Live & Well

L.A. Times Studios
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Live & Well is your weekly catch-up with author, mother, and influencer Melissa Magsaysay and her circle of experts and icons—diving deep into the latest wellness, longevity, beauty and fitness and issues surrounding women. Melissa will take listeners into a vibrant world where beauty, fashion, and wellness intersect with cultural moments and personal transformation. Each episode features conversations with leading + buzzy dermatologists, fitness innovators, beauty founders, and celebrities alike. Listeners can expect pro tips, product recs, juicy insider stories, and empowering perspectives that go beyond surface-level self-care—because looking good is great, but feeling good is everything.

  1. 5d ago

    An Eye Doctor Explains the Everyday Habits Hurting Your Eyes

    Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr. Dagny Zhu breaks down what screen time is really doing to your eyes — from digital eye strain and dry eyes to myopia, headaches, blue light and changes in vision after 40. In this episode of Live + Well, Dr. Zhu joins Melissa Magsaysay to separate eye health fact from hype. She explains the 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks, why she tells patients not to rub their eyes, whether blue light glasses and eye supplements actually work, and what you should know about reading glasses, LASIK and popular eye drops. She also weighs in on viral eye color change surgery and explains why some redness-relief drops can actually make red eyes worse. And one of the biggest misconceptions about eye health? Having 20/20 vision doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy. Dr. Zhu explains how routine eye exams can sometimes uncover serious conditions before you notice changes in your vision. You’ll learn:* How screen time affects your eyes* Why myopia is becoming more common* The 20-20-20 rule for digital eye strain* Whether blue light glasses actually work* Why you shouldn't aggressively rub your eyes* What happens to your vision after 40* The risks of eye color change surgery* Why some eye-whitening drops can cause rebound redness* What your eyes can reveal about your overall health By the end of this conversation, you may think differently about what it means to have healthy eyes. In this episode:
00:00 Why Myopia Is Increasing Around the World
03:03 Why Eye Health Has Been Overlooked
05:09 Can You Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids?
07:51 How Screen Time Affects Your Eyes
09:19 What Red, Dry Eyes May Be Telling You
10:07 Why You Should Never Rub Your Eyes
11:59 Are Eye Massages Safe?
15:05 Digital Eye Strain and the 20-20-20 Rule
16:35 When Do You Actually Need Reading Glasses?
17:19 Eye Drops That Can Help You Read Up Close
19:28 Why Eye Strain Can Trigger Headaches
21:27 How Far Away Should Your Screen Be?
24:44 Screen Time Before Bed and Blue Light
25:41 Do Blue Light Glasses Actually Work?
27:58 Do Eye Supplements Work?
29:14 The Risks of Eye Color Change Surgery
34:38 Are Eye-Whitening Drops Safe?
35:37 Why Eye Doctors Hate Visine
36:23 Eye Drops That Temporarily Lift Your Eyelids
37:53 Why 20/20 Vision Doesn't Mean Your Eyes Are Healthy
38:58 Why You Still Need an Annual Eye Exam
41:03 What Your Eyes Can Reveal About Your Overall Health
42:35 Blurry Vision, Headaches and When to Get Checked
43:45 Why Sunglasses Are “SPF for Your Eyes” #EyeHealth #ScreenTime #EyeStrain #Myopia #BlueLight

  2. Sep 24

    Bobbi Brown Exposes TikTok Beauty Trends That Ruin Your Face — and Products That Actually Work

