In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Samantha Skelly, a true master of breathwork whose journey spans entertainment, healing, science, and spiritual awakening.
We dive into how breathwork found her at a pivotal moment in her life and how this practice transformed her relationship with her body, her beliefs, and her emotional well-being.
Samantha breaks down the difference between relaxation and transformational breathwork, how intention shapes the experience, and why simply trying breathwork is often all it takes to understand its power.
📢 We Talked About
#Breathwork #SamanthaSkelly #NervousSystemRegulation #HealingJourney #BreathworkPractice #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalHealing #StressRelief #HolisticHealth #PauseBreathwork #MentalWellbeing #ScienceAndSpirituality #WellnessPodcast
In this highly anticipated conversation, I am joined by renowned registered dietitian, educator, and author Ashley Koff, RD, founder of The Better Nutrition Program and leader in the movement toward true “weight health.” Together, we will unpack the myths, misunderstandings, and biological realities behind the explosive rise of GLP-1–based medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
With clarity and honesty, we’re going to walk you through the truth: GLP-1 medications aren’t magic and they aren’t monsters. They’re simply biosimilar hormone therapy, and when used with intention, nutrition, and a plan, they can be life-changing. But without the right support? They can create more problems than they solve.
From gut health to protein optimization, inflammation, behavioral patterns, and long-term maintenance, this episode redefines how we talk about weight and health — not as separate topics, but as one biological ecosystem that deserves compassion, accuracy, and personalized support.
If you or someone you love is using GLP-1 medications (or thinking about it), this may be the most important conversation you hear all year.
📢 We Talked About:
How GLP-1 medications mimic your body’s own hormones — and why that matters.
The real definition of weight health and why separating “weight” from “health” has harmed generations.
Why digestion and absorption matter more than eating more protein.
The truth about muscle loss, calorie restriction, and why the meds aren’t to blame.
How GLP-1s are influencing inflammation, blood sugar, fatty liver, and even cognitive markers
About Ashley: As we enter a new year, GLP-1 is everywhere in conversations and recommendations - much of it not better for you. I’m so thrilled to introduce you to my go-to weight health expert Ashley Koff RD and her new book Your Best Shot. So timely, Ashley has created a playbook to help you assess and optimize your weight-health hormones (GLP-1,GIP etc.) whether using a medication or not. As a practitioner who’s prescribed these medications for over a decade, this is the first and best resource because it leans into all the nuance and guides your thru the personalization that drives better outcomes. I know Ashley’s work firsthand from collaborating with patients and am so grateful she included me in her book.
#UpgradedBiology #GLP1 #Semaglutide #Tirzepatide #WeightHealth #FunctionalMedicine #GutHealth #MetabolicHealth #AshleyKoff #DrTami#HormoneHealth #BiologyUpgrade #NutritionScience #PerimenopauseSupport #GLP1Journey #BetterNutrition #HealthyMetabolism #ScienceBasedHealth
Are you tired of conflicting nutrition advice, low energy, or feeling confused about what your body really needs? In this episode of Upgraded Biology, Dr. Tami Meraglia sits down with nutrition pioneer, chef, and NYT bestselling author Leanne Ely for a powerful conversation about women’s health, real food, perimenopause, muscle building, longevity, and how to create sustainable energy at any age.
Leanne has been teaching families how to eat real, nutrient-dense food since 1993. Today she reveals the truth behind big food marketing, why high-protein trends can be misleading, and how to simplify nutrition using a holistic, anti-inflammatory approach. You’ll also learn surprising insights about stress, hormones, gut health, and nervous system regulation—and how ALL of these factors affect your energy, weight, longevity, and wellbeing.
Whether you're navigating perimenopause, wanting more strength and energy, or simply trying to understand what food your body truly needs, this episode will give you the clarity you've been searching for.
