Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

Each week, I ask my guest five questions designed to nourish their mind, body, and soul pre interview. These questions help us explore what makes each guest tick as an imperfect, evolving human, taking them out of their heads and into their bodies.While our discussions often go deep into the intellect, these questions invite my guests to step out of their comfort zones, gain a fresh perspective, and perhaps hold a bit more compassion for themselves. I believe this shift from headspace to heart space is something we can all relate to – it’s the universal journey of being human.And as a listener, I hope you’ll come away feeling a little more connected, not only to these stories but to the shared truths and vulnerabilities we uncover here. Each conversation is an opportunity to peek behind the scenes and share in the humanity of those on the other side of the microphone.Up first - Author, Journalist & Productivity Expert, Oliver Burkeman.Listen to the full episode here.Watch the full episode on YouTube here.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! FREE Ridiculously healthy coffee works well for me.Use code FREETRIALSARAH for your free trialhttps://exhalecoffee.com/pages/sarahSquarespace FREE trial | A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain ***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:The #1 BETTER HEALTH Technique You Never Knew Existed! Dr Kristin Neffhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKq069w4rjISimon Sinek: The 8-Minute Rule That Could SAVE YOUR Friendshipshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JCjOQv9Y5EDr. Chris Van Tulleken: How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Making Us Sickhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SxK9MFmH4c***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#OliverBurkeman #5Questions #LiveWellBeWell

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Stacy Sims, a leading exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, unpacks the complexities of women's health, especially during perimenopause. She reveals the often-overlooked early onset of perimenopause and its implications for fitness. Dr. Sims emphasizes the benefits of high-intensity training and strength work while debunking myths around glucose monitors. She also provides a must-have supplement guide and advocates for men's involvement in women's health conversations, fostering a more informed narrative around women's well-being.

What if the key to revolutionary health changes wasn't a one-size-fits-all solution but deeply personalized care, especially for women? This question propels us into a world where health protocols are no longer generic but finely tuned to meet the unique needs of each individual.In this Live Well, Be Well episode, I sit down with Kate Tolo, the Chief Marketing Officer at Blueprint and a pioneer in the anti-aging field. Kate's remarkable career transition from the fashion industry in New York to health technology highlights her unique perspective on personal growth and the challenges of modern life. She has been instrumental in crafting Blueprint, a public science experiment that pushes the boundaries of what we understand about aging and human health optimization.In our conversation, Kate shares her transformative journey from relying on fast food to becoming a health care innovator. She talks about the challenges of adapting health protocols initially designed for men to better suit women, and how personal health data can significantly impact preventive care and overall wellness. Her story is a testament to the potential of customized health solutions.Kate Tolo's work involves not only advanced health practices but also a philosophical exploration of life's complexities. This episode has profoundly impacted my perspective on health and personalized care, particularly for women. It underscores the potential for each of us to take control of our health in a way that respects our unique needs and circumstances. I hope it inspires you as much as it did me. If you found this conversation enlightening, please share it with others. And, as always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences.👉 Connect with Kate Tolo:Website: www.katetolo.comInstagram: @katetolo***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aginghttp://oneskin.co/LWBWUse code LWBW for 15% off your first order ***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:The MOST Surprising Food That Fights Disease & Helps With Losing Weight | Doug Evanshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRuYfCmIz74&t=147sHow to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Boost Your Brain Health with These PROVEN Foods | The Brain Docshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKEvPm11R3o&t=2733s3 NEW Science-Backed Blue Zone Strategies To Increase Your Lifespan & Happiness: Dan Buettnerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA4ZCWsS05U&t=3411s***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:Joining Blueprint: Adapting Health Protocols for Women (00:00)Data-Driven Health Transformations (04:55)Health Protocol Adjustments During Menstruation (06:44)Period Health: Managing Discomfort and Diet (09:06)Bridging Elite Health Protocols and Public Accessibility (18:53)A Day in the Life of Kate Tolo: Daily Routines and Health Goals (24:02)Balancing Relationships and Personal Health (35:17)Public Perception: Dealing with Backlash (47:47)Leadership and Health Optimization: Lessons from a Wellness Leader (52:54)Environmental Health Risks: Solutions for Clean Air and Safe Sun Exposure (1:01:10)Foundations of Emotional and Physical Health (1:09:13)Final Thoughts: Wellness Journey Insights (1:16:31)***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

