Highly Functional

Sarah

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Médecine parallèle

For high-functioning folk, one honest conversation at a time. This is safe space for those who are the quietly prescribed, professionally exhausted, and chronically curious.

-1 h

Episode 10: Budgeting, Barriers & Breaking Bias

Mid-year is hitting, the sensory overload is real, and we are officially breaking up with hustle culture. In this episode, we’re ditching the #girlboss pipeline for radical compassion, anti-burnout boundaries, and a little bit of mind expansion. In this episode, we tackle: The Power of Language: Why we need to change the narrative from "using" cannabis to taking or consuming a daily botanical therapeutic. The Green Budget: Navigating the massive out-of-pocket costs of medicinal cannabis in Australia (since it’s not subsidized by the PBS) and a zero-waste financial loophole Personal Roots: Connecting my partner’s journey with chronic L4/L5 back pain, my advocacy work in the disability and neurodivergent space, and how an open mind led to my upcoming 13-year vegan anniversary this August. Privilege & Justice: Acknowledging the gap between our legal access and the legacy healers still criminalized for providing this plant to people facing trauma and cancer. True wellness requires collective justice and decriminalization. Connect with the Show: Have thoughts on this episode or want to share your story? Email: highlyfunctionalpodcast@protonmail.com Instagram: DM me @highlyfunctionalpodcast

15 min
-4 j

Episode 9: The Green Ceiling (Navigating Medical Spaces & Self-Advocacy)

Have you ever walked out of a doctor's appointment feeling entirely dismissed, misheard, or told that your chronic stress was "just hormones"? In this episode of Highly Functional, we explore "The Green Ceiling"—the systemic barriers and medical gaslighting that women and gender-diverse individuals often experience when seeking alternative healthcare pathways. We share practical, ground-level strategies on how to confidently advocate for yourself in traditional medical offices, how to prepare for specialized healthcare consultations, and what questions to ask to ensure your choices are respected and legal.

11 min
30 juin

Episode 8: Beyond Baseline: A High-Functioning Guide to T-Breaks

Have you ever noticed a point where your routines seem to hit a wall, or what used to bring you instant calm starts feeling a little less effective? In this solo episode, we are going Beyond Baseline. We explore the science of how our bodies adapt, why an all-or-nothing approach doesn't work for high-functioning individuals, and how to mindfully plan a restorative tolerance break without triggering extra stress. If you've ever felt guilty or anxious about pressing pause on your self-care tools, this episode is your safe, validation-filled space to learn how to reset your system with compassion.Contact us at: highlyfunctionalpodcast@protonmail.com or DM us on Insta @highlyfunctionalpodcast We love connecting with you!

13 min
25 juin

Episode 7: The Sobriety Paradox

In this solo episode of Highly Functional, we explore the rapidly expanding cultural phenomenon of the sober curious movement, driven heavily by high-performing millennials. We dismantle the deeply ingrained corporate and social stigmas surrounding alcohol abstinence, examine the systemic neurotoxic damage alcohol causes by effortlessly breaching the blood-brain barrier, and run a comparative biological audit against cannabis as a modern harm-reduction tool for strategic decompression. Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Permeability: Unlike many substances that require specific cell-surface receptors to cross into the central nervous system, ethanol is both water and lipid-soluble. This unique chemical profile allows it to penetrate all cell membranes and seamlessly diffuse across the blood-brain barrier. The Acetaldehyde Pathway: When processed by the body, alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde—a highly reactive, toxic cellular mutagen and carcinogen—before mutating into acetate. Neocortex Thinning: Chronic low-to-moderate alcohol intake (defined as 7 to 14 drinks per week) is clinically linked to a reduction in volume of both gray and white matter, causing a measurable thinning of the prefrontal cortex and neocortex. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS): The biological framework consisting of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) native to the human brain and body. Unlike alcohol's indiscriminate cellular destruction, cannabis acts selectively on this established regulatory network. Cortical Volumetric Reduction (UK Biobank Study):Daviet, R., et al. (2022). "Associations between alcohol consumption and gray and white matter volumes in the UK Biobank." Nature Communications. This seminal study analyzed over 36,000 adults, establishing that even moderate alcohol intake scales with a global reduction in brain volume. The Gut-Liver-Brain Axis:Engen, P. A., et al. (2015). "The Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Alcohol." Alcohol Research: Current Reviews. This foundational review outlines how alcohol disrupts tight junctions in the gut lining, causing a leaky gut that allows inflammatory cytokines to travel up the vagus nerve and cross the blood-brain barrier. Primary Source: This episode pulls heavily from the definitive biological breakdown featured on What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health, a deeply researched solo masterclass from the Huberman Lab. Addiction and Cultural Shifts: For a broader exploration of generational addiction trends and policy, listen to the discussion on How to Overcome Addiction to Substances or Behaviors with Dr. Keith Humphreys.

