The DNA Talks Podcast
Welcome to the DNA Talks Podcast where we take on the mission of unlocking the code of your genetics. This season is all about you – upgrading your health not just on the surface, but down to the root cause. Join us, as your clinicians of The DNA Company investigate your DNA and beyond! Formerly the UNPILLED Podcast, the DNA Talks Podcast continues to be the innovative provider of FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS SOLUTIONS for personalized and preventative health and wellness.
Battling Inflammation: Meals that Heal with Julie Daniluk
Knowing what food to eat makes it possible to heal you from different kinds of pain and inflammation!
In this episode, Bryce Wylde is joined by Julie Daniluk. Holistic Nutritionist Julie Daniluk hosts Healthy Gourmet, a reality cooking show, shown in over 78 countries. Her first three award-winning bestsellers, Meals That Heal Inflammation, Slimming Meals That Heal, and Hot Detox have helped hundreds of thousands of people enjoy allergy-free foods that taste great. Her latest book, Becoming Sugar-free, became a #1 Canadian National bestseller in less than month of release.
She has appeared on hundreds of television...
Man Up Series: Stress and Men's Health with Bryce Wylde and Justin Harris
Have you ever been told to man up and not deal with your stress?
Embark on a transformative journey to prioritize men's health by joining Dr. Bryce Wylde, Founder and CINO of The DNA Company, alongside Justin Harris, Functional Genomics Practitioner, in the inaugural session of the Man Up: Men's Health series.
This session delves into the profound impact of stress on men's health and unveil practical habits to minimize and eliminate its effects. Bryce and Justin take us on a journey into looking into how different the biological response, emotional response, down...
Taking Action: Understanding Breast Cancer Risk and Early Detection with Alison Myers
Breast cancer diagnoses in younger women (under 50) have been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with a notable rise in recent years. From 2010 to 2019, there was an 8% increase in breast cancer diagnoses in women under 50. During this age, the early 40s, breast cancer is more aggressive and more challenging to detect early. With that in mind, what are the markers to watch for and preventive strategies to ensure you and your family won't develop breast cancer?
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Nielsen is joined by Alison Myers, founder of AIVM Consultants, a distinguished figure in the...
The Genetics of Mental Health with Dr. Tiffany Smith, and Dr. Adilia Sapp
Join Dr. Krista Kostroman, Dr. Tiffany Smith, and Dr. Adilia Sapp, as we explore the cutting-edge connections between genetics and mental health!
Learn how genomic insights can uncover the root causes of anxiety, depression, and stress, and discover how personalized interventions can improve emotional resilience and mental wellness. Our expert panel guides you through the role of genes in neurotransmitter function, stress response, and detox pathways, offering actionable strategies to enhance mental health based on your unique genetic profile.
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Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Accessibility with Mental Health with Dr. Krista Kostroman, N.D.
Have you ever experienced being denied or discriminated when it comes to healthcare?
In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman, Chief Science Officer of the DNA Company dives into the importance of bridging gaps in healthcare accessibility for the LGBT Community. She highlights how we must advocate for improving the patient experience for the members of the community to contribute to the long-standing battle against discrimination.
All individuals have the right to access proper healthcare, and the right to know about their health risks and how to deal with them. It is proven that members of...
Navigating Through Breast Implant Inflammation and Undergoing Explant Surgery with Candice Barley
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Nielsen is joined by Candice Barley whom you may know as a talented actress, producer, and photographer but beyond these professional titles, she is a mother and a patient advocate for women with breast implant illness. After feeling inferior without breasts, she got her first implants at 24 which gave her a boost at that time without knowing what is yet to come.
Dr. Stephanie and Candice discuss the story of why Candice had gotten implants and from there on, Candice started facing health consequences. Candice started feeling fatigue, palpitations, anxiety, among other s...
The Five Types of Communities in Dealing with Mental Health with Dr. Krista Kostroman, N.D.
