Stay ConnectedHealth shouldn’t feel this hard.
I’ve lived it, studied it, and now I’m here to help make it make sense.
A smarter, more human way to live well.
Subscribe now, and start living well, for real.
Instagram: @sarahannmacklin
Newsletter: https://substack.com/@sarahannmacklin
Website: sarahannmacklin.com
#LiveWellBeWell
Copyright: © Sarah Ann Macklin
Watch the FULL video here: https://youtu.be/hsaGZXiEbNs
Most women don’t realize how much their hormones shape their metabolism and recovery or how wearables often get it wrong. In this clip, Dr. Stacy Sims breaks down what really happens to your insulin sensitivity and immune system throughout your cycle, why progesterone makes you temporarily more insulin resistant, and why that’s completely normal.She also exposes how continuous glucose monitors and fitness trackers often mislead women built on male-based data, their algorithms can cause unnecessary stress and confusion.
Dr. Stacy Sims
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
This episode is sponsored by: NOWATCH: Health tracking reimaginedKnow your body, trust yourself.15% off with code LWBW15 at nowatch.com
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
From growing up on food stamps to becoming one of the youngest full professors in the US, Dr. Andy Galpin’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. A world-leading human performance scientist, Andy shares the values of hard work and ambition instilled by his parents and how those principles carried him from adversity to academic success.
But this isn’t just a story of resilience. Andy takes us deep into the science of human performance – from understanding what truly anchors your progress, to why consistent habits matter more than hacks, and how sleep remains the most powerful (and overlooked) tool we have for health and longevity.
Together we explore:
The importance of addressing ‘performance anchors’ before chasing optimisation
Nervous system health, stress load, and what HRV really tells us
Cold plunges, saunas, and whether they actually improve resilience
Hydrogen water: hype or help?
Why sleep is the cornerstone of health, and the environmental factors that shape it
Practical strategies to improve recovery, energy, and performance
This conversation is both deeply human and highly practical - inspiring you to re-think how you approach your health, performance, and success.
Love,
Sarah Ann 💛
***
This episode is sponsored by:
NOWATCH: The compassionate health tracker
Connecting body and mind with unique stress recovery insights so you can live fully today.
15% off with code LWBW15 atnowatch.com
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Highlights
Introduction & Early Career Achievements (00:00)
Identifying & Removing Performance Anchors (02:12)
Overcoming Adversity: From Food Stamps to Full Professor (09:16)
How systemic load and stress accumulation affect recovery and overall health. (09:16)
The truth about HRV scores, device differences, and why variability, not the score, is key (31:57)
Cold Plunge, Sauna & HRV Myths (42:45)
Hydrogen Water: Hype or Help? (42:45)
The Science of Sleep & Its Impact on Health (01:02:57)
Concluding Thoughts on Health & Wellbeing (01:17:16)
***
Love what you’re hearing? My small ask is to please rate and review Live Well Be Well. This helps the show expand and allows me to keep producing these with the best quality guests. It means a huge amount to me, so thank you.
Inflammation isn’t always the enemy, it’s your body’s defense system. But when it gets out of control, it can silently drive arthritis, heart disease, gut issues, and even mental health struggles. In this episode, we break down what the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) actually shows, why plant protein and fiber lower inflammation, and how animal protein may raise it.
Discover the foods with the strongest anti-inflammatory effects from herbs and spices like turmeric and oregano, to olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, berries, and polyphenol-rich vegetables. Learn why balance is key, and how simple daily habits (movement, stress management, sleep) impact your inflammation levels just as much as diet.We also unpack why the Mediterranean diet remains one of the best-studied anti-inflammatory eating patterns worldwide.
Rupy Aujla
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
This episode is sponsored by: NOWATCH: Health tracking reimaginedKnow your body, trust yourself.15% off with code LWBW15 at nowatch.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
How to Increase Protein in Your Diet and Why It Matters for Longevity & Hormone Health | Dr Rupy
https://youtu.be/AySFUeR1pw8
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
Are your supplements actually helping you, or just draining your wallet? In this episode, Dr. Stacy Sims breaks down the truth about three of the most popular supplements women buy: collagen, magnesium, and creatine.You’ll learn which type of collagen (if any) really supports joint health, why most collagen powders don’t count toward your daily protein, and the surprising reason women should be cautious with “vegan collagen.” Dr. Sims also explains which form of magnesium actually improves sleep and muscle relaxation — and why so many products don’t deliver results. Finally, she reveals why creatine is one of the most powerful yet overlooked supplements for women, especially in perimenopause, supporting energy, mood, gut health, and performance.
