The Wellness Files with Kari Beal

FOX Carolina News
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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. Live at USC School of Medicine Greenville: The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, Explained

    May 27

    Live at USC School of Medicine Greenville: The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, Explained

    USC School of Medicine Greenville experts break down lifestyle medicine and the evidence behind its “six pillars.” They discuss how food, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances can improve chronic disease outcomes—and even support brain health in depression, Alzheimer’s risk, and more. 00:00 Intro00:47 Welcome + live event at USC School of Medicine Greenville02:10 Guest intros: Dean/primary care, neuroscientist, lifestyle program director03:00 Why lifestyle medicine matters in med school + patient care07:27 Real-life examples: hypertension, sodium, “food as medicine” (beets/flax)09:13 Exercise & depression: blood flow, muscle-brain signaling, BDNF12:35 Brain health + dementia risk: six pillars may slow cognitive decline14:05 Parkinson’s study: tandem cycling benefits patients + caregivers14:49 Curriculum: 109+ hours integrated across 4 years15:51 Gut-brain connection: microbiome, fiber, ultra-processed foods19:03 Social connection: loneliness, group care, “social capital”22:21 Lifestyle vs functional medicine; the six pillars defined23:40 Supplements + misinformation; magnesium; third-party testing (USP)26:02 How to vet health info online (“too good to be true”)29:02 Audience Q&A: antidepressants timeline; exercise outdoors31:06 Motivation strategies: small goals, remove barriers, prioritize sleep32:27 Organic vs frozen produce: cost-effective options + washing35:07 Exercise guidelines by age + strength training + bone health38:05 Cooking skills: culinary medicine + mobile teaching kitchen

    51 min
  2. News anchor Tori Carmen talks recovery, resilience, and lifestyle changes one year after brain cancer

    May 20

    News anchor Tori Carmen talks recovery, resilience, and lifestyle changes one year after brain cancer

    After a seizure led to the discovery of a brain mass, FOX Carolina news anchor Tori Carmen shares the whirlwind from surgery to an unexpected malignant diagnosis and how recovery has challenged her physically and emotionally. One year later, she explains the tools that helped her cope (therapy, nature, faith, community) and the lifestyle shifts she’s made to support long-term health. 00:00 Intro02:23 Seizure night, ER trip, CT scan, loss of right-side function.04:12 Tumor location/size; next steps; wedding plans change; surgery set at Northwestern.05:28 Meningioma explained; surgery + early recovery; can’t drive; pathology surprise.07:23 Grade 3 malignant diagnosis; neuro-onc/radiology consults; choosing gamma knife.10:18 Radiation day + side effects; returning to work; hair loss grief/identity shift.13:18 Ongoing MRIs; seizure meds; rebuilding strength; stress on body/mind.14:27 Coping tools: therapy, walks, nature, prayer, dogs; purpose + advocacy.16:17 “Be kind” message; invisible battles; connection and support systems.22:28 New normal: rest, boundaries, saying no; redefining productivity.26:07 Staying active: weighted-vest walks, Pilates, shorter workouts; heat sensitivity.28:05 Nutrition/toxin reduction: local/organic, baking soda wash, fewer plastics/chemicals.28:50 Giving up alcohol; mocktails; better sleep/skin/gut.34:04 Western + functional medicine balance; tests, supplements, inflammation focus.38:20 Birth control + meningioma discussion; hormone caution + research.41:18 Migraine scare + ER fear; stress triggers; clear MRI.44:27 Fear of recurrence; faith + focusing on the present; advice to others.

