Seoul to Soul

Seoul to Soul

Science | Story | Soul. Hosted by Dr. Victoria Lee, Seoul to Soul is where a wellbeing physician bridges ancient wisdom and modern science to empower you to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. 
 Through evidence-informed insights, lived narratives, and reflective prompts, this show offers practical tools and conversations with clinicians, scientists, healers, and culture-bearers for whole-person wellbeing. 
 Together we translate personal transformation into ripples of healing across communities. Educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Episodes

  1. Sep 28

    The Surprising Link Between Your Gut, Your Stress, and Estrogen

    Did you know your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating your estrogen levels?Your gut bacteria don’t just affect digestion, they can influence estrogen metabolism, pain sensitivity, stress responses, brain health, and the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. In this conversation we explore:00:00 Introduction: Gut Bacteria and Hormones00:13 Research Focus on Women’s Health01:13 The Pain Response Study02:17 Gender Differences in Pain Threshold03:00 Identifying the "Estrobolome"04:20 How Stress Affects Estrogen Metabolism05:45 Breaking the Silence: Perimenopause and Menopause07:00 The Current Funding Landscape for Women’s Health07:33 Stress Markers and Gut Health in Pregnancy10:23 Perimenopausal Symptoms and Brain Health12:15 Summary of 20 Years of Gut-Brain Axis Research13:51 How Gut Metabolites Interact with the Nervous System15:21 The Evolution of Gut Health Science16:45 Developing Targeted Supplements for Menopause18:42 The Role of Specific Fibers in Gut Health20:23 Clinical Trials and Promising Results22:55 Vaginal Health and the Microbiome25:01 Community Education and Empowerment26:36 How Microbes Drive Social Behavior28:48 The Feedback Loop of Loneliness and Gut Health30:20 Dietary Recommendations: Fiber, Proteins, and Soy31:58 Oxytocin, Self-Care, and Hormone Changes34:30 Balancing Fiber Intake Without Bloating35:06 Choosing Probiotics and Supplements Wisely36:38 Holistic Approaches Over "Quick Fixes"37:53 Natural Sources of Isoflavonoids39:19 Lifestyle Tips: Saunas and Social Connection40:51 Closing Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel WellFood first, social connection, and looking after your microbes early can make a real difference. This is one of the most exciting and under-discussed areas of women’s health right now.If this resonated, share it with a woman who needs to hear it!Medical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.#guthealth #hormonebalance #womenshealth #estrobolome #stressmanagement #microbiome #menopause #perimenopause #gutbrainaxis #wellness

  2. Sep 21

    The Microbial Blueprint a Mother Passes On #guthealth

    A baby is born sterile. Within hours, its gut begins to fill with microbes, most of them from the mother’s own gut, not the birth canal as many assume.In this conversation, Professor Catherine Stanton of APC Microbiome Ireland, explains how a mother’s diet, mode of delivery, antibiotics, and breast milk program her infant’s microbiome in ways that can still be detected years later. She walks through the “missing microbes” of C-section birth, the extraordinary gift of human milk oligosaccharides, and the emerging science of restoring what modern birth practices sometimes take away.What your baby’s microbiome knows before you do, and why the first thousand days matter more than we realized:00:00 – The First Gift: Inheriting the Mother's Microbiome03:15 – How Birth Method Shapes Early Bacterial Colonization06:42 – The Role of Breast Milk in Seeding the Gut10:10 – Vertical Transmission: From Pregnancy to Infancy14:35 – Impact of Maternal Health on the Baby’s Microbial Blueprint18:50 – Long-term Health Implications of the Early Microbiome22:15 – Environmental Factors and the Developing Immune System25:30 – Future Research: Personalizing Neonatal Gut HealthMedical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.#microbiome #gutmicrobiome #microbiome #maternalhealth #longevity #preventativehealth #Probiotics #drvictorialee

