The Wellness Files with Kari Beal

FOX Carolina News
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.

  1. 2d ago

    Could We End the Opioid Epidemic With This Pill?

    Following the tragic death of Hayden Panettiere from a lethal mix of fentanyl and other prescriptions, new focus is turning to the root causes of America's addiction crisis and how routine post-surgery prescriptions can start that dangerous cycle. We examine Journavx, the first new class of non-opioid pain medication approved by the FDA in 20 years. 00:00 — Introduction: The genetic discovery of feeling no pain01:14 — The addiction crisis & the need for surgical alternatives02:14 — How sodium channels block pain before reaching the brain03:45 — Patient Story: Laura Ziesel on surgery recovery without opioids07:31 — Dr. Kevin Walker: Opioid comparison & non-addictive science09:12 — The cost barrier: Retail price vs. manufacturer copay cards10:45 — The chronic pain question: Neuropathy vs. sciatica trials12:20 — Takeaways for upcoming surgeries & final thoughts  Cambridge study news releasehttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061213175229.htmCambridge study in Naturehttps://www.nature.com/articles/nature05413Price of Journavxhttps://news.vrtx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vertex-announces-fda-approval-journavxtm-suzetrigine-first-classPrice of opioidshttps://www.yalemedicine.org/news/new-non-opioid-pain-pill

    Could We End the Opioid Epidemic With This Pill?

  2. Sep 24

    Hayden Panettiere: Inside the 5 Fatal Substances and Fentanyl Risks

    Following a coroner's report identifying five substances in Hayden Panettiere’s body, host Kari Beal sits down with addiction researcher and psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Friedman to break down the deadly reality of polysubstance overdoses and erratic street drug potency. They explore the science behind dangerous drug synergies, emerging non-opioid threats like medetomidine, and practical harm reduction tools—including where to access free naloxone and test strips in South Carolina. 00:00 - Intro01:32 - Upcoming Live Event: Furman University on Sept. 30https://www.foxcarolina.com/2026/09/10/wellness-files-live-who-was-this-medicine-made/02:40 - Meet Dr. Joseph Friedman: Addiction research background03:05 - Deconstructing the autopsy: Fentanyl & 4-ANPP explained05:31 - Synergistic danger: Combining Xanax, sedatives & opioids07:20 - Muscle relaxers (Methocarbamol) & Seroquel in overdose09:42 - Evidence-based addiction treatment vs. street supply crackdown12:59 - The potency lottery: Dr. Friedman’s drug checking research15:03 - Fentanyl test strips: How they work and who they protect18:38 - Emerging threats: Medetomidine & veterinary tranquilizers20:18 - National overdose trends and the lifesaving role of Narcan21:40 - Solutions & free resources: S.C. health department kits & preview

    Hayden Panettiere: Inside the 5 Fatal Substances and Fentanyl Risks

  3. Sep 16

    Dry Eye: Screens, Eyelash Mites, Hormones & Doctor-Approved Fixes

    Dry, irritated eyes are skyrocketing thanks to modern screen habits. Hormonal shifts also play a role, and microscopic eyelash mites can be mistaken for dry eye. In this episode of The Wellness Files, optometrist Dr. Cory Lappin explains what’s really drying out your eyes and the proven clinical and at-home steps to fix it. 00:00 - intro02:01 - Meet Dr. Cory Lappin / Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist04:01 - Dry eye stats & common symptoms06:13 - Why ignoring dry eye makes it worse06:56 - Drops, supplements & why to avoid baby shampoo09:12 - Advanced in-office fixes: IPL & red light12:31 - The mental health & pain toll of chronic dry eye14:41 - Screen time, "toothpaste oil," & blinking habits18:11 - Screens, myopia & skyrocketing vision issues19:16 - The surprising link between hormones & tears20:53 - Demodex eyelash mites: symptoms & collarettes23:07 - FDA-approved mite treatments & lid hygiene25:08 - Morning sunlight, sunglasses & circadian rhythm27:32 - Blue light, screen sleep habits & annual eye exams

    Dry Eye: Screens, Eyelash Mites, Hormones & Doctor-Approved Fixes

  4. Sep 9

    Gamecocks Legend Stephen Garcia on Stage 4 Cancer, His "Chokehold" on the Disease, and "Quarterback Your Health"

    Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia discusses his battle with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Stephen shares his aggressive treatment journey, the incredible news of a 99.8% reduction in tumor DNA, and why he launched his new nonprofit to advocate for early screening and detection. 00:00 - intro01:08 - Explaining Signatera blood scans & tumor shrinkage02:15 - Interview intro: South Carolina legend Stephen Garcia02:47 - Finding the cancer: symptoms, ultrasound, & biopsy04:20 - Hearing the diagnosis & establishing a treatment plan05:42 - Telling the kids: navigating the news with family07:31 - Undergoing aggressive chemotherapy & pelvic radiation09:45 - Upcoming surgery & the power of family support10:40 - Tumor reduction results & saving the liver13:36 - Differing medical opinions & choosing TGH14:27 - How athletic training built a resilient mindset15:12 - Surprise support from Dabo Swinney & Darius Rucker16:43 - Launching the "Quarterback Your Health" nonprofithttps://quarterbackyourhealth.store/17:55 - Why men must stop brushing off symptoms19:10 - Tough days: managing embarrassing physical side effects22:17 - Crucial advice for others: "Listen to your body"23:33 - Furman University live event announcement (September 30th)Event details: https://www.furman.edu/academics/cultural-life-program/upcoming-clp-events/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D1433290230