14 min
19 juin

Episode 6: Endocannabinology: What, Like It’s Hard?

Did you know your body produces its own cannabis-like compounds to keep your biology in a state of balance? Welcome to the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—the master regulatory network you were likely never taught in school. In this episode of Highly Functional, we are stripping away the stigma and diving straight into the hard science of the ECS. We map out its discovery, break down the critical role of the CB1 receptor in your brain, and explore the fascinating, bidirectional relationship between estrogen and your body’s natural endocannabinoid levels. Plus, we look at the groundbreaking theory of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) and how an unbalanced ECS might tie into treatment-resistant conditions like migraines, fibromyalgia, and IBS. Tune in to learn how this invisible network keeps you functioning at your absolute best. Disclaimer: Highly Functional is entirely educational. This episode and description do not constitute medical advice. Always speak with a qualified practitioner regarding your personal health requirements. Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)Russo, E. B. (2004). Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD): Can this concept explain therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions? Neuro Endocrinology Letters.Read the Full Study on PubMed The Discovery of the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1)National Institutes of Health (NIH) Historical Archives. Explore the historical milestone mapping the cloning and identification of the G-protein-coupled receptor that fundamentally changed our understanding of neurobiology.Explore the NIH Archives The Estrogen-Endocannabinoid Connection Trends in Pharmacological Sciences / Endocrinology Journal Reviews. Dive deeper into the cross-talk between gonadal hormones and the ECS, highlighting how fluctuations in estrogen directly modulate cannabinoid receptor binding and enzyme activity.Read the Hormonal Cross-Talk Review on Oxford Academic

14 min
17 juin

Episode 5: The Professional Silence: Workplace, Stigma, and Your Rights

EPISODE 05: The Professional Silence: Workplace, Stigma, and Your Rights What does it actually cost your career to keep your medical life entirely off-book? In this episode of Highly Functional, Sarah steps into the glass-walled conference rooms of corporate Australia to tackle the quiet elephant in the room: navigating the professional landscape as a legal medicinal cannabis patient. While your corporate efficiency might be flawless by day, managing a legal prescription behind closed doors often comes with a heavy dose of anxiety—not from the treatment itself, but from outdated workplace biases and rigid compliance frameworks. Sarah breaks down the exact boundary lines of Australian employment law, explores why standard workplace drug testing (AS/NZS 4308 and AS 4760) completely fails the science of measuring real-time impairment, and reviews your protections under the Disability Discrimination Act. Finally, we look at "The Cold Script"—a precise, emotion-free framework to protect your professional standing and your peace of mind if you ever find yourself facing a mandatory HR disclosure. In this episode, we unpack: The Disclosure Boundary: When you are legally obligated to disclose a prescription to your employer, and when your medical privacy is fiercely protected by law. Presence vs. Impairment: The scientific design flaw of standard Australian workplace urine and saliva screenings and how it impacts high-functioning professionals. The Zero-Tolerance Trap: Why employers hide behind rigid corporate testing instead of measuring actual cognitive capability. The Compliance Strategy: How to convert your personal medical care into an ironclad risk-mitigation document that leaves no room for corporate bias. SHOW NOTES Legal & Workplace Resources Fair Work Ombudsman: Information on medical conditions, discrimination, and workplace rights. fairwork.gov.auAustralian Human Rights Commission: A comprehensive guide to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). humanrights.gov.auSafe Work Australia: National guidance on work health and safety duties, drug testing standards (AS/NZS 4308 & AS 4760), and managing workplace impairment. safeworkaustralia.gov.auDisclaimer: This episode is an educational commentary sharing personal experiences and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Employment laws, WHS obligations, and drug-testing policies can vary significantly by state, territory, industry, and individual enterprise agreements. For specific workplace disputes or legal issues, please consult a qualified employment lawyer or your union representative.

