Healthy & Awake Podcast

🤝 WORK WITH MIKE

Ready to take the next step with your health? Book a $1 discovery call with Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC.

→ https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

Are Flock cameras and data centers part of the same buildout? Tom Renz argues they are: if you want to track everyone, you need cameras on every corner and enough computing power to store and sort it all. He walks through how he says that ties back to COVID vaccine passports and track and trace, why he thinks the GENIUS Act brings crypto under bank reporting rules, how he sees CBDCs and debanking fitting in, and why "I have nothing to hide" doesn't hold up. He also explains how he says "de-identified" medical billing data can be matched back to you with cell phone location data.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST - TOM RENZ

Tom Renz is an Ohio attorney, the founder of Renz Law, and Chief Legal Officer at Haloe Accelerated Wellness. He hosts The Tom Renz Show and is the author of Lawfare: Why It Matters & Other Essays. He became known for COVID-era medical freedom litigation, starting with a case he filed in September 2020.

- Website: https://tomrenz.com

- Book, Lawfare: Why It Matters & Other Essays: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZSG4MPX

- Haloe Accelerated Wellness: https://haloe.com

- Rumble, The Tom Renz Show: https://rumble.com/c/TomRenz

- X: https://x.com/RenzTom

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attorneytomrenz

- Facebook, The Tom Renz Show: https://www.facebook.com/61551904745985

📖 RELATED READING - WHAT TO THINK VS. HOW TO THINK (PAID)

Mike's take on the difference between being told what to think and learning how to think.

→ https://mikevera.substack.com/p/what-to-think-vs-how-to-think

🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE® TIME MANAGEMENT

Mike's course for getting your time back so your health plan actually happens.

→ https://healthyandawake.com/time-management

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DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. Guest statements about laws and legal matters are his opinions and are not legal advice.

🤝 WORK WITH MIKE

Ready to take the next step with your health? Book a $1 discovery call with Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC.

→ https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

Why aren't doctors taught about medical cannabis? Pediatrician Dr. Bonni Goldstein never learned about the endocannabinoid system in medical school. In this episode she explains why it was left out, what she sees when she treats sick kids with conditions like autism and epilepsy under medical supervision, and why a 1995 study on kids in chemo went nowhere. She is clear that cannabis is not for everyone and needs careful dosing, and she explains why she worries about Delta 8 and THCA products sold in smoke shops.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST - DR. BONNI GOLDSTEIN

Dr. Bonni Goldstein is a pediatric-trained physician, licensed in California since the early 1990s, who spent years in pediatric emergency medicine. Since 2008 she has been the owner and medical director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education, a California medical cannabis practice. She has published research using saliva biomarkers to measure the effects of medical cannabis in children with autism, and she is the author of Cannabis Is Medicine (Little, Brown Spark, 2020) and Cannabis Revealed.

- Website: https://www.canna-centers.com/

- Book, Cannabis Is Medicine: https://www.canna-centers.com/cannabis-is-medicine/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnigoldsteinmd/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnigoldsteinmd

📖 FREE - IF PHARMA CAN ADVERTISE, I CAN CRITICIZE

Mike's take on who gets to talk about health in public, and who gets shut out.

→ https://mikevera.substack.com/p/if-pharma-can-advertise-freely-i

🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE® TIME MANAGEMENT

Mike's course for getting your time back so your health plan actually happens.

→ https://healthyandawake.com/time-management

🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN - HEALTHY & AWAKE

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeverahealth

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfvera

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DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. Do not start, stop, or change a medication or cannabis dose, for yourself or your child, without a qualified clinician.

🤝 WORK WITH MIKE

Ready to take the next step with your health? Book a $1 discovery call with Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC.

→ https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Why do doctors rush through appointments? Dr. Luissa Kiprono argues that healthcare productivity quotas can put the time patients need in conflict with the way physicians are paid. We discuss physician autonomy, burnout, AI, and access to care, followed by her perspective on pregnancy and vaccines.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — DR. LUISSA KIPRONO

Dr. Luissa Kiprono, DO, MBS, EMBA, is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and founder and CEO of TeleMed MFM and World Gateway Perinatal Consultants. She served for 12 years in the U.S. Air Force as an officer and physician and is the author of Push, Then Breathe: Trauma, Triumph, and the Making of an American Doctor.

- TeleMed MFM: https://telemedmfm.com/

As mentioned in the introduction, Dr. Kiprono disagrees with views expressed in our earlier autism conversation with Dr. Peter McCullough. That episode is linked here so you can hear the conversations in context:

- The Autism Spike, with Dr. Peter McCullough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN5xBuGDepg

📖 FREE — THE COMPLETE GLP-1 BREAKDOWN

Explore the GLP-1 discussion further with Mike’s guide to the medications, their tradeoffs, and the research behind the claims.