Dr. Stacy Sims
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
This episode is sponsored by: NOWATCH: Health tracking reimaginedKnow your body, trust yourself.15% off with code LWBW15 at nowatch.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Dr. Stacy Sims EXPOSES the Myths Hurting Women's Health | Fasting, Protein & Exercise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uksGzoick
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
Most conversations about fertility focus on women.
But here’s the truth: up to 50% of infertility cases are male, and men’s reproductive health is a powerful window into their overall wellbeing, longevity, and disease risk.
This week’s guest, Professor Suks Minhas, world-leading consultant urologist and expert in male fertility, is here to change how we think about men’s health. With decades of clinical and research expertise, he reveals why sperm counts are falling, what it really says about men’s health today, and the practical steps every man can take to protect his future.
Together we explore:
– Why male infertility makes up half of cases and why it’s rarely discussed
– The surprising links between sperm health, testosterone, and metabolic disease
– DNA fragmentation: the overlooked cause of “unexplained infertility”
– How lifestyle, stress, alcohol, and obesity directly affect fertility
– The role of endocrine disruptors and environmental toxins in declining sperm quality
– Fertility preservation: should men also consider freezing their sperm?
– Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): who it helps, who it harms, and why it can act as a male contraceptive
– Actionable, evidence-based ways to optimise male fertility and long-term health
This isn’t just a conversation about reproduction. It’s a wake-up call for men’s health, fertility, and longevity. Whether you’re thinking about children, or simply want to future-proof your health, this episode gives you the clarity to take action.
Love,
Sarah Ann 💛
***
🌟 The Heracles Project 🌟
What does it mean to truly live well? Discover the UK’s first evidence-based longevity platform, designed to help you optimise your health, performance, and potential.
Launching this month - Sign up now for early access 👇
🌐 Sign up: https://heracles.health📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heracleshealth/
***
This episode is sponsored by:
NOWATCH: Health tracking reimagined
Know your body, trust yourself.
15% off with code LWBW15 at nowatch.com
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Your Period Isn’t Just a Period | Hormones, Red Flags, Fertility & Women’s Health | Dr Hazel Wallace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C--vYFyHAEw
Could Your Daily Meals Be Loaded With Microplastics? Hormone Disruptors & Health Risks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-GtzRoNm18
ExplainedHow Psychedelics Change the Brain: MDMA, Psilocybin, Benefits & Risks | Dr. Rick Doblinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL7pZgcIp9A
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Highlights:
Is Male Infertility Linked to Men’s Health? (00:00:00)
Does Age Affect Male Fertility Too? (00:06:20)
Lifestyle and DNA Damage in Male Fertility (00:12:10)
Sperm Quality, Fertility and Cancer Risk (00:18:46)
What Are Endocrine Disruptors Doing to Fertility? (00:23:30)
Nutrition and Supplements for Male Fertility (00:28:14)
The Impacts of Stress and Sperm Freezing (00:36:50)
Natural Ways To Increase Testosterone (00:43:34)
When Should Men Consider TRT? (00:47:05)
How Men Can Protect Fertility and Longevity (00:56:46)
***
Love what you’re hearing? My small ask is to please rate and review Live Well Be Well. This helps the show expand and allows me to keep producing these with the best quality guests. It means a huge amount to me, so thank you.
Can your menstrual cycle really change how you train, recover, and build strength - or is that just fitness hype? In this clip, we dive deep into the latest research on exercise and the menstrual cycle. While some studies suggest a small dip in performance during your period and more strength potential around ovulation, the evidence is mixed and often misunderstood. The real takeaway? Every woman’s body responds differently. This conversation explores how athletes and everyday women can use cycle awareness as a guide - not a strict rulebook - when it comes to training, recovery, and performance. Whether you’re running marathons, lifting weights, or fitting workouts around work and family, this discussion will help you understand what’s fact, what’s myth, and how to tune into your own body.Hazel Wallace
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement.
This is a product I genuinely believe in — one I’ve used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that’s incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset — just one naturally sourced ingredient that works.
If you’re looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots
**
This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.
Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at londonnootropics.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
What Men AND Women Must Know About Women’s Hormones, Periods & Fertility | Dr Hazel Wallacehttps://youtu.be/C--vYFyHAEw
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS#Cordyceps
How much protein do you actually need per day? In this clip, we break down the science of protein requirements by body weight and show what that looks like in real food examples. From Greek yogurt and nuts to tempeh and chicken, here’s a practical, evidence-based guide to daily protein intake.
