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

Do you really enjoy being social or are you just good at faking it? This conversation unpacks what it means to be introverted in a world that rewards extroversion. From social exhaustion to quiet leadership, we explore how to honor your energy without apology.Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20⁠www.vivobarefoot.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  ⁠💌 Newsletter: ⁠https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/⁠#IntrovertedWomen #AuthenticLeadership #WomenWhoLead

This week on Live Well Be Well, I got to sit down with the incredible Dr. Jessica Zucker, psychologist, writer, and fierce advocate for women’s reproductive and mental health. We dove into some of the hardest stories we rarely talk about, the pressure to become a mother, the quiet weight of miscarriage, and that strange guilt that can come with ambivalence about parenthood. Jessica’s wisdom on how our cultural scripts shape our inner lives is breathtaking and a much needed reminder that sharing our truths is how we heal.We peel back attachment theory in real life, exploring how our earliest bonds echo through every relationship we have and why rewriting those old narratives can be our greatest act of self love. Jessica does not shy away from the emotional labor we carry, the hidden tears, the unspoken hopes, and the ways we hold ourselves back from speaking up. This is not just theory, it is a heartfelt guide to giving voice to the parts of ourselves we have been taught to silence.By the end of our chat you will see why honesty is revolutionary, why compassion for yourself changes everything, and what courage really looks like in the messy middle of life. If you have ever felt alone in your doubts or stifled by expectations this episode is for you.About Dr. Jessica Zucker:Dr. Jessica Zucker is a renowned psychologist, writer, and advocate specialising in women’s reproductive and maternal mental health. Based in Los Angeles, she has spent over 15 years supporting women through the emotional complexities of fertility, miscarriage, and motherhood. Jessica is the author of the bestselling book I Had a Miscarriage, which helped spark a global movement encouraging women to speak openly about pregnancy loss and reproductive grief. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, and The Guardian, and she is widely respected for her compassionate, feminist approach to breaking the silence around topics traditionally shrouded in shame.Connect with Dr. Jessica Zucker:Website: drjessicazucker.com/Instagram: @ihadamiscarriageTwitter: @DrZuckerBook: I Had a Miscarriage – Available on AmazonNewsletter: Sign up via her websiteLove,Sarah Ann 💛***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20www.vivobarefoot.com***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Using Dating Apps to Fill a Void? Here’s the Hard Truth | Emilia Vuorisalmi | Be Well Momentshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvL3Ty7mcCU Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic | John Vervaeke on Trust, Belonging & Meaninghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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/***Highlights:Introduction (00:00)Do All Women Really Want Children? (01:23)Why Talking About Reproductive Choices Still Feels Taboo (05:23)Understanding Maternal Ambivalence (08:44)How to Let Go of Shame and Self-Blame After Miscarriage (14:36)The Psychology of Attachment Styles Explained (24:17)Are You Disconnected From Yourself? (28:01)Why We Struggle to Talk About Mental Health (29:19)When to Turn to Friends vs. Therapists for Support (30:54)Holding Space Without Trying to Fix People (32:52)How to Recognise and Manage Anxiety and Shame (36:15)The Power of Trying: Why Vulnerability Builds Resilience (44:10)What Living Well Means to Dr. Jessica Zucker (49:27)***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Ever feel like dating apps are just emotional quick fixes? This honest conversation explores why online dating often leaves us feeling lonelier, how love addiction shows up in our choices, and what it really means to attract the kind of relationship we deserve. It’s not about finding someone, it’s about finding yourself first.Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20www.vivobarefoot.comOneSkin | 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:Identifying Your Bad Relationship: How to Leave and Find Healthier, Lasting Love | Paul Brunsonhttps://youtu.be/zMYIwp9oUX8?si=KU0pvlcoIbe7dwF0Simon Sinek: The 8-Minute Rule That Could SAVE YOUR Friendshipshttps://youtu.be/3JCjOQv9Y5E?si=9v8OszGVaogBySXZGet Over a Breakup, Fix Your Broken Heart & How To Practice Emotional First Aid | Guy Winchhttps://youtu.be/ocUJTFUOitA?si=C9oJHIW-brSjJSza***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://sarahmacklin.substack.com/#LoveAddictionRecovery #MindfulDating #ManifestLove

