Intentionally Well

Vanessa Lopez
  • 5.0 (41)
  • 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. 1D AGO

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

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Special Offer for Listeners: Use code PODCASTDRSARAH for $50 off at Inner BalanceSupport 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: $50 off for listeners:  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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 11/25/2025

    The Wellness Noise: Overwhelm, Confusion, and Finding Your Own Path with Caitlin Warrington

    Send Vanessa a Text Message For listeners: Shop FATSKN and use code VANESSA15 at checkout for 15% off Feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, health advice, and the pressure heal or get it all “right” with your health?  In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Warrington, founder of FATSKN, for a candid conversation about what it really means to navigate the modern wellness world. Some of what we talk about: How Caitlin has evolved her approach to health over the yearsSeasonal eating, how light plays a role, and the basics on deuterium’s importanceSticking to what works for you, even if it looks extreme to othersThe difference between knowledge and action when it comes to wellnessFinding your intuition again in a world full of noiseTroubleshooting real-life challenges without relying solely on external adviceThe value of mistakes, contrast, and learning from the harder parts of the journeyWhether you’re drowning in conflicting health advice, curious about balancing trends with real-life choices, or just want to hear a relaxed, practical conversation about wellness, this episode has insights for everyone. Caitlin also shares a little about her business, FATSKN, as well as a couple resources she loves for cutting through the noise and finding what works for her family and herself. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:  FATSKN – Caitlin’s BrandFollow Caitlin on InstagramOTT Index – Science of LightPrevious Episode: The Wonders of Tallow & MinimalismEmail Caitlin: caitlin@fatskn.comConnect 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 41m

  7. 11/12/2025

    BEST OF IWP | Why I Ditched Health Insurance: My Update + Replay with Andy Schoonover

    Send Vanessa a Text Message Listener Discount: Try out your first 3 months with CrowdHealth for $99/month. Use code VANESSA upon signup: Check out CrowdHealth In today’s episode, I’m first sharing a short personal update on my own experience after officially ditching traditional health insurance earlier this year — and then revisiting one of my favorite past conversations with CrowdHealth founder, Andy Schoonover. If you’ve ever wondered how crowd-based healthcare actually works, what happens when something big comes up, or how it compares to the insurance system most of us are used to, this episode gives you a clear, honest look. We discuss: How CrowdHealth works and why it's built so differentlyThe flaws of traditional health insurance that keep you bound What makes crowd-funding such a smart and freeing alternative to standard health insuranceFinancial savings and comparisonsWhy this approach puts real care and decision-making back into your hands Follow CrowdHealth on Instagram: @joincrowdhealth Connect with the show: Podcast Website: intentionallywellpodcast.comSupport the Podcast: Support the Intentionally Well PodcastRecommended Product Page: Visit my recommended product pageSocial Media: Podcast 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 24m

  8. 10/29/2025

    Tylenol and Autism: The Science Behind the Headlines with Dr. William Parker

    Send Vanessa a Text Message NEW WEBSITE: https://intentionallywellpodcast.com/ In this episode, I sit down with William Parker, PhD, a scientist with decades of research in biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Best known for discovering the function of the human appendix and as a leading researcher studying acetaminophen (Tylenol) and its impact on neurodevelopment, William shares his insights on a topic that has recently garnered widespread media attention and public discussion, sparking conversation around acetaminophen and autism risk. We explore: How acetaminophen interacts with the body during critical periods of developmentThe biological pathways connecting acetaminophen exposure to neurodevelopmental outcomesWhy this research matters to parents, caregivers, and anyone invested in child healthCommon questions, concerns, and rebuttals surrounding acetaminophen and autism riskThe gaps in pediatric education and medical literature that often leave these risks under-discussedThis episode is designed to break down complex science in a way that is understandable, actionable, and presented through a compassionate and logical lens. Whether you’re a parent, healthcare professional, or just curious, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of the evidence, the controversies, and the implications for children’s health today. For those who’d like to explore Dr. Parker’s research and related literature, here are the studies and resources mentioned in this episode: Acetaminophen and Autism: Evidence from a Systematic Review (MDPI, 2024) Mechanisms of Acetaminophen-Induced Neurodevelopmental Effects (MDPI, 2024) Preprint: Revisiting Acetaminophen and Autism—A Global Call for Reevaluation (2025) Preprint: Acetaminophen, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodevelopmental Risk (2025) Prevent Autism—Educational and Research Resource Evidence That Acetaminophen Triggers Autism in Susceptible Individuals Has Been Ignored and Mishandled for More Than a Decade (RealClear Public Health, 2025)Connect with the show: Podcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the Show If this podcast has encouraged you and you’d like to help me continue sharing impactful content, you can support the show here: Support the Show © 2025 Vanessa Lopez, Intentionally Well Podcast. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast or show notes may be copied, shared, o Support the show This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

    1h 45m
See All (97)

5
out of 5
41 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
    97
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Intentionally Well
  • Show Website
    Intentionally Well

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