Illumined Wellness Podcast

Andrew Laubacher

Teaching people the art of living human.

Episodes

  1. 14h ago

    “Always Forward, Never Back”: 45 Days Filming the Path of Junípero Serra

    Who was Saint Junípero Serra, and why is he so controversial? Documentary director Zach Fiedler joins the Illumined Wellness podcast to talk about the life of Saint Junípero Serra: the Franciscan friar from Mallorca who left a university professorship to become a missionary in Mexico and California. Zach spent years reading Serra’s letters and journals and tracing his route from Petra, Mallorca to Mexico City to the California missions. He then filmed a documentary series about it. We cover: Serra’s journey from a tiny Mallorcan village to the missions of Mexico and CaliforniaThe leg infection he carried for about 20 years, and how close he came to dying on the walk to CaliforniaThe motto “Siempre adelante, nunca atrás” (“Always forward, never back”)The statue removals and the main accusations against him (racism, slavery, disease, mistreatment of Native Californians), and what Zach found in the primary sourcesThe forgotten story of Mission San Antonio and the bell Serra rang for nearly an hourWhy Zach calls his documentary “a love letter to California” and a defense of SerraWhy the saints are your friends, and how ordinary people can live out their faith Links from Episode 🔗 Find Zach Fiedler: 👉 Instagram: @zachfiedler 👉 Substack: https://substack.com/@zachfiedler 👉https://tr.ee/EUqkS43TH1 🔗 Andrew's work: 👉 IlluminedWellness.com | humanality.org | smart-families.org 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human.   Medical Disclaimer: The content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  2. Sep 29

    The End of Autoimmunity: Dr. Stillman on Fixing What Medicine Missed

    Why do high-achieving, driven people get hit hardest by autoimmune disease — and what can you actually do about it? In this episode, Dr. Stillman (author of The End of Autoimmunity) breaks down why autoimmunity tends to strike the most capable, conscientious people in the prime of their lives — and why chronic fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation are so often just the surface labels for deeper issues like heavy metal burden, mold toxicity, hidden infections, and nutritional deficiencies. We get into: 🔆 Why morning sunlight is non-negotiable (and what to do if you live somewhere dark and cold) 🌙 The hidden cost of artificial light at night — from shift work to carotid artery plaque 🧠 The "driven" personality type and why it makes you more prone to burnout and autoimmune flare-ups 🍽️ The simple habit shift (moving your dinner time up) that can transform your sleep 💛 Why five minutes of encouragement a day matters more than you think If you're tired, foggy, and feel like something's "off" even though your labs look normal — this one's for you. 📖 New book: The End of Autoimmunity Find Dr. Stillman on social media! @StillmanMD Dr Stillman's Products  Links from Episode 🔗 Find Dr. Stillman: 👉 Instagram/X/Facebook: @StillmanMD 👉 Substack: drstillmanuncensored.com 👉https://stillmanmd.com/  🔗 Andrew's work: 👉 IlluminedWellness.com | humanality.org | smart-families.org 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human.   Medical Disclaimer: The content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  3. Sep 3