→ https://mikevera.substack.com/p/the-ozempic-trap-what-theyre-not

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

MORE FROM HEALTHY & AWAKE

Healthy & Awake® Time Management

Make room for your health goals. Build a practical daily plan around your priorities and routines, with a way back when plans change.

https://healthyandawake.com/time-management

Healthy & Awake® on Substack

Get Mike's articles and conversations in your inbox and keep exploring the ideas behind Healthy & Awake.

https://mikevera.substack.com/

Affiliate disclosure: Purchases through the links below may earn me a commission, supporting the show at no extra cost to you.

BonCharge Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Using screens after dark? Explore blue light blocking glasses for your evening screen routine.

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BreathHoldWork® Masterclass

Explore Erwan Le Corre's online course in breath-hold training, with structured lessons and exercises for practicing how you respond to stress.

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🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN — HEALTHY & AWAKE

Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC, host of the Healthy & Awake Podcast

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake

🤝 WORK WITH MIKE

Ready to take the next step with your health? Book a $1 discovery call with Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC.

→ https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

Antidepressant withdrawal raises a question that can get lost when a prescription is written: who helps you when you want to stop? Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring joins Mike Vera to explain why he argues psychiatric care needs a plan beyond prescribing, drawing on his experience in drug safety and deprescribing. They discuss informed consent, long-term treatment, the benefits patients report, and what he considers when helping someone prepare to taper.

A note before you listen: this conversation covers antidepressants, SSRIs, psychiatric medication withdrawal, and mental health. It is shared for educational purposes only and is not medical advice; it is not a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication (make medication decisions with your prescribing clinician). If you are struggling or in crisis, support is available 24/7: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Outside the US, contact your local emergency services or crisis line.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — DR. JOSEF WITT-DOERRING

Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring is a board-certified psychiatrist, co-founder, CEO, and Medical Director of TaperClinic. A former Medical Officer in the FDA's Division of Psychiatry, he works with patients navigating psychiatric medication side effects and withdrawal. He also hosts Side Effects with Dr. Josef.

- TaperClinic: https://taperclinic.com/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taperclinic

- Side Effects with Dr. Josef: https://taperclinic.podbean.com/

📖 FREE — THE ANTIDEPRESSANT SIDE EFFECT THEY BURIED

Read Mike's earlier conversation with Dr. David Healy on medication harms, informed consent, and withdrawal:

→ https://mikevera.substack.com/p/the-antidepressant-side-effect-they

🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE® TIME MANAGEMENT

Mike's $47 two-course bundle for protecting what matters and applying the system to one health routine. Includes Health Routine Head Start, lifetime access, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

→ https://healthyandawake.com/time-management

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 The Missing Exit Plan

0:25 Why This Conversation Matters

2:24 Questioning the Chemical-Imbalance Explanation

6:49 Informed Consent and Long-Term Evidence

8:54 From Psychiatry to the FDA to Deprescribing

12:10 Healthy & Awake Time Management

13:27 The Pushback Against Deprescribing

16:06 Can Psychiatry Change?

19:50 Labels, Marketing, and Mental Health

23:57 What to Consider Before Coming Off Medication

28:19 Individualized Tapering and Withdrawal

31:27 Supplements, Cannabis, and Quick Fixes

34:34 Psychedelics, Therapy, and Integration

38:11 The Ketamine Clinic Question

38:42 Where to Find Josef's Work

39:11 Closing and Newsletter

Want Mike's help making sense of your health and choosing the right next step? Book a one-on-one discovery call for just $1: https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

Chlorine dioxide is at the center of a fierce medical controversy: public warnings describe it as dangerous, while Pierre Kory argues that its history, chemistry, and therapeutic evidence tell a very different story. Kory joins Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC, host of the Healthy & Awake Podcast, to explain why he changed his mind after initially finding no clinical studies in PubMed, why he disputes the “bleach” framing, and how he believes oxidation can target pathogens while also discussing DMSO, ivermectin, institutional capture, medical disinformation, and whether public trust can be rebuilt.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — DR. PIERRE D. KORY

Dr. Pierre D. Kory, MD, MPA, is an internal medicine, pulmonary, and critical care physician. He previously served as an associate professor and chief of the Critical Care Service at the University of Wisconsin, co-founded the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance and Leading Edge Clinic, and authored The War on Ivermectin and The War on Chlorine Dioxide.

- The War on Chlorine Dioxide: https://waronchlorinedioxide.com/

- Pierre Kory's Medical Musings: https://pierrekorymedicalmusings.com/

- Leading Edge Clinic: https://drpierrekory.com/

📖 FREE — HEALTHY & AWAKE ON SUBSTACK

Read Mike's evidence-focused health investigations, podcast conversations, and practical ideas for thinking more clearly about your health. Free to read and subscribe:

→ https://mikevera.substack.com

🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE® TIME MANAGEMENT

Get the complete two-course bundle, including Health Routine Head Start, for $47 with lifetime access and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

→ https://healthyandawake.com/time-management

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

Antidepressant informed consent is the question at the center of this conversation with Kim Witczak. After her husband Woody died five weeks after beginning Zoloft prescribed off-label for insomnia, Kim became an advocate for drug safety, transparency, and public accountability. She and Mike examine the patient’s role in a system shaped by pharmaceutical marketing, warning labels, social media, and FDA approval decisions.