One out of five people struggle with what they need to do due to their mental health. With this in mind, how can we make healthcare for mental health more accessible?
There have been several solutions found for mental health over the years - therapy, medications, and the like - but these are costly and not attainable for all. We live in a world where there has been much progress on the mental health stigma, but there is still a ways to go in uncovering all the truths about mental health. Despite this, there are actually natural...
The Science of Hormone Metabolism: Fertility, Stress & Personalized Care with Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton
What if the answers to hormone imbalances, infertility, poor sleep, or unexplained symptoms aren't found in your hormone levels alone, but in how your body processes them?
In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Krista Kostroman sits down with Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, Chief Medical Officer at Precision Analytical, creators of the DUTCH Test, and a leading educator in reproductive endocrinology and fertility medicine. Together, they explore the evolution of hormone testing, the limitations of conventional diagnostics, and how combining genetics, hormone metabolite testing, and functional medicine is changing the...
The Food-Mood Connection: How Nutrition Shapes Mental Health with Dr. Uma Naidoo
What if some of the most powerful tools for improving mental health are already in your kitchen?
In this episode of The DNA Talks, Dr. Tracey Stead, sits down with Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, professional chef, nutritional biologist, and pioneer in the field of nutritional psychiatry. Together, we explore the powerful connection between food, mood, anxiety, inflammation, metabolism, and the gut-brain axis, and discuss practical ways to support mental health through everyday dietary choices.
Dr. Uma Naidoo shares the patient encounter that transformed her approach to mental health care. A conversation about a d...
Peptides, Hormones, and Your Genetic Blueprint
What do you do when your DNA report reveals dozens of insights across hormones, blood sugar, cardiovascular health, mood, detoxification, and more?
In this episode, the clinical team at DNA Company explores one of the most common questions they receive from new DNA360 users:"Where should I start?" The conversation dives into how genetic insights can help prioritize health interventions, guide lifestyle choices, personalize supplementation, and support more informed discussions with healthcare providers.
From hormone replacement therapy and peptides to vitamin D optimization and seasonal wellness strategies, this episode highlights a practical approach t...
Healing at the Cellular Level with Dr. Will Cole
What if chronic disease isn't primarily an organ problem, but a cellular one?
In this episode, Dr. Will Cole joins Justin Harris to explore the emerging science of cellular health and longevity. Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine practitioner, New York Times bestselling author, and host of The Art of Being Well podcast.
They sit down to discuss his latest book, Heal Your Cells: Reversing the Irreversible, co-authored with Dr. Josh Axe. Together, they explore why cellular dysfunction may be the true root of chronic disease, how lifestyle and e...
Women, Genetics, Hope & the Mission of One More Life
"One more life. One more life impacted. One more life supported. One more life saved."
In this episode of The DNA Talks, CEO Tracy Wood sits down with SVP for Science, Dr. Krista Kostroman, and COO Alison Henry to reflect on the incredible evolution of The DNA Company.
The conversation explores the creation of DNA University, the expansion of the company’s latest genetic testing platform, and the power of combining science, education, and technology to make functional genomics more accessible.
Together, they discuss why individualized health insights matter in a wor...
Redefining Aging, Hormones, and Preventive Medicine with Dr. Erika Schwartz
"Your doctor doesn't live inside your body. AI doesn't live in your body. Influencers don't live in your body. Only you live there."
What if the future of medicine isn't about treating disease, but empowering people to take ownership of their health long before illness appears?
In this compelling conversation, Dr. Lara Varden sits down with renowned physician, author, and longevity expert Dr. Erika Schwartz to discuss a lifetime spent challenging conventional medicine and advocating for personalized, preventive healthcare.
Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified internist, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and nationally recognized leader in...
Ageless & Timeless: Redefining Longevity, Purpose, and Your Genetic Blueprint with Michele Hughes
What if aging isn’t decline but a powerful opportunity for growth?
