In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, host Nicole Doran sits down with Morgan Thomas, the Chief Brand Officer at Sweat and Tonic, Toronto’s premier luxury boutique fitness studio. With a unique background in interior design, Morgan shares how her creative vision and leadership have shaped the studio’s identity, blending movement, community, and design to redefine what a wellness space can be.
Throughout the conversation, Morgan reflects on the evolution of the wellness industry, the challenges and rebirth that followed the pandemic, and how intentional design fosters connection and belonging. She opens up about the power of community, the importance of authenticity in branding, and her outlook on the future of boutique fitness... where experience, mindfulness, and innovation converge.
What We Cover:
🏋️♀️ How interior design shapes a fitness brand’s energy and experience
💬 Rebuilding wellness culture and community post-pandemic
🌟 The creative process behind Sweat and Tonic’s brand evolution
👥 Leadership, authenticity, and building strong team culture
Chapters:
05:22 - Sweat and Tonic: A Unique Fitness and Wellness Hub
07:34 - The Role of Interior Design in Fitness Studios
08:44 - Morgan's Journey from Interior Design to GM
16:00 - Expanding Sweat and Tonic: New Locations and Innovations
32:55 Future of Boutique Fitness and Customer Experience
35:35 - Creating Intentional Community Spaces
37:42 - Improving Gym Membership Experiences
39:30 - The Importance of a Third Place
41:48 - Balancing Leadership and Motherhood
54:02 The Power of Unreasonable Hospitality
In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, host Nicole Doran sits down with Dr. Asare Christian, a Harvard-educated and Johns Hopkins–trained pain management specialist, to explore his inspiring journey from Ghana to becoming a pioneer in regenerative medicine. Dr. Christian shares how his personal experiences shaped his passion for helping patients heal beyond traditional pain management, uncovering the powerful potential of lifestyle medicine, lab testing, and innovative therapies to achieve true longevity and vitality.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Christian reveals how regenerative and functional medicine are transforming the way we understand and treat chronic pain, from migraines to hormone imbalance. He discusses cutting-edge approaches like peptide and hormone therapy, the importance of personalized health protocols, and the future of medicine that empowers patients to heal at the root cause, not just manage symptoms.
What We Cover:
🩺 The shift from conventional pain care to regenerative medicine
🔬 Advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies
💊 Peptide and hormone therapy for pain, balance, and longevity
💡 Understanding migraines and their deeper physiological causes
Chapters:
01:20 - Dr. Christian's Journey and Medical Philosophy
01:35 - Regenerative Medicine and Pain Management
03:45 - Patient Approach and Diagnostic Methods
10:50 - Migraine Triggers and Treatments
22:42 - The Role of Hormones in Pain
31:56 - Hormone Replacement Therapy and Longevity
37:40 - Introduction to Anti-Inflammatory Uses
37:54 - Microdosing and Pain Modulation
41:06 - Peptides for Pain Management
57:25 - The Importance Of Sleep and Stress Management
In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, host Nicole Doran sits down with Melissa Donato and Queenie Phair of Alter Toronto, a modern wellness studio pioneering the art of recovery through sauna and ice bath therapy. Together, they explore the transformative power of contrast therapy, the science behind hot and cold exposure, and how intentional rituals can strengthen the mind, body, and spirit.Throughout the conversation, Melissa shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to conscious entrepreneurship, while Queenie offers her deep expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic health. From building community and cultivating resilience to balancing energy and purpose, this episode dives into what it truly means to live well, inside and out.What We Cover:🔥 The origins and mission behind Alter Toronto🧊 The physical and mental benefits of contrast therapy💼 Mel’s transition from corporate to wellness entrepreneur🌸 Queenie’s Traditional Chinese Medicine insights on balance and healing💫 How to cultivate mindfulness, community, and longevityChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Cold Plunge Benefits01:40 - The Origin Story of Alter03:36 - Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship11:24 - The Science and Strategy of Contrast Therapy20:29 - Balancing Business and Personal Life33:05 - Cultural Influences and Community Impact34:01 - Building a Neighborhood Sauna36:19 - How Alter Builds A Community40:03 - Challenges in the Wellness Industry45:38 - Future Plans for Alter
In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, host Nicole Doran sits down with Thomas Tullo, founder of Aman Spa in Toronto and creator of Face Pilates, to explore his groundbreaking approach to natural beauty, longevity, and holistic health. Thomas reveals the inspiration behind Face Pilates, an innovative practice designed to strengthen facial muscles, enhance natural radiance, and support healthy aging from the inside out.