    Bobbi Brown, legendary makeup artist and founder of Jones Road Beauty, gets candid about aging, makeup after 40, injectables, beauty trends, foundation mistakes, TikTok beauty advice, and what the beauty industry still gets wrong about women’s faces.In this episode of Live + Well, Bobbi Brown joins Melissa Magsaysay to talk about Jones Road, her new memoir “Still Bobbi,” and the beauty philosophy that has defined her career: Makeup should make you look more like yourself… not transform you into someone else.For more than 30 years, Bobbi has challenged one of the beauty industry’s most persistent messages: that there’s something about your face that needs to be fixed. But in an era of filters, FaceTune, injectables, contouring, and endless before-and-afters, has that pressure actually gotten worse? And what happens when the pursuit of looking “better” starts making your own face feel unfamiliar?Bobbi gets candid about the beauty trends she wishes would disappear, her feelings about injectables, why she hates hearing that someone looks “good for their age,” and what women are getting wrong about foundation, concealer, and makeup after 40. And after building Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, selling the company to Estée Lauder, Bobbi launched Jones Road in her 60s — bringing with her everything she had learned about beauty, business, and what she never wanted to do again. And she has a different perspective on the idea that women who start something new later in life are “reinventing” themselves.You’ll learn:- Why Bobbi Brown believes the beauty industry has historically profited from women’s insecurities-The beauty trend she wishes would disappear-Why she thinks we should stop telling women they look “good for their age”-How to actually find the right foundation shade for your skin-The concealer mistake she sees people making on TikTokBy the end of this conversation, you may think differently about beauty, aging, and what it actually means to look good at any age. Because after decades in an industry built around transformation, Bobbi Brown’s beauty advice remains remarkably consistent.In this episode:01:00 How the Beauty Industry Profits From Insecurity02:27 Filters, FaceTune and Changing Your Face04:29 Bobbi Brown on Lasers and Cosmetic Treatments07:42 How to Find the Right Foundation Shade11:15 Creating Inclusive Foundation Shades14:34 Bobbi Brown on Aging and “Looking Good for Your Age”16:06 Why Getting Older Can Be Freeing21:15 Clean Beauty and Formulating Jones Road26:10 Writing “Still Bobbi”28:03 Bobbi Brown’s Beauty Hot Takes28:09 The Beauty Trend She Wants to Disappear28:14 Her Take on Injectables28:22 The Beauty Rule Women Over 40 Should Ignore28:32 What TikTok Gets Wrong About Makeup29:48 Bobbi’s Best Beauty AdviceCheck out Live + Well for more conversations about beauty, wellness, longevity, fitness, and what it means to live well.#BobbiBrown #JonesRoad #Makeup #Beauty #MakeupTips

  3. Sep 17

    Sleepmaxxing, Orthosomnia & the Truth About Sleep Trackers | Dr. Michael Breus (The Sleep Doctor)

    Is "sleepmaxxing" actually wrecking your sleep? Clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus, aka "The Sleep Doctor” breaks down the biggest sleep trends taking over social media and why most of them are overcomplicating something your body already knows how to do. In this episode, Dr. Breus explains why sleep became a $90 billion industry, what's actually going on with viral trends like the Sleepy Girl Mocktail and mouth taping, and how obsessive tracker-checking can trigger orthosomnia (sleep anxiety caused by wearable data). We also dig into new research on the Apollo Neuro wearable, magnesium and melatonin supplements, why women's sleep research has lagged behind men's, sleep divorce vs. "sleep upgrades," chronotypes (are you a lion, bear, wolf, or dolphin?), and the 5 simple habits that fix sleep for almost everyone. In this episode:00:00 – Meet Dr. Michael Breus, "The Sleep Doctor"00:18 – How sleep became a $90B wellness industry02:37 – The rise of sleep trackers and wearables03:57 – What is "sleepmaxxing"?05:03 – The truth about the Sleepy Girl Mocktail07:12 – What is orthosomnia?09:16 – How often should you actually check your sleep tracker?11:43 – Why sleep research has failed women12:50 – Menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause & sleep13:37 – Sleep apnea looks different in women14:38 – New data on the Apollo Neuro wearable20:24 – Magnesium glycinate vs. threonate — do you need it?22:54 – The melatonin backlash (and why kids shouldn't take it)26:04 – How to help kids who won't sleep28:55 – Sleep divorce vs. "sleep upgrade"33:09 – Chronotypes explained: lion, bear, wolf, or dolphin?36:52 – Blue light is a myth — here's what actually keeps you up38:31 – The 3 things your body needs to sleep41:35 – Dr. Breus's 5-step sleep reset routine About Dr. Michael Breus:Dr. Michael Breus is a clinical psychologist, sleep specialist, and bestselling author of The Power of When and Sleep, Drink, Breathe. He hosts the podcast Better in Bed with the Sleep Doctor and shares sleep education across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok as @thesleepdoctor🔗 https://sleepdoctor.com/
#Sleepmaxxing #Orthosomnia #SleepDoctor #SleepHygiene #SleepScience #Chronotype