    Gamecocks Legend Stephen Garcia on Stage 4 Cancer, His "Chokehold" on the Disease, and "Quarterback Your Health"

  5. Sep 3

    Postpartum Psychosis: What the Lindsay Clancy Case Teaches Us About Symptoms, Triggers, and Maternal Mental Health

    Reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Neha Hudepohl, Prisma Health, joins the show to discuss the complexities of postpartum psychosis in light of the national conversation surrounding the Lindsay Clancy trial. Dr. Hudepohl explains the critical differences between postpartum depression and psychosis, outlines key warning signs, and details how families can identify a psychiatric emergency to seek life-saving support.   00:00 - Intro: The Lindsay Clancy case and PPP context03:21 - Dr. Hudepohl’s background & Prisma Health programs04:58 - What is postpartum psychosis? Key symptoms to watch for07:22 - Assessing risks of self-harm and emergency responses09:16 - Sleep deprivation, genetics, and hormonal triggers10:49 - Prevention plans & specialized reproductive psychiatry11:43 - The difference: Postpartum depression vs. psychosis12:57 - Why symptoms wax and wane (the lucidity challenge)15:09 - How partners can support recovery and sleep restoration17:16 - Holistic treatment: Medication, therapy, and family care18:10 - Overcoming the fear of child separation during hospitalization20:34 - Outro: Accessing the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

    Postpartum Psychosis: What the Lindsay Clancy Case Teaches Us About Symptoms, Triggers, and Maternal Mental Health

  6. Aug 26

    Dr. John Deloney on Hayden Panettiere’s Tragedy, Postpartum Depression, Addiction and Relationships

    In this powerful episode, Dr. John Deloney joins host Kari Beal to discuss the tragic passing of actress Hayden Panettiere and the crushing weight of maintaining a perfect public identity. They dive deep into the messy intersections of postpartum depression, addiction, and abusive trauma bonds, providing practical advice on how to build a life-saving support system when things go sideways.00:00 - intro01:49 - Hayden Panettiere’s story & brand pressure05:01 - Normalizing the messiness of life07:54 - Surviving the media spotlight12:49 - Support strategies for postpartum depression17:57 - Navigating postpartum and addiction20:52 - The complex reality of trauma bonds25:07 - Recognizing verbal abuse & body safety signs27:14 - Key takeaways: Building your non-work tribe29:13 - Episode outro & connection links

    Dr. John Deloney on Hayden Panettiere’s Tragedy, Postpartum Depression, Addiction and Relationships

  7. Aug 19

    Retatrutide Explained: Unprecedented Weight Loss, Unique Side Effects, and the Risks

    In this episode of The Wellness Files, host Kari Beal sits down with obesity medicine specialist Dr. Christopher McGowan to discuss Retatrutide, the highly anticipated "triple agonist" weight loss drug currently in Phase 3 trials. They dive into its unprecedented weight loss potential, unique side effects like skin sensitivity, and the dangerous black market pathways patients are using to access it before FDA approval.  00:00 – Intro: The massive hype surrounding Retatrutide ("RETA")01:58 – The dangers of seeking unapproved research drugs online02:47 – Weight loss data: Reta's gastric bypass-level results vs. Wegovy https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa230197204:22 – How the "triple G" agonist works on three gut hormones07:04 – The reality of muscle loss and preserving lean mass08:41 – Side effects: Elevated heart rate and painful skin sensitivity11:13 – Thyroid cancer warnings, pancreatitis, and contraindications13:10 – Long-term safety: GLP-1 history vs. the new glucagon pathway14:59 – Additional health benefits: Reversing fatty liver and joint pain16:25 – The TikTok "Ratatouille" trend and black market peptide risks19:47 – Projected FDA approval timeline and safe, legal alternatives

    Retatrutide Explained: Unprecedented Weight Loss, Unique Side Effects, and the Risks

  8. Aug 12

    The Future of Flu Protection: Dr. Noc Breaks Down mRNA Flu Vaccine, Clinical Safety Data, and Public Trust

    Science communicator Morgan McSweeney, PhD (known online as "Dr. Noc"), joins the podcast to explain how emerging mRNA flu vaccines differ from traditional egg-grown shots and details the latest clinical trial data on their efficacy and side effects. We broaden the conversation on mRNA vaccines, provide critical context on rare risks like myocarditis (heart inflammation), and outline how safety is actively monitored. 00:00 – Explaining mRNA vaccine technology versus traditional egg-grown flu shots.02:12 – Addressing common genetic misconceptions and how mRNA is cleared from the body.04:40 – Highlighting Phase III clinical trial data, vaccine efficacy, and side effects.08:10 – Selecting the right flu vaccine based on age, health history, and doctor consultation.09:55 – Clarifying clinical trial cardiac safety data and mRNA heart inflammation risks.11:49 – Putting rare side effects in context with the severe health risks of contracting the flu.14:22 – Highlighting regional flu risks in South Carolina and protecting vulnerable communities.16:09 – Actionable advice for natural immune support, including sleep, diet, and exercise.18:09 – Detailing how federal agencies monitor vaccines for rare safety signals.20:54 – Navigating vaccine hesitancy and improving patient-doctor communication.

    The Future of Flu Protection: Dr. Noc Breaks Down mRNA Flu Vaccine, Clinical Safety Data, and Public Trust
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4.4
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The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.

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