This week on Live Well Be Well, I'm delighted to welcome cognitive scientist and philosopher John Vervaeke to explore what he calls "the meaning crisis" - a profound cultural shift affecting our collective wellbeing and sense of purpose.John unpacks why meaning is so essential to our cognitive agency, selfhood, and personhood. We explore how modern life has disconnected us from ourselves, from each other, and from the world around us, leading to rising mental health issues, addiction, and loneliness. As John explains, finding meaning isn't about pursuing individual purpose but about cultivating wisdom through shared experience and connection.As he powerfully notes, we shouldn't get deeply involved with someone who hasn't experienced significant grief because "they have not developed their humanity." We also discuss how to develop wisdom through what he calls "the flow state" - when we're so fully engaged that our sense of time diminishes and self-consciousness falls away.About John Vervaeke:John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist, philosopher, and award-winning lecturer at the University of Toronto. His work combines cognitive science, philosophy, Buddhism, and other wisdom traditions to address the challenges of meaning-making in our modern world. John is the creator of the Awakening from the Meaning Crisis lecture series and author of a book by the same name.Connect with John Vervaeke:Website: johnvervaeke.comFacebook: John VervaekeYouTube: @johnvervaekeBook: https://amzn.to/3UdpgoxLectern Courses: http://lectern.teachable.comLove,Sarah Ann 💛***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20www.vivobarefoot.com***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Dr. Tommy Wood Shares Expert Advice on Reversing Cognitive Declinehttps://youtu.be/yJKSksMBmn0?si=0ktpQKBh5X3jvEBkHolistic psychologist Explains How Your Trauma Is Not What You Think It Is with Dr Mariel Buquéhttps://youtu.be/5FJ8h5kd2HI?si=gKGW9u4cGq6QjrY8***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)How Meaning Works in Cognitive Agency (01:06)Belonging and Connection to Reality (04:14)The Role of Trust in Meaning (06:21)The Breakdown of Trust in Society (13:04)John's Personal Journey Through Meaning Crisis (15:07)The Connection Between Wisdom and Meaning (19:45)Trauma, Transcendence and Meaning (22:55)Purpose vs. Orientation in Life (24:13)The Three Dimensions of Disconnection (28:57)Declining Birth Rates and Psychological Development (31:31)How We Define Wisdom (35:16)The Psychology of Intuition (45:52)The Flow State and Meaning (52:03)Ecology of Practices for Finding Meaning (55:08)***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

Is fiber still the cornerstone of gut health? What role do polyphenols play if they barely reach the bloodstream? And why is diversity, not restriction, the true goal in dietary choices? This conversation explores the science of microbiota-targeted nutrition, fiber fermentation, butyrate production, and the risks of oversimplified food advice.Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.***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. Stacy Sims EXPOSES the Myths Hurting Women's Health | Fasting, Protein & Exercise⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uksGzoick⁠Can Women Follow Bryan Johnson’s $2M Anti-Aging Blueprint? Kate Tolo Shares Her Experience⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJC_E_gXYMg⁠Dr. Louise Newson: Hidden Menopause Signs You’re Missing⁠ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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://sarahmacklin.substack.com/#MicrobiomeHealth, #FiberMatters, #WholeFoodNutrition

This week on Live Well Be Well, I'm exploring the world of modern love and relationships with dating coach and author Francesca Hogi. In an era where AI relationships are becoming reality and dating apps dominate our search for connection, Francesca offers refreshing insights into how we can find authentic love in these complex times.Our conversation dives deep into what creates emotional safety in relationships, the importance of developing self-trust, and why so many people are feeling burnt out by modern dating culture. Francesca shares her powerful perspective on the "new definition of true love" and explains why rejection isn't what we think it is.Francesca explains that when you truly value yourself, you naturally become attracted to people who genuinely appreciate you rather than those who merely tolerate you. We also explore her fascinating Meet Cute Mindset framework for creating more opportunities to find love in everyday life.About Francesca Hogi:Francesca Hogi is a renowned dating coach, matchmaker, and author of How to Find True Love: A Practical Guide to Getting the Relationship You Want. With over a decade of experience helping people find meaningful connections, Francesca brings a unique blend of practical advice and profound wisdom to the often challenging world of modern dating.Connect with Francesca Hogi:Website: francescahogi.comInstagram: @dearfrannyFacebook: Francesca HogiLinkedIn: Francesca HogiLove,Sarah Ann 💛***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20www.vivobarefoot.com***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:These 3 Hormones Could Be Why You’re Addicted to Love | Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmihttps://youtu.be/tjms17l7hao?si=-a3hIc_YKjUvOiD3ATTACHMENT STYLES: No.1 Matchmaker Paul Brunson reveals the KEY the finding a healthier relationshiphttps://youtu.be/EwVaiVaZvL4?si=blicqOntJVvGqvhpGet Over a Breakup, Fix Your Broken Heart & How To Practice Emotional First Aid | Guy Winchhttps://youtu.be/ocUJTFUOitA?si=z7y24BBUSunU-dOn***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)Emotional Safety in Relationships (01:31)The Importance of Self-Trust (04:29)The Evolution of Marriage and Relationships (07:42)The New Definition of True Love (11:32)Dating Problems and Projection (14:23)Authenticity and Lasting Relationships (18:20)Self-Love and Accepting Compliments (25:06)The Connection Between Self-Love and Partner Choice (33:15)How Marriage Has Changed Over Time (38:39)Francesca’s Struggle with Dating (43:04)Navigating Love Bombing (47:06)Four Dating Archetypes (50:37)The Inside Job of Finding Love (54:11)The Meet Cute Mindset (01:00:43)Dependence on Dating Apps (01:05:44)Attentiveness as a Style of Dating (01:09:44)Better Questions for Deeper Connection (01:11:47)***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