  4. Sep 3

    More Men Are Getting Penis Filler and Urologists Say Demand Is Surging

    Are penile fillers and cosmetic urology becoming the new Botox for men? In this episode, host Melissa Magsaysay sits down with board-certified urologists Dr. David Miller and Dr. Joshua Gonzalez to clear up the myths around non-surgical girth enhancement, PhalloFill, and hyaluronic acid fillers. From scrotal Botox and procedural safety to tackling body dysmorphia and setting realistic anatomical expectations, we break down what is driving today's men's aesthetic optimization movement. Plus, our guests explain how an initial aesthetic consultation often serves as a vital gateway to essential preventative health care. CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction to Cosmetic Urology 00:36 - What is Cosmetic Urology? 01:27 - The Optimization Movement: TRT, Peptides, & Aesthetic Procedures 03:10 - Beyond Size: Shape, Scrotal Botox, & Scrotal Webbing 05:08 - The "Botox Era" for Men: Why Hyaluronic Acid Is a Game-Changer 08:05 - Tackling Body Dysmorphia & Normalizing Anatomical Expectations 10:00 - Real Numbers: Average Penile Length vs. Online Myths 11:40 - The "Brad Pitt" Standard: Do Patients Bring Celebrity References? 14:08 - Expectation vs. Reality: Symmetrical, Natural Results 15:10 - Why Urologists Double as Professional Listeners & Therapists 16:40 - Aesthetics vs. Sexual Function: Does Filler Improve Performance? 18:41 - Patient Demographics: Who Is Getting Aesthetic Penile Procedures? 20:41 - How the PhalloFill Procedure Works (Numbing, Placement, & Comfort) 22:19 - Permanent Implants vs. Reversible Hyaluronic Acid Fillers 23:37 - Why Injecting Belongs in the Hands of Trained Urologists 24:56 - Safety Protocols, Aftercare, & Reversibility Options 27:19 - How Long Do Penile Fillers Actually Last? 29:05 - The Surge in Demand & Media Stories Driving the Trend 31:16 - Risks & Choosing the Right Specialist 33:16 - Cosmetic Urology as a Gateway to Preventative Men's Health CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS: Dr. Joshua Gonzalez  Website: https://joshuagonzalezmd.com/  Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @joshuagonzalezmd Dr. David Miller  Website: https://www.davidtmillermd.com/

  5. Aug 27

    What’s Really Inside Your Mattress?

    Are you sleeping on 20 gallons of crude oil? In this episode we peel back the covers on the "clean sleep" movement to reveal what's hiding inside many conventional mattresses.   Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic explains how conventional bedding affects your health, how to spot greenwashing, and how hand-crafted, organic materials can transform your sleep quality.   In this episode, we discuss: * Why conventional mattresses are loaded with crude oil, off-gassing chemicals, and flame retardants—and how they contribute to night sweats, headaches, and allergies. * What terms like "natural" and "eco" actually mean, and why certifiers like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and EWG Verified matter. * How to tailor firmness levels for couples, adjust support through pregnancy, and refresh your mattress layers over time. * Practical, step-by-step advice for choosing organic sheets, temperature-regulating wool, shredded latex pillows, and low-VOC bedroom materials.   Timestamps: * 00:00 – What is Clean Sleep? * 02:16 – Crude Oil & Chemicals in Conventional Beds * 03:37 – Chemical Off-Gassing vs. Natural Material Scents * 05:11 –  Greenwashing, GOTS Certification & EWG * 07:28 – Are Mattress Covers Enough? * 09:40 – Temperature Regulation: Wool vs. Polyurethane Foam * 10:28 – Modular Design & Customizing Firmness for Partners * 12:12 – Can Nontoxic Mattresses Still Feel Like a Cloud? * 18:14 – Navigating Sleep & Comfort During Pregnancy * 20:35 – Combatting Allergies & Dealing with Unregulated Chemicals * 23:12 – Fighting for Safer Industry Standards * 27:03 – The Truth About Flame Retardants & Non-Toxic Flammability Testing * 30:00 – Upgrading Your Pillows, Sheets & Bedroom Air Quality   Learn More: https://www.naturepedic.com #CleanSleep #OrganicMattress #NonToxicMattress #Naturepedic #SleepHygiene