Throughout the conversation, Thomas opens up about his personal wellness journey, the philosophy that drives his work, and his candid views on modern aesthetic treatments like. From the eight essential steps of Face Pilates to his insights on emotional well-being, stress management, and natural supplements, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on beauty, vitality, and living with purpose at every stage of life.
What we cover:
💆♀️ The science and benefits behind Face Pilates
🌱 Natural beauty, facial muscle health, and longevity habits
💉 The shift toward natural facial rejuvenation
💫 The evolving aesthetics and spa industry
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Face Pilates
00:48 – Meet Thom Tullo: Founder of Aman Spa
01:25 – Thom’s Personal Experience with Face Pilates
03:19 – The Concept and Benefits of Face Pilates
09:15 – The Eight Foundational Steps of Face Pilates
35:34 – Thom’s Journey and Wellness Philosophy
40:12 – Staying Active: Exercise, Longevity, and Purpose
42:46 – Managing Stress, Sugar, and Emotional Health
49:20 – Natural Beauty, Supplements, and Daily Rituals
57:45 – Trends Shaping the Future of Aesthetics
In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, host Nicole Doran sits down with Peggy Tanous, former Real Housewives of Orange County star, to talk about life after reality TV, overcoming postpartum depression, and finding balance through holistic wellness.
Peggy opens up about her journey with mental health, her favorite anti-aging and beauty practices, and how she’s learned to age gracefully—inside and out. From Pilates and strength training to spirituality and manifestation, Peggy shares an honest look at how she maintains confidence, balance, and joy through every season of life.
What we cover in this episode:
💛 Overcoming postpartum depression and prioritizing mental health
💆♀️ Peggy’s go-to holistic beauty and anti-aging practices
🌞 Why sun exposure and movement matter for longevity
✨ The power of spirituality, manifestation, and mindset
👨👩👧👧 Balancing wellness, family life, and authenticity
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:36 – Peggy’s Health and Wellness Journey
03:01 – Holistic Beauty and Anti-Aging
08:45 – Breast Health and Nontraditional Screening
14:51 – Non-Surgical Anti-Aging Treatments
33:53 – The Importance of Sun Exposure
44:37 – Manifestation and Vision Boards
54:39 – Spiritual Wellness Practices
01:12:08 – Balancing Family and Career
01:16:43 – Wellness and Beauty Tips
In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, the spotlight turns to host Nicole Doran as her sister, Mackenzie Peterson, takes the interviewer’s seat. Nicole shares her candid health journey, from growing up in a fitness-focused family and navigating PCOS, to finding balance through functional medicine and holistic practices.
She opens up about body image struggles, college and post-grad challenges, and the pivotal lifestyle shifts that changed her health. Nicole also discusses the role of emotional well-being, her experience with peptides and GLP-1s, and the importance of finding what works for your unique body. This conversation is an honest, inspiring look at what it means to advocate for your own health.