📢 We Talked About
#UpgradedBiology #LeanneEly #DrTami #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealth
#AntiInflammatoryDiet #WomenOver40 #MenopauseSupport #HealthyAging
#RealFoodMovement #EnergyHealing #BuildMuscle #LongevityLifestyle
In this episode of Upgraded Biology, I sit down with Dr. Ann Shippy—former IBM engineer turned physician and functional medicine expert—whose journey from chronic illness to full recovery has inspired a new generation of integrative healers. Through her decades of research and clinical experience, Dr. Shippy has helped thousands uncover the root causes of autoimmune disease, infertility, and chronic fatigue by addressing one of the most overlooked factors in modern health: toxins.We dive deep into how hidden environmental exposures—from heavy metals and mold to microplastics and flame retardants—silently disrupt hormones, mitochondria, and immune balance. Dr. Shippy shares how she used data-driven detoxification, targeted supplementation, and genetic insights to reverse her own autoimmune conditions—and now teaches others to do the same.You’ll learn how to assess your detox pathways, measure toxic load, and support your body’s innate healing systems through key nutrients like glutathione, phosphatidylcholine, and CoQ10. We also discuss fertility and generational health, exploring how parents can optimize their biology long before conception to create healthier future generations.Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, inflammation, or simply want to future-proof your health, this conversation reveals a science-backed roadmap to reclaim your energy, resilience, and vitality—at any age.🔗 Ann Shippy's New Book: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...🔗 Sponsor: Finnmark Designs Sauna📚 Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Upgraded Biology00:55 – Introducing Dr. Ann Shippy02:00 – From IBM Engineer to Functional Medicine Doctor03:55 – The Rise of Generational Health Issues05:13 – The Deeper Look: Mitochondria, Toxins, and Testing05:49 – Sponsor: Finnmark Designs Sauna07:01 – Why She Chose Traditional Medical School First09:26 – Healing Autoimmune Disease from the Inside Out13:06 – Understanding Detox Pathways and Genetics14:49 – Living in a Toxic World15:43 – How to Test for and Remove Toxins Safely17:40 – The Supplements That Changed Everything21:41 – The Desert-Island Nutrients for Longevity25:40 – Mitochondria: Unlocking the Body’s Energy Code26:40 – Hidden Signs of Toxic Overload28:30 – Prevention vs. Reaction: Rethinking Health Care30:19 – The Broken Model of Medicine31:09 – How Prevention Saved Two Lives32:23 – Your Health Is the Real Retirement Plan34:30 – Compound Interest and the Biology of Habits35:28 – Introducing The Preconception Revolution36:06 – The Secret Garden: Healing as a Metaphor37:20 – Closing Reflections: Be the CEO of Your Health
In this episode of Upgraded Biology, I sit down with Garrett Gunderson—financial educator, best-selling author of Killing Sacred Cows, and creator of The American Ream comedy special on Amazon Prime. With over two decades in finance and ten published books, Garrett has helped countless entrepreneurs and families rewrite their money stories and reclaim control over their financial health.We explore how finance and functional medicine mirror each other, revealing that wealth—like health—depends on proactive habits, clarity, and consistency. Garrett breaks down his framework for financial resilience: from understanding your Investor DNA and money persona to eliminating the four major “I’s” that drain your wealth—IRS, interest, investments, and insurance.You’ll learn how to build lasting financial immunity, plug hidden leaks, and align your money strategy with your values and purpose. Garrett also shares how stress nearly cost him his life, how he reversed stage-four kidney failure, and why your financial wellbeing can’t be separated from your physical vitality.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or simply ready to become the CEO of your own financial health, this episode offers timeless strategies and a powerful mindset shift to help you grow your wealth—and your peace of mind.🔗 Free Resource: DM “upgraded” to @GarrettBGunderson on Instagram for his Financial Health Checklists🔗 Sponsor: Finnmark Designs Sauna📚 Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Upgraded Biology00:55 – Introducing Garrett Gunderson03:45 – From Finance to Functional Health04:47 – Stage-Four Kidney Failure & The Power of Stress Reduction05:46 – The Parallels Between Health and Banking07:29 – Discovering Your Investor DNA09:50 – The Four Money Personas12:01 – Choosing Your Financial Lane: Business, Real Estate, IP, Bitcoin14:00 – Cash Flow as the Bloodwork of Financial Health15:16 – Financial Freedom Starts with Awareness16:09 – The Two Financial Health Checklists17:28 – The Ignorance Tax: What You Don’t Know Costs You19:24 – Building a Six-Month Financial Safety Net20:48 – The Four “I’s” That Drain Your Wealth23:19 – The Ignorance Tax vs. Income Tax25:00 – How Insurance Companies Profit from Delay27:10 – Choosing the Right Insurance Agent29:53 – Sponsor: Finnmark Designs Sauna33:01 – Liquidity, Gold, and Bitcoin as Savings34:21 – Financial Goals for Your 20s35:00 – Why Losing Money Early Builds Wealth Wisdom36:02 – The Power of Sales Skills, Networks, and Masterminds38:00 – Money, Stress, and Identity: Lessons from Health Crises41:14 – Why Most People Chase Numbers Instead of Purpose43:55 – Redefining Wealth Beyond the Bank Account46:10 – Turning Pain into Purpose and Creativity49:28 – Comedy, Money, and the Human Condition52:43 – Letting Go of Scarcity and Embracing Flow55:21 – The Real Goal: Freedom, Not Fortune58:03 – Dr. Tami’s Closing Reflections59:12 – Episode Wrap-Up & Takeaways