    52 min
  3. X Ambassadors keyboardist Casey Harris on blindness and the Vision Through Music Program

    May 13

    X Ambassadors keyboardist Casey Harris on blindness and the Vision Through Music Program

    X Ambassadors keyboardist and Grammy-winning musician Casey Harris shares what it’s like living with Leber’s congenital amaurosis and how learning music by ear shaped his career. He also explains why he partnered with Vision Through Music to connect blind and visually impaired kids with trained music teachers and why more educators are urgently needed. Vision Through Music: https://childrenseyefoundation.org/what-we-do/vision-through-music/Sign up for The Wellness Files event: https://www.foxcarolina.com/2026/05/04/join-our-live-event-learn-about-lifestyle-medicine 00:00 Intro01:02 Host welcome; Wellness Files live event + where to watch featured story01:58 Casey’s role with X Ambassadors + Vision Through Music partnership overview02:30 Quick tangent: screens/eye health takeaway03:24 Casey’s upbringing in Ithaca, NY; music-filled home and early lessons05:30 Mentors/teachers + learning to play by ear; jamming as “wordless” communication08:24 Early recording/producing at home; building bands with friends/brother09:49 What his vision is like; adapting to dark venues and fully blind workflows11:46 Ear training/transcription vs. sheet music; how it shaped his musicianship13:21 Diagnosis: Leber’s congenital amaurosis + Senior-Løken syndrome; importance of aides/teachers14:57 Vision Through Music mission: matching/training teachers for blind/low-vision students18:20 More blind musicians he’s met; piano tuning program experience20:00 Call to action: need teachers (incl. Carolinas); virtual training/resources22:19 Why music is empowering for disability community; confidence and purpose24:35 Wrap-up + links/resources; where to follow the podcast/host

    27 min
  4. Should We Put Fluoride in Our Drinking Water? (Part 2)

    May 6

    Should We Put Fluoride in Our Drinking Water? (Part 2)

    A groundbreaking randomized trial in Kinston, North Carolina is testing fluoridated vs. non-fluoridated water in young children to produce the most rigorous evidence yet on fluoride’s real-world benefits today.   00:00 Intro01:01 Quick history setup: how fluoridation began and why it became widespread.01:20 Early clues: mottled teeth but fewer cavities; investigators suspect water.01:40 Fluoride identified in water; dental fluorosis linked to high levels.02:13 Grand Rapids becomes first to fluoridate; endorsements follow.02:38 UNC dentistry expertise and an under-the-radar, ongoing study.03:33 Kinston removes fluoride—setting up the WaterBeST Treatment Study.03:52 Observational vs. randomized research and why randomization matters.04:31 Study design: 200 families, blinded fluoridated vs. non-fluoridated bottled water.04:53 Measuring total fluoride exposure via toenail clippings.05:21 Potential expanded outcomes (e.g., IQ) if funded; results expected 2029.06:34 How fluoride’s cavity-prevention benefit has changed; biggest gains for low-income families.07:20 Promo: live event on lifestyle medicine (May 21, 2026) + wrap-up.

    9 min
  5. Should We Put Fluoride in Our Drinking Water? (Part 1)

    Apr 29

    Should We Put Fluoride in Our Drinking Water? (Part 1)

    Cities across the U.S. are battling over a question that hits close to home: what’s really in your tap water and what could it mean for kids? In Part 1, host Kari Beal goes on the road to investigate fluoride fears concerns, breaking down the latest science on thyroid markers, IQ findings, and why dosage matters, with a leading researcher explaining what we know (and what we still don’t). RSVP for The Wellness files live here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d96a1f3f77b339a49f323e7064032 Studies:Thyroid: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11003687/IQ: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/research/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluorideIQ: https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/fluoride-drinking-water-does-not-harm-childrens-iq 00:00 Tap water question; why fluoride is controversial00:00:37 Welcome + episode setup (broadcast story format)00:01:21 Brevard, NC intro; notable choice: no fluoride in tap water00:02:03 Parent/council member Maurice Jones shares child health concerns00:02:26 Hypothyroidism explained; why fluoride studies worry some families00:02:58 Expert interview: USC chemist Susan Richardson explains fluoride basics00:03:24 Benefits at low levels; risks of too much (fluorosis)00:03:48 EPA level (0.7 mg/L); thyroid review discusses higher exposures (~2.0 mg/L)00:04:24 2025 IQ meta-analysis: higher levels (>1.5 mg/L) linked to small decrease; limits noted00:05:09 “How much water?” Dose matters; bottled water as an option if concerned00:05:36 Topical vs swallowed fluoride; toothpaste use in Jones’ family00:06:11 What’s next: how removing fluoride affects dental health; providers decline due to politics00:06:38 Host adds study context + new IQ study update; links mentioned00:10:05 How to find your local water quality report + fluoride levels00:11:07 Toothpaste backwash + kid toothpaste guidance; host’s personal note00:12:22 Preview Part 2: higher-quality NC randomized study using toenail clippings