  6. Aug 20

    Is the Burden of Infertility on the Wrong Partner?

    Did you know that male factor fertility contributes to up to 50% of conception challenges and miscarriages? In this episode of the Live + Well podcast, we sit down with Ronit Menashe (Co-Founder of WeNatal) and Dr. James Weinberger (Reproductive Urologist) to break down the critical, yet often overlooked, role sperm health plays in family planning.   We dive deep into Trimester Zero — the crucial 70 to 90-day window where sperm regenerates. Learn how targeted lifestyle shifts, antioxidant supplementation, and advanced diagnostics like Sperm DNA Fragmentation (DFI) can drastically improve fertility outcomes for couples.   KEY TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 – Rethinking the 50/50 Fertility Responsibility * 01:00 – Ronit Menashe’s Story: Miscarriage, Research, and Founding WeNatal * 04:00 – Dr. James Weinberger: Shifting the Male Fertility Paradigm * 06:00 – Can You Reverse Sperm Damage? The 90-Day Regeneration Cycle * 09:30 – Sperm Quality as the 6th Vital Sign for Male Health * 10:30 – Semen Analysis vs. Sperm DNA Fragmentation (DFI) Testing * 13:00 – Insurance Coverage & Changing Male Fertility Care * 16:00 – Myth Busting: Hot Tubs, Saunas, Seat Warmers, and Briefs * 18:00 – Male Age-Related Decline & Long-Term Health Risks * 20:30 – At-Home Sperm Testing Kits: Are They Worth It? * 22:30 – Trimester Zero: How Couples Can Prepare Together * 24:00 – Fertility Blockers vs. Fertility Boosters * 27:30 – Epigenetics: How Lifestyle Choices Affect Your Future Child’s Health * 33:00 – Actionable First Steps Before Trying to Conceive * 41:40 – The Truth About NAD+, CoQ10, and Fertility Supplements   GUESTS & RESOURCES   * WeNatal: https://wenatal.com/  | Instagram: [@we_natal] * Dr. James Weinberger / Reproductive Partners Medical Group: https://male-fertility.reproductivepartners.com/meet-dr-james-weinberger/dr-james-weinberger   #Fertility #MaleFertility #IVF #TrimesterZero #Infertility

