individuals to take control of their health and live vibrant, purpose-driven lives. From overcoming personal and professional adversity to becoming a voice in integrative health, Michele shares her journey into the longevity space and the mindset, habits, and tools that support a vibrant healthspan.  Together, they unpack the science and philosophy of aging, genetics, and how we can all take ownership of our health journey. If you wish to learn more from Michele Hughes, you can do so through the following links: Listen to Michele's podcast, Ageless & Timeless Podcast, on YouTubeInstagram: @AgelessAndTimelessRead through her articles on Top Doctor at www.topdoctormagazine.comMichele Hughes — available on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms______________________________________________________ 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.

    58 min
  2. Future-Proof Your Brain with Dr. Tommy Wood

    Jun 5

    Future-Proof Your Brain with Dr. Tommy Wood

    What if the biggest lie you’ve ever been told about your health is that your brain is destined to decline? Justin Harris is joined by Dr. Tommy Wood, who currently works as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, where my laboratory focuses on brain health across the lifespan — conducting research that focuses on ways to treat a range of brain injuries. This includes babies born preterm, adults who experience brain trauma, and the confluence of factors that can affect long-term cognitive function and risk of dementia. ​Dr. Tommy Wood received a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, a medical degree from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of Oslo. He has published dozens of scientific papers and lectured all over the world about brain health, metabolism, physical activity, and human performance. Dr. Tommy also spent more than a decade working as a performance consultant to professional athletes in multiple sports including several Olympians and world champions.  In this episode, we dive into one of the most important conversations in modern health: how to protect, strengthen, and future-proof your brain. Dr. Tommy Wood breaks down why cognitive decline is not inevitable and how your daily choices, your epigenetic inputs, play a powerful role in shaping brain health across your entire lifespan. From neuroplasticity and skill-building to sleep, social connection, and metabolic health, this episode delivers a practical, science-backed blueprint for long-term cognitive performance. ______________________________________________________ If you wish to learn more from Dr. Tommy Wood, check out the following links: Check out his book entitled "The Stimulated Mind" it is now available wherever books are sold and is available as an audiobook on Spotify PremiumCheck out his website at drtommywood.com Follow him on Instagram: @DrTommyWoodListen to his Podcast: Better Brain Fitness______________________________________________________ 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.

    1h 2m
  3. Sex and Longevity: Benefits of Ageless Intimacy with Susan Bratton

    May 28

    Sex and Longevity: Benefits of Ageless Intimacy with Susan Bratton

    What if your sex life was one of the most powerful drivers of longevity? In this episode, Dr. Tracey Steady Hardcastle is joined by intimacy expert Susan Bratton to explore the science-backed connection between sex and longevity, and why she calls it the missing pillar of health. Together, they unpack the concept of ageless intimacy - how pleasure, connection, and “orgasmic intimacy” support everything from blood flow and hormones to nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. This conversation reframes intimacy not as a luxury, but as a biological necessity for living a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life. If you wish to learn more from Susan Bratton, you may do so through the following channels: Visit betterlover.com to subscribe to Susan's newsletter and connect directly with her with your questions and concerns.Try out Susan's Nitric Oxide supplement at getflowfree.com (free 30-day supply)______________________________________________________ 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
  4. Sex and Longevity: Redefining Aging With Doreen Wendt-Weir

    May 12

    Sex and Longevity: Redefining Aging With Doreen Wendt-Weir

    What if everything you believed about aging was incomplete? In this engaging and refreshingly honest episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, we welcome Doreen Wendt-Weir, author of Sex in Your Seventies and its spirited sequel, Gardening in Your Nineties. Doreen challenges cultural narratives around aging by asking bold, often humorous questions about vitality, intimacy, creativity, and identity later in life. Through her writing—and this conversation—she invites listeners to rethink what it means to grow older with curiosity, connection, and self-respect. We talk about why conversations around aging are so often avoided, how humor and honesty can open doors to deeper understanding, and why it’s never too late to redefine joy, purpose, and personal expression. Doreen’s perspective is both practical and playful, offering a counter-narrative to age-based limitations and assumptions. This episode is a celebration of longevity, lived experience, and the freedom that can come with embracing each stage of life on your own terms. If you wish to learn more from Doreen Wendt-Weir, you may do so through the following channels: Check out Doreen's book, Sex in Your Seventies, through this link: https://sexinyourseventies.com/2023/the-author/______________________________________________________ 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.

    30 min
  5. Healing Autoimmune Disease by Bridging Science, Spirit, and the Nervous System with Dr. Zelina Medina, DACM, L.Ac.

    Apr 28

    Healing Autoimmune Disease by Bridging Science, Spirit, and the Nervous System with Dr. Zelina Medina, DACM, L.Ac.

    If the body is designed to heal, what happens when we finally create the conditions that allow it to do so? In this deeply moving and empowering episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Tracey Steady‑Hardcastle sits down with Dr. Zelina Medina, founder of Acuvida Acupuncture, to explore the powerful intersections of autoimmune disease, trauma, nervous system regulation, functional genomics, and root‑cause healing. Diagnosed with lupus and kidney failure in her twenties, Dr. Medina shares her personal healing journey - one that led her beyond symptom management and into a holistic, integrative approach that blends science, Chinese medicine, lifestyle medicine, and spiritual healing. Now symptom‑free for over a decade, she helps patients heal chronic illness by addressing nervous system safety, unresolved trauma, inflammation, and individualized constitutional needs. Together, Dr. Steady and Dr. Medina discuss how trauma becomes stored in the body, how genetics influence stress and inflammation responses, and why true healing requires addressing mind, body, and spirit. If you wish to learn more from Dr. Zelina Medina, you may do so through the following channels: FREE Masterclass on Autoimmune: https://www.drzelinamedina.com/masterclassWebsite of Dr. Zelina: DrZelinaMedina.comInstagram of Dr. Zelina: https://www.instagram.com/drzelina_acuvida/Website of Acuvida: AcuvidaAcupuncture.comInstagram of Acuvida: https://www.instagram.com/drzelina_acuvida/______________________________________________________ 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.

