The Connected Health Podcast

What does sustainable wellness actually look like in real life?In this episode of The Connected Health Podcast, I sit down with Haven Quinlan — founder of Health by Haven, Pure Barre instructor, former D1 dancer, and holistic health coach in training — to talk about building healthy habits that actually stick.We dive into:Why so many high-achieving women struggle with stress and digestive issuesThe powerful mind–body connection and nervous system regulationHow the vagus nerve and gut-brain axis impact digestion and hormonesWhy holistic health isn’t about perfection — it’s about balancePractical advice for beginners who feel overwhelmed by wellness trendsIf you’ve ever felt stuck in all-or-nothing health culture, confused by diet trends, or burned out from trying to “do it all,” this episode will help you simplify your approach and focus on what truly matters.Follow Haven at @healthbyhaven and subscribe to her podcast, Health by Haven, for more expert conversations.Follow Haven!IG: @healthbyhavenWeb: https://healthbyhaven.com/Podcast:

If you’ve ever felt like your thyroid symptoms suddenly worsened—fatigue, brain fog, hair shedding, anxiety, or stubborn weight gain—you might be in a thyroid flare.In this short and actionable episode, I’m breaking down:What a thyroid flare is (and why it happens)Common signs and symptoms to look out forWhat a flare could be telling you about your bodyAnd most importantly—how to respond and recover naturallyWhether you’re managing hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or suspect your thyroid is off, this episode is your quick-start guide to feeling better fast. Ready to dig deeper? Take the Hormone Imbalance Quiz to find out if your thyroid (or other hormones) are the missing link.Mold testing kit https://amzn.to/45MN74bFullscript for supplements https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/vcohn

In this special guest episode, Vanessa sits down with Bri Doucette, integrative health practitioner turned business mentor, to talk about what’s changing in the wellness world—and what it means for both clients and coaches in 2026.They dive into the real shifts happening in health coaching:Why cookie-cutter programs are out—and personalization is inThe rise of integrative and functional medicine (even among doctors!)Why implementation now matters more than informationHow AI is changing the game (and why you still need a human guide)Mindset shifts clients and coaches need to thrive this yearThe new gold standard in client results: data + habits + human connectionWhether you're a client trying to find the right coach, or a health coach wanting to grow your impact—this episode is packed with real talk, future-focused strategy, and heart-centered insight.👉 Follow Bri on Instagram: @bre.leblanc1 @thehealthcoach.mentor🎯 Want personalized support? Visit connectedhabits.com or take the Hormone QuizVanessa's links:IG: @connectedhabitscoachingFB. Connected Habits Coaching

Struggling with brain fog, fatigue, stubborn weight, or mood swings—but your doctor says your labs are "normal"?You might be missing the real root cause: autoimmune thyroid disease.In this episode, we dive deep into Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, and how your gut health, immune system, and daily stress all play a role in your thyroid symptoms.We’ll cover:• What autoimmune thyroid really means• Why your body is attacking your thyroid• How leaky gut, gluten, and inflammation drive Hashimoto’s and Graves’• The powerful connection between stress, cortisol, and thyroid function• When medication is necessary—and what else needs to be addressed for full healing• How I help my clients rebalance naturally with functional lab testing and nutrition• Actionable lifestyle steps you can take now to reduce symptoms and support your body💥 Think your thyroid might be off?👉 Take my free Hormone & Thyroid Quiz to get personalized insights!

If you’ve been told your thyroid is “fine” but you still feel tired, bloated, anxious, or off—you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.In this episode, we break down what your thyroid actually does, why TSH is only one piece of the puzzle, and which lab markers truly matter for understanding your thyroid function. You’ll learn the real signs of hypo- and hyperthyroidism, how stress impacts your thyroid through the HPA axis, and which nutrients are critical for healing. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with action steps to advocate for the right tests and support your thyroid naturally.Your body is trying to tell you something—and you deserve answers.Take the FREE Hormone quiz to see where your thyroid might fall.https://go.connectedhabits.com/free-hormone-assessment-5377-3346