A note before you listen: this conversation covers antidepressants, pharmaceutical marketing, drug safety, and the subject of suicide. It is shared for educational purposes only and is not medical advice; it is not a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication (make medication decisions with your prescribing clinician). If you are struggling or in crisis, support is available 24/7: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Outside the US, contact your local emergency services or crisis line.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — KIM WITCZAK

Kim Witczak is a leading drug-safety advocate and speaker. Before becoming an advocate, she spent more than 25 years in advertising and marketing communications. She co-founded Woody Matters, testified before U.S. House and Senate panels, and spent nine years as a Consumer Representative on the FDA Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee. Her advocacy helped bring black-box suicide warnings to antidepressants for children and young adults.

- Kim Witczak: https://www.kimwitczak.com/

- Woody Matters: https://www.woodymatters.com/

- (UN)Acceptable Collateral Damage: https://acceptablecollateraldamage.substack.com/

🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE® TIME MANAGEMENT

The $47 two-part course mentioned in this episode. Build a practical time-management system, then apply it to a health habit that matters to you. One payment includes both courses, lifetime access, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

→ https://healthyandawake.com/time-management

🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN — HEALTHY & AWAKE

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/445erBVLF6J49TRAOtB0nk

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-awake-podcast/id1668607581

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeverahealth

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfvera

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

Therapy culture has made more people ask whether every difficult moment needs to become a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Jonathan Alpert argues that good therapy should help people become more capable, but it can keep people stuck when it becomes an endless routine rather than a path toward real change. Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC, host of the Healthy & Awake Podcast, talks with him about choosing a therapist, the difference between feeling better and getting better, and CBT tools for challenging your own thinking.

A note before you listen: this conversation covers mental health and substance use. It is shared for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you are struggling or in crisis, support is available 24/7: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Outside the US, contact your local emergency services or crisis line.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — JONATHAN ALPERT

Jonathan Alpert is a psychotherapist, executive coach, and media commentator. He is the author of Therapy Nation: How America Got Hooked on Therapy and Why It’s Left Us More Anxious and Divided.

- Website: https://www.jonathanalpert.com/

- Therapy Nation: https://www.jonathanalpert.com/the-book

- X: https://x.com/JonathanAlpert

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanalpert/

🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE® TIME MANAGEMENT

Healthy & Awake® Time Management helps you put a simple system behind the things that matter to you. It includes 20 short lessons, five printable worksheets, and Health Routine Head Start. $47 one-time payment, lifetime access, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

→ https://healthyandawake.com/time

🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN — HEALTHY & AWAKE

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/445erBVLF6J49TRAOtB0nk

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-awake-podcast/id1668607581

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeverahealth

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeverahealth

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfvera

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

How do you leave your comfort zone when your automatic brain treats the unfamiliar like danger? Dr. Charles Glassman joins Mike Vera to explain what he calls the Automatic Brain, why he believes familiarity can keep us stuck, and how repeated exposure may help us respond more deliberately instead of letting fear choose for us.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — DR. CHARLES GLASSMAN

Dr. Charles F. Glassman, MD, is a board-certified internist with more than 30 years of experience. He was among the first physicians in the United States to establish a concierge medical practice, founded CoachMD, serves as an associate medical director at The Standard, and is the author of Brain Drain and the forthcoming Fear Is a Liar.

- Fear Is a Liar and two free sample chapters: https://www.charlesglassmanmd.com/fear-is-a-liar

- Website: https://www.charlesglassmanmd.com/

- Substack: https://substack.com/@charlesfglassmanmd

🕒 HEALTHY & AWAKE TIME MANAGEMENT

Stop leaving your health goals to whatever time and energy happens to be left. Healthy & Awake® Time Management gives you a practical system for protecting what matters, planning for what throws you off, and knowing what to do when the original plan falls apart. It includes Health Routine Head Start, lifetime access, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for $47.

→ https://healthyandawake.com/time

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

The Fauci diary is at the center of this timely conversation with Nicolas Hulscher about fame, COVID-era decision-making, and whether a hearing can lead to accountability. Hulscher argues that the diary and other recent disclosures raise serious questions about gain-of-function funding and institutional conduct, while Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC, host of the Healthy & Awake Podcast, presses him on what the record establishes, what remains disputed, and whether Fauci's July 29 testimony can produce anything more than headlines.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — NICOLAS HULSCHER

Nicolas "Nic" Hulscher, MPH, is an epidemiologist and administrator at the McCullough Foundation. His work focuses on contested public-health questions, including infectious disease, vaccine safety, and institutional trust.

