The Sakara Life Podcast

Danielle and Whitney sit down with renowned physician and scientist Dr. William Li to discuss the critical foundation for longevity, and how natural whole plant-based foods do the work for you. This episode was recorded as part of our Sakara Talk Series. Check out the video version on the Sakara Life YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/oeEO5JaKKQkDr. Li shares:  The relationship between a plant-based diet and overall health What causes inflammation (plus a few surprising causes) and the downstream effects of inflammation  How plants counteract inflammation in the body  The value of complete nutrient diversity and a colorful plate  The correlation between inflammation and weight gain  About Dr. William Li: Dr. William Li is an internationally renowned physician, scientist and author of the New York Times bestseller “Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself” and “Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, and Live Longer.”  His groundbreaking research has led to the development of more than 40 new medical treatments that impact care for more than 70 diseases including diabetes, blindness, heart disease and obesity. His TED Talk, “Can We Eat to Starve Cancer?” has garnered more than 11 million views. He is also the President and Medical Director of the Angiogenesis Foundation, and he is leading global initiatives on food as medicine. 

Danielle and Whitney sit down with plant-based chef, fitness enthusiast, and motivational speaker Babette Davis, who at 73, shares her spiritual and health journey to motivate others to take control of their diets, habits, and mindset at any age.  Babette shares:  Her experience with childhood abuse and later addiction  Her introduction to a plant-based lifestyle  A mantra for tackling obstacles  The myth of a “perfect” life Her experience through menopause and as a postmenopausal woman  How she defines her decades  A few of her favorite plant-based staples  About Babette Davis:Babette Davis is a globally recognized plant-based chef, fitness enthusiast and motivational speaker who calls Inglewood, CA home. She pioneered the first plant-based restaurant, “Stuff I Eat” in her community in the early 2000’s where she still receives visitors from around the world. Babette was recently featured on the Tamron Hall show doing an Eight Minute plank and talking about her health journey. Her goal is to share knowledge with others and be a catalyst to get people moving. 

Danielle and Whitney sat down with epigenetic pioneer Dr. Ben Lynch to discuss epigenetics and what we can do to understand and impact how our genes are expressed. Dr. Ben Lynch shares:  A look into the field of epigenetics The concept of “Dirty Genes” and the role of nutrition in how these genes function The biggest misconceptions when it comes to our genes  Understanding and interpreting genetic testing  The best way to fix a genetic variation  About Dr. Ben Lynch: Dr. Lynch is a naturopathic doctor and the best-selling author of Dirty Genes: A Breakthrough Program to Treat the Root Cause of Illness and Optimize Your Health.Dr. Ben Lynch discovered the power of epigenetics in 2008 and never looked back. While helping people recover from exposure to industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins, he discovered the role genes play in the whole process and quickly realized that there was a huge gap between what geneticists published in their research papers and what medical providers practiced with patients. Dr. Lynch has since made it his mission to bring cutting edge science into the doctor’s office. 

Danielle sat down with bestselling author, life coach, and speaker Martha Beck to talk about anxiety, what it is, and how to channel the energy behind anxiety into creativity so that you can live your higher purpose. Martha Beck shares:  The meaning of true nature, and how to get to know yours  The difference between fear and anxiety  How to identify an anxiety spiral, and what to do about it  How creativity can silence anxiety  The psychology of living your purpose  About Martha Beck: Martha Beck is a bestselling author, life coach, and speaker. She has spent a lifetime offering powerful, practical, and entertaining teachings that help people improve every aspect of their lives. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging speaker, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. For over two decades she has been, in the words of NPR and USA Today, “the best-known life coach in America.” Her published works include over 150 magazine articles and several self help books and memoirs, including New York Times and international bestsellers Finding Your Own North Star, The Joy Diet, and Expecting Adam. Her recent book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller and Oprah’s Book Club selection. Martha’s next book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, is expected in early 2025.

