Essentials of Healthy Living

Latest Episodes:

How to protect your eyes from macular degeneration Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Anthony Thomas will be discussing how to protect your eyes from macular degeneration. Anthony Thomas, PhD, earned his bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics and food science from California State University Northridge, his doctorate in nutritional biology from the University of California at Davis, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California at Los Angeles Larry Hillblom Islet Research Center. His primary research interests have focused on the influence of dietary and lifestyle factors on chronic cardiovascular/metabolic diseases including obesity, insulin resistance syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. He has authored/co-authored multiple peer reviewed scientific manuscripts and is currently a consultant for Jarrow.

The book, Cancer Free! Are you Sure? Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Jenny Hrbacek will be discussing her book, Cancer Free! Are you Sure? Jenny Hrbacek (Her-ba-check) is a registered nurse, author, educator, speaker and cancer survivor. You can see her daily on the “Know the Cause” television show and as moderator of Cancer Free University, an online cancer education resource. Her mission is to educate us on the latest science-based testing that can help us move cancer out of the acute, life-threatening category into a manageable condition. Cancer Free! Are you Sure? is the “go-to” book for cancer detection tests. It describes state-of-the-art early diagnostic testing that can find cancer years before conventional screenings find it.

Being depression free for life Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Gabriel Cousens will discuss being depression free for life. Gabriel Cousens is the author of 11 internationally acclaimed books, including Spiritual Nutrition and Creating Peace by Being Peace. Known worldwide as a spiritual teacher and the leading expert in live, plant-source nutrition, Dr. Cousens functions as a holistic physician, psychiatrist, family therapist, and cutting edge researcher on healing diabetes naturally. He holds an M.D. from Columbia Medical School, a doctorate in homeopathy, and diplomas in Ayurveda, clinical acupuncture and holistic medicine. His multi-cultural background as an ordained rabbi, an acknowledged yogi, and a 4-year Native American sundancer, adds insight to his “whole-person enlightenment” teachings. Dr. Cousens is the founder and director of the Tree of Life Foundation and the Tree of Life Center US. In his book, There Is A Cure For Diabetes, he presents his center’s program for reversing diabetes naturally.

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) – when histamine goes haywire Mar 18, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Jill Carnahan will be discussing mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) – when histamine goes haywire. Dr. Jill Carnahan received her medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago and completed her residency at the University of Illinois Program in Family Medicine at Methodist Medical Center. She is dually board-certified in Family Medicine (ABFM) and Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM). She was part of the first 100+ healthcare practitioners to be certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFMCP), and recently opened a new medical clinic with a broad range of services in Louisville, Colorado. Dr. Carnahan is also a 14-year survivor of breast cancer and Crohn’s disease and is passionate about teaching patients how to “live well” and thrive in the midst of complex and chronic illness. She is committed to teaching other physicians how to address underlying causes of illness through the principles of functional medicine, rather than just treating symptoms.

Ketogenic diets Mar 18, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Georgia Austin will be discussing ketogenic diets. Georgia Austin, MSACN, CCN, CNS, is a clinical nutritionist and owner of New Leaf Functional Nutrition in Manlius, NY. She also serves as a training specialist for Metagenics, a health science research company. Georgia is passionate about educating healthcare professionals and patients alike. Her services include developing personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. Specializations include inflammatory conditions, auto-immune conditions, body composition and healthy weight management, metabolic detoxification programs, stress management and wellness programs.

Next generation methylation and learning about epigenetics Feb 25, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Kara Fitzgerald will be discussing next generation methylation and learning about epigenetics. Kara Fitzgerald, ND, completed post-doctorate training in nutritional biochemistry and laboratory science under the direction of Richard Lord, PhD, at Metametrix Laboratory. She authored/edited Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine, and was a contributing author to Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, The Institute for Functional Medicine’s Textbook for Functional Medicine, and co-authored the eBook, The Methylation Diet and Lifestyle. She has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, blogs and podcasts for professionals and consumers. Dr. Fitzgerald is on faculty at The Institute for Functional Medicine and maintains a functional medicine practice in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

New doctor formulated brain health supplements and the benefits of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF) – a protein that creates new neurons Feb 18, 2018

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Rex Jones will be discussing new doctor formulated brain health supplements and the benefits of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors (BDNF) – a protein that creates new neurons. Rex Jones has been an educator with Garden of Life for more than 8 years and brings with him a lifelong passion for the natural foods industry and a strong knowledge of herbs. For more than 13 years he worked in a natural foods retail setting as a nutrition manager and herbalist. Rex also led classes, co-hosted a radio show, managed web content and gave a variety of in-store and off-site health lectures. He is excited to share the Garden of Life mission: Empowering Extraordinary Health®.

Natural medicine for mental health Feb 11, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Peter Bongiorno will be discussing natural medicine for mental health. Dr. Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc, graduated from Bastyr University, the leading accredited university for science-based natural medicine. He completed 5 years of training in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. Dr. Bongiorno authored Healing Depression: Integrated Naturopathic and Conventional Treatments, the first comprehensive textbook designed to teach physicians how to use the science and art of natural medicine to heal depression. His book for the public, How Come They’re Happy and I’m Not? was released in 2012. He regularly writes articles for the Dr. Oz and Sharecare websites and is an invited expert blogger at Psychology Today.

Advances in pre-natal supplementation Jan 28, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dan Hanson will be discussing advances in pre-natal supplementation. Dan Hanson is the owner of DHA Laboratory and founder of Build a Bump. DHA is a CLIA licensed independent clinical laboratory specializing in unique biochemical testing, corporate and personal drug screening, and paternity testing. The lab services private medical practices with unique results necessary in formulating individualized, advanced micro and macro nutrient treatment protocols for patients suffering from mental and emotional conditions. DHA is dedicated to meticulous laboratory procedures which allow for the treatment of various conditions through the use of neutraceuticals.

The new book, Cindy & Erica’s Obsession to Solve Today’s Health Care Crisis: Autism, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, ALS and More Jan 21, 2018

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Stephanie Seneff will be discussing the new book, Cindy & Erica’s Obsession to Solve Today’s Health Care Crisis: Autism, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, ALS and More. Dr. Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. She has a BS degree from MIT in biology and a PhD from MIT in electrical engineering and computer science. Her recent interests have focused on the role of toxic chemicals and micronutrient deficiencies in health and disease, with a special emphasis on the pervasive herbicide, Roundup, and the mineral, sulfur. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal papers over the past few years on these topics.

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