What does it really mean to be a healthy man in today’s world? In this raw and honest conversation, I sit down with Dr. Tony Krohn — a holistic doctor who blends functional health with deep emotional and spiritual healing — to explore the full-spectrum reality of men’s wellness.We go beyond testosterone labs and supplements to talk about what’s really weighing men down: unprocessed emotions, stress, trauma, and societal expectations that disconnect them from their inner selves.Dr. Krohn opens up about his work using Body Code and Emotion Code techniques to identify and release trapped emotional energy, and how that plays into men’s physical symptoms, burnout, and chronic illness.We also dig into the rising epidemic of men’s mental health struggles, and what it truly takes to heal from the inside out.In this episode, we cover:Why men’s health is more than just hormonesThe crisis of disconnection and mental health in men todayHow Body & Emotion Code work to release trapped energyThe importance of emotional intelligence in physical healingTools for helping men get out of survival mode and into purposeThis is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast — whether you’re a man on your own healing journey, or you love and support one, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the science of goal setting that actually works—no more all-or-nothing resolutions or burnout by February. Whether you’re working on healing your hormones, building strength, losing weight, or simply feeling better in your body, this is your blueprint for change.We’ll cover:How to set long-term AND short-term goals that keep you motivatedWhy your identity matters more than willpowerThe #1 mindset mistake that keeps people stuckHow to turn goals into habits that stickReal, actionable tips to make this your healthiest year yetYour health isn’t built overnight—but small, intentional actions add up faster than you think. Let’s make this the year you follow through.Meal prep guide: https://www.connectedhabits.com/

In this episode of The Connected Health Podcast, we’re breaking down the gut-health basics every woman needs to know. Whether you're dealing with bloating, food sensitivities, cravings, brain fog, breakouts, or hormone issues—your gut is likely at the root.You’ll learn:What common gut symptoms actually meanHow digestion influences mood, skin, and hormonesThe truth about leaky gut, candida, SIBO, and dysbiosisFunctional tests that go deeper than basic labsDaily habits that heal your gut—naturally and sustainablyIf you’ve ever felt like your symptoms are “random” or dismissed, this episode will empower you with real answers and tools to start healing.Tune in to learn how to understand your body, support your gut, and create real health from the inside out.Take this FREE GUT HEALTH QUIZ to dive into your symptoms and see what kinds of imbalances you might have in your gut!

This episode is your deep-dive into the emotional blueprint—the powerful mix of thoughts, biology, and beliefs that shape your daily mood and long-term health.We’ll explore:Why anxiety and overwhelm are so common (and how they affect your body)The link between limiting beliefs and emotional patternsThe role of neurotransmitters, hormones, and inflammation in your moodHow your subconscious, Reticular Activating System (RAS), and quantum physics influence how you feelTools to raise your emotional frequency, reframe your inner dialogue, and support your nervous systemThis isn’t just mindset work—it’s whole-body healing.Whether you’re navigating burnout, emotional fatigue, or just want to feel better, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on under the surface—and how to shift it.Listen now and take your first step toward emotional freedom.https://www.connectedhabits.com/https://www.instagram.com/connectedhabitscoaching/?hl=en

Think you need a fancy juice cleanse to detox? Think again.In this episode, I’m teaching you how to support your body’s natural detox pathways with simple, sustainable habits that actually work. We’re exposed to thousands of toxins daily—but your body is built to handle them if it’s supported properly.You’ll learn:Why so many symptoms are rooted in toxic overloadWhat your liver, lymph, and gut need to function wellThe “rain barrel effect” and how to prevent overflowEasy lifestyle changes to detox your food, home, and bodyNo fear-based fads. No extreme protocols. Just the real, research-backed ways to start detoxing your life from the inside out.💻 Learn more at connectedhabits.comIG: Follow along @connectedhabitscoaching

Are you sleeping but still waking up tired?You may be missing one of the most foundational health habits: rest.In this episode, I teach the difference between rest and sleep, how to build supportive habits for both, and why your body needs nervous system calm—not just hours in bed—to truly heal.You’ll learn about:The role of circadian rhythm in your healthHow stress affects your ability to fall and stay asleepRest rituals and sleep hygiene habits to restore your energy and vitalityThis is a must-listen for anyone dealing with fatigue, burnout, or poor sleep.Let’s rebuild your evening routines and help your body rest the way it was designed to.#sleephygeine #rest #meditationhttps://www.connectedhabits.com/