What we cover in this episode:
🌱 Growing up in a fitness-centered family and early body image struggles
⚡ Living with PCOS and the challenges of getting a diagnosis
🥑 Discovering health coaching, nutrition, and functional medicine
💊 The benefits and complexities of peptides and GLP-1s
💡 Why emotional health plays such a big role in physical wellness
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:41 – Early Body Image and Family Influence
04:26 – High School Challenges and PCOS Symptoms
08:57 – Struggles with Diagnosis and Treatment
14:57 – College Life and Health Struggles
28:03 – Discovering Health Coaching and New Approaches
40:12 – Health Improvements and Lifestyle Changes
41:31 – Finding Love and Feeling Safe
54:39 – Dealing with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
01:00:03 – Exploring Peptides and Supplements
Nicole Doran connects with Jim Donnelly, co-founder of Humanaut, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of health optimization. Jim opens up about his philosophy on personalized care, why the fundamentals of health matter most, and how Humanaut is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in regenerative and personalized medicine.
Their conversation also explores Jim’s entrepreneurial path, the dynamics of building a business with family, and the grit required to thrive in a competitive space.
In this episode we cover:
🌟 The story and vision behind Humanaut
⚖️ The essential foundations of health you can’t ignore
🔥 Resilience as the key ingredient for entrepreneurial success
🌿 The role of regenerative medicine in the future of health
✨ Dive into a motivating conversation that redefines what it takes to build health and success from the ground up.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Jim Donnelly
00:52 – Jim’s Journey in Wellness
01:23 – The Creation of Humanaut Health
04:39 – The Five-Year Cycle Philosophy
07:16 – Healthspan and Longevity
08:23 – Comprehensive Care at Humanaut
13:02 – Building a Supportive Ecosystem
32:13 – The A-Team Behind Humanaut
49:51 – Entrepreneurship and the Lessons of Failure
01:00:00 – Daily Habits for Wellness
Nicole Doran sits down with Dr. Amy Killen, Chief Medical Officer at Humanaut Health, to explore the cutting edge of integrative and regenerative medicine. Dr. Killen shares her journey from the fast pace of emergency medicine to her passion for health optimization, with a focus on hormone therapy, stem cells, peptides, and the lifestyle choices that create lasting vitality.Together, they uncover why sleep, nutrition, exercise, and even social connection are essential pillars of well-being — and how personalized care is transforming the way we think about longevity.Highlights from this episode:💡 Dr. Killen’s shift from ER medicine to health optimization🌱 How hormones, peptides, and stem cells are shaping modern care🛌 Why lifestyle choices like sleep and connection can’t be overlooked🌍 The mission of Human Out to expand health span and quality of life✨ Join us for an eye-opening conversation that will inspire you to rethink what’s possible for your health and longevity.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome and Introduction00:41 – Dr. Killen’s Story and Humanaut Health02:41 – From ER Doctor to Regenerative Medicine10:09 – Stem Cells for Skin and Sexual Health14:44 – Hormones and PCOS Explained27:33 – Perimenopause, Menopause, and Fertility33:49 – Why Optimal Hormone Levels Matter41:59 – Hormone Replacement Therapy Basics58:17 – Peptides for Longevity and Performance01:07:44 – The Future of Integrative Medicine
Nicole Doran sits down with Andrew Lacy, founder and CEO of Peruvo, to explore how preventive healthcare is being transformed. Andrew shares the story behind Peruvo’s whole-body MRI screening clinics, the emotional clarity that comes with early detection, and how his team is working to make advanced health screenings more accessible.
Together, they dive into powerful patient stories, the misconceptions surrounding preventive care, and what the future of longevity-focused medicine could look like.
What we cover in this episode:
🚀 The inspiration behind Peruvo
💡 Real patient stories that highlight the impact of early detection
🧭 Why annual scans can be life-changing
🌍 Making preventive healthcare more accessible
🍃 The future of health and longevity
Use the following link for $300 off your Whole Body scan with Prenuvo: https://prenuvo.com/?discount=HEALTHSPAN
00:00 – Welcome and Introduction
01:17 – The Aha Moment Behind Peruvo
01:54 – Patient Experiences and Insights
08:24 – Annual Scans and Their Importance
10:17 – Addressing Skepticism and Misconceptions
17:45 – Taking Anxiety Out of Testing
26:52 – Making Scans More Accessible
30:31 – Comprehensive Health Testing
34:31 – Expanding Health Services
46:48 – Future of Health and Longevity
This episode is filled with inspiration, practical wisdom, and a fresh perspective on fitness and well-being. Nicole sits down with Christin Rutley, founder of the Christin Rutley Method in West Palm Beach, to talk about entrepreneurship, health trends, and finding the balance between strength and femininity.