  7. Aug 13

    Trauma & Stress Get Trapped in Your Fascia

    Garry Lineham, co-founder of Human Garage reveals how physical and emotional trauma get trapped in your fascia, and how simple counter-rotation maneuvers can reset your nervous system in minutes.   In this episode, we explore the fascinating science of fascia: the bioelectric, intelligent connective tissue that holds your entire body together. Garry shares his personal journey from decades of chronic pain to discovering self-healing fascia maneuvers that unlock deep physical tension and calm emotional overload.   Key Topics Covered in This Episode: * What is fascia? Why science is reclassifying fascia as an intelligent, bioelectric organ. * Where trauma lives: How physical injury, emotional stress, and mental narratives accumulate in tissue. * Live fascia reset demo: A quick counter-rotation movement that opens up the shoulders, hips, and diaphragm. * The jaw & stress connection: Why clenching your jaw locks your entire body into fight-or-flight mode. * Rapid-fire problem solving:  Fascia perspectives on vertigo, 2 AM leg cramps, post-meal bloating, and tight hamstrings. * True hydration: Why drinking a gallon of water isn't enough and how minerals and silica hydrate fascia properly.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Garry Lineham & Human Garage 00:30 - Garry’s Journey: From Chronic Pain to Healing 01:19 - Live Demo: Counter-Rotation Shoulder & Hip Reset 03:32 - How Resetting Fascia Changes Energy & Breathing 07:00 - Why Surgeons No Longer Cut Fascia Indiscriminately 08:45 - What "Bioelectric System" Feels Like in the Body 10:30 - Is Life Stressful, or Is Your Jaw Just Tight? 15:58 - Defining Trauma: Incidents, Emotions, and Narratives 20:56 - Working with Elite Athletes (Novak Djokovic) 22:05 - Why Traditional Treatments Often Fail Long-Term 24:45 - The Power of Counter-Rotation Movements 27:55 - Overcoming Chronic Stress, Drugs, & PTSD 30:28 - Rapid Fire: Sudden Vertigo 31:00 - Rapid Fire: Waking Up at 2 AM with Leg Cramps 31:35 - Rapid Fire: Immediate Bloating After Eating (Psoas Release) 32:56 - Rapid Fire: Hamstrings That Stay Tight 33:28 - Dehydration, Minerals, and the Wi-Fi Effect on Fascia   Connect with Human Garage: Website: https://www.humangarage.net/
Instagram: @humangarage
YouTube: @HumanGarage
TikTok: @humangarage   #Fascia #FasciaRelease #HumanGarage #SomaticHealing #ChronicPainRelief

  8. Aug 6

    Why Your Diet Could Be Failing (Try This First)

    This is a sponsored episode, paid for by BIOptimzers, and does not involve the L.A. Times Newsroom.   Are you doing "everything right" with your diet, but still struggling with low energy, sluggish digestion, brain fog, or poor recovery?   In this episode of Live & Well, Wade Lightheart, co-founder of BIOptimizers, exercise physiologist, and former 3x Canadian Natural Bodybuilding Champions shares why most dietary strategies fall short and what core cellular habits actually drive long-term health.   In this video, you’ll discover: • Why standard diets don’t always deliver results. • Wade Lightheart's 7-part "AWESOME" formula for cellular longevity. • How gut degradation and age affect your ability to absorb key nutrients. • Why muscle mass is your most critical organ for aging well and burning calories. • The role of genetic testing and DEXA scans in cutting through health confusion.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Why Your Diet Might Be Failing You 01:02 - Wade Lightheart's Personal Journey & Biohacking Origins 03:45 - What Competitive Bodybuilding Teaches About Raw Reality 07:33 - The 7-Step "AWESOME" Longevity Formula 12:16 - Bodybuilders as the Original Biohackers 14:48 - Genetic Testing & DEXA Scans 20:45 - The Founding of BiOptimizers 23:04 - Trace Minerals, Electrical Frequency & Cellular Energy 24:18 - The Truth About Magnesium 27:24 - Why Digestion Declines with Age & How to Restore Absorption 35:15 - Cellular Health, Mitochondria & Bioavailable Supplements   #Longevity #GutHealth #NutritionTips #AntiAging #Biohacking #CellularHealth  Head to https://bioptimizers.com/livewell and use code LIVEWELL for 15% off your order. You'll also unlock exclusive discounts, surprise bonuses, and special offers available to listeners. Plus, every order is backed by a 365-day money-back guarantee.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Live & Well is your weekly catch-up with author, mother, and influencer Melissa Magsaysay and her circle of experts and icons—diving deep into the latest wellness, longevity, beauty and fitness and issues surrounding women. Melissa will take listeners into a vibrant world where beauty, fashion, and wellness intersect with cultural moments and personal transformation. Each episode features conversations with leading + buzzy dermatologists, fitness innovators, beauty founders, and celebrities alike. Listeners can expect pro tips, product recs, juicy insider stories, and empowering perspectives that go beyond surface-level self-care—because looking good is great, but feeling good is everything.

Information

  • Creator
    L.A. Times Studios
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Live & Well

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