
Intentionally Well
A podcast that sees no bounds when it comes to the evolving discussion surrounding your health and total well-being. Here, we consistently dive into all aspects of what it means to be WELL, with both an open mind and an open heart. You will undoubtedly gain awareness while listening to an array of different perspectives regarding your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Taking charge of our well-being often requires unlearning much of what we've been taught, and it most definitely requires commitment and INTENTION.
Latest episodes

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 25min
Navigating PCOS, Endometriosis, Birth Control Risks & More with Stefanie Adler
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this episode I sit down with Stefanie Adler, Certified Nutrition Consultant (CNC), Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist (FDN), and women's hormone and fertility expert. Through diving-deep with her clients from all over the world, she's been able to help them overcome chronic symptoms such as hormonal imbalances, gut issues, unexplained infertility, and more. In this discussion, we heavily focus on PCOS and Endometriosis, which are unfortunately all-too common in today's world among women. Stefanie's goal through an individualized approach and functional lab testing, is to address this diagnoses' from the root...versus conventionally band-aiding these concerns. She also discusses the relationship between these conditions and gut health/microbiome, she tackles the controversial topic of birth control use, and much more.Guest Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanieadlerwellness/Website: https://www.stefanieadler.com/Free cycle-syncing cheat sheet guide: https://www.stefanieadler.com/cycle-informing-chart-form-1 Show Resources:Discount codes/affiliate links: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 6min
Uncovering the Root Cause of Your Pet's Health Issues with Dr. Katie Woodley (Part 1)
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katie Woodley, founder of The Natural Pet Doctor, to explore the power of integrative veterinary medicine. With over 15 years of experience blending Eastern and Western approaches, Dr. Woodley shares how her personal journey led her to focus on holistic pet care, particularly the critical role of gut health. During our conversation, we uncover why addressing the root cause of illness—rather than just treating symptoms—is essential for the longevity and overall health of our pets. She explains how a proactive, holistic approach can prevent chronic disease and support vibrant, thriving animals. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Katie is a passionate educator and speaker, collaborating with veterinary professionals and companies to promote the benefits of holistic care. Through her online Healthy Holistic Pet For Life Blueprint program, she empowers pet parents to take confident charge of their pets’ health naturally. Based in Colorado with her husband and three black cats, Dr. Katie is passionately dedicated to helping pets and their families live vibrant, healthy lives together.Guest Resources:Website: https://thenaturalpetdoctor.com/ (guides and all information)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenaturalpetdoctor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalpetdoctor/YouTube: http://bit.ly/thenaturalpetdoctorShow Resources:Discount codes/affiliate links: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Truth About Weight Loss: Metabolism Misconceptions, Dieting Missteps, and Strategic GLP-1 Use with Vince Pitstick
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this insightful episode, I sit down with Vince Pitstick, founder of Vidal Coaching and creator of the 4F Process™, a leader in functional medicine and health coaching. With over 19 years of experience, Vince has dedicated his career to helping people understand their bodies better and find lasting solutions to health challenges.During this discussion, we dissect many misconceptions about weight loss and metabolism, and why people's approaches often fail. Vince explains why many people are stuck in a cycle of continual resolutions that don’t work, and how diet culture has contributed to these struggles. He also discusses how restrictive dieting and a history of unhealthy weight loss practices can have lasting impacts on metabolism. Some of what's covered:Why the "eat less, move more" approach doesn’t always work and can backfireThe science behind adaptive thermogenesis and its impact on your metabolismThe role of inflammation and oxidative stress in metabolic healthHow insulin and leptin are critical hormones for fat metabolism but are often overlooked in common conversations about weight lossThe difference of holding versus building muscle for metabolic health and why muscle loss contributes to metabolic dysfunctionEmotional/mental health struggles and how trauma can impact our goals.Practical approaches to reset your metabolismThe potential benefits and misuse of GLP-1s (like Ozempic) as a temporary tool to help heal metabolismGuest Resources:https://vidalmed.com/https://vidalcoaching.com/https://www.metabolicmentor.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/vince_pitstick/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VincePitstickShow resources:Vanessa's discount codes link: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 14min
Mind Over Trauma: How to Renew Your Brain for Healing and Freedom with Dr. Dawson Church