  3. Sep 14

    How to "Train" Your Gut for Longevity

    Think of your microbiome not just as bacteria, but as the most important "pet" you’ll ever own. Just like a pet, what you feed it and how you treat it determines whether it thrives or struggles, and because it lives inside you, its health is your health. In this video, we explore the idea that "you have the microbiome you deserve" based on your daily choices. I’ll show you how to stop neglecting your internal ecosystem and start "training" it for better energy, digestion, and longevity. It’s time to stop guessing and start redesigning your health from the inside out!Chapters0:00 - Your Microbiome: The "Pet" You Live With2:45 - Why You Have the Microbiome You Deserve6:15 - "Feeding" Your Internal Ecosystem10:30 - The Consequences of a Neglected Gut14:50 - Training Your Bacteria for Peak Performance19:15 - Precision Medicine: A Custom Leash for Health25:40 - Mind-Gut Connection: How Your Pet Affects Your Mood30:00 - Final Thoughts: Being a Better "Pet Owner"Tune in and subscribe to discover why the microbiome is quietly rewriting how we think about health, vitality, and longevity!Medical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.#microbiome #guthealth #gutmicrobiome #precisionmedicine #gutbrainaxis #longevity #wellness #HumanMicrobiome #Probiotics #drvictorialee

  4. Sep 7

    Trillions Inside You: Decoding the Microbiome

    Could the future of medicine be living inside your gut?In this episode of Seoul to Soul, we travel to Cork, Ireland, to speak with Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland. For 23 years, his centre has been mapping the trillions of microbes that live in and on us. Communities that outnumber our own cells and contain 150 times more genes than the human genome.We cover:00:00 - The Microbiome Revolution01:34 - What is the Gut Microbiome?02:43 - How to Positively Manipulate Your Gut Health04:01 - The Impact of Diet on Microbiome Diversity05:39 - Chronic Diseases and Modern Diet Links07:48 - Understanding Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics08:32 - Is There a Universal "Healthy" Microbiome?11:12 - Longevity and Brain Health Connections12:14 - The Gut-Brain Axis: Stress and Mental Health14:51 - The Gut-Heart Axis and Holistic Health16:16 - Microbiomes in Wildlife and the Environment17:51 - Public Health Messages and Antibiotic Resistance21:13 - The Future of Personalized Microbiome MedicineTune in and subscribe to discover why the microbiome is quietly rewriting how we think about health, vitality, and longevity!Medical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship.Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.#Microbiome #GutHealth #GutMicrobiome #PrecisionMedicine #SciencePodcast #SeoulToSoul #GutBrainAxis #Longevity #Wellness #HumanMicrobiome #Probiotics #FutureOfMedicine #HealthScience

  5. Aug 31

    Why Singapore is the Blueprint for Global Healthcare Challenges

    If your new technology increases the burden on your staff, it’s a no-go.In this episode of Seoul to Soul, I sit down with Dr. Ernst Kuipers - physician, former Dutch Minister of Health, and global health architect - to stress-test our current frameworks for wellbeing. We aren't just talking about gadgets; we are talking about the "math problem" facing global systems like Singapore, where a record-low fertility rate of 0.87 is creating a global fracture point:00:00 Introduction: Singapore as a Benchmark for Precision00:43 Dr. Kuipers’ Background: From Oncology Research to Minister of Health01:40 The Evolution of Singapore’s Healthcare System Over 60 Years03:12 The Triple Challenge: Aging Population, Low Birth Rate, and Affordability05:45 Similarities and Differences: Comparing Singapore to Canada and Europe06:45 The "Hidden Costs" of Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Spending07:40 Public vs. Private: Which Healthcare Model Actually Works?09:10 The Strength of Primary Care and the "Gatekeeper" Role10:05 Lessons from the Dutch System: Equal Access and Public Financing12:15 The Fallacy of Competition: Why Collaboration is Key in Chronic Care14:15 Strengthening Primary Care Training and Reimbursement16:40 Logistics in Healthcare: Why Aviation and Retail are Further Ahead18:25 COVID-19 as a Game Changer: Connecting Electronic Health Records20:10 Reducing ER Visits Through Effective Triage and Call Centers21:55 Moving the Conversation from Budgets to Quality of Care23:25 Why Singapore Invests Heavily in Research and Innovation25:20 NTU: The "Toddler" University Leading the World in Technology26:50 The AI Matrix in Medicine: Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Applications28:30 The Workforce Warning: Will Technology Reduce or Increase Demand?31:25 Precise and Personalized: The Future of Upstream Medicine33:55 The Risk of Over-Medicalization: When Everyone Becomes a Patient34:45 Singapore’s National Longevity Strategy: Whole-of-Government Action37:40 The 2095 Vision: Why Longevity Begins with the Children of Today39:20 Advice for Global Ministers of Health: Tackling Inequity and AccessThe Call to Action:Join us as we explore cultural nuances, professional reflections, and the human condition in the face of rapid change. Subscribe to Seoul to Soul on Substack and YouTube for more deep-dive conversations. #singapore #healthcare #longevity #aihealth #HealthTech #seoultosoul