Check out this episode’s sponsor, Finnmark Designs Sauna, for the ultimate sauna experience: https://www.upgradedbiology.com/sauna/In this episode of Upgraded Biology, I sit down with Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum—world-renowned microbiome researcher, co-founder of Biome Health, and the scientist who first coined the term mycobiome. With over 350 published papers and recognition as one of the top 1% most-cited scientists in the world, Dr. Ghannoum is transforming how we understand the ecosystem inside our bodies.We dive into why your microbiome is more than just bacteria, uncovering the critical roles fungi, viruses, and even parasites play in health and disease. Dr. Ghannoum shares groundbreaking insights on Candida, cancer research, and the gut-brain axis, along with simple daily practices to feed the “good guys” and bring your body back into balance.Along the way, we explore the connection between the microbiome and conditions like autism, depression, and brain fog—and how emerging science may hold the key to prevention and healing.Whether you’re struggling with gut issues, curious about the future of personalized medicine, or simply want to take control as the CEO of your own health, this conversation is full of powerful science, practical tools, and hope for what’s possible.🔗 Dr. Ghannoum's Paper on Combatting Depression: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34504858/📚 Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Upgraded Biology00:50 – Introducing Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum02:30 – Pioneering the Mycobiome04:17 – What is the Microbiome?06:00 – Beyond Bacteria: Fungi, Viruses & Parasites09:44 – Antibiotics and the Sandbox Effect13:37 – Feeding the “Good Guys” (Diet & Superfoods)16:02 – Garlic, Turmeric & Natural Antifungals19:19 – Vitamins & the Microbiome20:40 – The 3-Step Candida Protocol23:28 – Fungus and Cancer: Surprising Links29:53 – Sponsor: Finnmark Designs Sauna31:02 – Autism, the Gut & Probiotic Development38:05 – The Gut–Brain Connection42:51 – Vagus Nerve & Stress44:39 – Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Microbiome46:27 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways#UpgradedBiology #podcast #upgradedbiologypodcast #drtami #drtamimeraglia #DrMahmoudGhanoum #BiomeHealth #Microbiome #Mycobiome #GutHealth #Candida #GutBrainConnection #FunctionalMedicine #AutismResearch #DepressionRecovery #BrainFog #VagusNerve #Probiotics #UpgradeYourBiology #FinnmarkSaunas
Check out this episode’s sponsor, Finnmark Designs Sauna, for the ultimate sauna experience: https://www.upgradedbiology.com/sauna/In this episode of Upgraded Biology, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Alex Charfin—entrepreneur, author of The Entrepreneurial Personality Type, and CEO of Simple Operations. Alex has helped tens of thousands of business owners scale to six, seven, and eight figures while also navigating his own powerful health transformation.We discuss his journey from burnout to building a life centered on hydration, breathwork, and meditation. Along the way, Alex reveals how optimizing health isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about unlocking the clarity and resilience needed to run a business and thrive in life.Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale with more ease, or someone who wants to reclaim your health through simple, powerful habits, this episode is full of practical tools and inspiring lessons.📚 Chapters00:02 – Welcome & Introduction 00:56 – Meet Alex Charfin 02:28 – Early Hustle, Hidden Costs 05:51 – Doctor’s Wake-Up Call at 30 06:07 – Sponsor: Finnmark Designs Sauna 07:41 – What Do You Do First? 08:27 – Lifestyle Reset: Water, Movement & Whole Foods 12:13 – Why Community & Support Matter 14:20 – Tests Don’t Guess: Personalized Health 18:35 – The 10-Day Natural Thirst Challenge 26:23 – Breathwork & Meditation for Stress Resilience 33:36 – CO₂ Tolerance & Rewiring Stress Response 42:07 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways #UpgradedBiology #podcast #upgradedbiologypodcast #drtami #drtamimeraglia #AlexCharfin #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #FunctionalMedicine #HydrationChallenge #Breathwork #Meditation #StressResilience #CEOHealth #UpgradeYourBiology #HealthyEntrepreneur #FinnmarkSaunas #SimpleOperations #EntrepreneurialPersonalityType