    34 min
  6. Why Keto and Intermittent Fasting Don’t Work the Same for Women’s Hormones with Dr. Lisa Olszewski

    Apr 21

    Why Keto and Intermittent Fasting Don’t Work the Same for Women’s Hormones with Dr. Lisa Olszewski

    In this deeply honest and empowering episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle sits down with Dr. Lisa Olszewski, chiropractor, naturopath, founder of the American Institute of Healthy Living, and host of Healthy Living Simple with Dr. Lisa. Dr. Lisa shares her personal health crisis—despite “doing everything right”—and how it reshaped her approach to nutrition, women’s hormones, ketogenic diets, intermittent fasting, and true wellness. This conversation explores why one-size-fits-all health advice fails, how women’s bodies differ biologically from men’s, and why listening to your body and your genetics matters more than following trends. If you’ve ever wondered why keto, fasting, or intense exercise worked for everyone else but left you exhausted, stuck, or unwell - this episode is for you. Here are the highlights of this episode: Why women cannot follow keto or fasting protocols the same way men doHow prolonged ketosis and extreme fasting can impair thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive healthWhat strategic carb cycling looks like for cycling vs. postmenopausal womenCommon intermittent fasting mistakes that stall progress or worsen symptomsHow chiropractic care impacts hormones, metabolism, and digestionWhy symptoms are warning signals—not problems to suppressHow to simplify healthy living without perfection or burnout If you wish to learn more from Dr. Lisa Olszewski, you may do so through the following channels: Podcast: Healthy Living Simple with Dr. Lisa O Website: https://healthylivingsimple.com/pages/dr-lisa-o______________________________________________________ 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.

    33 min
  7. Training the Immune System for Longevity: Beta‑Glucans, Biological Aging, and Resilient Health with Dr. Chris D'Adamo

    Apr 15

    Training the Immune System for Longevity: Beta‑Glucans, Biological Aging, and Resilient Health with Dr. Chris D'Adamo

    The immune system plays a central role in how we age—but what if we could train it to work better over time? In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Lara Varden welcomes Dr. Chris D’Adamo, PhD, epidemiologist and integrative medicine researcher, for an in‑depth conversation on beta‑glucans, trained immunity, and longevity‑focused health strategies. Dr. D’Adamo explains the critical difference between stimulating the immune system and modulating or training it, why not all beta‑glucans are created equal, and how specific forms influence natural killer cells, gut health, stress resilience, and biological aging pathways. The discussion also explores: Immune health and its link to aging, mood, and chronic diseaseThe gut‑brain‑immune connectionStress, recovery, and immune resilienceClinical insights on respiratory infections, autoimmunity, and detoxificationHow genetics and lifestyle together shape immune responseWith insights drawn from decades of research and recent clinical trial data, this episode offers a practical and empowering look at how immune optimization fits into precision, functional, and longevity medicine. Tune in to discover why immune health may be the foundation of a longer, healthier life. If you wish to learn more from Dr. Chris D'Adamo, you may do so through the following links: Ovation Lab Website: https://ovationlab.comResearch‑backed, beta‑glucan educational chatbot: https://www.betaglucan.com/BWH Labs: https://bwhlabs.com/______________________________________________________ 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: @thednaco3Medical 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.

    49 min
  8. The Missing Link in Thyroid Care: The Genetic Thyroid Clues Your Doctor Isn’t Testing For

    Apr 9

    The Missing Link in Thyroid Care: The Genetic Thyroid Clues Your Doctor Isn’t Testing For

    Have you been told your thyroid labs are “normal,” yet you’re exhausted, gaining weight, foggy‑headed, or losing your hair? In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Tracey Steady‑Hardcastle is joined by Dr. Amie Hornaman, “The Thyroid Fixer”, for a deep, empowering conversation on why conventional thyroid care fails so many women and what truly optimized, personalized treatment looks like. Dr. Amie Hornaman is the CEO and Founder of the Advanced Thyroid & Hormone Clinic, an international telehealth practice serving patients across the U.S. and parts of Canada. Known as The Thyroid Fixer, she is a hormone optimization specialist, educator, speaker, and host of The Thyroid Fixer Podcast. She is the author of The Thyroid Fix: The No‑Nonsense Guide to Fixing Fatigue, Fogginess, and Fat That Won’t Budge. Together, they explore the powerful roles of genetics, reverse T3, the forgotten thyroid hormone T2, autoimmune triggers like gluten, and why symptoms matter more than reference ranges.  If you wish to learn more from Dr. Amie Hornaman, you may do so through the following links: Preorder The Thyroid Fix (book) before May 12, 2026 at the https://thyroidfixbook.com to receive exclusive bonuses!Website: https://dramie.comPodcast: The Thyroid Fixer PodcastSupplements: FixxR Science‑Backed Formula Line (Thyroid Fixer & Metabolism Fixer)Community: Just Fix Your Thyroid (Facebook Group)______________________________________________________ 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.

    53 min
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4.8
out of 5
37 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Krista Kostroman, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle, Dr. Lara Varden, Justin Harris
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    207
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The DNA Talks Podcast
  • Show Website
    The DNA Talks Podcast

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