Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan

Concierge Medicine Of West Michigan
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Science Over Hype.  Values Over Virality. Vitals & Values is where evidence-based health meets unapologetic truth. Hosted by Dr. Lara (@lbaat), a concierge MD reshaping modern medicine, and David Roden (@Fit_DRock), a transformation coach who lost over 200 pounds and lived to tell the tale, this podcast isn’t here to go viral—it’s here to tell the truth. Every episode dives deep into: 🧬 Medicine & Metabolic Health🥦 Nutrition & Sustainable Weight Loss🏋️‍♂️ Fitness & Habit Formation✝ Christian Faith & Spiritual Stewardship💭 Mental Health & Lifestyle Resets 📅 Weekly Format: Vitals Check – Clinical clarity from Dr. LaraValues in Focus – Real-world forces behind health: mindset, faith, emotions, relationships, identity, and environmentThe Honest Table – Candid convos & unfiltered guestsThe Real Takeaway – A lifestyle or mindset challenge for the week This isn’t wellness theater. It’s not guru culture. It’s a movement for people who want to think critically, live intentionally, and take their health personally. 🎧 New episodes every Friday 📲 Follow @lbaat & @Fit_DRock on Instagram/TikTok 💼 Brought to you by Concierge Medicine of West Michigan – @cmwestmichiganThe information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your personal physician before making changes to your health routine.

  1. 1D AGO

    Can We Trust America’s Nutrition Guidelines? RFK Jr., HHS, and the Politics of Food

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, David Roden and Lara discuss the recently released dietary guidelines, exploring their history, evolution, and implications for public health. They analyze the new recommendations, focusing on protein intake, saturated fat, whole grains, and alcohol consumption, while emphasizing the importance of understanding these guidelines in the context of population health rather than individual dietary choices. The conversation highlights the marketing aspects of dietary recommendations and the challenges of implementing these guidelines effectively across different social classes. Takeaways Dietary guidelines have been published every five years since 1980. The focus of dietary guidelines has shifted from preventing deficiencies to reducing chronic disease. The guidelines are designed for population-level health, not individual dietary advice. Understanding serving sizes is crucial for making informed dietary choices. The new guidelines prioritize protein intake, which is a positive shift. Saturated fat recommendations remain unchanged, raising questions about their effectiveness. Whole grains are emphasized, but the public's adherence to these recommendations is low. Alcohol consumption guidelines are vague and less strict compared to other dietary recommendations. The marketing of dietary guidelines can mislead the public about healthy eating. Implementation of dietary guidelines is a significant challenge, especially across different social classes.

    39 min

  2. JAN 16

    “Profit vs. Patients?” A Real Conversation About Big Pharma

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of "Vitals and Values," David Roden and Dr. Lara delve into the complex relationship between patients, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. David shares his personal experiences as a patient needing medication and discusses the common blame placed on Big Pharma for health issues. The conversation challenges the stigma surrounding pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing that while profit is a primary motive, it does not equate to a desire to harm patients. They explore the significant costs of research and development in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting that many drugs fail to reach the market, and the companies must recoup losses from successful products.  The discussion shifts to the broader context of health, where David argues that lifestyle choices play a crucial role in chronic diseases, often overshadowed by the focus on pharmaceutical solutions. They emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in health management, advocating for lifestyle changes over solely relying on medications. The episode concludes with a call for a balanced view of the pharmaceutical industry, recognizing both its contributions to health and the need for critical scrutiny of its practices. Takeaways Big Pharma's primary goal is profit, but that doesn't mean they want to harm patients. Lifestyle choices significantly impact health and chronic diseases. Pharmaceutical companies invest billions in R&D, with many drugs failing to reach the market. Patients often blame Big Pharma for health issues without considering their own lifestyle choices. Wellness influencers can profit similarly to pharmaceutical companies, yet criticize them for profit motives.

    32 min

  3. JAN 9

    6 Health & Wellness Trends That Will Explode in 2026

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, David and Lara discuss the evolving landscape of health and wellness, focusing on the distinction between building health and buying health. They explore trends such as the increasing emphasis on protein consumption, the rise of microdosing pharmaceuticals, and the popularity of peptide stacking. The conversation also touches on the implications of direct-to-consumer lab testing and the concerning trend of medicalizing normal experiences. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in health management and the need for a deeper understanding of health beyond quick fixes. Takeaways The distinction between building health and buying health is crucial. Protein consumption is becoming a central focus in health trends. Microdosing pharmaceuticals is gaining traction among individuals. Peptide stacking is becoming increasingly popular in fitness and wellness communities. Direct-to-consumer lab testing is expected to grow and become more personalized. Medicalizing normal experiences can lead to misdiagnosis and deflection of responsibility. Not all discomforts or issues require a medical diagnosis. The importance of understanding dosage in pharmaceuticals and supplements cannot be overstated. People often seek quick fixes rather than addressing root causes of health issues. Taking responsibility for one's health is essential for true wellness.

