

Intentionally Well
Vanessa Lopez
A podcast for those ready to unlearn, relearn, and walk with intention toward true well-being. Together, we explore what it really means to be well—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. With open minds and honest hearts, we dive into evolving conversations that challenge mainstream health narratives and invite deeper understanding. Expect thoughtful guests, perspective-shifting insight, and a space that honors both curiosity and conviction.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 18, 2026 • 13min
A Little Check-In + Sneak Peek at What's Coming
Send Vanessa a Text MessageSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastThis episode is a quick, in-between episode — a few clips from my conversation with Dr. Pamela Cipriano that I wanted to share. The full, rerecorded episode will feature a complete conversation with all the stories and insights, and is really where the full value is. Think of this as a sneak peek to give you a sense of what’s coming.These clips touch on misdiagnosis, hidden drivers of disease, and factors that conventional medicine often overlooks. They are valuable perspectives on their own, even before the full episode is ready.If you haven’t already, check out the most recent episode (98) with Matt Blackburn, and feel free to explore older episodes, recommended products, and other resources on the website.I wanted to share these clips because I felt they were worth hearing, even before the full conversation is ready. I hope they give you a little insight and something to think about. Connect with Vanessa and the Podcast:Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com Support the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Mar 4, 2026 • 2h 41min
Burnout, Cellular Aging & The CLF Protocol: What Most Health Advice Misses | Matt Blackburn
Send Vanessa a Text MessageMitolife Listener Code: Vanessa15 for 15% off at https://www.mitolife.co/Feeling exhausted, burned out, or like your health efforts aren’t giving you the results you want? In this episode, I sit down with repeat-guest Matt Blackburn, founder of Mitolife, to explore the hidden drivers of burnout, cellular aging, and chronic degeneration.Matt explains his CLF protocol (calcification, lipofuscin, and fibrosis), and how these processes affect energy, recovery, and long-term health. We discuss why conventional wellness advice like “eat clean, sleep well, get sun” is essential but often not enough in today’s modern, high-stress, high-toxin world. In his well-researched opinion, strategic and foundational supplementation can provide the support your body needs to recover and thrive.We touch on:The science of calcification, fibrosis, and lipofuscinHow modern stressors and environmental toxins impact recoveryKey nutrients that support cellular health (Examples: Vitamin E, Vitamin K2, etc.)Systemic enzyme therapy and why it mattersHis recent experience with peptide therapyListener questions about health foundations, supplements, and practical takeawaysThis episode is for anyone ready to go deeper than surface-level health advice. We break down the foundations most people overlook and highlight strategies that can truly help your body recover, perform, and thrive.Connect with Mitolife/Matt Blackburn:Mitolife Website (use code Vanessa15 for 15% off): https://www.mitolife.co/Instagram: @mattblackburnMitolife Instagram: @mitolifeMitolife YouTube Channel: Mitolife OfficialMitolife Radio Podcast: Apple PodcastsPeptide Resource: Peptide InitiativeConnect with the Podcast:Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 23min
HRT: Dangerous or Life-Changing? The Truth Women Need at Any Age with Dr. Sarah Daccarett
Send Vanessa a Text MessageListener Discount ($50 off Inner Balance) —Click here to redeem the podcast codeSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastAre hormones really the root driver of so many of the challenges women face, from brain fog and fatigue to anxiety, sleep issues, libido changes, and gut struggles? And is hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, something every woman should consider, or something to fear? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett, MD, founder of Inner Balance and a nationally recognized expert in women’s hormone health, longevity, and bioidentical hormone optimization. We dive into why she has seen so many women are chase all the wrong solutions for their health, like gut protocols, weight loss, supplements, etc., when hormones may actually be the main driver. We dive into why many women start HRT later than they might need to, and what earlier support could look like. Along the way, we unpack common misconceptions about HRT and natural aging, and explore how timing, dosage, and delivery systems can make all the difference. We also look at the broader picture of how hormones influence immunity, metabolism, sexual health, and brain function, and why fear and misinformation around HRT continue to persist.I share my own questions, hesitations, and devil’s advocate thoughts throughout the conversation, and reflect on how this discussion has somewhat shifted my perspective. This is a nuanced and practical conversation for women of all ages who want to understand their bodies more deeply, make informed choices, and reclaim clarity and agency in their health.Whether you are curious, cautious, or already on your HRT journey, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and insight, with no hype, no fear, and just real information. Connect with Dr. Sarah and Inner Balance:Inner Balance Website: Inner BalanceInner Balance on Instagram: @innerbalancemdDr. Sarah Daccarett on Instagram: @sarahdaccarettmdConnect with the Podcast:Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com Support the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Feb 4, 2026 • 2h 28min