- Website: https://nicolashulscher.com/

- Focal Points: https://www.thefocalpoints.com/

- X: https://x.com/NicHulscher

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nic.hulscher/

📖 FREE — NIC'S PREVIOUS HEALTHY & AWAKE EPISODE

Before this conversation, Nic joined me to discuss bird flu, gain-of-function research, and the questions around H5N1.

→ Rumble: Bird Flu Bombshell: Exposing Biolab Secrets w/ Nicolas Hulscher [Ep. 66] https://rumble.com/v66xvtg-bird-flu-bombshell-exposing-biolab-secrets-w-nicolas-hulscher-ep.-66.html

🫁 BREATH TRAINING (affiliate)

The BreathHoldWork® Meditation Masterclass Mike uses, with 25% off automatically through this link:

- Meditation Masterclass → https://www.breathholdwork.com/a/2148085889/XjErFcgW

🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN — HEALTHY & AWAKE

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/445erBVLF6J49TRAOtB0nk

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-awake-podcast/id1668607581

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeverahealth

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeverahealth

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfvera

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

This episode contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are not paid sponsorships — they're products and programs I personally use and recommend.

Medical cannabis sits in a crowded space of strong claims, real risks, and uneven regulation. Dr. Peter Grinspoon joins Mike Vera for an honest conversation about what cannabis may help, what can harm, and what remains unknown, from rescheduling and unregulated hemp-derived products to dependence, CBD labels, sleep, and aging.

A note before you listen: this conversation covers cannabis use and addiction. It is shared for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you are struggling or in crisis, support is available 24/7: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Outside the US, contact your local emergency services or crisis line. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, SAMHSA's National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — DR. PETER GRINSPOON

Dr. Peter Grinspoon is a primary care physician at Harvard Medical School and board-certified in addiction medicine. He is a cannabis specialist and educator, and the author of Aging Well with Cannabis, Seeing Through the Smoke, and Free Refills.

- Website: https://www.petergrinspoon.com/

- Aging Well with Cannabis: https://www.petergrinspoon.com/agingwell/

- Substack: https://drpetergrinspoon.substack.com/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drpetergrinspoon

📖 FREE — HEALTHY & AWAKE SUBSTACK

More full articles and research breakdowns from Healthy & Awake:

→ https://mikevera.substack.com

🤝 WORK WITH MIKE

One-on-one coaching with Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC, host of the Healthy & Awake Podcast. It is $1 to start:

→ https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction. Always check local regulations and consult a qualified clinician about personal health questions or medication decisions.

How do you calm your nervous system when survival mode has quietly become your baseline? Dr. Eva Selhub joins Mike Vera on the Healthy & Awake Podcast to get into stress, anxiety, and burnout, and instead of a standard Q&A, Mike brought four case studies, the archetypes he sees over and over in sessions as a health coach: the guy stuck in the cookie-and-coffee loop who asks why even bother, the person waking at 2 a.m. with layoffs circling, the mom quietly dreading the empty nest, and the caregiver running on empty. Resilience is more than toughness, she says, and she argues that the coping most people reach for only brings the stress response part of the way down, which leaves the baseline creeping higher over time.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — DR. EVA SELHUB

Dr. Eva Selhub is a board-certified internist who spent 20 years on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and served as medical director of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She ran her own integrated medicine practice for over two decades and has written six books, including Burnout for Dummies, Resilience for Dummies, and The Love Response, and she co-authored Your Brain on Nature. Today she coaches C-suite leaders and teaches the SHIELD method and her six pillars of resilience.

- Website: https://www.drselhub.com

- Substack: https://substack.com/@dreva1

- Free Preview of Resilience Program - https://resilienceexperts.learnworlds.com/course/week7-free-sample

- Foundations of Mastering Resilience (10-week self-paced program): https://resilienceexperts.learnworlds.com/course/foundations-of-mastering-resilience

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drevaselhub/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ESelhub

📖 FREE — WHY SUGAR KEEPS WINNING EVEN WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER

This episode opens on the cookie loop, and Mike wrote the long version of it. Why sugar keeps winning even when you know better, and what is actually running underneath the craving. Free to read and subscribe:

→ https://mikevera.substack.com/p/why-sugar-keeps-winning-even-when

🤝 WORK WITH MIKE

One-on-one coaching with a board-certified health coach, just $1 to start:

→ https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN — HEALTHY & AWAKE

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeverahealth

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeverahealth

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfvera

Dr. David Healy, psychiatrist, psychopharmacologist, and author of Pharmageddon, returns to lay out what he argues the drug companies concealed about antidepressants. He says the healthy-volunteer trials showed sexual side effects in close to 90% of people while the marketed figure was under 5%, and he explains why he considers the word "antidepressant" itself a marketing term. Host Mike Vera, MS, NBC-HWC, walks through the trial data, informed consent, and whether the same pattern is now repeating with GLP-1 drugs. This is a discussion of Dr. Healy's research and perspective, shared for educational purposes only, and it is not medical advice.