    37 min

  4. 12/26/2025

    “Doritos Are Healthy Now?”: Why Fixating on Food Dyes Is Missing the Point

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg discuss the pervasive issues within diet culture, particularly the fixation on specific food components like artificial dyes and the misconceptions surrounding hyper-processed foods. They emphasize the importance of understanding overall dietary habits, focusing on whole foods, and the role of calories in achieving health goals. The conversation critiques the marketing tactics that lead consumers to believe that eliminating certain ingredients makes foods healthier, while neglecting the bigger picture of nutrition and health. Takeaways Diet culture often fixates on specific chemicals rather than overall nutrition. Hyper-processed foods are not inherently unhealthy, but their consumption patterns are problematic. The removal of food dyes does not necessarily make a product healthier. People often rationalize unhealthy eating habits by focusing on single ingredients. Understanding calories and whole foods is crucial for a healthy diet. Diet culture leads to majoring in the minors, missing the bigger picture of nutrition. It's important to focus on what you're doing right in your diet, rather than what you're avoiding. The misconception that certain foods are healthy because they lack specific ingredients is widespread. Nutrition is complex, and simple solutions are often misleading. Empowering individuals to understand the basics of nutrition can lead to better health outcomes.

    36 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    Should Babies Really Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth? | Dr Terry Simpson

    Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Dr. Lara Baatenburg, David Roden, and Dr. Terry Simpson discuss the importance of the hepatitis B vaccine, particularly its administration at birth. They explore the historical context of hepatitis B in Alaska, the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, and the challenges posed by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Simpson shares his personal experiences and insights as a virologist and physician, emphasizing the need for early vaccination to prevent serious health issues. The discussion also touches on the role of social media in shaping public perceptions of vaccines and the importance of clear communication between healthcare providers and patients. Takeaways Vaccination at birth is crucial for preventing hepatitis B. Dr. Simpson has extensive experience with hepatitis B in Alaska. The hepatitis B vaccine has proven to be effective and safe. Misinformation about vaccines can lead to hesitancy. Social media plays a significant role in vaccine discussions. Understanding the science behind vaccines is essential for informed decisions. Delaying vaccination poses risks to infants. Personal stories can highlight the importance of vaccination. Perceptions of vaccines have changed over time due to misinformation. Vaccination is a key component of public health strategy.

    40 min

  6. 12/12/2025

    Faith and Ambition: A Journey Together

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg explore the intersection of faith and ambition, discussing how their beliefs anchor their relationships and guide their decisions in high-pressure situations. They share personal experiences of navigating change, managing anxiety, and the importance of trusting God's plan in their professional and personal lives. The conversation highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between ambition and faith, the role of ignorance in pursuing success, and the journey of building a practice while remaining grounded in their beliefs. As they look ahead, they express excitement for the future and the unknown paths that lie ahead, emphasizing the importance of obedience and striving to do their best. Takeaways Faith plays a crucial role in managing ambition and relationships. Navigating change can be chaotic but also rewarding. Anxiety can be mitigated by trusting in God's plan. Ignorance can sometimes lead to unexpected success. It's important to find a balance between ambition and faith. God's timing is often different from our own expectations. Building a practice requires faith and perseverance. Personal experiences shape our understanding of success. The journey is as important as the destination. Embracing the unknown can lead to exciting opportunities.

