

The DNA Talks Podcast
Bryce Wylde, Kashif Khan, Dr. Lara Varden, and Dr. Stephanie Nielsen
Welcome to the DNA Talks Podcast where we take on the mission of unlocking the code of your genetics. This season is all about you – upgrading your health not just on the surface, but down to the root cause. Join us, as your clinicians of The DNA Company investigate your DNA and beyond! Formerly the UNPILLED Podcast, the DNA Talks Podcast continues to be the innovative provider of FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS SOLUTIONS for personalized and preventative health and wellness.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
How Natural and Artificial Light Sources Affect the Brain with Roudy Nassif of VivaRays
"The quality of our life is entirely dependent on the quality of light that is entering our eyes."In this episode, Dr. Lara Varden, Dean of DNA University, brings back Roudy Nassif for the fourth time on the podcast to talk about how different sources and hues of light affect our brains, especially in the aspect of mental health and overall cognitive function. Roudy is the founder of Vivarays, leading the Light Revolution. His company is responsible for introducing the world's first circadian light-harmonizing eyewear. These glasses harmonize the adverse effects of artificial light coming from screens and indoor light bulbs, helping individuals sync with nature's rhythm for a more vibrant life.Dr. Lara and Roudy first discuss what sets VivaRays apart, diving into the research behind their blue-light blocking glasses by going into the specific colors and hues that affect our bodies. The discussion goes from looking into the shade of blue blocked that comes at the cost of energy, to a variety of lenses that prevent that, to lenses that simulate the bonfire's amber hues for a restful night's sleep.They also discuss the importance of light when it comes to aiding our mental health and our brain's capability to learn. This factors in our light environment, and our own personal habits that cause hyperactivity and disrupt our circadian rhythm.______________________________________________________Learn more about VivaRays today!Visit their website at https://vivarays.com/Read through VivaRays' winter blog through this link: https://vivarays.com/pages/7-winter-blog-series?utm_source=lara-varden-thednacompany&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=Grab your free ebook: The Key to Master your Sleep and EnergyVivarays is also on Instagram at @vivarays______________________________________________________Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnatalkspodcast/______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Aug 26, 2025 • 44min
Metabolic Freedom Meets Functional Genomics with Ben Azadi
Have you ever felt hopeless when it comes to how your health has turned out to be as you've lived in a generation where convenience is prioritized over nutrition?In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman, Chief Science Officer of the DNA Company, brings in Ben Azadi, a health educator, best-selling author, and founder of Keto Kamp, known for his personal transformation from depression and obesity to metabolic health after a period of addiction and a poor diet. He transformed his life by losing 80 pounds and achieving 6% body fat after adopting a keto and intermittent fasting lifestyle, which inspired him to help others live healthier lives, leading him to become a global wellness advocate and host of the Keto Kamp podcast and YouTube channel.They dive into how Ben was able to turn his life around after growing up being fed tons of fast and processed food. This involves trial and error, lifestyle change, and a complete mindset overhaul into becoming the best version of himself today.Here are the highlights of today's episode:01:32 Becoming the Champion of Metabolics04:52 The Process of Unlearning06:29 The Doctors' Narrative09:24 Metabolic Issues within the World Populations16:46 Metabolic Freedom21:41 The Trial and Error25:08 The Biohacking Dollar29:14 Mindset and Approaching the Changes40:36 Ben Azadi's SocialsIf you wish to connect more with Ben Azadi, you may check out his channels here:Website: https://benazadi.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebenazadi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebenazadi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-azadi-b7122323/Twitter: https://x.com/THEBENAZADIYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUh_MOM621MvpW_HLtfkLyQYou may also check out his book, "Metabolic Freedom" wherever books are sold or through this link: https://ketokamp.clickfunnels.com/metabolic-freedom______________________________________________________Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnatalkspodcast/______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Aug 21, 2025 • 46min
Fitness As You Age: Tailoring Exercise Plans to Your Genetic Blueprint
📣 DID YOU KNOW: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 30-35%, including a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.Join our fitness experts Dr. Lara Varden and Justin Harris TODAY - Thursday, as they cover critical topics such as bone density loss and mental health, while examining how genetics influence muscle composition, endurance, and recovery.Learn easy ways to incorporate fitness into your daily routine, maintain flexibility, and make exercise enjoyable at any age. Plus, discover the benefits of creating a personalized fitness plan with professional support to promote long-term health and mobility.______________________________________________________Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnatalkspodcast/______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Aug 12, 2025 • 52min
Impact of High Cortisol on Health with Dr. Krista Kostroman, Dr. Lara Varden, and Justin Harris
Are you suffering from chronic high cortisol? Learn how it is impacting your health!Join our experts as they explore how prolonged stress and elevated cortisol levels can lead to a range of health issues, including weight gain, hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges.You will gain valuable insights into how genetics play a role in cortisol regulation and learn personalized strategies to manage stress, lower cortisol, and improve long-term health outcomes.______________________________________________________Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnatalkspodcast/______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
WTF with Dr. Krista Kostroman and Dr. Betty Murray: Women's Health, Protecting Children, and Dr. ChatGPT
We're back in sharing our WTFs with Dr. Krista Kostroman, and Dr. Betty Murray!In this episode, Dr. Krista and Dr. Betty shed light on the situation of women's accessibility to healthcare. They discuss how hormone replacement therapy and how access to these particular medications could make the difference when it comes to women's health. They also discuss how the current administration has this way of slowly stripping away women and children's rights. Children not receiving the proper lookout in which there is a wide invalidation of reports of children being harmed especially in the church due to the First Amendment, which the US administration is supportive of. Lastly, Dr. Krista and Dr. Betty tackle the dangers of Dr. ChatGPT - where AI that is made available to all has not been trained for specific medical reasons yet the majority of the population nowadays tend to believe the first answer they receive from an AI bot which leads to dangers in healthcare, especially in the context of mental health.______________________________________________________Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnatalkspodcast/______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Aug 5, 2025 • 7min
Nerd's Nook: Late-Onset Depression and Alzheimer’s Dementia: What’s the Connection?