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.Sixth - The Plant Power Doctor, Dr Gemma NewmanListen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsor! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20www.vivobarefoot.com***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=jKq069w4rjI***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannmacklin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📹 Subscribe:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / @livewellbewellsarah  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannmacklin  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannnutrition  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS#GemmaNewman #5Questions #LiveWellBeWell

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.I discovered why tracking our individual experiences matters more than following generic cycle-syncing advice, and how some women like Dr. Stacy Sims actually feel bulletproof right before their period. The research on menstrual cycle training is finally evolving beyond outdated stereotypes, and what I learned might just change how you approach your fitness routine forever.Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.***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. Stacy Sims EXPOSES the Myths Hurting Women's Health | Fasting, Protein & Exercisehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uksGzoickCan Women Follow Bryan Johnson’s $2M Anti-Aging Blueprint? Kate Tolo Shares Her Experiencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJC_E_gXYMgDr. Louise Newson: Hidden Menopause Signs You’re Missinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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://sarahmacklin.substack.com/#MenstrualCycle #WomenFitness #HormoneHealth

I'm excited to share this week's Live Well Be Well episode with you all! I had Dr. Dan Nicolau join me to explore the fascinating intersection of our brain and immune system - a relationship that could completely transform how we understand health and disease."Neuroimmunology" - the powerful two-way communication between our brain and immune system. We often think of these systems separately, but Dan reveals how they're constantly in dialogue, influencing everything from allergies and autoimmune conditions to mental health and chronic disease.We dive into how modern life - particularly our relationship with social media and screens - might be disrupting this delicate balance and potentially driving inflammation throughout our bodies. Dan shares insights from his groundbreaking research on how what we scroll through might literally be changing our biology, and offers practical wisdom on how we can become more mindful of these connections in our daily lives.About Dr. Dan Nicolau:Dr. Dan Nicolau is a polymath researcher whose work spans mathematics, engineering, medicine, and computer science. As a leading voice in neuroimmunology, his research explores how the brain and immune system communicate and how this relationship affects our health from allergies to cancer. His multidisciplinary approach combines rigorous science with profound philosophical insights about what it means to live well in the modern world.Connect with Dr. Dan Nicolau:Email: dan.nicolau@kcl.ac.ukLove,Sarah Ann 💛***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20www.vivobarefoot.com***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Dr. Chris Palmer: How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Your Brain and Mental Healthhttps://youtu.be/1XwRdDU1PCY?si=1aac1zajEJhKuoB3Dr. William Li: Can Diet DAMAGE Your Blood Brain Barrier?https://youtu.be/UrCxdniSLiU?si=F4eGRntovHRRbi4N***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)The Historical Understanding of Mind-Body Connection (01:16)Which Came First: The Brain or the Immune System? (03:58)How Medicine Became Siloed (08:40)The Brain and Immune System as a Computer Network (10:03)Peanut Allergies: More in the Mind Than Immune System (11:57)The Brain's Memory of Immune Responses (13:57)The True Purpose of the Immune System (17:34)Mental Health Conditions as Inflammatory States (22:44)How Mental Health Affects Physical Health Outcomes (25:05)Dan's Research Background and Focus (30:32)How Childhood Stress Affects Lifelong Health (33:08)The Three Hypotheses (40:35)Social Media Use and Inflammation (50:17)The Permanent Effects of Major Health Crises (55:28)Living Mindfully vs. Mindlessly (01:02:41)Toxoplasmosis and Risk-Taking Behavior (01:05:25)***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

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.Sixth - Professor of Clinical Psychology, Paul Gilbert Listen to the full episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsor! VivoBarefoot | 'If you can’t be barefoot, be Vivobarefoot’For 20% off, use code LWBW20www.vivobarefoot.com***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=jKq069w4rjIDr. William Li: Can Diet DAMAGE Your Blood Brain Barrier?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrCxdniSLiUHow to Protect Your Brain & Break Free from Ultra-Processed Foods | Dr. Chris Palmerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XwRdDU1PCY***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannmacklin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📹 Subscribe:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / @livewellbewellsarah  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannmacklin  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / sarahannnutrition  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS#PaulGilbert #5Questions #LiveWellBeWell