Here’s what they dive into:
💪 Christin’s journey from Pure Barre to weightlifting
🌿 Her experience with GLP-1 medications and their impact on health
✨ The perfect workout split to build muscle without the “bulk”
📈 Balancing entrepreneurship with personal wellness
🔥 Hot takes on fitness and health trends you’ll want to hear'
✨Tune in for an uplifting and insightful conversation that will leave you motivated to move, grow, and redefine what strength looks like.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:17 Christin's Fitness Journey Begins
02:08 Overcoming Injury and Discovering Pure Barre
06:36 College and Expanding Fitness Knowledge
10:34 Transition to Entrepreneurship
13:49 Building the Christin Rutley Method
25:09 Current Fitness Routine and Philosophy
28:48 Debunking the Bulky Myth
33:34 Food Sensitivities and Gut Health
59:13 Challenges and Future Plans
This episode is full of honesty, laughter and powerful insights. Nicole sits down with Krista Williams, co-host of the Almost 30 Podcast, to talk about what it really takes to live authentically, move through challenges and find healing in all areas of life.
Here’s what they explore:
🌟 The power of authenticity and overcoming self-censorship
🌿 Body image, relationships and spiritual growth
💎 The role of peptides in healing and wellness
🌐 Friendship audits and building meaningful connections
🌸 Embracing feminine energy and balance
🏛️ Creating supportive environments for work and life
✨ Tune in for an engaging discussion that will inspire you to embrace authenticity and create more space for healing.
What if the tiniest molecule in the universe could have a huge impact on your health and longevity? In this episode of the Healthspan Collective, Nicole sits down with Dr. Tyler LeBaron—founder of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute—to explore the science, myths, and therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen.
Dr. LeBaron explains:
✅ What hydrogen water really is (and what it isn’t)
✅ How your gut microbiome naturally produces hydrogen gas
✅ The difference between antioxidants and true modulators
✅ Why hydrogen therapy shows promise for brain health, inflammation, and metabolic balance
✅ The best ways to safely and effectively use hydrogen water or inhalation
You’ll also get a glimpse into Dr. LeBaron’s life as a competitive runner, arm wrestler, and tower runner—and how his athletic journey led him to study hydrogen therapy.
🔬 Learn more about Dr. LeBaron and the Molecular Hydrogen Institute: https://www.molecularhydrogeninstitute.org
Nicole Doran dives into the world of hormone health and integrative medicine with Michelle Kavall, a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in women's health, hormone optimization, and gut health restoration. They discuss the misconceptions about hormones, the impact of stress on hormonal balance, and the importance of integrative approaches in managing health. Michelle shares her insights on treatments like bioidentical hormones, peptides, and GLP-1s, along with lifestyle practices that promote overall well-being. Tune in for an informative conversation on how to live healthier for longer.
Acupuncture physician and functional medicine practitioner, Harmony Brown, shares her incredible journey from surviving cancer twice to helping patients reclaim their health. In this episode, we explore the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, functional testing, slowing down to truly heal, and why creating balance is the key to lasting wellness.
Find Harmony at Reclaim Wellness in South Florida, https://www.reclaimwellnessnow.com/
Alessia shares her story of leaving a finance career, navigating divorce, and using healing practices like guided psilocybin journeys to reconnect with herself. She opens up about why wellness should energize your life rather than control it, and why doing “the brave thing” is always worth it.