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this episode, I sit down with world-renowned science writer and best-selling author, Dr. Dawson Church to discuss the incredible power of the mind and overcoming trauma, PSTD, and other emotional imbalances. His expertise in brain science, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), veteran mental health, and epigenetics has had an impact on millions worldwide. We cover a variety of different subjects during this chat including but not limited to:PSTD and how we can all experience it depending on the way our brain perceives experiences (stressors/stressful situations)How traumatic events can have different impacts on different peopleEFT (tapping) and how it can drastically diminish impacts of trauma/PTSDHow the brain and our emotional health is often left out of conversation when it pertains to healingHow negative thought patterns can drastically influence our lives and cause toxicitySlow healing processes and feeling stuck though you've "tried everything"EFT as a daily self-care habit and the danger of low-level anxiety Highlights from best-selling books: The Genie in Your Genes, Mind to Matter, and Bliss BrainEpigenetics and how beliefs and emotions can trigger the expression of DNA/genes How self-talk, the language we use, and our words matter Forms of meditation and its effectiveness based on scientific evidence Future book details (Spiritual Intelligence)Dr. Dawson Church Resources:EFT Manual/Eco-Meditation: https://eftuniverse.com/get-your-free-gifts/Future Book: https://spiritualintelligencebook.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawsonchurchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawson.church.3/Website: https://dawsonchurch.com/Veteran Help: https://www.stresssolution.org/EFT Universe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theeftuniverse/Show Resources:Vanessa's Discount Codes link: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 25min
BEST OF IWP: The Startling Truth About Botox, with Gretch Elizabeth from Never Tox
Send Vanessa a Text MessageOriginal Air Date: 3/01/23This week, we are revisiting one of the most popular episodes of Intentionally Well, as it's been on my heart personally to re-share this important discussion. With a major lack of informed consent and continuous denial from practitioners, countless people have and are suffering from Botox injections worldwide. Despite growing awareness, the majority of society is still in the dark regarding this neurotoxin, and informed consent is critical when considering. Most providers today are also unaware of the suffering and negative effects for a variety of reasons, which complicates actual and factual informed consent from taking place. The Never Tox team has worked tirelessly to disclose correct patient information and set up a comprehensive support system for those who are in need of help post-injury or side effects. Gretch serves up some cold hard facts regarding statistics, shares plenty of anecdotal evidence, and answers all the typical "exception" questions one may have regarding the safety of Botox injections. She also educates us on the devastating reality of how it can play a huge role in one's mental/emotional health status. Never Tox is dedicated to helping people connect the dots between Botox injections and their health issues, and continues to compassionately advocate for those who've unfortunately been injured.Please see below for resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nevertox/Website: https://www.toxsafety.comFacebook Support Group (On holiday break, reopens 1/06/25): https://www.facebook.com/groups/224009391310103Never Tox YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xbevgbh9f4&list=PLScjG_8vcfr1Zc0KKyrp28IxpZDK7GtHf&ab_channel=LSUTigerTV988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S. residents): https://988lifeline.org/Never Tox Email: hi.nevertox@gmail.comVanessa's Discount Codes link: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 51min
Is the Flu Shot Safe and Effective? Talk on Germ Theory, Antibiotics, Avoiding Seasonal Sickness, and Much More with Emma Tekstra
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this interview, I sit down with Emma Tekstra, actuary, global health consultant, and author of How to Be a Healthy Human: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know about Health and Longevity. Emma is passionate about helping companies and individuals understand what truly creates health and wellbeing. As a fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Emma is deeply rooted in the data and science of the human body and what makes it tick or break down.Some of what is discussed during this episode:What causes someone to "get the flu?"Germ theory vs. terrain theoryWhat happens when we take a course or multiple courses of antibiotics?Is Tamiflu a safe and effective drug?What is the risk/benefit of taking a flu shot today?What is the history behind polio and measles?How do they test vaccines prior to releasing to the population?Are vaccines tested for safety when given multiples at one time?How can we learn real data and science regarding vaccines?What is herd immunity and how has the term been improperly used?What are some ways and remedies to protect against sickness during the winter months (and always)?What is the Open Air Factor?How can you become a smarter health insurance consumer?For more resources please see below:Emma's Website: https://emmatekstra.com/Emma's Substack: https://emmatekstra.substack.com/Emma's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talk2emma/Emma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmatekstra/Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Healthy-Human-Longevity/dp/1510779507/National Vax Info Center: https://www.nvic .org/Vanessa's Discount Codes link: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 22min
How to Survive a Hospital Stay in Today's World, with Dr. Julie Siemers