BEST OF IWP | The Penalty for Evolving Publicly: The Health Benefits of Changing Your Mind with Matt Blackburn
Send Vanessa a Text MessageOriginal air date: 7/16/2024Mitolife listener code (15% off any order): VANESSA15In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Matt Blackburn, founder of Mitolife and host of the Mitolife Radio podcast. This discussion explores what it means to change your mind thoughtfully in a space that often rewards certainty and punishes nuance. Matt shares his journey of evolving perspectives in health and wellness, why authenticity matters, and how navigating judgment can impact both personal growth and health decisions.We also dive into several areas where Matt has shifted his thinking over time, including:Iron metabolism, ferritin markers, and anemiaVitamin C: whole food versus ascorbic acidZinc supplementationThe broader tendency to demonize nutrients and supplementsThis episode also serves as a foundation for an updated conversation coming soon, where Matt and I will continue to chat about the everchanging field of health and wellness.Connect with Matt:Mitolife Website: Mitolife (Vanessa15 for 15% off)Matt Blackburn on Instagram: Matt BlackburnMitolife on TikTok: @mitolifeofficialConnect with the Podcast:Website: Intentionally Well PodcastSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

21 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 2h 19min
Red Light Therapy in 2026: What’s Changed, What’s Safe, and What Actually Matters with Andrew LaTour
Join Andrew LaTour, founder of GembaRed and a red light therapy expert, as he clarifies the latest on photobiomodulation. He explains how red and near-infrared light interact with our cells and the confusion around intensity and dosing. Andrew busts myths about high-intensity devices and discusses safety concerns, emphasizing the importance of proper exposure time. He also provides practical advice on effective red light usage, from treating specific areas to enhancing sleep. This insightful conversation cuts through the noise of misinformation.

Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 53min
Your Pain Is Real, But Is It Always Accurate? — with Vinny Crispino
Send Vanessa a Text MessageSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastHere, I sit down with Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy, for a highly unconventional conversation that moves far beyond a traditional interview. What unfolds is a raw, real-time exploration of pain, compensation, nervous system protection, and the complex relationship we develop with our bodies when healing doesn’t follow a straight line. Vinny shares his perspective on why pain is always real, but not always accurate, how the nervous system can confuse discomfort with danger, and why adaptive patterns that once protected us can later become part of the problem. Throughout the episode, I’m used as a live example—making this conversation deeply personal, vulnerable, and honest. If you’ve ever worked hard at your health and still felt stuck, unseen, or confused by your body, this conversation is for you.Explore Vinny Crispino’s work at Pain Academy Follow Pain Academy on Instagram: @painacademyCheck out Pain Academy on YouTube: Pain Academy YouTubeConnect with the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 34min
Why Your Gut Isn’t Healing, Despite Everything You’ve Tried with Dr. Kate Davis
Send Vanessa a Text MessageSupport the Intentionally Well PodcastIf you have frustratingly questioned why your gut just won’t heal, no matter how many diets, protocols, or supplements you’ve tried, you are not alone...and today’s episode brings clarity, insight, and practical guidance for anyone who has felt stuck in their gut healing journey.I’m joined by Dr. Kate Davis, a Functional Medicine doctor who personally spent nearly a decade struggling with chronic gut issues—from bloating and constipation to IBS and acid reflux—before discovering a massive parasite infection. Her journey transformed the way she approaches gut health, and she’s since helped hundreds of people address chronic gut challenges in a safe, practical, and sustainable way. In this conversation, we dive into: Why gut symptoms keep returning even when you feel like you’re doing everything rightThe critical role of hidden infections, stress, and organ function in gut healthHow to approach healing in the right sequence for lasting resultsPractical, actionable insights you can start applying immediatelyWhether you’ve felt like you’ve tried everything or just want a deeper understanding of how your body really works, this episode offers a fresh perspective on supporting gut health without extremes or fear.Connect with Dr. Kate Davis and Resources:Dr. Kate Davis — Website Visit Dr. Kate’s WebsiteDr. Kate on Instagram: Exclusive Listener Offer DM Dr. Kate on Instagram with the word “100” for $100 off an initial consult + labs package.Books Mentioned: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art Find the book on Amazon and The Oxygen Advantage Find the book on AmazonLymphatic System Episode Mentioned: Listen to the Lymphatic System GuideConnect with the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.com Support the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 41min