    9. Shereen Yusuff- From Islam to Catholicism: Her Unlikely Road to Christ

    From Tennis Prodigy to Petroleum Engineer to Mystic: Shereen Yusuff's Journey to Christ Shereen Yusuff's story defies a single category. Raised in Oman as a nationally ranked tennis player training four hours a day, she lost her sport to academics, became a petroleum engineer, and spent years chasing meaning through Ironmans, ultra-marathons, and high-altitude mountaineering across 60+ countries. Along the way she moved from a devout Muslim upbringing into indifferent atheism — only to be pulled back toward God through an overwhelming, unexplainable encounter in a restaurant in Warsaw. In this episode, Shereen traces that winding path: her return to Islam, the mystical experiences that followed, a surprising call from Christ that led her — through the Missionaries of Charity — into the Catholic Church out of obedience rather than logic. She and Andrew dig into what it actually felt like to encounter divine love for the first time, why she believes Islam prepared her for Catholicism rather than opposing it, and how she now combines her Wim Hof, Buteyko, and Oxygen Advantage breathwork certifications with a distinctly Catholic spirituality to help people access "the heart" — the subject of her book, Seeking the Spirit Within. Topics covered: Growing up a competitive tennis player and the trauma of leaving the sportLosing and rediscovering faith across cultures and continentsA profound spiritual experience in Poland and what followedTransitioning from a devout Muslim life to CatholicismMeeting Wim Hof and becoming a breathwork teacherThe framework behind her 12-week book/program on breath, the heart, and loveEncouragement for anyone who's "done all the right things" but hasn't yet felt that encounter with God Medical Disclaimer: The content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content. Links from Episode Shereen's Book: Seeking the Spirit Within: https://sites.prh.com/seeking-the-spirit-within-book  🔗 Find Shereen: 👉 Instagram: @shereenyusuff 👉 LinkedIn: Shereen Yusuff 👉Facebook: Shereen Yusuff👉Email: info@suda-prem.com👉Website: suda-prem.com 🔗 Andrew's work: 👉 IlluminedWellness.com | humanality.org | smart-families.org🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human.

  4. Aug 14

    8. Aubrey Strobel: Bitcoin, Catholic Faith & Fear of Death

    Aubrey Strobel left journalism for Bitcoin, and somehow her faith got stronger along the way, not weaker. This one's about money, AI, dying, and why none of it fixes what you actually need. ⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 The Changing Landscape of New York City03:12 Aubrey's Journey to New York and Career Evolution06:01 Exploring Bitcoin and Financial Literacy08:44 The Complex Relationship with Money12:06 Faith Journey and Personal Growth17:54 Rediscovering Faith and Spirituality23:34 The Impact of Technology and AI on Humanity32:04 Fear of Death and NDEs39:00 Finding Contentment and Encouragement in the Single Life 🔗 Aubrey Strobel:👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAubservation👉 Ave Series: https://www.instagram.com/ave.series/?hl=en👉 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aubreystrobel?lang=en 🔗 Andrew's work:👉 https://www.illuminedwellness.com/ | https://www.humanality.org/ | https://www.smart-families.org/ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human. #Faith #Bitcoin #Catholic #Relationships #NewYorkCity Medical DisclaimerThe content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  5. Aug 6

    7. Paul George: Masculinity Is About Different Kinds of Hard--Which One Are You Missing?

    What does it actually mean to be a man? Paul George — author of Holy Grit — joins Andrew to break down masculinity, hard things, and why so many men bury their emotional wounds instead of facing them. 🔗 Paul George's work:👉 Book, "Holy Grit" https://www.avemariapress.com/products/holy-grit 🔗 Andrew's work:👉 https://www.illuminedwellness.com/ | https://www.humanality.org/ | https://www.smart-families.org/ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human. #Masculinity #Faith #MensMinistry #ChristianLiving #HolyGrits --- Medical DisclaimerThe content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  6. Jul 30

    6. Dr. Bob Schuchts: The Sacramental Path To Deep Healing

    Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and bestselling author of Be Healed, opens up about his own mental health struggles, decades of waiting before writing his first book, and the biblical framework he uses to help people heal. 🔗 Dr. Bob Schuchts' work:👉 John Paul II Healing Center: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/👉 Be Healed: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/product/be-healed-dr-bob-schuchts-copy/ 🔗 Andrew's work:👉 https://www.illuminedwellness.com/ | https://www.humanality.org/ | https://www.smart-families.org/ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human. #BeHealed #InnerHealing #CatholicPodcast #FaithAndTherapy #HealingJourney Medical DisclaimerThe content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  7. Jul 23