We’ve all heard that exercise is good for us—but do you know just how powerful it really is?In Episode 12, we dive deep into the research on movement and mortality. You'll learn why going from doing nothing to doing something has the biggest health impact—and how even just 10–15 minutes a day can start to transform your longevity.Inside this episode:Why muscle mass is key to a long lifeWhat the science says about exercise and early death riskThe truth about the 150-minute guidelineHow to start simple and build a routine you can actually stick withWhy strength training + walking is a winning comboIf you’ve struggled to stay consistent with exercise or feel like you “don’t do enough,” this episode will shift your mindset, simplify the science, and help you take back control of your health—one habit at a time.

Nourish to Flourish: Foundational Nutrition Habits for Lifelong HealthIn this episode, we're cutting through the noise of diet culture and bringing it back to the basics—because nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.After trying every diet under the sun (yes, even keto), I realized something critical: the secret to sustainable health isn’t restriction—it’s rebuilding a healthy relationship with food and learning how to nourish your body consistently.We'll explore:Why most people know what to eat, but still struggle to follow throughThe real reason fad diets fail and what to do insteadThe foundational nutrition habits that work for nearly everyoneWhat a balanced plate actually looks like (and how to build it daily)The truth about the food pyramid, macro/micronutrients, and eating for energyHow to time your meals and why overnight fasting helps with healing and detoxDaily tips like drinking warm lemon water, getting 30g of protein per meal, and how to get started with sustainable changesWhether you're just starting your wellness journey or ready to ditch restrictive eating for good, this episode will empower you to take your health back—one plate at a time.MEAL PREP HELP: https://go.connectedhabits.com/meal-prep-like-a-pro-1891700176

Episode 10: Your Wellness Questions, Answered — Weight Loss Resistance, Gut Health, GLP-1s & MoreIn this Q&A episode, I’m answering YOUR submitted questions about all things wellness—from why your body may be resisting weight loss, to the truth about popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, to food sensitivities, gut health, and the supplement world.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but not seeing results, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down complex topics in a way that makes sense, giving you the clarity and tools to move forward with confidence on your holistic health journey. Topics include:• Weight loss resistance & hormone connections• GLP-1 drugs: benefits, risks & what to consider• Gut issues, bloating & food reactions• How to approach supplements strategically• And more...💻 Visit: www.connectedhabits.com📲 Follow: @connectedhabitscoaching on Instagram and Facebook👥 Join the community: Connected Habits: A Community for Holistic and Sustainable Health

If you’re ready to take your health into your own hands but feel overwhelmed by where to begin, this episode is your blueprint. I'm walking you through the real foundations of holistic, sustainable health—not the fads, not the extremes, but the habits that actually work.In this episode, we cover my spin on the DESTRESS protocol and the seven pillars that form the foundation of a healthy life:MindsetNutritionMovementSleepStress & RestEmotional Well-beingDetoxificationYou’ll learn practical, simple shifts you can start making today—like eating 3 balanced meals, hitting 30g of protein per meal, moving your body with intention, and detoxing your home and habits one step at a time. Plus, I’ll share some of the biggest mistakes people make when starting a health journey (and what to do instead).🎧 Start here. Build your health from the inside out. And take the next step toward a more vibrant, energized you.https://www.connectedhabits.com📲 Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @connectedhabitscoaching👥 Join the FB community: Connected Habits: A Community for Holistic and Sustainable Health

In this eye-opening episode of The Connected Health Podcast, we're exploring what it truly means to take an integrative and holistic approach to your health. You’ll learn how your body already contains every system it needs to fight disease, inflammation, and imbalance—and how environment, lifestyle, and daily choices either support or sabotage those systems.We’ll talk about the concept of toxic load (including the “rain barrel effect”), why so many people feel sick even without a diagnosis, and what the 200+ toxins found in umbilical cord blood reveal about our modern world. Then we’ll dive into the history of modern medicine—including how the Rockefeller Foundation and the Flexner Report shifted healthcare away from natural healing toward pharmaceutical-based sick care.This episode will challenge your assumptions, empower you with knowledge, and give you practical steps to start supporting your health the way nature intended.—✨ Links & Resources:🌿 Visit my website: https://www.connectedhabits.com📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectedhabitscoaching📘 Join the free Facebook group: Connected Habits: A Community for Holistic and Sustainable Health🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it!

