Intentionally Well

Vanessa Lopez
  • 5.0 (42)
  • 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. 4H AGO

    Lyme, Misdiagnosis & Hidden Infections: What Medicine Overlooks in Chronic Illness with Dr. Pamela Cipriano

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Support the Intentionally Well Podcast IWP Website: Intentionally Well Podcast What happens when a diagnosis becomes the end of the conversation...instead of the beginning? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Pamela Cipriano, a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner specializing in functional and integrative medicine, to unpack what’s often missed in modern healthcare. After years working in conventional medicine, and through her own son’s complex health journey with Lyme disease, Dr. Pamela began to see patterns that couldn’t be ignored: patients being labeled, managed, and medicated…without ever truly understanding what was driving their illness. We dive into the challenges of misdiagnosis, exploring how patients are often given a label while the underlying cause remains hidden. We talk about why conventional testing can miss what’s really going on, when antibiotics may be necessary and how to approach them responsibly, and the impact of chronic inflammation, diet, and other lifestyle factors on reversing disease processes. Dr. Pamela also sheds light on hidden contributors to conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, why the medical system often stops investigating too soon, and the gap between managing disease and truly resolving it. If you’ve ever felt like your diagnosis didn’t tell the full story, this episode will give you a completely different lens to look through. Key Takeaways  A diagnosis is often the description of a problem, not the explanation Testing is not always definitive, especially with chronic infections  Many chronic conditions may have underlying drivers that are never explored The body is often responding to something deeper, not randomly “breaking down”  Asking better questions can completely change the direction of healingConnect with Dr. Pamela Cipriano: Visit Her WebsiteMention Intentionally Well or Vanessa for 10% off patient servicesFollow on FacebookFollow on InstagramWatch on YouTubeConnect with Vanessa and the podcast:  Podcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    1h 35m

  2. MAR 18 ·  BONUS

    A Little Check-In + Sneak Peek at What's Coming

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Support the Intentionally Well Podcast This episode is a quick, in-between episode — a few clips from my conversation with Dr. Pamela Cipriano that I wanted to share. The full, rerecorded episode will feature a complete conversation with all the stories and insights, and is really where the full value is. Think of this as a sneak peek to give you a sense of what’s coming. These clips touch on misdiagnosis, hidden drivers of disease, and factors that conventional medicine often overlooks. They are valuable perspectives on their own, even before the full episode is ready. If you haven’t already, check out the most recent episode (98) with Matt Blackburn, and feel free to explore older episodes, recommended products, and other resources on the website. I wanted to share these clips because I felt they were worth hearing, even before the full conversation is ready. I hope they give you a little insight and something to think about.  Connect with Vanessa and the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com  Support the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    13 min

  3. MAR 4

    Burnout, Cellular Aging & The CLF Protocol: What Most Health Advice Misses | Matt Blackburn

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Mitolife Listener Code: Vanessa15 for 15% off at https://www.mitolife.co/ Feeling exhausted, burned out, or like your health efforts aren’t giving you the results you want? In this episode, I sit down with repeat-guest Matt Blackburn, founder of Mitolife, to explore the hidden drivers of burnout, cellular aging, and chronic degeneration. Matt explains his CLF protocol (calcification, lipofuscin, and fibrosis), and how these processes affect energy, recovery, and long-term health. We discuss why conventional wellness advice like “eat clean, sleep well, get sun” is essential but often not enough in today’s modern, high-stress, high-toxin world. In his well-researched opinion, strategic and foundational supplementation can provide the support your body needs to recover and thrive. We touch on: The science of calcification, fibrosis, and lipofuscinHow modern stressors and environmental toxins impact recoveryKey nutrients that support cellular health (Examples: Vitamin E, Vitamin K2, etc.)Systemic enzyme therapy and why it mattersHis recent experience with peptide therapyListener questions about health foundations, supplements, and practical takeawaysThis episode is for anyone ready to go deeper than surface-level health advice. We break down the foundations most people overlook and highlight strategies that can truly help your body recover, perform, and thrive. Connect with Mitolife/Matt Blackburn: Mitolife Website (use code Vanessa15 for 15% off): https://www.mitolife.co/Instagram: @mattblackburnMitolife Instagram: @mitolifeMitolife YouTube Channel: Mitolife OfficialMitolife Radio Podcast: Apple PodcastsPeptide Resource: Peptide InitiativeConnect with the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    2h 41m