  6. Aug 24

    Beyond the 100-Pill Protocol: the Real Science of Aging Well

    Can you really "biohack" your way to a longer life with 100 pills a day?In this deep dive, Prof. Brian Kennedy and I go beyond the hype to explore the actual evidence behind aging well. We discuss why many longevity protocols fail, how to measure your true biological age. Prof. Kennedy debunks the 100-pill longevity trend and explore the real science of healthspan. We specifically look at the unique work being done in Singapore, exploring whether we can actually engineer a "Blue Zone" through policy and precision medicine. My goal is to move past the marketing and provide you with a medical perspective on what the data actually shows for long-term health and vitality.In This Video:00:00 Introduction: The World's First "Engineered" Blue Zone03:14 Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Why We Focus on Function05:30 Reclaiming the Term "Old" and Debunking Aging Myths08:20 Cultural Factors of Longevity in Asia vs. The West11:15 Establishing Singapore as a Global Leader in Healthspan13:15 How Longevity Science Has Evolved Over 20 Years15:05 AI and Theoretical Physics in Aging Research17:15 The Sirtuin and mTor Pathways: From Yeast to Humans18:55 Sorting Through Supplements: AKG and NAD+ Evidence20:15 The Problem with the "100-Pill" Longevity Trend22:15 Personalizing Longevity: Measuring Heart Rate vs. Respiration24:45 Continuous Glucose Monitors: Learning Your Own Biology28:15 The Foundational Trio: Sleep, Nutrition, and Movement30:50 Encouraging a Learning and Growth Mindset for Brain Health34:15 Biological Differences: Why Women Live Longer (But Have Lower Healthspan)36:30 The Role of Hormone Replacement and Reproductive Longevity39:50 Rejuvenating Eggs: New Research in IVF and Ovarian Health43:10 Testosterone Replacement and Individual Risk-Benefit Choices45:45 Navigating Longevity Clinics: Separating Hype from Evidence53:40 Can We Trust Biological Age Clocks? (Methylation vs. Clinical Chemistry)01:01:50 A Scientist’s Personal Advice for Sustainable HealthSubscribe for more evidence-based deep dives into longevity.Medical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship.Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.#longevity #biologicalage #longevityscience #healthspan #singapore #healthyaging #biohackingtips #wellbeing

  7. Apr 22

    Thin Outside, Fat Inside: The Hidden Metabolic Crisis

    Is it possible to look healthy on the outside while your internal organs are under metabolic stress? In this episode of Seoul to Soul, I sat down with Dr. Sue-Anne Toh, a leading endocrinologist and founder of Novi Health.Singapore has become a global laboratory for chronic disease. Despite having some of the wealthiest and most active populations, the nation faces a staggering rise in type 2 diabetes. Dr. Toh explains the "Thin Outside, Fat Inside" (TOFI) phenomenon: why Asian populations develop life-threatening metabolic damage at much lower BMI thresholds than Western populations.In this episode, we explore:- The BMI Blind Spot: Why standard metrics of health fail to detect visceral fat in lean individuals.- The APT-2D Study: Groundbreaking research into why insulin secretion defects, not just resistance, drive disease in Asian cohorts.- The Almond Milk Moment: How a "healthy" hospital snack spiked Dr. Toh's glucose- The Singapore Model: How urban design and policy can make the healthy choice the easy choice.- Precision Medicine: How Novi Health integrates AI and wearable data with human-centered coaching to reverse chronic disease.Three Takeaways for Your Week:- The 2-Minute Rule: Why moving immediately after your heaviest meal is the most effective way to crush glucose spikes.- Prioritize Sleep: How getting fewer than six hours of rest fundamentally breaks your body’s ability to regulate energy.- Food as Policy: Why the "Food is Medicine" movement requires a systemic shift in how we build our cities and markets.About Our Guest:Dr. Sue-Anne Toh is a clinical scientist, former healthcare executive at National University Hospital, and a pioneer in metabolic health technology. Through her clinic, Novi Health, she is redefining how we screen for, treat, and prevent the chronic diseases of the 21st century.Join the Conversation:If you could see your body’s real-time response to your daily choices, what would you be most afraid to find out? Share your reflections in the comments below.Seoul to Soul with Victoria Lee:Exploring the intersection of longevity science, cultural wisdom, and the human condition.Medical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.#SeoulToSoul #metabolichealth #longevityscience #tofi #precisionmedicine #singapore #health #diabetes #bmi #wellness

  8. Mar 22

    Is Your "Chronological Age" Lying to You?