Rupy Aujla
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement.
This is a product I genuinely believe in — one I’ve used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that’s incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset — just one naturally sourced ingredient that works.
If you’re looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots
**
This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.
Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at londonnootropics.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
How Much Protein Do You Really Need for Longevity? | Evidence-Based Guide with Dr. Rupy Aujlahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AySFUeR1pw8
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS
#ProteinIntake #NutritionScience #HealthyEating
You’ve been taught to think of your period as just that - a period. A monthly inconvenience to be managed with tampons and painkillers.
But what if your menstrual cycle is actually a vital sign? A powerful, daily indicator of your brain, gut, and metabolic health that you’ve been taught to ignore?
This week’s guest, Dr. Hazel Wallace - medical doctor, nutritionist, and author of Not Just a Period is here to dismantle the myths that keep women in the dark about their own bodies. Drawing from her own frustrating journey to a PCOS diagnosis, she reveals why so much of what we’re told about our hormones is wrong, and how understanding your cycle is the key to unlocking better health, energy, and performance.
Together we explore:
- Why your cycle is so much more than just fertility
- The hidden ways hormones impact your mood, sleep, cravings, and even your gut
- Why dismissive advice like “lose weight” or “cut carbs” is failing millions of women
- The truth about training and your cycle: when to push, when to rest, and how to listen to your body
- Amenorrhea: the real reasons you might lose your period (it’s not just stress)
- How to advocate for yourself in a medical system that too often dismisses women’s pain
- Practical, evidence-based tools to support your hormones with nutrition and lifestyle
This isn’t just a conversation about periods. It’s a roadmap to hormonal literacy and self-advocacy. If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or powerless over your own body, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to finally take back control.
Love,
Sarah Ann 💛
***
This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement.
This is a product I genuinely believe in - one I’ve used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that’s incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset - just one naturally sourced ingredient that works.
If you’re looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots
**
This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.
Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at https://londonnootropics.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
How Much Protein Do You Really Need for Longevity? | Evidence-Based Guide with Dr. Rupy Aujla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AySFUeR1pw8
Is Your Productivity a Symptom of High Functioning Depression? | Dr. Judith Joseph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHfYZi3L5Vg
***
Guest Socials
Dr. Hazel Wallace Website: https://www.drhazelwallace.co.uk
The Food Medic: https://www.thefoodmedic.co.uk
Instagram: @drhazelwallace
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Highlights:
Why Your Period Is More Than Just Fertility (00:00)
Dr. Hazel Wallace's PCOS Diagnosis Story (02:31)
Breaking Menstrual Health Taboos (06:47)
Cultural Barriers to Women's Health Conversations (12:41)
Exercise and Training During Your Cycle (24:20)
Understanding Stress-Related Amenorrhea (32:10)
Blood Tests and Hormonal Timing (38:49)
***
Love what you’re hearing? My small ask is to please rate and review Live Well Be Well. This helps the show expand and allows me to keep producing these with the best quality guests. It means a huge amount to me, so thank you.
Cordyceps mushrooms have been used for centuries, but what does modern science reveal about their effects on energy, oxygen uptake, and fertility? In this clip, we explore the evidence, separating tradition from data to uncover whether cordyceps can truly enhance vitality.
Dr. Catalina Fernández
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement.
This is a product I genuinely believe in — one I’ve used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that’s incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset — just one naturally sourced ingredient that works.
If you’re looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots
**
This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.
Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at londonnootropics.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Can These Mushrooms Heal Your Gut, Stop Alzheimer’s, & Fight Cancer? | Dr Catalina Fernándezhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM44DD_Cc78
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS#Cordyceps #Mushrooms #Fertility
Bleeding gums might be more than a dental issue. they could signal hidden risks for Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and even cancer. In this episode, we unpack how the oral microbiome drives inflammation, plaque buildup, and systemic disease. Could flossing actually add years to your life?
Dr. Katie Lee
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement.
This is a product I genuinely believe in — one I’ve used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that’s incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset — just one naturally sourced ingredient that works.
If you’re looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots
**
This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.
Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at londonnootropics.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
The No.1 Oral Microbiome Expert: How Your Mouth Could Be Causing Infertility! | Dr. Katie Leehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3BCy4e5co4
***
Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:
Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS
#BrainHealth #OralMicrobiome #Longevity
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