This final episode in the habit series breaks down the brain science behind why habits stick—or don’t. If you’ve ever felt like your intentions are strong but your follow-through falls apart, this is the missing link.In this episode, I explain how the Reticular Activating System (RAS) acts as your brain’s filter, deciding what information gets through based on your focus and beliefs. I also dive into the role of dopamine in motivation, reward, and consistency.You’ll learn:What the RAS is and how it shapes your focus, attention, and behaviorHow dopamine drives habit loops and why it can work for or against youWhy it’s so hard to break old patterns and what to do insteadActionable strategies to retrain your brain and align your habits with your goalsThis is about rewiring your internal systems so that the healthy habits you're trying to build feel natural, doable, and aligned with who you're becoming.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.Follow along on Instagram @connectedhabitscoaching and join the Facebook group Connected Habits: A Community for Holistic and Sustainable Health.More resources at connectedhabits.com

Why do we know what to do to be healthy, but still struggle to do it? In this powerful follow-up to the habit series, Vanessa pulls back the curtain on what's really happening underneath the surface—introducing the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework and the “Parts” of you that influence your choices, reactions, and resistance.You’ll meet the Inner Critic, the Achiever, the People Pleaser, and more—parts that often sabotage your goals not because they’re bad, but because they’re trying to protect you. When we learn to see, hear, and lead these parts with compassion, true transformation becomes possible.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why self-sabotage isn’t a character flaw (it’s a part of you trying to help)How internal conflict derails even your best health habitsJournal prompts to identify your dominant PartsWhat the “Self” is—and how to step into it for lasting habit changeTools to begin reprogramming your Parts so your habits finally stickThis episode is for the deep thinkers, the ones ready to stop starting over and start healing from the inside out.https://www.connectedhabits.com/

Why do we fall off track—even when we really want to change?If you’ve ever felt stuck in the all-or-nothing cycle, this episode is for you.In this episode of The Connected Health Podcast, we’re digging into the psychology of behavior change and how to go from start-stop habits to sustainable routines. You’ll learn why willpower isn’t the answer, how your brain actually builds (and breaks) habits, and how to create a system that supports your health long-term—even when life gets busy.What we cover:The 3-phase habit loop and how to use it to your advantageWhat keeps you stuck (and how to break the cycle)How to shift your identity so habit change feels naturalThe truth about consistency, motivation, and disciplineWhy building “connected habits” leads to real transformation Whether your goal is better energy, balanced hormones, or a healthier lifestyle—this episode gives you the tools to build change that actually lasts. Listen now and start reconnecting with your healthiest self—one habit at a time.https://www.connectedhabits.com/

Suddenly gaining weight, waking up at 3am, feeling more anxious or irritable, or wondering where your energy went? You’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone. These are some of the most common signs your body is transitioning through perimenopause or menopause, and it can feel like it happens overnight.In this episode, I’m walking you through what’s really going on with your hormones—especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—and how they impact your metabolism, mood, sleep, and body composition during this phase of life. We’ll also cover:What actually causes the weight gain and fatigue in perimenopauseHow muscle loss and blood sugar shifts are making you feel more off than everThe difference between perimenopause and menopause (and what postmenopause looks like)The power of strength training, nutrition, and functional lab testing to restore balance and energy You don’t have to accept this as your “new normal.” There are real, doable solutions—and I’m here to walk you through them.Tap play to learn how to support your body with grace, strategy, and a whole lot more compassion.https://www.connectedhabits.com/#Perimenopause#Menopause#HormoneHealth#WomensHealth#PerimenopauseSupport#MenopauseWeightGain#MenopauseSymptoms#HolisticHealth#FunctionalMedicine#HormoneBalance