A note before you listen: this conversation covers antidepressants, SSRIs, and mental health, including the subject of suicidal thoughts. It is not a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication. Always make medication decisions with your prescribing clinician. If you are struggling or in crisis, support is available 24/7: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Outside the US, contact your local emergency services or crisis line.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — DR. DAVID HEALY

Dr. David Healy is a psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist, and one of the most influential critics of how antidepressants are studied, marketed, and sold. He founded RxISK, where people can report and research drug side effects, and he is the author of Pharmageddon and other books on antidepressants and the history of medicine.

- Writing and blog: https://davidhealy.org

- RxISK (report and research drug side effects): https://rxisk.org

- Book: Pharmageddon

📖 FREE — THE COMPLETE GLP-1 BREAKDOWN

Mike's no-hype breakdown of GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro): what they actually do, what happens when you stop, and what the research says the marketing leaves out. Free to read and subscribe:

→ https://mikevera.substack.com/p/the-ozempic-trap-what-theyre-not

🤝 WORK WITH MIKE

One-on-one coaching with a board-certified health coach, just $1 to start:

→ https://bit.ly/3QDnWg7

🫁 BREATH TRAINING (affiliate)

The breath-hold and meditation training Mike uses, from BreathHoldWork, 25% off automatically through these links:

- Meditation Masterclass → https://www.breathholdwork.com/a/2148085889/XjErFcgW

- BreathBuilt course → https://www.breathholdwork.com/a/2148152057/XjErFcgW

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

This episode contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are not paid sponsorships, they are products and programs I personally use and recommend.

Former Navy SEAL Team 6 operator Craig "Sawman" Sawyer — founder of the nonprofit Veterans for Child Rescue — joins Mike Vera on the Healthy & Awake Podcast to share his firsthand assessment of child trafficking in America: how he says it operates, why he believes it stays out of the headlines, and what he argues regular people can do about it. One of the heavier conversations we've had on the show, and one of the most important.

🔎 ABOUT THE GUEST — CRAIG SAWYER

Craig "Sawman" Sawyer is a former Marine and Navy SEAL Team 6 operator who founded Veterans for Child Rescue (V4CR), a nonprofit that investigates child trafficking and works with law enforcement to bring predators to justice. His documentary, Contra Land, follows that work.

- Veterans for Child Rescue: https://v4cr.org

- Contra Land (documentary): https://contralandmovie.com

📖 FREE — THE COMPLETE GLP-1 BREAKDOWN

Mike's no-hype breakdown of GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) — what they actually do, what happens when you stop, and what the research says the marketing leaves out. Free to read and subscribe:

→ https://mikevera.substack.com/p/the-ozempic-trap-what-theyre-not

🫁 BREATH TRAINING (affiliate)

The breath-hold and meditation training Mike uses, from BreathHoldWork — 25% off automatically through these links:

- Meditation Masterclass → https://www.breathholdwork.com/a/2148085889/XjErFcgW

- BreathBuilt course → https://www.breathholdwork.com/a/2148152057/XjErFcgW

🔗 FOLLOW & LISTEN — HEALTHY & AWAKE

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthyandawake

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/445erBVLF6J49TRAOtB0nk

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-awake-podcast/id1668607581

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeverahealth

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeverahealth

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfvera

—

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

This episode contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are not paid sponsorships — they're products and programs I personally use and recommend.

In this episode of the Healthy & Awake Podcast, Mike Vera talks with immunotoxicologist Dori Smith, who reversed seven autoimmune diseases after being disabled for over a decade. They dive into the root causes of chronic inflammation, the science behind detoxification, and how functional medicine can help the body heal naturally. Dori shares how understanding genetics, nutrition, toxins, and faith transformed her life—and why conventional medicine still overlooks these key insights. If you’ve ever wondered whether true recovery from chronic illness is possible, this conversation will change your perspective.

🎧 Guest Links:

Dori Smith YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DorindaASmithMS

Website: https://www.truewellnesstoday.net/

Paper – “Introduction to Immunology and Autoimmunity” (1999): https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/pdf/10.1289/ehp.99107s5661

🧠 Avantia Health Optimization: Get personalized coaching for weight loss, chronic health issues, and peak performance → https://avantiahealthoptimization.com/

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• BonCharge Glasses (15% off code: healthy-and-awake): https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=6048119.41d325
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• Breath Training (25% off code: MIKE): https://breathholdwork.com
•

🌐 All links & socials: https://mikevera.com

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Dori's Background

01:56 - What's the sequence of events—were you practicing science when you got sick?

03:05 - What did functional medicine offer you that conventional medicine did not?

06:31 - Can you give us an overview of sources of toxic exposure and how it fits into chronic illness?

09:28 - Detox and toxins: Is there legitimacy to these terms?

13:06 - What would you say to people who feel overwhelmed by toxic exposure?

16:07 - The identity shift: How does mindset affect healing?

21:21 - Are supplements the answer, or is there something more reasonable?

