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Copyright: © Sarah Ann Macklin
In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore the deep connection between meaning, wisdom, and growth. From the misunderstanding of meaning in modern culture to the importance of shared wisdom, we dive into how self-deception and trauma shape our lives. Is wisdom something we can cultivate alone?
John Vervaeke
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:
Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic | Dr. John Vervaeke on Trust, Belonging & Meaninghttps://youtu.be/AbxCzAt6ZcM
***
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
#MeaningInLife #Wisdom #PersonalGrowth
Your neurons can become younger.
Your gut can reshape itself in five days.
Your immune system can learn to fight cancer.
This isn't theory. It's mycology.
And it's about to change how you think about what your body can do.
This week on Live Well Be Well, I sit down with Dr. Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela, a pioneering mycologist and oncologist who’s spent 26 years unlocking the therapeutic power of mushrooms. From Lion’s Mane and Reishi to Cordyceps, she’s led clinical trials across cancer, autism, neurodegenerative disease, and fertility, quietly reshaping how we think about prevention, healing, and the intelligence of nature.
In this episode, we explore:
The real science behind Lion's Mane: neuroplasticity, contains GABA, and why your neurons can actually become younger
Why Lion's Mane may support brain health, gut health, autism, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's treatment
How Reishi could help reduce stress and anxiety, and modulate neurotransmitters like GABA
The real science behind putting mushrooms in your coffee (yes, it's more than a trend!)
What Cordyceps does for energy, fertility, and performance, and how mushrooms support both male and female reproductive health
Breakthrough research on mushrooms in integrative oncology, including their effects on the gut microbiome and immune system
The gut-brain axis: how mushrooms can reshape your microbiome in 5 days and support conditions from autism to cancer
The supplement quality crisis: why only 25% of products contain what they claim and how to find trustworthy brands
Whether you're curious about adding Lion's Mane to your morning coffee, wondering if Reishi could actually help your anxiety, or want to understand how mushrooms are being used alongside chemotherapy in clinical trials, this conversation will change how you think about what's possible. The question isn't whether mushrooms work. The science is undeniable. Now it's about finding the right approach for you.
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 londonnootropics.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:
Dr. William Li: 5 Must-Eat Foods to Fight Cancer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHWHT2cJNkE
***
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:
Intro (00:00)
Lion’s Mane: Neuroplasticity and Brain Health Benefits (02:35)
Lion’s Mane: Neuroprotection for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (09:56)
The Importance of Consistency for Long-Term Benefits (14:51)
How Lion's Mane and Reishi in Coffee Boost Focus and Calm (17:06)
Cordyceps: The Performance-Boosting Mushroom for Energy (22:05)
Can Cordyceps Improve Fertility and Sperm Quality? (26:00)
Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment: Immune & Gut Health Support (32:37)
How to Navigate Mushroom Quality (42:07)
Final Takeaways: The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms (47:27)
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin 📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
How does emotional health influence your physical well-being? In this video, Kate Tolo shares her personal journey of how addressing emotional barriers helped transform her diet and overall health. Can emotional healing unlock lasting physical health? Watch to discover how emotional health is the key to unlocking a better, healthier you.
Kate Tolo
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 FIRST Woman To Follow Bryan Johnson’s $2M Anti-Aging Blueprint | Why Kate Tolo Is Differenthttps://youtu.be/BJC_E_gXYMg
***
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
#EmotionalHealth, #PhysicalWellBeing, #HealthTransformation
What does it cost to follow your own map?Dr. Emeran Mayer, pioneer of the mind-gut connection, shares the unexpected choices that defined his life from resisting conformity to overcoming early fears. In this short, reflective episode, he explains why one small change rewired his path and what he still struggles to make peace with.
Dr. Emeran Mayer
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 Gut-Mind Doctor: The Mind & Food Strategies That Can Heal Your Gut Microbiome | Dr. Emeran Mayerhttps://youtu.be/yL5ZtoJAUBs
***
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
#MindGutConnection, #PurposeDrivenLife, #HighAchieverTruths
Trigger Warning:
This episode includes discussion of trauma, suicide, abuse, and emotional processing in the context of psychedelic therapy. Please take care while listening. Viewer discretion is advised.
You've been told psychedelics are poison.
That healing trauma requires years of talk therapy.
What if three sessions could change everything?
This week on Live Well Be Well, I sit down with Dr. Rick Doblin, who has spent 39 years fighting for something most people thought impossible: bringing psychedelics back into medicine. As the founder of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), Rick has dedicated his life to proving that MDMA isn't just a party drug. It's a revolutionary treatment for trauma that could change how we understand healing itself.
Rick doesn't just speak about psychedelics as science or policy. He's lived them, studied them, and helped thousands heal with them. His work isn't about escapism. It's about going deeper. Into the body. Into memory. Into parts of ourselves we've long avoided. And then, through compassion and skilled integration, coming out the other side, changed.
We explore:
Rick's first psychedelic experience and what it taught him about interconnectedness
How MDMA works in the brain to reduce fear and increase compassionWhy MDMA may be the most effective tool we have for PTSD
The three-phase therapy protocol and why context matters more than the drug itself
What went wrong with FDA approval and why Rick believes approval is inevitable
The difference between a "bad trip" and a meaningful one
Why people with the most difficult childhoods often show the greatest improvement with MDMA therapy
How patients develop empathy (not forgiveness, but understanding) for their perpetrators
Your trauma doesn't define you. But learning to hold it with compassion might just set you free.