Are there ways to detect the presence of Alzheimer’s dementia early, so preventive measures can be taken to reverse or slow its progression? In this special episode of Nerds' Nook, we join Dr. Krista Kostroman, Chief Science Officer of The DNA Company, in diving into the study of how APOE4 plays a factor to late onset dementia, and ways on how to prevent it. We know that certain diet and lifestyle changes can slow or even reverse dementia symptomology. Therefore, looking at the brains of those suffering with late-onset depression might give them a seven-year head start by making those changes before symptoms even appear. #Alzheimersdementia #dementia #lateonsetdepression #dementiatreatment Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Jul 29, 2025 • 43min
Epigenetics and Lifestyle: How Your Choices Shape Your Genetic Expression
Is your lifestyle compatible with your DNA? Join our hosts and discover how your daily lifestyle choices—such as diet, exercise, and stress management—can influence your genetic expression through the powerful science of epigenetics.Learn how environmental factors interact with your DNA, impacting everything from health and aging to disease prevention and gain actionable strategies to modify your epigenetic expression, optimize your health, and unlock the potential within your genes to live a longer, healthier life.______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Jul 24, 2025 • 38min
Fighting Inflammation: How Your Genes Influence Chronic Inflammation and What to Do About It
Could inflammation be the root cause of your health struggles? Join Dr. Stephanie Nielsen, Justin Harris, and Dr. Krista Kostroman as they explore the genetic factors that contribute to chronic inflammation and how this silent issue impacts your overall health.In this episode, you’ll learn how your genes influence inflammatory responses and what personalized strategies can help you reduce inflammation, improve your well-being, and prevent long-term health complications.______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Jul 16, 2025 • 38min
Sleep Smarts: Exploring the Genetic and Environmental Factors Behind High Quality Rest
How do you maneuver sleep with your reality? Whether you're on the night shift, or someone who has constantly changing sleeping patterns, this episode is for you!In this episode, Dr. Lara Varden is again joined by Roudy Nassif, Founder of VivaRays. Roudy has suffered from ADHD, headaches, and eyestrain since childhood. Despite consulting with doctors, trying different diets and supplements, and seeking advice from various health gurus, he has been unable to find relief. He also continued to struggle with sleep and productivity.He carried this frustration as he got older, still unable to find any solution, until he tried farming and living a life exposed to the outdoors with sunrise and sunset just around the corner. This life-changing experience allowed his health to transform, resulting in remarkable changes to his sleep, focus, and overall health. This led to his curiosity in studying light and its effects on the circadian rhythm.In this episode, Roudy shares his expertise on how different forms of light affects your body's sleep and ability to have quality rest. This includes factors such as genetics, consistency, and the circadian clock that your body follows. Listen now and be equipped with the best sleep smarts that your body could be experiencing today!______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Jul 8, 2025 • 59min
Journeying Back to Health with Shakila Padamshi
Were you always just prescribed a solution but never knew the explanation behind why your symptoms are severe or why your body reacts differently to certain steps towards health?In this episode, Dr. Lara Varden is joined by Shakila Padamshi, a movement practitioner turned lifestyle practitioner whose trajectory of health changed for the better as she went on the journey of going through her DNA test with Dr. Lara. They discuss Shakila's experience with perimenopause and as well as a neurological injury brought about by the pandemic - how it feels to go through the motions of health yet not given clear answers despite all other traditional tests in the hospital.Listen to Shakila's empowering journey today, and witness the importance of understanding how your own body works to reach your best state of health that's catered to your own actual needs.______________________________________________________Keep yourself up to date on The DNA Talks Podcast! Follow our socials below:The DNA Talks Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnatalkspodcast/______________________________________________________Music: Inspiring Motivational Background by Stock-Waveshttps://www.stock-waves.com/https://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwVDTn-I0o&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fG&index=5______________________________________________________Music: Peaceful Corporate by Stock-Waveshttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34bTKW8ud0&list=PLQtpqy3zeTGB7V5lkhkfBVaiZyrysv_fGMedical Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.