For years, we've been sold the idea that eating healthy is complicated, expensive, or out of reach. But what if I told you the most powerful superfood on the planet is something you can grow in your kitchen without soil, sunlight, or even much effort?This week on Live Well, Be Well, I sit down with Doug Evans, the ultimate advocate for sprouting, to uncover how these tiny plants can revolutionise our health, longevity, and even the global food system. Doug isn’t just a passionate Sprout evangelist—his journey from a fast-food diet to becoming the Sprout Guy is nothing short of transformational. He shares the science behind why sprouts are nutritional powerhouses, packed with protein, antioxidants, and micronutrients that can help combat chronic disease, enhance gut health, and support sustainable eating.We also dive into his personal story—from overcoming a tough upbringing to discovering the raw, plant-based lifestyle that changed everything. And yes, we tackle the myths: Are sprouts safe? Do they contain enough protein? Can you really thrive eating just sprouts? Doug has the answers, and they might just challenge everything you thought you knew about nutrition.In This Episode, We Explore:✔️ Why sprouts might be the most nutrient-dense food on the planet✔️ The simple, affordable way to grow your own food at home✔️ How sprouting can increase protein, vitamins, and antioxidants by over 300%✔️ The science behind sulforaphane and its powerful benefits for brain and metabolic health✔️ Doug’s personal transformation and how he became the face of the sprouting revolution✔️ The truth about food justice, sustainability, and why sprouting could change the way we eatThis episode is packed with game-changing insights, practical takeaways, and a new way to look at food. Whether you're a hardcore health enthusiast or just curious about levelling up your nutrition, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible in your kitchen.Connect with Doug EvansWebsite: https://thesproutingcompany.comInstagram: @dougevansBook: The Sprout Book (available on Amazon)***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aginghttp://oneskin.co/LWBWUse code LWBW for 15% off your first order ***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:No.1 Gut Scientist: Insane Fiber Benefits to HEAL YOUR GUT & Beat Disease | Dr Will Bulsiewiczhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X3b4Hzq75k Surprising Spice Benefits that HELP FIGHT Chronic Disease and Diabeteshttps://youtu.be/hi0zgZ61Op0?si=WZve2BYq2JAdMdlQ Dr. William Li: 5 Must-Eat Foods to Fight Cancerhttps://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:Introduction (00:00)Why sprouts are the most nutrient-dense food (00:38)From Fast Food to Plant-Based Living (01:43)Sprouting 101: Health Benefits & Science (03:48)How to Grow Sprouts at Home (06:59)Can Sprouts Solve Global Food Challenges? (20:05)The Science of Sprouts: Nutritional Research (21:25)Food Addiction & the Role of Sprouts (38:27)Can You Get Enough Calories from Sprouts? (40:03)How sprouted legumes and seeds maximise nutrition (40:39)From Processed Foods to a Plant-Based Life (45:11)How personal loss shifted Doug’s career (51:49)Discovering Veganism & Raw Nutrition (56:48)Sprouting Hacks for Maximum Health (01:00:10)Final Thoughts & How to Get Started (01:06:56)***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