13 min
10 juin

Episode 4: When "Having It Together" Breaks Your Brain: Insights from Millennial Burnout

Welcome to the cultural episode. This is the one about why high-achieving, Type A, care-giving women are among the most likely to live with unmanaged conditions and the least likely to seek help. Funny, warm, and deeply recognisable, this episode is an exploration of what happens when the pressure to perform finally catches up with our biology. Consider this your official permission slip to stop holding it all together and finally start prioritising yourself. (Note: This episode contains no clinical content and is focused on lived experience and cultural insights.) Connect with us on Instagram: @highlyfunctionalpodcast This episode references research on millennial burnout, compassion fatigue, the nervous system, and inner critic patterns in high-achieving women. If you want to dive deeper into the topics we discussed, here are some incredible resources and research pieces to keep exploring: Academic Literature: The Burnout Companion to Medical and Psychological Literature (An essential text on chronic stress and working memory strain). Data & Trends: Deloitte’s Annual Gen Z and Millennial Survey (Tracking burnout and stress trends globally). University Research: Deakin University Teacher Work, Health and Wellbeing Report Articles: 'I am exhausted' — The Conversation (A deep dive into Australian teacher compassion fatigue research). Support & Resources: Beyond Blue Tools & Practices: Dr. Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Research & Exercises Mental Health Resources: Black Dog Institute Information & Support: ADHD Australia Content Note: This episode discusses burnout, chronic stress, cognitive strain, trauma responses, and mental health. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you are experiencing mental health or cognitive challenges, please speak with your GP or a qualified mental health professional.

21 min
1 mai

Episode 1: I'm Fine. (I Have a Prescription.)

Welcome to Highly Functional — the podcast for the quietly prescribed, professionally exhausted, and chronically curious. This is the trailer. Less than Five minutes. Who this show is for, why it exists, and what I actually mean when I say I'm fine. Hosted by a TGA-approved medicinal cannabis patient in Australia. Real conversations about a legal, prescribed medication — and the people who hold those prescriptions quietly, competently, and without nearly enough community around them. Not medical advice. Always consult your GP.

5 min
1 mai

Episode 2: The Permission Slip

The Permission Slip You've done the research. You've read the studies. You've had the 11pm spiral. You might even have written a pros and cons list. And still — there's a voice that says: that's not for someone like you. You're managing. You're fine. This is the episode about that voice. In this episode, host Sarah shares her own story — the years of managing brilliantly on the outside, the treatments that sort of worked, and the moment she realised that functioning at significant personal cost is not the same thing as being well. This isn't a guide to getting a prescription. It's something quieter than that: permission to decide you're allowed to want better. Permission to take up space in a doctor's appointment. Permission to ask the question you've been googling at midnight and not saying out loud. We also walk through how medicinal cannabis access actually works in Australia — the TGA pathways, what a GP conversation can realistically look like, and what to say if you want to open that door. Highly Functional. For the quietly prescribed, professionally exhausted, and chronically curious. — This episode contains personal lived experience only and does not constitute medical advice. Medicinal cannabis is a prescription medication in Australia. Please speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional regarding your own health.