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 londonnootropics.com
***
If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:Radhika Das: Unlock Your Vagus Nerve for Better Mental Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rUi49Iiq0U
***
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 to MDMA Therapy & Healing with Rick Doblin (0:00:00)
Psychedelics & the Interconnectedness of All Life (0:01:30)
0:08:41 Can Psychedelics Treat Mental Health? (0:08:41)
How Does MDMA Help PTSD & Rewire the Brain? (0:20:59)
The MDMA Therapy Process: What Happens in a Session (0:25:46)
What is the Success Rate of MDMA Therapy for PTSD Treatment? (0:34:16)
Will MDMA Be FDA-Approved and Legalized for PTSD? (0:41:17)
Risks & Side Effects of MDMA Therapy (0:45:47)
What Causes Bad Trips on Psychedelics? (0:51:39)
How to Ensure a Positive MDMA Experience (0:54:38)
MDMA Therapy: Self-Compassion, Empathy, Healing & Letting Go (1:03:34)
What Living Well Means to Rick Doblin (1:11:09)
***
Let’s be friends!
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
Sprouts are one of the most nutrient-dense, accessible foods on the planet. In this clip, Doug Evans explains how these tiny plants boost protein, reduce anti-nutrients, and grow without soil or sunlight, making them a simple, powerful upgrade to any diet.
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
The MOST Surprising Food That Fights Disease & Helps With Losing Weight | Doug Evanshttps://youtu.be/YRuYfCmIz74
***
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
#Sprouts #NutrientDensity #PlantBasedProtein #Superfoods
What happens when you achieve everything you set out to, and still feel empty? In this conversation with Simon Sinek, he shares the painful turning point that led to Start With Why, how ADHD became his greatest asset, and why so many exceptional leaders carry hidden struggles. The answers aren't in performance, they’re in self-awareness, vulnerability, and knowing how to ask the right questions.
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
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Simon Sinek: The ADHD Superpower - Why It’s My Greatest Advantage
https://youtu.be/_wopj2Qk-4c
***
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
#SimonSinek #Neurodivergence #StartWithWhy
You've been told your hormones make you irrational.That menopause means cognitive decline, your emotions are just chemistry gone wrong, and your brain is simply too complicated to understand.Science says otherwise.
This week's guest, Dr. Sarah McKay, is a neuroscientist, author, and brain health expert who's spent her career dismantling the myths we've been told about women's brains. From the idea that we're slaves to our hormones to the fear that menopause means inevitable decline, Sarah brings data, nuance, and hope to conversations that have been shaped by outdated stereotypes for far too long.
We explore:
Why male and female brains are more similar than different, and how cultural context shapes the differences we do see
The surprising truth about PMS: how rates vary from 12% in France to 90% in Iran
Why the stereotype that women are "more emotional" isn't backed by science
How your brain actually changes during menopause
The real relationship between hormones, sleep, and brain fog
Why early puberty affects girls and boys so differently
What brain networks do when estrogen declines
The truth about HRT and brain health: what the data actually shows
How expectations and cultural narratives create the experiences we have
Sarah doesn't dismiss women's struggles or minimize real symptoms. Instead, she offers something more powerful: the understanding that our brains are not broken, fragile, or at the mercy of our biology. They're sophisticated, adaptive, and capable of remarkable reorganization throughout our lives.
This isn't about toxic positivity or dismissing genuine challenges. It's about recognizing that the stories we've been told about women's brains, that we're irrational, unstable, or declining, aren't just wrong. They're actively shaping our reality.
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
***
If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:Dr. Stacy Sims EXPOSES the Myths Hurting Women's Health | Fasting, Protein & Exercisehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uksGzoick&t
Ellen Langer: The Mind Can Slow Down an Aging Bodyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGpNMy1VxsY&t
***
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 (0:00:00)
Sex Differences in Brain Anatomy (0:01:05)
How Culture Shapes Gender Influences (0:04:38)
PMS & Emotions: Are Women Really More Sensitive?(0:09:42)
Global Stats: How Common is PMS Around the World? (0:14:54)
Anxiety & Depression Statistics (0:22:35)
Gender Roles, Social Conditioning & Brain Behavior (0:29:38)
Women's Neuroscience: Progress, Challenges, and Representation (0:37:58)
Menopause Brain Fog: What Science Really Says (0:40:39)
Menopause and Cognitive Gains: Surprising Brain Benefits (0:44:58)
How HRT Impacts Brain Health (0:51:17)
How Women Can Improve Brain Health & Longevity (1:06:16)
What Living Well Means to Dr. Sarah McKay (1:08:48)
***
Let’s be friends!
📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin
📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah
🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin
📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition
💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/
Does understanding your menstrual cycle unlock better health, fertility, and performance? In this conversation with Dr. Stacy Sims, she breaks down the four phases of your cycle, reveals why anovulatory cycles are becoming more common, and explains how stress, diet, and lifestyle directly impact your hormones. From tracking your bleed patterns to understanding why women need different nutrition than men, this isn't just about periods. It's about optimizing your entire well-being.
Dr. Stacy Sims
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
Dr. Stacy Sims on Perimenopause & How to Manage Symptoms | Fitness and Nutrition for WOMEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsaGZXiEbNs&list=PLfXKbjBGaUhb8BME00cxF6YPp1J5EcO7j&index=18
***
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
#MenstrualCycle #HormoneHealth #5Questions
What if the drug that could save your life… already exists? In this powerful story from David Fajgenbaum, you'll hear how a man on the brink of death discovered an existing drug, never approved for his illness, that brought him back. But the real shock? No one profits from it, so no one’s looking. Learn the hidden world of drug repurposing, AI-driven discovery, and the mission to match life-saving treatments to the people who need them most.
Listen to the full episode here.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
***
If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:
How AI is Revolutionizing Medicine | The Doctor Who Saved Himself With AI | Dr. David Fajgenbaum
https://youtu.be/cE4ytfAw614
***
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
#DrugRepurposing #AIinHealthcare #MedicalBreakthrough
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