    15 min
  6. “I Thought I Was Losing It”: Nisha Patel’s Perimenopause Wake-Up Call—and the Simple Changes That Helped

    Apr 22

    “I Thought I Was Losing It”: Nisha Patel’s Perimenopause Wake-Up Call—and the Simple Changes That Helped

    Nisha Patel thought she was “too young” for perimenopause because her labs were normal, but her mood and body told a different story. We hear from nutrition coach, Bonnie Papajohn on how to spot the real signs, advocate for yourself, and use practical nutrition and workout tweaks to feel like you again.  Sign up to attend The Wellness Files LIVE! https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d96a1f3f77b339a49f323e7064032 02:15 Nisha’s symptom timeline (hot flashes, mood changes) and reluctance about HRT.03:19 Blood test “snapshot” comes back normal; self-doubt.03:52 Meeting Bonnie; coaching support and early wins.06:09 Health history context (IVF, hysterectomy, surrogate).06:33 Hormone testing options: blood vs saliva/DUTCH; tracking hormones across a day.08:11 Bonnie’s background + menopause specialization; why midlife care is changing.10:13 Nutrition changes: eating enough, protein/fiber goals, meal planning/real-life barriers.12:11 Sample meals + hydration; shifting toward chicken/seafood and “colorful” salads.14:54 Inflammation + food sensitivity: journaling, trial-and-tweak (soy/dairy/grains).16:41 Exercise changes: strength training focus, walking/low intensity vs HIIT/cortisol.23:20 Avoiding extremes; stress management + 80/20 approach.26:15 Advocating for yourself: don’t accept dismissal; make specific menopause appointments; find the right provider.

    31 min
  7. This is why your skin breaks out every spring: Seasonal allergies

    Apr 8

    This is why your skin breaks out every spring: Seasonal allergies

    Host Kari Beal talks with functional medicine physician Dr. Katherine Bircheough and esthetician Kim Manganella about how seasonal allergies can show up on your skin, not just your sinuses.

    26 min
  8. Robin Greenfield on Foraging 100% of His Food

    Apr 1

    Robin Greenfield on Foraging 100% of His Food

    Host Kari Beal joins activist and forager Robin Greenfield on a Hendersonville greenway to sample wild edibles and unpack what it means to eat (and live) in closer connection with the earth. Greenfield shares how he reprogrammed his mindset away from consumer culture and even his views on aging and death. 01:42 Homemade, compostable clothing/footwear + living without plastic03:05 Background: leaving a marketing career to live sustainably04:56 Foraging on the greenway: dead nettle; “weeds” as a human concept08:05 Wild onions as an easy starter plant; harvesting/preserving food10:30 Black walnuts + seasonal foraging11:18 Food safety + tasting dock; how to cook wild greens13:44 Foraging meat (roadkill framing), fishing, starches (yams)14:21 Doctor/dentist check-in: body comp + natural dental routine15:33 Another edible (pepper/winter cress) + flavor talk18:04 Tips for beginners: learn one plant at a time; dandelion/rose/grape list21:10 How he learned; building a 100% foraged diet over time22:50 Money/fame: living below poverty line; attention “for the earth”26:11 Vasectomy/choosing no kids/marriage to enable activism risks28:24 Travel + community support; staying with strangers/friends32:46 “Reprogramming the mind,” discomfort, aligning actions with beliefs35:57 Retirement, aging, death: community + acceptance of impermanence39:11 Closing questions for listeners: life you want + beliefs vs actions

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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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