Highly Functional

Sarah from lutruwita/Tasmania
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  • Alternative Health

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

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 14: Rest is resistance & other anti-capitalist love notes

    "Rest is resistance" shows up on tote bags and therapist Instagram stories — but where does it actually come from, and why does choosing to stop feel so hard when you're high-functioning and professionally exhausted? This week: the real origins of the phrase, what burnout research says about why guilt shows up the second you sit still, a very undignified Overland Track story involving medicinal cannabis and a muesli bar shortage, and the launch of two new segments. What we cover: 🌿 Where "rest is resistance" actually comes from, and why the origin matters 🌿 The psychology of productivity guilt (perfectionism trends, the Maslach burnout model) 🌿 NEW: Sesh Confessions, the voicemail segment (working title — send your vote) 🌿 My own confession: muesli-bar disaster on the Overland Track🌿 NEW: Burnout Book Club, featuring Desmond Manderson's High Time Contact me: Got a Sesh Confessions story, a segment name vote, or just want to say hi?Instagram: @highlyfunctionalpodcastEmail: highlyfunctionalpodcast@protonmail.comCitations: Hersey, T. (2022). Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto. Little, Brown and Company. — Foundational text; frames rest as resistance within Black liberation and womanist tradition, not a general wellness framework.Cornell Chronicle (2026). "Hersey ties rest to liberation in 2026 MLK Commemorative Lecture." news.cornell.edu — Recap of Hersey's Feb 2026 Cornell lecture on rest and productivity culture.Curran, T., & Hill, A. P. (2019). "Perfectionism Is Increasing Over Time: A Meta-Analysis of Birth Cohort Differences From 1989 to 2016." Psychological Bulletin, 145(4), 410–429. — Meta-analysis tracking rising perfectionism across generations; useful lens on internalised productivity pressure.Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. — Maslach Burnout Inventory / three-component burnout model (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, reduced accomplishment). Widely used clinical framework, referenced generally.Manderson, D. (2026). High Time: How Australia Changed Its Mind About Illegal Drugs. La Trobe University Press. Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experience and cultural commentary, not medical advice. Medicinal cannabis is a prescription medication in Australia. Please speak with your GP or an authorised prescriber regarding your own health or medication.

    Episode 14: Rest is resistance & other anti-capitalist love notes

  2. Jul 29

    Episode 13: Burnout for Millennials - CBD, Wellness Routines and Psychological Sabotage

    Burnout is chronic for millennials but what does the research say about the medicine we use to help us? Today we deep dive into the real research around CBD and the psychological sabotage of optimisation, wellness routines as another contributor to the burnout cycle and more. Buy the Highly Functional Medicine Journal 10% off with the listener code 'HIGHLYFUNCTIONAL10' SHOW NOTES Curran, T., & Hill, A.P. (2019). "Perfectionism Is Increasing Over Time..." Psychological Bulletin, 145(4), 410–429Maslach, C. — burnout's three-component model (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, reduced personal accomplishment) Gundugurti, P.R., Banda, N., Yadlapalli, S.S.R., et al. (2024). "Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of nanodispersible cannabidiol oral solution (150 mg/mL) versus placebo in mild to moderate anxiety subjects: A double blind multicenter randomized clinical trial." Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 97, 104073. — RCT, n=178, CBD 300–600mg/day vs. placebo over 12 weeks; significant reductions in GAD-7/HAM-A anxiety scores, secondary improvement in PHQ-9 and PSQI sleep scores. Note: industry-funded (Leiutis Pharmaceuticals). Wang, M., Faust, M., Abbott, S., et al. (2025). "Effects of a cannabidiol/terpene formulation on sleep in individuals with insomnia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 21(1), 69–80. — RCT, n=125 enrolled/56 completed, CBD isolate (300mg, >99.9% purity) + 8-terpene blend vs. placebo; objective wrist-tracked sleep data; significant increase in SWS+REM sleep, larger effect in low-baseline and day-sleeper subgroups. Note: industry-funded (Defined Research Inc.). You, Z., Li, X., Ye, N., & Zhang, L. (2023). "Understanding the effect of rumination on sleep quality: A mediation model of negative affect and bedtime procrastination." Current Psychology, 42, 136–144. — n=1,103, ages 17–31; rumination predicts poor sleep quality via negative affect and bedtime procrastination as parallel/serial mediators.