26:09 - What about stress, sleep, and other factors? (Tattoos, lifestyle, and hope for change)

31:53 - What do you think the biggest offender is from sources of toxic exposure? (Coffee, food, and more)

36:37 - How do you respond to people who think everything is poisoned?

DISCLOSURE

Content shared on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only. It’s not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health, nutrition, or lifestyle routines. Results vary by individual.

© 2025 Healthy & Awake™ / Mike Vera

In this eye-opening episode of the Healthy & Awake Podcast, Dr. John Catanzaro joins Mike Vera to break down 12 of the most searched alternative and integrative cancer treatments. From ivermectin, fenbendazole, and methylene blue, to peptides, vitamin C, cannabis, DMSO, and more—Dr. Catanzaro explains what actually works, what’s promising, and what’s overhyped. They also dive into the role of the microbiome, mitochondria, spike protein, and lifestyle changes in cancer progression and recovery. If you or someone you know is exploring options beyond conventional cancer care, this episode is a must-listen.

https://neo7bioscience.com/

For a deeper dive into the studies we discussed, check out the companion article: https://mikevera.substack.com/p/12-emerging-cancer-therapies-youve

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🧠 Avantia Health Optimization: Tired of conventional medicine treating symptoms instead of root causes? Get hyper-personalized coaching for sustainable weight loss, chronic health solutions, and peak performance. Start your transformation at https://avantiahealthoptimization.com/

📢 Heads up: The links in the episode's show notes are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links is a great way to support the show—at no extra cost to you!

👓 BonCharge Glasses: Protect your eyes and look great doing it! Get 15% off the stylish BonCharge glasses I wear with the code 'healthy-and-awake'. Shop here. https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=6048119.41d325

🏋️‍♂️ MovNat Natural Movement Training: Unlock your body’s potential with natural movement workshops, certifications, and retreats. Use code "mike_movnat" for 10% off and start moving better today! Visit http://MovNat.com.

🌬️ Breath Training Program: Master your breath for improved mental clarity and performance. Use code "MIKE" for 25% off eligible programs! Check it out at http://BreathHoldWork.com.

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Find all social media links, and everything else at http://www.mikevera.com

00:00 - Introduction 01:47 - Ivermectin & Fenbendazole 05:29 - Methylene Blue 08:12 - Peptide Therapy & Personalized Medicine 14:51 - High Dose IV Vitamin C 21:00 - Medicinal Mushrooms 25:21 - Chlorine Dioxide 27:21 - Cannabis 31:43 - DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) 38:47 - Apricot Seeds (B17) 42:47 - Rife Machine & Wave Therapies 47:05 - Colloidal Silver 50:46 - Lifestyle Changes for Cancer

In this eye-opening episode of the Healthy & Awake Podcast, holistic veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan reveals the hidden dangers of toxic pet food, overprescribed pet vaccines, and harmful pharmaceuticals like trazodone for dogs. With over 40 years of experience, she shares how natural pet care and raw food for dogs can dramatically improve your pet’s health and longevity. We explore powerful alternatives like CBD for pets, mushroom therapy, food-based healing, and why many chronic illnesses and dog cancer cases may be preventable. This is a must-watch for anyone who loves their animals and wants the truth about the veterinary industry, veterinary corruption, and how to make smarter, safer choices. Learn how the microbiome, environmental toxins, and holistic medicine are changing the game for pets everywhere.

• Dr. Judy Morgan’s Website https://drjudymorgan.com
• Naturally Healthy Pets (her company) https://naturallyhealthypets.com
• Dr. Judy U (her online course platform) https://drjudyu.com

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🧠 Avantia Health Optimization: Tired of conventional medicine treating symptoms instead of root causes? Get hyper-personalized coaching for sustainable weight loss, chronic health solutions, and peak performance. Start your transformation at https://avantiahealthoptimization.com/

📢 Heads up: The links in the episode's show notes are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links is a great way to support the show—at no extra cost to you!

👓 BonCharge Glasses: Protect your eyes and look great doing it! Get 15% off the stylish BonCharge glasses I wear with the code 'healthy-and-awake'. Shop here. https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=6048119.41d325

🏋️‍♂️ MovNat Natural Movement Training: Unlock your body’s potential with natural movement workshops, certifications, and retreats. Use code "mike_movnat" for 10% off and start moving better today! Visit https://MovNat.com.

🌬️ Breath Training Program: Master your breath for improved mental clarity and performance. Use code "MIKE" for 25% off eligible programs! Check it out at https://BreathHoldWork.com.