    5. Edmund Mitchell: Why "AI Doom vs. Boom" Is a False Dichotomy for Christians

    Should we fear AI, or trust it? Andrew Laubacher sits down with Edmund Mitchell for a raw, unscripted conversation about faith, AI, and what it means to stay human. What we cover:- Why "doom vs. boom" is a false choice when it comes to AI- The requisite organization theory of thinking in nuance instead of certainty- ADHD, entrepreneurship, and why intrinsic motivation matters more than ever- What's broken about the standard American education system- Edmund's divorce, the mystery of suffering, and finding God in the middle of it- One simple word of encouragement for anyone in the thick of a hard season 🔗 Edmund Mitchell:👉 Edmund's site: https://www.edmundmitchell.com/👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundmitchell/?hl=en 🔗 Andrew's work:👉 https://www.illuminedwellness.com/ | https://www.humanality.org/ | https://www.smart-families.org/ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human. #FaithAndAI #ChristianPodcast #ADHD --- Medical DisclaimerThe content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  8. Jul 16

    4. Justin Bonanno: What the Internet Is Doing to Your Soul

    What is the internet actually doing to the human person? Ave Maria University professor Justin Bonanno joins Andrew to trace how every major communications technology has reshaped what it means to be human. - The "tech idiot paradigm" — why saying "it's just a tool" keeps us blind   to what technology actually costs us- Walker Percy and Susan Sontag saw the photograph problem coming long before   Instagram existed- Why curiosity itself can become a vice, and how Aquinas's virtue of   temperance applies to how much content we consume- The concept of discarnation — how media pulls us out of our bodies — and   why the internet does it more intensely than anything before it- One word that can reorient your relationship to your phone, your community,   and your faith: participation 🔗 Justin Bonanno:👉 Blog / Substack: teachdelightmove.com👉 Media Ecology Association: [add link] 🔗 Andrew's work:👉 https://www.illuminedwellness.com/ | https://www.humanality.org/ | https://www.smart-families.org/ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human. #MediaEcology #DigitalWellness #ArtOfLivingHuman --- Medical DisclaimerThe content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  9. Jul 2

    2. Dr. Nicholas Kardaras: How Social Media Manipulates Your Personality

    Are screens quietly reshaping who we are — and are we past the point of no return? Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, one of America's foremost addiction experts, breaks down the real mental health crisis unfolding right now. Why young people are being diagnosed with personality disorders that disappear after 4 weeks offline?How social media algorithms deliberately exploit your psychological vulnerabilities.The "aspirational illness" phenomenon — why teens are now begging for psychiatric diagnoses.What AI, the Singularity, and tech's God complex mean for the future of human flourishing.Practical ingredients for reclaiming your mind, your relationships, and your humanity. 🔗 Dr. Nicholas Kardaras: 👉 Omega Recovery (Austin, TX — residential, ages 17–35): https://www.omegarecovery.org👉 NY Center for Living (outpatient, adolescents–young adults): https://www.centerforliving.org👉 Glow Kids — https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250146557/glowkids/👉 Digital Madness — https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250472663/digitalmadness/ 🔗 Andrew's work: 👉 IlluminedWellness.com | humanality.org | smart-families.org🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human.#MentalHealth #DigitalAddiction #TechAndMentalHealth Medical Disclaimer The content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional.Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC.If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.

  10. Jun 25

    1. Tristan Scott: The Light in Your Home Is Silently Sabotaging Your Health

    Could light be the most important thing you're getting wrong every day? Tristan Scott is an Electrical Engineer (M.S.) and current Head of Operations & Hardware at Daylight Computer Co. He has deeply researched the connection between electromagnetism and human biology, with a specific interest in how man made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) could be negatively impacting human health. He is now applying that knowledge at Daylight Computer, whose mission as a company is to create technology that is healthier and more synergistic with humanity. Andrew sits down with Tristan to unpack one of the most overlooked foundations of human health: your light environment. This episode explains the science behind why. 🔗 Find Tristan: 👉 Instagram/X: @tristan__scott 👉 Substack: http://tristanhealth.substack.com 👉 Daylight Computer: DaylightComputer.com 👉 Incandescent bulbs: DaylightComputer.com/labs 🔗 Andrew's work: 👉 IlluminedWellness.com | humanality.org | smart-families.org🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human. Medical DisclaimerThe content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content. #LightTherapy #CircadianRhythm #DaylightComputer

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Teaching people the art of living human.

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