I’ve always been fascinated by brain health—how we think, feel, and function is deeply tied to how we live our lives. And yet, for so long, cognitive decline has been framed as an inevitable part of ageing. But what if that’s not the full story?In this Live Well, Be Well episode, I sit down with two of the world’s leading neurologists, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai to explore the cutting-edge science of brain health, neuroplasticity, and longevity. Their work is revolutionising our understanding of how we can actively shape our cognitive future—and the truth is, we have far more control than we think.We get into:✔️ The myth of brain ageing—why decline isn’t inevitable and how we can strengthen our cognition at any age.✔️ The power of neuroplasticity—how small daily habits can rewire the brain for better focus, memory, and resilience.✔️The sleep-brain connection. Why deep sleep is the ultimate detox and the number one factor for long-term cognitive health.✔️Food as medicine for the brain—how the MIND Diet has been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s risk by over 50%.✔️The real impact of stress on cognition—and how we can train our brains to handle pressure more effectively.✔️The attention crisis—how social media and technology are rewiring our minds and what we can do to regain control.Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai are co-directors of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University and the authors of The Alzheimer’s Solution. Their research proves that up to 80% of dementia cases could be prevented—and in this episode, they share the simple but powerful changes we can all make today to build a healthier, sharper brain for life.This conversation really shifted the way I think about my brain health, and I hope it does the same for you. If you found this episode valuable, please share it—and as always, let me know your thoughts.Connect with Dr. Dean & Dr. Ayesha Sherzai:🌐 Team Sherzai Website https://thebraindocs.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs/ Sarah Ann***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aginghttp://oneskin.co/LWBWUse code LWBW for 15% off your first order ***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Dr. William Li: Can Diet DAMAGE Your Blood Brain Barrier?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrCxdniSLiUDr. Chris Palmer: How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Your Brain and Mental Healthhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XwRdDU1PCY How To REWIRE Your Brain and How To Change Your Mind: Professor David Nutthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWzwn99YySE ***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)Surprising Facts About Brain Health (00:29)The Brain’s Energy Consumption & Resilience (01:53)The Importance of Sleep for Brain Health (02:32)How Much Sleep Do We Really Need? (04:39)Simple strategies to improve sleep quality (07:08)The Science Behind Racing Thoughts Before Bed (10:47)Differences Between Men’s & Women’s Brains (13:36)Women’s Brain Health & Menopause (15:14)Preventing Cognitive Decline & Alzheimer’s (23:27)The best foods for memory and mental clarity (35:47)Debunking Diet Myths: Berries & Brain Health (41:02)The Power of Simple Dietary Changes (41:33)The Importance of Leg Strength & Exercise (46:01)Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish vs. Supplements (49:45)How your brain can rewire and grow throughout life (56:10)How social media is affecting focus and cognition (01:03:16)Practical Tips for Optimising Brain Health (01:10:21)Key takeaways for a sharper, healthier brain. (01:16:07***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Be Well Moments brings you my favorite bite-sized highlights from the season. Enjoy quick insights from our longer conversations in a digestible format. If you'd like to listen or watch the full episode, click the link below.Ever wonder why you can’t stop eating certain foods? It’s not just willpower—it's science. Food companies have mastered the art of making ultra-processed foods irresistible, from texture to taste to the way they break down in your body. Even diet sodas, which seem like the perfect fix, could be making things worse. If you think you’re making “healthy” choices, you need to hear this.Listen to the full episode here.Watch the full episode on YouTube here.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! FREE Ridiculously healthy coffee works well for me.Use code FREETRIALSARAH for your free trialhttps://exhalecoffee.com/pages/sarahSquarespace FREE trial | A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain ***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:The #1 BETTER HEALTH Technique You Never Knew Existed! Dr Kristin Neffhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKq069w4rjISimon Sinek: The 8-Minute Rule That Could SAVE YOUR Friendshipshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JCjOQv9Y5EDr. Chris Van Tulleken: How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Making Us Sickhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SxK9MFmH4c***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