Find all social media links, and everything else at https://mikevera.com/

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Drug Use

00:26 Meet Dr. Judy Morgan: Holistic Veterinarian

00:54 Discovering Holistic Veterinary Medicine

02:51 The Power of Alternative Therapies

07:12 The Importance of Pet Nutrition

12:06 The Dark Side of Commercial Pet Food

21:06 Vaccination Concerns for Pets

30:15 Client Demands for TF Vaccine

30:50 Veterinary Pricing Controversies

31:56 Homemade Diets for Pets

34:13 Pharmaceuticals for Pets

40:39 CBD and Alternative Therapies

42:41 Environmental Toxins and Pets

46:45 AI and the Future of Pet Care

Send us a text

In Episode 75 of the Healthy & Awake Podcast, Dr. Renata Moon, a board-certified pediatrician, shares her firsthand experience with medical censorship after raising concerns about COVID vaccine risks for children. Drawing parallels between her family's escape from communism and current events, Dr. Moon discusses the importance of informed consent and medical freedom. She details the repercussions she faced, including termination from her position and investigations by medical boards. This episode delves into the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in a climate where dissenting medical opinions are often suppressed.

Silent Majority Foundation – Dr. Renata Moon v. WSU Case Page Details Dr. Moon’s lawsuit against Washington State University for alleged First Amendment violations following her Senate testimony. https://www.silentmajorityfoundation.org/renatamoon

Donate to Support Dr. Moon’s Legal Fight Support Dr. Moon's efforts to defend medical freedom and free speech. https://secure.silentmajorityfoundation.org/np/clients/silentmajorityfoundation/donation.jsp?campaign=6

Senator Ron Johnson’s COVID-19 Vaccine Roundtable (Dec 7, 2022) Official page for the Senate roundtable where Dr. Moon testified about COVID-19 vaccine safety. https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2022/12/sen-ron-johnson-hears-from-experts-and-medical-professionals-on-covid-19-vaccine-efficacy-and-safety

___________________________

🧠 Avantia Health Optimization: Tired of conventional medicine treating symptoms instead of root causes? Get hyper-personalized coaching for sustainable weight loss, chronic health solutions, and peak performance. Start your transformation at https://avantiahealthoptimization.com/

📢 Heads up: The links in the episode's show notes are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links is a great way to support the show—at no extra cost to you!

👓 BonCharge Glasses: Protect your eyes and look great doing it! Get 15% off the stylish BonCharge glasses I wear with the code 'healthy-and-awake'. Shop here. https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=6048119.41d325

🏋️‍♂️ MovNat Natural Movement Training: Unlock your body’s potential with natural movement workshops, certifications, and retreats. Use code "mike_movnat" for 10% off and start moving better today! Visit https://MovNat.com.

🌬️ Breath Training Program: Master your breath for improved mental clarity and performance. Use code "MIKE" for 25% off eligible programs! Check it out at https://BreathHoldWork.com.

Find all social media links, and everything else at https://mikevera.com/

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
00:48 Welcome to Healthy and Awake Podcast
00:56 Introducing Dr. Renata Moon
01:34 Dr. Moon's Experience During the Pandemic
04:00 Concerns About the COVID-19 Vaccine
07:58 The Impact of Speaking Out
13:31 Reflections on Communism and Capitalism
27:21 The Rise of Real ID and Its Implications
28:23 Voice of America: A Beacon of Freedom
29:05 The Quest for Freedom and American Values
31:48 Fired for Questioning Mandates
33:36 Speaking Out at the Senate H

Send us a text

FDA whistleblower Dr. Renee Dufault joins the Healthy & Awake Podcast to expose the hidden dangers of heavy metals in food, including how high fructose corn syrup, ultra-processed foods, and nutritional epigenetics are linked to rising rates of autism and ADHD. We discuss her groundbreaking research, the FDA’s internal resistance, and how food choices impact future generations. Dr. Dufault also shares hopeful strategies for detoxing your diet, building health through regenerative agriculture, and creating systemic change. If you care about food safety, autism prevention, or just want to understand the truth behind processed foods, this episode is a must-listen. Keywords include: FDA whistleblower, nutritional epigenetics, heavy metals in food, autism and food, high fructose corn syrup mercury.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Renee Dufault’s Published Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Renee+dufault
• Food Ingredient Safety Nonprofit: https://foodingredientsafety.org
• Dr. Dufault’s Website: https://reneedufault.com
• Unsafe at Any Meal (Book): https://a.co/d/9VeBJUQ
• Unsafe at Any Meal – Study Guide: https://a.co/d/1bro5Lp

___________________________

🧠 Avantia Health Optimization: Tired of conventional medicine treating symptoms instead of root causes? Get hyper-personalized coaching for sustainable weight loss, chronic health solutions, and peak performance. Start your transformation at https://avantiahealthoptimization.com/

📢 Heads up: The links in the episode's show notes are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links is a great way to support the show—at no extra cost to you!

👓 BonCharge Glasses: Protect your eyes and look great doing it! Get 15% off the stylish BonCharge glasses I wear with the code 'healthy-and-awake'. Shop here. https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=6048119.41d325

🏋️‍♂️ MovNat Natural Movement Training: Unlock your body’s potential with natural movement workshops, certifications, and retreats. Use code "mike_movnat" for 10% off and start moving better today! Visit https://MovNat.com.

🌬️ Breath Training Program: Master your breath for improved mental clarity and performance. Use code "MIKE" for 25% off eligible programs! Check it out at https://BreathHoldWork.com.