In this inspiring episode of DNA Talks, Dr. Lara Varden sits down with Michele Hughes, an entrepreneur, longevity expert, and media personality. She is the founder and CEO of the Ageless & Timeless Podcast and a contributor to Top Doctor Magazine. Through her work, she educates and empowers individuals to take control of their health and live vibrant, purpose-driven lives.
From overcoming personal and professional adversity to becoming a voice in integrative health, Michele shares her journey into the longevity space and the mindset, ha...
Future-Proof Your Brain with Dr. Tommy Wood
What if the biggest lie you’ve ever been told about your health is that your brain is destined to decline?
Justin Harris is joined by Dr. Tommy Wood, who currently works as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, where my laboratory focuses on brain health across the lifespan — conducting research that focuses on ways to treat a range of brain injuries. This includes babies born preterm, adults who experience brain trauma, and the confluence of factors that can affect long-term cognitive function and risk of dementia.
Dr. Tommy Wood r...
Sex and Longevity: Benefits of Ageless Intimacy with Susan Bratton
What if your sex life was one of the most powerful drivers of longevity?
In this episode, Dr. Tracey Steady Hardcastle is joined by intimacy expert Susan Bratton to explore the science-backed connection between sex and longevity, and why she calls it the missing pillar of health.
Together, they unpack the concept of ageless intimacy - how pleasure, connection, and “orgasmic intimacy” support everything from blood flow and hormones to nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.
This conversation reframes intimacy not as a luxury, but as a bi...
Sex and Longevity: Redefining Aging With Doreen Wendt-Weir
What if everything you believed about aging was incomplete?
In this engaging and refreshingly honest episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, we welcome Doreen Wendt-Weir, author of Sex in Your Seventies and its spirited sequel, Gardening in Your Nineties.
Doreen challenges cultural narratives around aging by asking bold, often humorous questions about vitality, intimacy, creativity, and identity later in life. Through her writing—and this conversation—she invites listeners to rethink what it means to grow older with curiosity, connection, and self-respect.
We talk about why conversations around aging are so ofte...
Healing Autoimmune Disease by Bridging Science, Spirit, and the Nervous System with Dr. Zelina Medina, DACM, L.Ac.
If the body is designed to heal, what happens when we finally create the conditions that allow it to do so?
In this deeply moving and empowering episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Tracey Steady‑Hardcastle sits down with Dr. Zelina Medina, founder of Acuvida Acupuncture, to explore the powerful intersections of autoimmune disease, trauma, nervous system regulation, functional genomics, and root‑cause healing.
Diagnosed with lupus and kidney failure in her twenties, Dr. Medina shares her personal healing journey - one that led her beyond symptom management and into a holistic, integrative approach that...
Why Keto and Intermittent Fasting Don’t Work the Same for Women’s Hormones with Dr. Lisa Olszewski
In this deeply honest and empowering episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle sits down with Dr. Lisa Olszewski, chiropractor, naturopath, founder of the American Institute of Healthy Living, and host of Healthy Living Simple with Dr. Lisa.
Dr. Lisa shares her personal health crisis—despite “doing everything right”—and how it reshaped her approach to nutrition, women’s hormones, ketogenic diets, intermittent fasting, and true wellness. This conversation explores why one-size-fits-all health advice fails, how women’s bodies differ biologically from men’s, and why listening to your body and...
Training the Immune System for Longevity: Beta‑Glucans, Biological Aging, and Resilient Health with Dr. Chris D'Adamo
The immune system plays a central role in how we age—but what if we could train it to work better over time?
In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Lara Varden welcomes Dr. Chris D’Adamo, PhD, epidemiologist and integrative medicine researcher, for an in‑depth conversation on beta‑glucans, trained immunity, and longevity‑focused health strategies.
Dr. D’Adamo explains the critical difference between stimulating the immune system and modulating or training it, why not all beta‑glucans are created equal, and how specific forms influence natural killer cells...