    37 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    Online Lab Testing Explained: Accuracy, Cost, and Red Flags

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the growing trend of ordering lab tests online, particularly focusing on Function Health. They explore the pros and cons of such tests, the importance of understanding blood test results, and the context in which these tests are interpreted. The conversation also delves into hormone testing, cholesterol levels, and the significance of nutritional testing. The hosts emphasize a patient-centric approach to lab testing, advocating for informed decisions and the need for clear communication between patients and healthcare providers. Takeaways Function Health promotes longevity through detailed lab testing. Online lab tests can be less personalized than traditional methods. Patients often misunderstand the necessity of certain tests. False alarms from lab tests can cause unnecessary anxiety. Not all tests are validated for general screening. Understanding the context of lab results is crucial. Hormone testing requires timing within the menstrual cycle. Cholesterol testing guidelines vary by age and health status. Nutritional testing may not always provide actionable insights. Patient education is key to navigating lab test results. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Online Lab Testing 02:59 Exploring Function Health and Its Offerings 05:56 The Pros and Cons of Online Lab Tests 08:29 Understanding Blood Test Results 11:06 Hormone Testing and Its Implications 14:15 Cholesterol and Heart Health Testing 17:03 Nutritional Testing and Its Relevance 20:12 Cortisol and Stress Testing 22:49 Understanding Lab Tests and Their Costs 25:12 Patient-Centric Approach to Lab Testing 28:28 Interpreting Lab Results: The Challenge 31:06 Nutrition Recommendations from Lab Tests 35:24 The Debate on Processed Foods and Supplements

    41 min

  8. 11/28/2025

    “Doctor vs. Doctor?” Inside the Real Relationship Between MDs & Chiropractors

    Send us a text Summary In this engaging conversation, David Roden, Seth, and Lara Baatenburg explore the multifaceted world of chiropractic care. They discuss personal experiences, the importance of understanding the nervous system, and the impact of insurance models on treatment approaches. The conversation delves into the rigorous education and training required for chiropractors, the evolution of chiropractic practices, and the significance of evidence-based methods in patient care. Throughout the discussion, the importance of patient perspectives and expectations is emphasized, highlighting the need for effective communication and understanding in the healing process. Takeaways Chiropractic care can significantly improve quality of life for patients with chronic pain. The relationship between chiropractors and patients is crucial for effective treatment. Understanding the nervous system is essential in rehabilitation practices. Insurance models can influence treatment approaches in chiropractic care. Education and training in chiropractic are rigorous and similar to medical school. Chiropractors can specialize in various fields, enhancing their treatment capabilities. The effectiveness of treatments often relies on the skill of the practitioner. Patient expectations can shape their treatment journey and outcomes. Evidence-based practices are vital in ensuring effective patient care. The healthcare system often complicates the treatment process for patients. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections 04:23 Understanding Chiropractic Training and Practice 09:18 Insurance Models and Their Impact on Care 14:04 The Evolution of Chiropractic and Its Misconceptions 18:59 The Role of Movement and Rehabilitation in Chiropractic 22:36 Understanding Movement and Rehabilitation 25:35 Assessing Rehabilitation Effectiveness 28:50 The Challenge of Patient Expectations 31:22 Navigating Patient Care and Expectations 32:05 The Impact of Footwear on Movement 33:01 Therapeutic Input and Proprioception 34:13 Evaluating Therapy Effectiveness 34:42 The Scope of Practice in Rehabilitation 36:16 Understanding Gut Health and Therapy 37:56 The Power of Reflex Stimulation 40:01 The Importance of Skilled Therapy 41:31 The Challenges of Evidence-Based Medicine 43:28 Identifying Red and Yellow Flags in Care 44:28 The Role of Imaging in Treatment Decisions 45:39 Concluding Thoughts on Patient Care

    48 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Science Over Hype.  Values Over Virality. Vitals & Values is where evidence-based health meets unapologetic truth. Hosted by Dr. Lara (@lbaat), a concierge MD reshaping modern medicine, and David Roden (@Fit_DRock), a transformation coach who lost over 200 pounds and lived to tell the tale, this podcast isn’t here to go viral—it’s here to tell the truth. Every episode dives deep into: 🧬 Medicine & Metabolic Health🥦 Nutrition & Sustainable Weight Loss🏋️‍♂️ Fitness & Habit Formation✝ Christian Faith & Spiritual Stewardship💭 Mental Health & Lifestyle Resets 📅 Weekly Format: Vitals Check – Clinical clarity from Dr. LaraValues in Focus – Real-world forces behind health: mindset, faith, emotions, relationships, identity, and environmentThe Honest Table – Candid convos & unfiltered guestsThe Real Takeaway – A lifestyle or mindset challenge for the week This isn’t wellness theater. It’s not guru culture. It’s a movement for people who want to think critically, live intentionally, and take their health personally. 🎧 New episodes every Friday 📲 Follow @lbaat & @Fit_DRock on Instagram/TikTok 💼 Brought to you by Concierge Medicine of West Michigan – @cmwestmichiganThe information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your personal physician before making changes to your health routine.

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