Find all social media links, and everything else at https://mikevera.com/

00:00 FDA Controversy and Introduction

00:36 Meet Dr. Renee DuFault

01:15 Nutritional Epigenetics Explained

04:09 Impact of Diet on Autism and ADHD

05:46 Heavy Metals in Food Supply

24:27 Health Coaching and Corporate Influence

26:23 The Illusion of Trust in Authority

27:33 Personal Health Choices and Western Medicine

30:06 Waking Up to Corruption in Public Health

34:20 Optimism for the Future of Agriculture and Health

Send us a text

In this explosive episode of Healthy and Awake Podcast, renowned cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough returns to break down the alarming autism vaccine risk now impacting 1 in 31 U.S. children. We dive deep into childhood vaccines and autism, spike protein detox, long COVID treatment, and the growing movement away from the current vaccine schedule. Dr. McCullough unpacks CDC data, censorship, pharma influence, and how to take control of your health through the McCullough protocol and the Wellness Company. If you’re searching for answers on vaccine injury recovery or detoxing from spike protein, this episode is essential. Learn more about vaccine schedule controversy, long COVID solutions, and how to stay informed in a censored world.

• Dr. Peter McCullough's Substack – Focal Points https://petermcculloughmd.substack.com/
• The Wellness Company (Spike Detox, Long COVID Bundle, Telemedicine) https://twc.health/courage
• McCullough Protocol – Spike Protein Detox Info Page https://www.twc.health/products/ultimate-spike-detox
• Book – The Courage to Face COVID-19 - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Face-COVID-19-Hospitalizations-Censorship/dp/1737983604/
• Healthy & Awake Podcast Episode w/ Dr. Peter McCullough #1 - https://youtu.be/miAuuLnDlLQ?si=VMVVV1a9iyuEbscH
• Healthy & Awake Podcast Episode w/ Dr. Peter McCullough #2 - https://www.youtube.com/live/o8Y6JOMP_-g?si=OfZch2xXyzqBmmfm
• Healthy & Awake Podcast Episode w/ Nicolas Hulscher - https://rumble.com/v66xvtg-bird-flu-bombshell-exposing-biolab-secrets-w-nicolas-hulscher-ep.-66.html

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🧠 Avantia Health Optimization: Tired of conventional medicine treating symptoms instead of root causes? Get hyper-personalized coaching for sustainable weight loss, chronic health solutions, and peak performance. Start your transformation at https://avantiahealthoptimization.com/

📢 Heads up: The links in the episode's show notes are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links is a great way to support the show—at no extra cost to you!

👓 BonCharge Glasses: Protect your eyes and look great doing it! Get 15% off the stylish BonCharge glasses I wear with the code 'healthy-and-awake'. Shop here. https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=6048119.41d325

🏋️‍♂️ MovNat Natural Movement Training: Unlock your body’s potential with natural movement workshops, certifications, and retreats. Use code "mike_movnat" for 10% off and start moving better today! Visit https://MovNat.com.

🌬️ Breath Training Program: Master your breath for improved mental clarity and performance. Use code "MIKE" for 25% off eligible programs! Check it out at https://BreathHoldWork.com.

Find all social media links, and everything else at https://mikevera.com/

Send us a text

Medical cannabis is one of the most misunderstood health topics—and Dr. Codi Peterson, a pediatric pharmacist and cannabis researcher, joins Healthy & Awake Podcast to set the record straight. We dive deep into the science behind pediatric cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, CBD benefits, THC risks, and common misconceptions around cannabis vs. pharmaceuticals. Dr. Peterson explains how medical cannabis can be used safely under professional guidance, addresses cannabis side effects like cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and explores why certain synthetic versions are FDA-approved while the plant remains restricted. Whether you’re skeptical or curious, this episode is packed with clarity, research, and truth.

The Cannigma: https://cannigma.com/

Dr. Codi Peterson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannabispharmd/?hl=en

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🧠 Avantia Health Optimization: Tired of conventional medicine treating symptoms instead of root causes? Get hyper-personalized coaching for sustainable weight loss, chronic health solutions, and peak performance. Start your transformation at https://avantiahealthoptimization.com/

📢 Heads up: The links in the episode's show notes are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links is a great way to support the show—at no extra cost to you!

👓 BonCharge Glasses: Protect your eyes and look great doing it! Get 15% off the stylish BonCharge glasses I wear with the code 'healthy-and-awake'. Shop here. https://boncharge.com/?rfsn=6048119.41d325

🏋️‍♂️ MovNat Natural Movement Training: Unlock your body’s potential with natural movement workshops, certifications, and retreats. Use code "mike_movnat" for 10% off and start moving better today! Visit https://MovNat.com.

🌬️ Breath Training Program: Master your breath for improved mental clarity and performance. Use code "MIKE" for 25% off eligible programs! Check it out at https://BreathHoldWork.com.

Find all social media links, and everything else at https://mikevera.com/