The Missing Link in Thyroid Care: The Genetic Thyroid Clues Your Doctor Isn’t Testing For with Dr. Amie Hornaman
Have you been told your thyroid labs are “normal,” yet you’re exhausted, gaining weight, foggy‑headed, or losing your hair?
In this episode of The DNA Talks Podcast, Dr. Tracey Steady‑Hardcastle is joined by Dr. Amie Hornaman, “The Thyroid Fixer”, for a deep, empowering conversation on why conventional thyroid care fails so many women and what truly optimized, personalized treatment looks like.
Dr. Amie Hornaman is the CEO and Founder of the Advanced Thyroid & Hormone Clinic, an international telehealth practice serving patients across the U.S. and parts of Canada. Known...
Tantra for Emotional Healing: Nervous System Regulation, Self‑Love & the Science of Intimacy
In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Dr. Tracey Steady‑Hardcastle sits down with Dominique D’Vita—registered nurse, certified Tantra educator, and trauma‑informed master coach—to explore the intersection of Tantra, nervous system healing, genetics, and soulful intimacy.
Drawing from more than three decades in critical‑care nursing and her own powerful heart‑opening awakening, Dominique shares how Tantra’s ancient tools—breath, sound, movement, intention, and embodied presence—align with modern neuroscience to help us move from survival mode into healing, vitality, and self‑love. She explains how tantric practices awaken safety in the body, regulate...
The Beauty of Change: Empowerment in Clothing, Healing, and Women's Health with Keira Kotler of Everviolet
How do the clothes we wear shape not only our comfort, but also our healing, identity, and empowerment as women?
In this inspiring conversation, Krista sits down with Keira Kotler, founder of Everviolet, a company dedicated to creating intimate apparel that supports women through the many changing seasons of life. From breast cancer recovery to pregnancy, menopause, and beyond, Keira shares how garments can nurture both body and spirit, offering comfort, inclusivity, and empowerment.
This episode explores the intersection of personalized medicine, women’s health, and clothing design, reminding us that he...
Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Ayurveda and Natural Food Healing for Women’s Health with Gita Vellanki
“Every time we visited my grandmother in India, she went to the kitchen first before the pharmacy. Nine out of ten times, she came back with something that made us feel better.” -Gita Vellanki
In this episode of DNA Talks, host Krista Kostroman sits down with Gita Vellanki, founder of Neeshi, a food-based wellness brand inspired by Ayurvedic traditions.
Gita shares her personal journey from working in high tech to creating products that support women through hormonal transitions—from teenage years to perimenopause—using nutrient-dense foods instead of conventional hormone therapies.
Toge...
The Spiral of Growth: Evolved NLP, Trauma Awareness & Values Levels with Kelley Oswin and Laura Slinn of New Avalon
What if the very behaviors you judge in yourself and others are not flaws at all, but echoes of subconscious programming and unresolved trauma waiting to be understood?
In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle sits down with Kelley Oswin and Laura Slinn of New Avalon to explore their unique approach to Evolved Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Together, they unpack how subconscious programming, trauma awareness, and values levels shape human behavior—and how practitioners can use these insights for healing, transformation, and sustainable coaching practices.
Laura Slinn and Kelley Oswin are the co...
The 16‑Point Path to Chronic Illness and Wellness with Dr. Richard Horowitz
In this deep‑dive conversation, Dr. Krista Kostroman and Dr. Richard Horowitz explore what may be one of the most comprehensive frameworks for understanding chronic disease today: Dr. Horowitz’s 16‑point MSIDS model (Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome).
Dr. Richard Horowitz is an internationally recognized physician practicing in Hyde Park, NY. He is an award-winning author of two bestselling books on Lyme disease and chronic illness, and co-author of the 2018 HHS Tick-borne Disease Working Group report to Congress. He has received humanitarian awards from the Turn the Corner Foundation and Project Lyme, has appeared on numero...
Going Menopostal with Amy Alkon
Menopause and perimenopause affect women greatly, yet they remain shrouded in stigma and misinformation. With that, how do we become equipped to embrace these stages of life without being overwhelmed with how to take care of ourselves whilst knowing our medical needs?
In this episode of DNA Talks, Dr. Tracey Steady-Hardcastle sits down with Amy Alkon — award-winning writer, syndicated columnist, and author of Going Menopausal. With her trademark wit and rigorous approach to science, Amy unpacks the realities of menopause and perimenopause, exposing the vast gap between evidence-based research and the medical care women often receive.
...
Biohacking Autism: Having Agency Over Your Health with Jackie McMillan
What if the key to supporting autism lies in understanding the body’s environment as much as the brain itself?
In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of biohacking and autism based on the experience and study of Jackie McMillan as she joins Dr. Tracey Steady Hardcastle for our interview today. Jackie McMillan has autism, and has spent the years since 1976 - a period of dramatic functional gains and losses - figuring out what helps, what hurts, and the science which explains this. Drawing on a degree in Environmental Studies, two years of premedical training, and many...
AI in the Healthcare Space with Dr. Shane Saunderson
Artificial Intelligence, or more commonly called and shortened as “A.I.” has become a household term during the past couple of months. In fact, from the simplest of tasks to the most complicated, a huge population of the world would consult AI applications such as ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Meta AI, and several more that can also be found integrated into different software and hardware today.
In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman is joined by Dr. Shane Saunderson. Dr. Shane Saunderson is an expert in the design and psychology of interactions with social machines. He is an Assistant Profe...
WTF with Tracy, Dr. Krista, and Dr. Betty: The State of the ACA, and How to Get Affordable Healthcare
Is affordable healthcare still possible to attain in this day and age?
In this episode of WTF, Tracy, Dr. Krista, and Dr. Betty discuss the reality of healthcare in the US. From insurance companies, to the overall cost of healthcare treatments, and how the medical system is less for the people and more for profit - how can people survive their medical conditions but also stay away from bankruptcy?
Join us as we determine what things we are able to control but also get educated on what changes can be implemented in the system to...
The Gut Thyroid Connection: Taking Control of Your Thyroid Health with Dr. Eric Osansky
Have you started your health journey this year? With that in mind, taking care of and ensuring that your thyroid is in good condition is one thing you should not overlook as it regulates several of your bodily functions.
In this episode, Dr. Tracey Steady Hardcastle is joined by Dr. Eric Osansky, a chiropractor, clinical nutritionist, and a certified functional medicine practitioner who has over 20 years of experience in health in wellness, and has been helping people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions since 2009.
Dr. Osansky was personally diagnosed in 2008 with Graves’ disease, and after tak...
The Future of Nutrigenomics: Where DNA Meets Better Weight Health and Nutrition with Ashley Koff RD
Happy New Year! This time of the year, most declare their resolutions - a huge majority including diet and weight loss, but what is the best way to do it?
In this episode, our Chief Science Officer, Dr. Krista Kostroman, N.D., is joined by Ashley Koff, R.D., the founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP), the nutrition course director for UC Irvine’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute’s Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship, and a faculty member at the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA), where she teaches “An Integrative and Functional Nutrition Approach to Obe...
Movement is Medicine: How Fascia and Movement Informs Our Genetic Expression with Dr. Emily Splichal
We are currently living in an epidemic of a sedentary lifestyle. As we live through our screens whether it be glued to our phones, tablets, or laptops, we tend to miss out on the benefits of movement in our day to day lives - how does movement benefit us?
In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman, Chief Science Officer of the DNA Company, is joined by Dr. Emily Splichal. She is a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist, is the mind behind Naboso. With a spirit to challenge conformity, Dr. Splichal has taken her conventional Podiatric Medical degree...
Why Most Diets Fail and How to Build a Personal Operating System for Sustainable Health with Ben Brown
New trending diet? Crashing down your calorie levels? What does the ideal diet even look like?
In this episode, Justin is joined by Ben Brown, founder of Body Systems — a program designed to boost your energy and support a healthy weight by helping you discover your unique body system blueprint.
Ben once had extreme fatigue and an immune crash. He knew something was wrong, but chalked it up to having a new baby, working very early mornings and long days, as well as pursuing a second Master's degree on the weekends. He...
Intermittent Fasting: Potential Benefits and Strategies with Dr. Lara Varden and Justin Harris
Are you interested in learning more about intermittent fasting?
Join our expert clinicians, Dr. Lara Varden and Justin Harris, as we look at the science-backed benefits of intermittent fasting, from improved metabolic health to enhanced cognitive function, as our expert hosts delve into the latest research and practical applications.
Gain valuable insights into how intermittent fasting can be a powerful tool for achieving optimal wellness. Whether you're new to fasting or looking to refine your approach, this session offers valuable information to help you harness the full potential of intermittent fasting.
The Healing Capacity of Light, Vision, and Consciousness with Dr. Jacob Liberman (Part 2)
How does the diagnosis affect the disease?
In this 2-part episode, Dr. Lara Varden interviews Dr. Jacob Liberman. Dr. Jacob Israel Liberman is a pioneer in the fields of light, vision and consciousness, and the author of Luminous Life: How The Science Of Light Unlocks The Art Of Living, Light: Medicine Of The Future, Take Off Your Glasses And See, and Wisdom From An Empty Mind. Originally trained as an optometrist and vision scientist, his life changed in 1976 after the miraculous healing of his own eyesight, leading him to a deeper understanding of...
The Healing Capacity of Light, Vision, and Consciousness with Dr. Jacob Liberman (Part 1)
How does the diagnosis affect the disease?
In this 2-part episode, Dr. Lara Varden interviews Dr. Jacob Liberman. Dr. Jacob Israel Liberman is a pioneer in the fields of light, vision and consciousness, and the author of Luminous Life: How The Science Of Light Unlocks The Art Of Living, Light: Medicine Of The Future, Take Off Your Glasses And See, and Wisdom From An Empty Mind. Originally trained as an optometrist and vision scientist, his life changed in 1976 after the miraculous healing of his own eyesight, leading him to a deeper understanding of...
The Genetics of Alzheimer's and Dementia
Do you know the genetic factors that impact your risk of Alzheimer's and dementia?
Join us as our expert hosts guide you through the genetic factors that influence Alzheimer's and dementia, highlighting how personalized genetic testing can provide valuable insights into your risk.
Discover how advancements in genetic science are paving the way for more effective interventions and learn practical steps you can take to protect your cognitive health. This session is designed to empower you with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about your brain health.
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The Importance of Lifestyle, Genetics, and Community in Preventing Dementia with Julia Lundstrom
"When your brain is the happiest and healthiest it could be, you are the happiest and healthiest that you can be."
When we choose to live with a healthier lifestyle, we get to have better chances of preventing dementia. In this episode, Dr. Krista Kostroman is joined by Julia Lundstrom, CEO and Founder of Simple Smart Science. Julia is an author and neuroscience and brain health educator who travels the country teaching and speaking to groups on how to improve their memories, naturally. She has taught her strategies to over 345,000 people, providing expertise in the...
Fall Health Essentials: Immunity Boosting Tips and Tools
Are you ready to stay healthy this fall season?
Join our expert hosts, Dr. Lara Varden and Dr. Krista Kostroman, as we dive into staying healthy this fall season. This session will share essential tips and practical tools to enhance immunity, focusing on nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and effective supplements. Learn how to strengthen your family's immune system with easy-to-implement strategies that ensure you stay healthy and thrive in this fall.
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