15 min
1 mai

Episode 3: The Medication that Finally Made Sense

The Medication That Finally Made Sense ADHD, Anxiety, Insomnia — and Those Who Are Quietly Prescribed Over one million medicinal cannabis approvals have been issued in Australia since 2016. The most common reason? Chronic pain. The second most common? Anxiety. And behind those numbers is a demographic that doesn't get talked about nearly enough — employed, educated, high-achieving folk in their 20s, 30s and 40s, quietly holding prescriptions that most people in their lives don't know about. In this episode, we get into the data. Not the headlines — the actual research. We look at what Australian studies say about medicinal cannabis for anxiety, ADHD and insomnia, why the evidence picture is more nuanced than the 2026 meta-analysis suggests, and what over 2,300 real Australian patients reported about their outcomes over 12 months. We also talk about opioids. Because the most common reason Australians are prescribed medicinal cannabis is chronic pain — the same condition where opioid dependence is estimated at 10% and misuse at 24%. Those two facts exist in the same conversation, and we think they're worth saying out loud. This is the episode for the person who does their research. You're welcome. — References & further reading: Australian prescribing data • TGA medicinal cannabis approvals hub: tga.gov.au/resources/explore-topic/medicinal-cannabis-hub • AIHW — Medical cannabis in the NDSHS (2024): aihw.gov.au/reports/medicines/medical-marijuana-cannabis • Cairns EA et al. (2023). Medicinal cannabis for psychiatry-related conditions: an overview of current Australian prescribing. Frontiers in Pharmacology. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1142680 (free via PMC) • Mills L et al. (2024). Medical cannabis use in Australia seven years after legalisation: CAMS-22. Harm Reduction Journal. doi: 10.1186/s12954-024-00992-1 (free via PMC) • ADHD prescribing data: PBS/PubMed — 'Expanded access to publicly subsidised lisdexamfetamine' (2023) Anxiety & the evidence debate • QUEST Initiative 3-month results (2,327 patients, six Australian states): PMC10482296 • QUEST Initiative 12-month follow-up (anxiety effect size d=0.69 maintained): PMC11964238 • 2025 systematic review — 57 studies, 70% of highest-quality research reported positive outcomes for GAD, social anxiety and PTSD: PubMed 40413923 • 2026 University of Sydney meta-analysis — 54 RCTs, cannabis no more effective than placebo for anxiety: The Conversation, March 2026 (search: 'does medicinal cannabis work depression anxiety PTSD') • RCT evidence for CBD — 300–600mg doses showed positive responses for anxiety and social anxiety disorder across multiple controlled trials Opioids & chronic pain • TGA — Addressing Prescription Opioid Use and Misuse in Australia: tga.gov.au • AIHW — Pharmaceutical drugs, ATOD report (updated 2025): aihw.gov.au • Penington Institute — Australia's Annual Overdose Report 2024: penington.org.au • PBS dispensing data: pbs.gov.au • Vowels et al. (2015) — Rates of opioid misuse, abuse and addiction in chronic pain. PAIN journal. doi: 10.1097/01.j.pain.0000460357.01998.f1 • Pain Australia: painaustralia.org.au Support & resources • ADHD Australia: adhdaustralia.org.au • Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au • TGA consumer hub: tga.gov.au — This episode does not constitute medical advice. Medicinal cannabis is a Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 prescription medication in Australia. All content reflects the host's personal experience and general education only. Please speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional regarding your own health decisions.

17 min

10 épisodes

For high-functioning folk, one honest conversation at a time. This is safe space for those who are the quietly prescribed, professionally exhausted, and chronically curious.

Création

Sarah
Années d’activité

2 k
Épisodes

10
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Contenu explicite
Copyright

© Sarah
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Highly Functional