    In this episode of Seoul to Soul, we go inside one of Malaysia's leading longevity clinics to explore why the future of health isn't just about living longer, it’s about living better. We sit down with a panel of experts to discuss the shift from reactive medicine to proactive wellness, biohacking, and the "Soul" behind the science.In this episode, you’ll discover: The difference between lifespan and healthspan;Why Malaysia is becoming a global destination for preventative care; andPractical steps to start your own longevity journey today.The Chapters:0:00 - The "Sick Care" problem vs. Longevity 2:15 - Welcome to the Seoul to Soul Podcast 5:40 - Inside the Malaysia Longevity Clinic 9:12 - Why your DNA isn't your destiny 13:45 - The Panel: Real stories of health transformation 18:30 - How to "Biohack" your daily routine 24:10 - The intersection of physical health and the Soul 29:55 - High-tech vs. High-touch: The future of clinics 34:20 - Is biological age reversal actually possible? 37:45 - How to start your journey (The First Step) 39:23 - Final thoughts: What’s next for Seoul to Soul?✨ Subscribe to Seoul to Soul for regular deep dives into culture, health, and purpose. Read the full post here. #Longevity #Biohacking #SeoulToSoul #Healthspan #PreventativeMedicine #MalaysiaHealth #stemcells #travel #health #antiaging #healthyaging Medical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship.Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.Product Notice: The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

  9. Mar 15

    Is beauty an adversary we must fight, or an ally we can finally reclaim?

    As a well-being physician, I’ve spent decades exploring what it means to truly thrive, and I’ve learned that beauty is the central dimension of wellness. It's how we inhabit our bodies and show up in the world. In this episode of Seoul to Soul, I went back to the heart of Seoul to undergo a professional medical skin scan that revealed the hidden biological reality of my own skin health.I sat down with Dr. Inyoung Kim at Seoul’s Elite Switz Anti-Aging Center to decode the science of regenerative capacity. We explore why the biological clock shifts at age 23. The point where we stop producing new collagen and start losing 1% of it every single year. This isn't just about 'glass skin' hype; it's about moving the conversation from fixing to thriving.In this episode:00:00 – Seoul: The 1,000-Clinic Square Kilometer00:55 – Why the World is Engineering Beauty in Korea02:11 – The 3-Year Trend Lag (Seoul vs. The World)02:30 – 20s Skincare: The V-Line and Shaping03:10 – 30s-50s: The Shift to Skin Quality and Tone03:57 – The 1% Rule: Why Collagen Production Stops at 2304:15 – Science of HIFU: Regenerative Damage05:55 – Beyond 'Gangnam Style': The Return to Originality07:05 – Bio-stimulation: Activating Your Fibroblasts08:15 – The #1 Physician-Recommended Home Routine08:35 – Stem Cells: The Future09:32 – Self-Respect: The Ultimate Ritual of BeautyJoin the community: ✨ Subscribe for more insights on longevity and well-being. ✍️ Read the full breakdown on my SubstackMedical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare provider. The use of this information does not create a doctor-patient relationship.Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen in this video.Product Notice: The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. #SkincareScience #AntiAging #Dermatology #SeoulToSoul #collagen #ultherapy #ulthera #hifutreatment #skin #longevity #regenerativemedicine #BioStimulation #stemcells #gangnam #beautystandards #health #wellbeing #wellness

About

Science | Story | Soul. Hosted by Dr. Victoria Lee, Seoul to Soul is where a wellbeing physician bridges ancient wisdom and modern science to empower you to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. 
 Through evidence-informed insights, lived narratives, and reflective prompts, this show offers practical tools and conversations with clinicians, scientists, healers, and culture-bearers for whole-person wellbeing. 
 Together we translate personal transformation into ripples of healing across communities. Educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.