Check out this episode's sponsor, Finnmark Designs Sauna, for the ultimate sauna experience: https://www.upgradedbiology.com/sauna/In this episode of Upgraded Biology, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. Anna Cabeca. Here we talk about the intricate world of functional medicine and women's health, particularly focusing on the challenges and transitions during menopause.Whether you're navigating perimenopause or looking to optimize your overall health, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:• The Menu Pause book: https://a.co/d/iZfoGdX• Dr. Anna Cabeca's Website: https://drannacabeca.com/• Finnmark Designs Sauna: https://www.upgradedbiology.com/sauna/✅ Subscribe for more episodes on ways you can upgrade your biology.👍 Like this video if you learned something new📚 Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Introduction00:55 – Meet Dr. Anna Kabeca03:30 – Rethinking Menopause as a “Second Spring”05:10 – Hormones, Brain Fuel & Neuroendocrine Health06:36 – Why Dr. Anna Wrote Menu Pause09:29 – Weight Gain, Brain Fog & Hormonal Shifts11:42 – The Keto Green Extreme Plan14:25 – Results from the Six-Day Cleanse17:37 – Protein, Muscle & Longevity18:28 – Sponsor Message: Finnmark Saunas20:42 – Hormones as Communication & Adrenal Health25:19 – Thoughts as Prescriptions for the Body29:12 – Life Hacks & Global Menopause Wisdom31:23 – The Three Pillars of Health33:00 – Hormone Research, Evidence & Empowering Patients36:26 – About the Book Menu Pause38:41 – Closing & Key Takeaways#UpgradedBiology #podcast #upgradedbiologypodcast #drtami #drtamimeraglia #MenopauseSupport #Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #FunctionalMedicine #KetoGreen #HealthyAging #MidlifeWellness #UpgradeYourBiology #MenuPause #BioidenticalHormones #BrainFogRelief #AdrenalHealth #SecondSpring #FinnmarkSaunas #menopause #functionalmedicine
In this episode of Upgraded Biology, I sit down with Dr. Isabel Perez, a leading integrative and biological dentist, to uncover the surprising connections between your oral health and your entire body. From sleep apnea and snoring to hormone imbalances and chronic inflammation—your mouth may be trying to tell you something.✨ Whether you’re battling fatigue, hormone issues, or just want to optimize your health from the ground up, this episode gives you practical tools to start today.🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:• Mewing exercises: https://grovedentalclinic.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-mewing-benefits-techniques-and-results/• Mouth tape on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mouth+tape+for+sleeping• Find a biological dentist (IAOMT): https://iaomt.org✅ Subscribe for more episodes on ways you can upgrade your biology.👍 Like this video if you learned something new💬 Share your experience with mouth taping or biological dentistry in the comments!📚 Chapters00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:30 - Meet Dr. Isabella Perez 02:00 - What Is a Biological Dentist? 06:30 - How Oral Health Affects the Whole Body 13:00 - Breathing, Sleep & Tongue Posture 20:00 - Mouth Taping: A Sleep Game-Changer 25:00 - Daily Dental Health Tips & Tools 31:00 - Surprising Dangers of Fizzy Water 34:00 - Final Thoughts & Farewell #BiologicalDentistry #FunctionalMedicine #MouthTaping #SleepApnea #HormoneHealth #UpgradedBiology
Check out this episode's sponsor, Finnmark Designs Sauna, for the ultimate sauna experience: https://finnmarkdesigns.comIn this episode of Upgraded Biology, I sit down with integrative cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn to uncover what your doctor might be missing when it comes to heart health—especially during perimenopause and menopause. Learn which advanced tests truly matter (hello, Lipoprotein(a), NMR, and coronary calcium scores), how insulin resistance silently drives risk, and why hormone changes can drastically shift your cardiac profile. We also dive into HRT, lifestyle medicine, and why sauna therapy might be one of the best tools you’re not using. Learn more about Dr. Joel Kahn here: https://www.drjoelkahn.com#HeartHealth #Menopause #FunctionalMedicine #DrTamiMeraglia #DrJoelKahn #HormoneHealth #UpgradedBiologyPodcast
Check out this episode's sponsor, Finnmark Designs Sauna, for the ultimate sauna experience: https://finnmarkdesigns.comIn this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Britten, award winner, master coach, and founder of the Fearless Living Institute. Rhonda shares her incredible personal story of surviving unimaginable trauma, and how she turned her pain into purpose.At just 14, Rhonda witnessed her father murder her mother and then take his own life. For years, she battled nightmares, addiction, and self-sabotage. But what finally saved her wasn’t what you’d expect—it was a simple gold star and a calendar.Together, we look into the sneaky ways fear shows up in our lives—procrastination, perfectionism, anxiety, people-pleasing—and how most of us don’t even recognize it.This conversation is honest, raw, and filled with hope. If you’ve ever felt stuck, not good enough, or overwhelmed, this episode is for you.#fearlessliving #rhondabritten #drtami #hormonehealth #selfhealing #fear #mentalhealth
Join Dr. Tami and special guest, Dr. Peter Martone, as we dive deep into the often-overlooked connection between sleep and cardiovascular health.In this episode, we explore why sleep is crucial—not just how long we sleep, but how well we do it. Dr. Peter Motoni, affectionately known as "The Sleep Doctor," shares his insights on the anatomy of a perfect night's sleep, the essential role of our nervous system, and why those first critical minutes after you fall asleep set the stage for the rest of the night.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Sleep isn’t just about duration but quality, akin to supercharging your body.- The nervous system is the master switch controlling your sleep cycle.- How you fall asleep can have a profound impact on your overall health.👉 Tune in, and start transforming your nights into a restful, restorative experience. #UpgradedBiology #SleepHealth #CardiovascularCare #FunctionalMedicine #SleepBetterLiveBetter