The Wellness Noise: Overwhelm, Confusion, and Finding Your Own Path with Caitlin Warrington
Send Vanessa a Text MessageFor listeners: Shop FATSKN and use code VANESSA15 at checkout for 15% offFeeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, health advice, and the pressure heal or get it all “right” with your health? In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Warrington, founder of FATSKN, for a candid conversation about what it really means to navigate the modern wellness world.Some of what we talk about:How Caitlin has evolved her approach to health over the yearsSeasonal eating, how light plays a role, and the basics on deuterium’s importanceSticking to what works for you, even if it looks extreme to othersThe difference between knowledge and action when it comes to wellnessFinding your intuition again in a world full of noiseTroubleshooting real-life challenges without relying solely on external adviceThe value of mistakes, contrast, and learning from the harder parts of the journeyWhether you’re drowning in conflicting health advice, curious about balancing trends with real-life choices, or just want to hear a relaxed, practical conversation about wellness, this episode has insights for everyone. Caitlin also shares a little about her business, FATSKN, as well as a couple resources she loves for cutting through the noise and finding what works for her family and herself.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: FATSKN – Caitlin’s BrandFollow Caitlin on InstagramOTT Index – Science of LightPrevious Episode: The Wonders of Tallow & MinimalismEmail Caitlin: caitlin@fatskn.comConnect with the Podcast: Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 24min
BEST OF IWP | Why I Ditched Health Insurance: My Update + Replay with Andy Schoonover
Send Vanessa a Text MessageListener Discount: Try out your first 3 months with CrowdHealth for $99/month. Use code VANESSA upon signup:Check out CrowdHealthIn today’s episode, I’m first sharing a short personal update on my own experience after officially ditching traditional health insurance earlier this year — and then revisiting one of my favorite past conversations with CrowdHealth founder, Andy Schoonover.If you’ve ever wondered how crowd-based healthcare actually works, what happens when something big comes up, or how it compares to the insurance system most of us are used to, this episode gives you a clear, honest look.We discuss:How CrowdHealth works and why it's built so differentlyThe flaws of traditional health insurance that keep you bound What makes crowd-funding such a smart and freeing alternative to standard health insuranceFinancial savings and comparisonsWhy this approach puts real care and decision-making back into your hands Follow CrowdHealth on Instagram: @joincrowdhealthConnect with the show:Podcast Website: intentionallywellpodcast.comSupport the Podcast: Support the Intentionally Well PodcastRecommended Product Page:Visit my recommended product pageSocial Media:Podcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 45min
Tylenol and Autism: The Science Behind the Headlines with Dr. William Parker
Send Vanessa a Text MessageNEW WEBSITE: https://intentionallywellpodcast.com/In this episode, I sit down with William Parker, PhD, a scientist with decades of research in biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Best known for discovering the function of the human appendix and as a leading researcher studying acetaminophen (Tylenol) and its impact on neurodevelopment, William shares his insights on a topic that has recently garnered widespread media attention and public discussion, sparking conversation around acetaminophen and autism risk.We explore:How acetaminophen interacts with the body during critical periods of developmentThe biological pathways connecting acetaminophen exposure to neurodevelopmental outcomesWhy this research matters to parents, caregivers, and anyone invested in child healthCommon questions, concerns, and rebuttals surrounding acetaminophen and autism riskThe gaps in pediatric education and medical literature that often leave these risks under-discussedThis episode is designed to break down complex science in a way that is understandable, actionable, and presented through a compassionate and logical lens. Whether you’re a parent, healthcare professional, or just curious, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of the evidence, the controversies, and the implications for children’s health today.For those who’d like to explore Dr. Parker’s research and related literature, here are the studies and resources mentioned in this episode:Acetaminophen and Autism: Evidence from a Systematic Review (MDPI, 2024)Mechanisms of Acetaminophen-Induced Neurodevelopmental Effects (MDPI, 2024)Preprint: Revisiting Acetaminophen and Autism—A Global Call for Reevaluation (2025)Preprint: Acetaminophen, Oxidative Stress, and Neurodevelopmental Risk (2025)Prevent Autism—Educational and Research ResourceEvidence That Acetaminophen Triggers Autism in Susceptible Individuals Has Been Ignored and Mishandled for More Than a Decade (RealClear Public Health, 2025)Connect with the show:Podcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the ShowIf this podcast has encouraged you and you’d like to help me continue sharing impactful content, you can support the show here:Support the Show© 2025 Vanessa Lopez, Intentionally Well Podcast. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast or show notes may be copied, shared, oSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.