  4. FEB 18

    HRT: Dangerous or Life-Changing? The Truth Women Need at Any Age with Dr. Sarah Daccarett

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Listener Discount ($50 off Inner Balance) — Click here to redeem the podcast codeSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastAre hormones really the root driver of so many of the challenges women face, from brain fog and fatigue to anxiety, sleep issues, libido changes, and gut struggles? And is hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, something every woman should consider, or something to fear?  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett, MD, founder of Inner Balance and a nationally recognized expert in women’s hormone health, longevity, and bioidentical hormone optimization. We dive into why she has seen so many women are chase all the wrong solutions for their health, like gut protocols, weight loss, supplements, etc., when hormones may actually be the main driver.  We dive into why many women start HRT later than they might need to, and what earlier support could look like. Along the way, we unpack common misconceptions about HRT and natural aging, and explore how timing, dosage, and delivery systems can make all the difference. We also look at the broader picture of how hormones influence immunity, metabolism, sexual health, and brain function, and why fear and misinformation around HRT continue to persist. I share my own questions, hesitations, and devil’s advocate thoughts throughout the conversation, and reflect on how this discussion has somewhat shifted my perspective. This is a nuanced and practical conversation for women of all ages who want to understand their bodies more deeply, make informed choices, and reclaim clarity and agency in their health. Whether you are curious, cautious, or already on your HRT journey, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and insight, with no hype, no fear, and just real information.  Connect with Dr. Sarah and Inner Balance: Inner Balance Website: Inner Balance Inner Balance on Instagram: @innerbalancemd Dr. Sarah Daccarett on Instagram: @sarahdaccarettmd Connect with the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com   Support the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    1h 23m

  5. FEB 4

    BEST OF IWP | The Penalty for Evolving Publicly: The Health Benefits of Changing Your Mind with Matt Blackburn

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Original air date: 7/16/2024 Mitolife listener code (15% off any order): VANESSA15 In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Matt Blackburn, founder of Mitolife and host of the Mitolife Radio podcast. This discussion explores what it means to change your mind thoughtfully in a space that often rewards certainty and punishes nuance. Matt shares his journey of evolving perspectives in health and wellness, why authenticity matters, and how navigating judgment can impact both personal growth and health decisions. We also dive into several areas where Matt has shifted his thinking over time, including: Iron metabolism, ferritin markers, and anemiaVitamin C: whole food versus ascorbic acidZinc supplementationThe broader tendency to demonize nutrients and supplementsThis episode also serves as a foundation for an updated conversation coming soon, where Matt and I will continue to chat about the everchanging field of health and wellness. Connect with Matt: Mitolife Website: Mitolife (Vanessa15 for 15% off)Matt Blackburn on Instagram: Matt BlackburnMitolife on TikTok: @mitolifeofficialConnect with the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    2h 28m

  6. JAN 21

    Red Light Therapy in 2026: What’s Changed, What’s Safe, and What Actually Matters with Andrew LaTour