What if the secret to living a longer, healthier life wasn’t in a pill, supplement, or biohacking trend—but in your environment, relationships, and daily habits?In this episode, I sit down with Dan Buettner, National Geographic explorer, bestselling author, and longevity researcher, to break down the science of the Blue Zones—regions of the world where people live the longest and thrive well into their 90s and 100s.We dive deep into the data-driven habits that contribute to longevity, why your social circle can determine your health, and the biggest myths about aging and diet. Dan also shares his response to recent criticisms about the Blue Zones and reveals new emerging longevity hotspots based on his latest research.In this episode, we cover:✔️ The 5 regions in the world where people consistently live the longest✔️ Why community and social connection are more powerful than willpower✔️ The ideal longevity diet based on decades of research✔️ How your environment is the #1 factor in shaping health outcomes✔️ The biggest longevity myths - and what actually works✔️ How modern society is eroding these Blue Zone principles - and what we can do about itWho is Dan Buettner?Dan Buettner is a National Geographic fellow, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of Blue Zones, a research initiative dedicated to understanding and applying the world’s best practices for longevity. His work has led to policy changes in over 70 cities to improve public health, and his Netflix documentary, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, explores these regions in depth.👉 Connect with Dan Buettner:Website: www.bluezones.comInstagram: @danbuettner***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! OneSkin | Topical Products for Healthy Aginghttp://oneskin.co/LWBW Use code LWBW for 15% off your first order ***If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:Live to 100 with Secrets of the Blue Zones: What The Longest Living People Eat Daily | Dan Buettnerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUHR8wwSVIsEllen Langer: The Mind Can Slow Down an Aging Bodyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGpNMy1VxsYMost Extreme Anti-Ageing Routine: How To STAY YOUNG Forever & Look 18 Again | Bryan Johnsonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G-Ax76WwXM***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 (00:00)Blue Zones – Secrets of Longevity (02:39)Three Essential Habits for a Longer Life (06:59)The Power of Purpose in Longevity (10:14)How Volunteering Boosts Well-Being and Self-Worth (14:50)Lessons from Centenarians: Wisdom for a Longer Life (17:07)How to Design a Blue Zone Environment (22:17)Eating for Longevity: Key Dietary Principles (28:33)Why It’s Hard to Eat Healthy in Today’s Food Landscape (34:05)Making Nutritious, Affordable Food Accessible in Inner Cities (36:47)How Modern Life Is Eroding Blue Zones (41:42)Debunking the Myths and Controversies Around Blue Zones (47:01)Why Environment Matters More Than Willpower for Longevity (53:14)The Future of Blue Zones: New Regions and What’s Next (01:00:53)Closing Thoughts – Living Well, Being Well (01:08:14)***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Be Well Moments brings you my favorite bite-sized highlights from the season. Enjoy quick insights from our longer conversations in a digestible format. If you'd like to listen or watch the full episode, click the link below.Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s essential for personal growth and healing. In this clip, Diego Perez, the author and meditation teacher behind Yung Pueblo, shares why trust and repetition are crucial for moving forward. Learn how finding the right tool—like Vipassana meditation—can help you break negative cycles, stop overthinking, and create meaningful change. If you’re struggling to let go of pain, fear, or attachments, this video offers practical steps and inspiration to start your journey.Listen to the full episode here.Watch the full episode on YouTube here.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! FREE Ridiculously healthy coffee works well for me.Use code FREETRIALSARAH for your free trialhttps://exhalecoffee.com/pages/sarahSquarespace FREE trial | A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain ***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:#1 Self-Compassion Expert: How to Regulate Your Nervous System for Better Health | Dr Kristin Neffhttps://youtu.be/jKq069w4rjIDr. Shefali's Approach to Shadow Self: From External Validation to Inner Alignmenthttps://youtu.be/46-BbuvGHuYMo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Successhttps://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s***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

Delve into the world of intermittent fasting and learn how it uniquely affects women. Discover the importance of understanding hunger cues and the role of protein in morning meals. The conversation sheds light on the physiological differences that make fasting a different experience for women. Gain practical tips for balanced intake and nutrition to optimize health. The discussion debunks common myths to help women enhance their fitness and well-being!

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Gemma Newman, an expert on microplastics and their health effects, sheds light on the alarming prevalence of these tiny particles in our food and drink. She reveals that we may unknowingly consume the equivalent of a credit card's worth of plastic each week. Dr. Newman shares practical strategies to reduce microplastic exposure in daily life and discusses the health risks tied to this issue. Additionally, the conversation touches on Seasonal Affective Disorder and how vitamin D can combat winter blues.