    Episode 13: Burnout for Millennials - CBD, Wellness Routines and Psychological Sabotage

  3. Jul 24

    Episode 12: Chronically Curious: Tailoring Your Endocannabinoid System

    Chronically Curious: Tailoring Your Endocannabinoid System Everyone's endocannabinoid system is different — which means the strain that works wonders for me might do nothing for you (or the opposite). In this episode, I break down why terpenes, THC ratios, and CBD matter way more than "sativa vs indica," and why millennial burnout and anxiety need a personalized approach, not a one-size-fits-all fix. I'm sharing my own trial-and-error journey — the strains and THC levels that helped me sleep, the ones that backfired, and how I landed on vape carts as an easier daily option compared to flower. Plus, a first look at what I'm building: budget spreadsheet templates and strain journal tools to help you track what actually works for your body — because guessing gets expensive. This is my personal experience, not medical advice — if you're exploring cannabis for anxiety or burnout, talk to your GP or an authorised prescriber first. 🌿 What we cover: Why your ECS is as unique as your fingerprintTerpenes 101: pinene, limonene, caryophyllene and what they actually doMy real strain-by-strain journey (the wins and the misses)Carts vs. flower — which is actually easier day-to-dayA sneak peek at the budget + strain-tracking tools I'm buildingBuy it here: Highly Functional Medicine Journal - Etsy Australia

    Episode 12: Chronically Curious: Tailoring Your Endocannabinoid System

  4. Jul 15

    Episode 11: From Tim Tams to Chemo Wards: The Real Science of THC and Appetite

    The "munchies" is real neuroscience, not just a stoner cliché — THC hijacks the brain's hunger and reward circuitry, and this episode breaks down exactly how. But we take it further than the joke usually goes: how synthetic THC became an FDA-approved lifeline for AIDS-related wasting in the 1980s, why appetite loss is a common (and normal) side effect of ADHD stimulant meds, and whether a lesser-known cannabinoid called THCV really deserves its "diet weed" reputation. Along the way, a cautionary tale from pharma history — the CB1-blocking weight-loss drug that worked, until it very much didn't — and why GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic aren't cannabis's cousin, despite what wellness TikTok says. Content note: this episode discusses appetite, hunger, and eating in a medical/scientific context — not diet advice. Skip or save it if that's not where your head's at right now. Educational commentary only; talk to your GP about anything specific to you. THC, the munchies, and the hypothalamus Endocannabinoids: An appetite for fat — PNAS/PMC (mechanism of CB1 activation and food intake): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3150924 Hypothalamic cannabinoid signaling: Consequences for eating behavior — PMC: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11331011 Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors Inhibit Gut-Brain Satiation Signaling in Diet-Induced Obesity — PMC: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6597959 Dronabinol / cancer & AIDS-related appetite loss Dronabinol — StatPearls, NIH Bookshelf: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557531 Dronabinol oral solution in the management of anorexia and weight loss in AIDS and cancer — PMC: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5896684 Jatoi A, Windschitl HE, et al. Dronabinol Versus Megestrol Acetate Versus Combination Therapy for Cancer-Associated Anorexia. J Clin Oncol, 2002. Stimulant medication and appetite (Vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine) Vyvanse full prescribing information — adult ADHD trial appetite data (FDA label, via RxList/GoodRx compilations) THCV ("diet weed") Tetrahydrocannabivarin is Not Tetrahydrocannabinol — Haghdoost et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2025. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38995871 The role of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in metabolic disorders — PMC: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12011981 Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for obesity and diabetes — Journal of Cannabis Research: link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7 Rimonabant / Acomplia Requiem for Rimonabant: Therapeutic Potential for CB1 Antagonists after the Fall — MDPI: mdpi.com/2813-2998/2/3/35 Seventeen years since rimonabant's downfall: reassessing its suicidality risk profile — Cohen, Obesity, 2024. doi: 10.1002/oby.24019 GLP-1 / semaglutide mechanism  How semaglutide works — Mayo Clinic Diet: diet.mayoclinic.org Disclaimer: This episode is educational commentary 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, medication, or appetite concerns.

    Episode 11: From Tim Tams to Chemo Wards: The Real Science of THC and Appetite

  5. Jul 9

    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

    Episode 10: Budgeting, Barriers & Breaking Bias 

  6. Jul 5

    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.

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

  7. Jun 30

    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!

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

  8. Jun 25

    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.

    Episode 7: The Sobriety Paradox
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah from lutruwita/Tasmania
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sarah from lutruwita/Tasmania
  • Show Website
    Highly Functional