    Send Vanessa a Text Message For my listeners, use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any purchase from https://gembared.com/ Red light therapy has exploded over the last few years, and with that growth has come a lot of confusion, misinformation, and mixed messages. In this episode, I’m joined again by Andrew LaTour, founder of GembaRed, for an updated, grounded conversation on red light therapy, and what actually matters now in 2026. Andrew first joined me two years ago for a deep-dive episode that became one of the most comprehensive red light therapy guides on the show. This time, we focus on safety, practicality, and clarity in a social-media-driven landscape.  We talk about what’s changed, what hasn’t, where people are getting confused, and how to use red light therapy safely and effectively without overthinking it. This conversation also addresses common listener questions, influencer misuse, misinformation circulating online, and why simple, consistent use often matters more than “perfect” wavelengths or high-intensity devices. In this episode, we cover: What red light therapy (photobiomodulation) actually does at a cellular levelA quick grounding recap for new listenersWhy red and near-infrared light are more flexible than people thinkThe difference between wavelength, intensity, and dosing, and why they’re so often confusedWhy higher intensity doesn’t automatically mean better resultsHow exposure time impacts mitochondria and ATP productionCommon safety concerns, and where they really come fromThe role influencer culture has played in misinformation and misuseWhether there are any body parts red light should not be used onEye safety, goggles, and why proper use matters more than worryWhy red light therapy is generally very safe when devices are made responsiblyPractical guidance for 10-15 minute sessions and consistencyUsing red light therapy for fertility support and hair lossWhy consumers don’t need to obsess over specs to see benefitsConnect with GembaRed and Andrew: GembaRed WebsiteLearn More at GembaRedGembaRed on YouTubeGembaRed on InstagramEmail: gembared@gmail.comConnect with the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    2h 19m

  7. JAN 7

    Your Pain Is Real, But Is It Always Accurate? — with Vinny Crispino

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Support the Intentionally Well Podcast Here, I sit down with Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy, for a highly unconventional conversation that moves far beyond a traditional interview. What unfolds is a raw, real-time exploration of pain, compensation, nervous system protection, and the complex relationship we develop with our bodies when healing doesn’t follow a straight line. Vinny shares his perspective on why pain is always real, but not always accurate, how the nervous system can confuse discomfort with danger, and why adaptive patterns that once protected us can later become part of the problem. Throughout the episode, I’m used as a live example—making this conversation deeply personal, vulnerable, and honest. If you’ve ever worked hard at your health and still felt stuck, unseen, or confused by your body, this conversation is for you. Explore Vinny Crispino’s work at Pain Academy Follow Pain Academy on Instagram: @painacademy Check out Pain Academy on YouTube: Pain Academy YouTube Connect with the Podcast:  Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    1h 53m

  8. 12/10/2025

    Why Your Gut Isn’t Healing, Despite Everything You’ve Tried with Dr. Kate Davis

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Support the Intentionally Well Podcast If you have frustratingly questioned why your gut just won’t heal, no matter how many diets, protocols, or supplements you’ve tried, you are not alone...and today’s episode brings clarity, insight, and practical guidance for anyone who has felt stuck in their gut healing journey. I’m joined by Dr. Kate Davis, a Functional Medicine doctor who personally spent nearly a decade struggling with chronic gut issues—from bloating and constipation to IBS and acid reflux—before discovering a massive parasite infection. Her journey transformed the way she approaches gut health, and she’s since helped hundreds of people address chronic gut challenges in a safe, practical, and sustainable way.  In this conversation, we dive into:  Why gut symptoms keep returning even when you feel like you’re doing everything rightThe critical role of hidden infections, stress, and organ function in gut healthHow to approach healing in the right sequence for lasting resultsPractical, actionable insights you can start applying immediatelyWhether you’ve felt like you’ve tried everything or just want a deeper understanding of how your body really works, this episode offers a fresh perspective on supporting gut health without extremes or fear. Connect with Dr. Kate Davis and Resources: Dr. Kate Davis — Website Visit Dr. Kate’s WebsiteDr. Kate on Instagram: Exclusive Listener Offer DM Dr. Kate on Instagram with the word “100” for $100 off an initial consult + labs package.Books Mentioned: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art  Find the book on Amazon and The Oxygen Advantage Find the book on AmazonLymphatic System Episode Mentioned: Listen to the Lymphatic System GuideConnect with the Podcast:  Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com   Support the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    1h 34m
See All (100)

5
out of 5
42 Ratings

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
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Intentionally Well
  • Show Website
    Intentionally Well

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