Topics in this episode:
Leaving the corporate world to follow your passion
Healing after divorce and loss
Using psilocybin therapy as a tool for self-discovery
Building a sustainable, low-stress fitness routine
Learning to trust yourself and create an authentic life
Listen for a raw and inspiring conversation about growth, bravery, and what it really means to live well.
Nicole Doran sits down with her longtime friend to talk about bold life decisions, building a boutique fitness career in Toronto, and how motherhood has shifted her perspective on everything.
Megan shares how moving to Shanghai at 17 transformed her worldview, how she found her way into fitness after working in hospitality, and what it really took to land her dream instructor role at Sweat and Tonic.
Whether you’re dreaming of a new career, juggling work and family, or just need a reminder to keep showing up for yourself, this conversation will leave you feeling motivated and ready to move.
What we cover in this episode:
✔️ How living abroad gave Megan confidence to start fresh anywhere
✔️ Why she traded burnout workouts for intentional movement
✔️ How she built a PR agency and a fitness career at the same time
✔️ Motherhood, boundaries, and balancing it all
Sam shares his powerful journey from firefighter to wellness entrepreneur, revealing what opened his eyes to the failures of the traditional healthcare system and how that experience sparked his mission to transform it.
In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, we sit down with Kacie, founder of Silk & Palm, a Toronto-based wellness studio blending Traditional Chinese Medicine, facial acupuncture, and women’s health. A former aesthetician turned acupuncturist, Kacie shares how personal struggles with PCOS and hormonal imbalance led her to holistic healing and how she now helps women support their skin, hormones, and nervous systems from the inside out.
We explore how facial acupuncture stimulates collagen, what “dampness” means in TCM (and why it might be causing your symptoms), the role of Yin during menopause, and how stress impacts everything from skin to immunity.
Whether you’re navigating hormonal shifts, curious about acupuncture, or looking for a more balanced beauty and wellness routine this one’s for you.
🔗 Subscribe for more episodes exploring regenerative medicine, integrative health, and longevity.
What if your hair could tell the story of your internal health, your hormones, your inflammation, even your stress? In this episode, Nicole Doran sits down with Dr. Alan Bauman, board-certified hair restoration physician and founder of Bauman Medical. With nearly three decades of experience and over 14,000 procedures performed, Dr. Bauman shares his deep expertise on the root causes of hair loss and why it’s about so much more than just vanity.
Together, they unpack the surprising connections between hair thinning and hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, long COVID, GLP-1 weight loss medications, and even menopause. Dr. Bauman explains how your hair is a direct reflection of your metabolic health, and why catching early signs of loss could be the key to protecting your long-term vitality.
From advanced diagnostic tools and regenerative therapies like PRP, exosomes, and PDO threads, to cutting-edge at-home tools like the Bauman TURBO LaserCap, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the science and art of hair restoration. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes in your hairline, are navigating postpartum or perimenopause, or simply want to understand how to truly take care of your scalp and follicles, this episode is filled with insight, prevention strategies, and hope.
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🌿 Chapters:
What happens when a life-altering moment forces you to completely change direction, and what if that moment becomes the catalyst for deep healing, purpose, and service? In this intimate and inspiring conversation, Nicole Doran sits down with Lindsay O’Neill, TEDx and Gaia speaker, Harvard-certified culinary medicine chef, and founder of Small Hinges Health. Lindsay shares her powerful journey from tech executive to wellness entrepreneur, a shift sparked by a near-fatal accident during pregnancy that left her bedridden and spiraled into autoimmune disease.
With raw honesty and clarity, Lindsay talks about reclaiming her health through functional medicine, detoxification, culinary healing, and frequency-based therapies, not just for herself, but for her daughter, whose own complex health challenges transformed Lindsay’s understanding of resilience, parenting, and integrative care.
You’ll hear stories of radical healing, the importance of small daily shifts, and how trauma, when alchemized, can become the blueprint for profound personal evolution. If you’re navigating chronic illness, burnout, or simply want to feel more empowered in your wellness journey, this episode is a must-listen.
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🌿 Chapters: