Something has shifted. Anxiety and depression aren't just more talked about — they're genuinely more common, and the reasons are more layered than any single headline suggests. Dr. Lara and David examine what's actually driving the rise, and what's still within our control.

A calorie is a calorie — except when it isn't. The science behind how your body actually processes food is more nuanced than most diet advice accounts for, and the food industry has a vested interest in keeping it that way. Dr. Lara and David sort through the research so you don't have to.

For decades, the medical establishment got menopause wrong — and women paid for it. Dr. Lisa Larkin has spent her career helping correct the record. In this conversation, she breaks down how the science evolved, what social media is getting right and wrong, and why personalized care changes everything for women navigating midlife health.

The research on social media and mental health is more sobering than most people expect — and most of us are still scrolling anyway. In this episode of Vitals & Values, Dr. Lara and David get into what the science actually says, what it means for your kids, and what a realistic digital detox looks like.

Lipedema is widely misunderstood, frequently missed, and life-altering for the women living with it. In this episode of Vitals & Values, Cara shares the full arc — from years of misdiagnosis to seven surgeries and a body that finally works with her instead of against her. This one is worth listening to twice.

Online clinics have made it easier than ever to access hormones and weight loss drugs like GLP-1s — but easier doesn't always mean safer. Dr. David Roden walks through what patients need to know about compounded medications, the legal gray zones, and why no algorithm replaces a primary care provider who actually knows you.

From coffee's effect on your gut to the real story on detoxes and juice cleanses, Dr. Lara and David answer the health questions you've always wondered about but never knew who to ask. This episode covers multivitamin myths, the cardio vs. strength training debate, and why men and women lose weight so differently.

What if a routine checkup could save your life? In this episode recap, David Roden and Dr. Lara’s father share how feeling perfectly healthy led to a surprising diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and severe blocked arteries—and why preventative care matters more than we think.

How have heart attacks—and their treatment—changed over the last 35 years? In this episode recap, retired cardiologist Dr. Raymond Roden shares firsthand insights on STEMI care, stents, prevention, and how advances in emergency cardiology have transformed patient outcomes.

In this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden sits down with Patrick Wurksma for a refreshingly honest conversation about health—without the hype. They talk through Patrick’s evolving wellness journey, including how he’s learning to track macros, eat well while traveling, and stay consistent despite a busy lifestyle. The episode also touches on the emotional motivation behind making changes, the pros and limitations of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, and the importance of getting clear, realistic guidance. It’s an approachable, no-fluff look at what real progress looks like for people trying to take control of their health without falling for gimmicks.

In this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg break down the newest U.S. dietary guidelines and ask: can we actually trust them? From RFK Jr.’s criticisms to the political and marketing forces behind public health messaging, they explore how these guidelines have evolved—and what they get right or miss. Topics include protein prioritization, saturated fat debates, whole grain recommendations, and the vague stance on alcohol. The hosts emphasize that these guidelines are meant for population health, not personal prescriptions, and highlight the social barriers to implementation. This is a timely, insightful conversation for anyone who wants to understand the real story behind what’s on our plates.

In this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Dr. Lara explore the complicated relationship between patients, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. From the real costs of drug development to the role lifestyle choices play in chronic disease, this conversation challenges common narratives about Big Pharma and calls for a more balanced, honest perspective on modern medicine.

In this forward-looking episode, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg break down six major health and wellness trends poised to shape 2026. From the rise of protein-centric nutrition and peptide stacking to the increasing popularity of microdosing and personalized lab testing, they explore what’s gaining traction—and why. They also offer a cautionary perspective on the growing tendency to medicalize normal human experiences. With an emphasis on personal responsibility and deep-rooted wellness practices, this episode challenges listeners to think critically about the difference between building true health and chasing fast fixes.

In this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg debunk a common trap in diet culture: the obsession with individual ingredients like food dyes. They explore how marketers and influencers oversimplify health by highlighting what’s not in a product—while ignoring what actually matters. From calorie context to processed food patterns, they challenge listeners to move beyond fear-based messaging and toward a more balanced understanding of nutrition. If you’ve ever thought “this snack must be healthy because it’s dye-free,” this episode offers a reality check—and a healthier mindset.

In this episode of Vitals and Values, Dr. Lara Baatenburg and David Roden are joined by Dr. Terry Simpson, a physician and virologist, to address a common and often misunderstood question: why is the hepatitis B vaccine given at birth? Drawing from decades of clinical experience—including firsthand work with hepatitis B in Alaska—Dr. Simpson explains the science, safety, and public health importance of early vaccination. The conversation also tackles vaccine misinformation, social media influence, and how clear communication can help parents make informed decisions. This episode offers thoughtful, evidence-based insight into one of the most debated topics in pediatric care.

In this reflective episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg open up about how faith anchors their ambition and shapes their work in medicine, leadership, and personal growth. From navigating uncertainty to managing anxiety and embracing the unknown, they share the lessons they’ve learned while building a practice grounded in purpose. The conversation explores how trusting in God’s plan—even in moments of fear or chaos—has helped them stay focused, resilient, and hopeful. Whether you’re building something new or wrestling with ambition, this episode offers encouragement and insight for walking in obedience while striving for excellence.

In this episode, Dr. Lara and David Roden take a closer look at the booming world of online lab testing, with a particular focus on Function Health. They discuss how these services aim to promote longevity and wellness, but also outline the limitations, from false positives to misinterpreted results. The conversation covers the nuances of hormone testing, cholesterol panels, and nutritional labs—emphasizing that lab results only matter when interpreted in context. Whether you’re curious about ordering labs yourself or want to understand what those results really mean, this episode will help you ask better questions, reduce anxiety, and make smarter health decisions.

Is it really MD vs. chiropractor—or can they work together? In this episode, David, Lara, and Seth explore how chiropractic care fits into the broader healthcare system, highlighting patient perspectives, nervous system health, and why collaboration matters more than competition in modern medicine.

In this thought-provoking episode, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg tackle a controversial but important question: does a doctor’s body shape affect their credibility? They unpack the weight bias that exists in both patients and the medical profession, explore the unrealistic expectations placed on physicians, and highlight the critical role of empathy in healthcare. From the lack of nutrition training in med school to the struggles doctors face in managing their own health, this episode challenges assumptions and reframes what really matters in a healing relationship.

In this episode, Lara Baatenburg and David Roden take on one of the most timely and complex topics in modern medicine: artificial intelligence. They explore how AI is already assisting physicians—from streamlining patient notes to helping identify rare conditions—while addressing the critical need for caution, ethical considerations, and human oversight. With a focus on concierge care, they weigh the potential benefits of AI against the risk of depersonalized medicine, and highlight why the human connection will always remain central to healthcare.