Send Vanessa a Text MessageDr. Julie Siemer's book: https://a.co/d/73Y16gE(Additional resources and links below)In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Julie Siemers, DNP, MSN, RN, to discuss the realities of today's hospital and critical care system. She is a patient safety consultant, industry nurse leader, worldwide educator, the founder of Lifebeat Solutions, and the author of the bestselling book, 'Surviving Your Hospital Stay: A Nurse Educator's Guide to Staying Safe and Living to Tell About it.' This discussion is a crucial and pivotal one that every human being should listen to regarding patient advocacy. We are all subject to injury, illness, or surgery at some point in life, and today's unfortunate healthcare realities demand we equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to navigate such events...be it for a loved one or ourselves. During this chat, Dr. Julie Siemers educates us on the conservative realities happening behind the healthcare curtain, and she shares expert tips and resources that will enable your confidence if/when a hospital stay becomes necessary.For all other guest/show resources please see the following:Dr. Julie’s website: https://drjuliesiemers.com/ About Lifebeat Solutions: https://lifebeatsolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesiemers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjuliesiemers Leapfrog- Safety Website: https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/Vanessa's Discount Code link: https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
Functional Podiatry: The Bigger Picture Regarding Your Foot Problems and Pain with Dr. Emily Splichal
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this episode I sit down with Dr. Emily Splichal, Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist. She is also the founder of EBFA Global, author of the book Barefoot Strong, and CEO/founder of Naboso Technology. With over 23 years in the fitness industry, Dr. Splichal has totally dedicated her medical career towards the study of postural alignment and human movement as it relates to barefoot science, foot to core integration, and sensory integration.Dr. Splichal actively sees patients both in her office (AZ) and virtually, with a specialty in movement disorders, functional movement, and regenerative medicine. She takes great pride in addressing all patients through a functional approach with the integration of neuromuscular control, biopsychosocial influences, corrective exercise and stem cell therapy.For more resources, please see below:Dr. Splichal's Website: https://www.dremilysplichal.com/Naboso Technology: https://www.naboso.com/Dr. Splichal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfootdoc/Dr. Splichal on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dremilysplichal3079Barefoot Strong Blog: https://barefootstrongblog.com/Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa's Homebase (links/discount codes): https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 30min
Getting to the Root Causes of Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Concerns with Dr. Tracy McCarthy
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tracy McCarthy, board-certified functional psychiatrist to discuss the intricacies of mental health in today's world. She eventually sidestepped conventional psychiatry after experiencing frustration with the limitations of the practice, and is now dedicated towards root-cause medicine.She is the creator of the Natural Mood Solution Online Program, the founder and Medical Director of Dr. Tracy McCarthy Functional Medicine, and is highly committed to helping adults suffering from mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and more. However, unlike the conventional approach, she looks at the body/brain holistically and functionally, and works with patients to uncover the real story behind their symptoms. Most mental health challenges accompany symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, etc., and her unique approach focuses on tackling these underlying issues such as microbiome imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin exposures. Her goal is to educate her patients and people on how inflammation is highly connected to our mental health, known disorders, and mood disturbances.Please see below for additional resources:Dr. McCarthy's website: https://www.drtracymccarthy.com/Free download: https://www.drtracymccarthy.com/top10 Program: http://www.naturalmoodsolution.com Dr. McCarthy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtracymccarthy/Dr. McCarthy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyMcCarthyPodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastVanessa's Homebase (links/discount codes): https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

Oct 8, 2024 • 57min
Yulia's Story: From Being Denied Life-Saving Kidney Transplant Due to Vaccination Status, to Now a Thriving Miracle -with Chrissy Hicks
Send Vanessa a Text MessageIn this special episode, I sit down with Chrissy Hicks to candidly discuss the MIRACLE journey of her daughter Yulia. After being adopted from Ukraine, Yulia was in need of a life-saving kidney transplant, but was denied the procedure by Duke University Hospital due to her Covid vaccination status.The story unfolds in the most incredible of ways, miracle after miracle...and Chrissy and her husband are still relentlessly dedicated towards raising awareness and sharing accommodating resources for other transplant patients. They believe it's critically important to continue to fight for EVERYONE'S freedoms and rights, and they are by no means done with trying to restructure and pass Yulia's Law. While this situation with Yulia went viral and reached the mainstream media, there is still much work to do when it comes to the protection of body autonomy for all citizens. With faith as their foundation, they are obediently and courageously open to do whatever it takes to create real, lasting change.Episode/Support Resources:Informational Page: https://www.givesendgo.com/kidneyforyuliaKidney for Yulia Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1570824836846037/?mibextid=S66gvFPodcast Resources:Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/Vanessa's Homebase (links/discount codes): https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoodsVanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/ Vanessa on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thegiftofgoodsPodcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcastPodcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessaPodcast on X: https://x.com/wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.