Today Danielle and Whitney sit down with Byron Katie to talk about her process to help millions of people heal their own suffering through a process of self-inquiry known as The Work.Byron Katie shares:• Her moment of enlightenment on the cause of all suffering• Insight on the connection between the ego and our suffering• How to practice the process of self-inquiry• A perspective shift on forgivenessAbout Byron Katie:In 1986, at the bottom of a ten-year spiral into depression and self-loathing, Byron Katie woke up one morning in a state of joy. She realized that when she believed her stressful thoughts, she suffered, but that when she questioned them, she didn’t suffer, and that this is true for every human being. Her simple yet powerful process of self-inquiry, which she calls The Work, consists of four questions and the turnaround, which is a way of experiencing the opposite of what you believe.Her books include the bestselling Loving What Is now in a revised edition, I Need Your Love—Is That True?, A Thousand Names for Joy, and A Mind at Home with Itself. For more information, visit thework.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byron.katieProduced by Hangar Studios

Join us today for an encore of our conversation with Dr. Taz Bhatia from our Hormonal Health Series. Danielle, Whitney, and Dr. Bhatia discuss navigating the complex world of hormonal shifts, discovering how to maintain your vitality and energy through different life stages with practical strategies for supporting your hormonal health.Dr. Taz shares: How hormonal changes impact our energy and well-being Nutritional and lifestyle tips for balancing hormones Strategies for managing stress and its effect on hormones The importance of personalized medicine in hormonal health Practical advice for staying vibrant through hormonal shifts About Dr. Taz Bhatia:Dr. Taz Bhatia is a board-certified integrative medicine physician specializing in women's health, weight loss, and nutrition. As the author of several holistic health books, she is committed to helping her patients achieve optimal vitality through personalized, integrative care.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/Produced by Hangar Studios

Today we revisit one of Danielle’s favorite solo interviews with renowned gastroenterologist, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. Dr. Bulsiewicz explains how fiber is the unsung hero of our diets, with the ability to revolutionize our digestive health, weight management, and overall wellness.Dr. Bulsiewicz shares: The critical role of fiber in maintaining digestive health and preventing disease Fun and easy ways to add more fiber to your diet The science that makes fiber essential for wellness Inspiring stories of health transformations through fiber-rich diets About Dr. Will Bulsiewicz:Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, known as "Dr. B," is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the author of the bestselling book "Fiber Fueled." He is a passionate advocate for a plant-based, fiber-rich diet and is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health through the power of nutrition.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd/Produced by Hangar Studios

One of Danielle and Whitney’s most foundational conversations on the podcast to date, today we’re re-sharing our conversation with Dr. Mark Hyman on why food really is medicine. Together, they explore how our dietary choices can heal, prevent chronic diseases, and boost overall health.Dr. Hyman shares: The surprising connection between food and chronic disease prevention Simple ways to incorporate healing foods into your daily life The science behind food as a powerful medicine How to tailor your nutrition for optimal health Personalized tips for turning your diet into a wellness tool About Dr. Mark Hyman:Dr. Mark Hyman is a renowned family physician and a leading figure in Functional Medicine. As the founder of The UltraWellness Center and chairman of the Institute for Functional Medicine, he has authored twelve New York Times bestselling books. Dr. Hyman is passionate about using food to revolutionize health care and personal wellness.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarkhyman/Produced by Hangar Studios

Today we’re sharing an encore of one of our favorite episodes featuring the incredible Dr. Robynne Chutkan. Dr. Chutkan takes us on a journey into the magical world of the microbiome to discover how the tiny bacteria in our gut play a massive role in our health and well-being.Robynne shares: Why gut health is crucial for digestion, immunity, and mental well-being Easy tips to boost your microbiome through diet and lifestyle Cutting-edge research on the microbiome’s role in preventing chronic diseases How to maintain a healthy gut at any age Simple changes to improve your gut flora and overall health About Dr. Robynne Chutkan:Robynne Chutkan is a leading integrative gastroenterologist and the founder of the Digestive Center for Wellness. As the author of several bestsellers on gut health, she is dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health through holistic and integrative approaches.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutbliss/Produced by Hangar Studios

Today Danielle and Whitney sit down with trauma healing expert Dr. Christian Gonzalez to understand how we can all start to become more embodied, move through stored trauma, and ultimately live a more vibrant life in connection with our true selves. Dr. Gonzalez shares: Why so many of us feel disconnected to ourselves in our 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s How we can better understand the survival mechanisms we took on as children How our childhood trauma manifests in the body and how to move through it How we can start to become more embodied and know ourselves better What is integrity and what can it teach us about boundaries? About Dr. Christian Gonzalez:Dr. Gonzalez is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and a trusted leader in emotional and trauma healing with a passion for helping people optimize their health to prevent chronic disease. Dr. Gonzalez completed a two-year residency position at the competitive Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia and received a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2014. Dr. Gonzalez applies the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when given favorable conditions to thrive. He works in finding the root cause of imbalance and giving the body what it needs to heal while removing obstacles to restoring health. He carries this very mantra to all his patients to find long-term healing.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gonzalez/Produced by Hangar Studios