What do you say to a child who’s seriously ill—or grieving the loss of someone they love? In this powerful conversation, pediatric palliative care physician and Episcopal priest Dr. Bob Macauley shares how to speak honestly and compassionately with children facing illness, grief, or death. We explore developmental stages, emotional awareness, and what not to say—plus insights from Dr. Bob’s new memoir, Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor’s Soul. You’ll walk away...
Why does menopause still feel so confusing—even in 2025? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, science writer Amy Alkon joins host Riley Rees to share what she uncovered while researching her latest book, Going Menopostal. From hormone myths to misinformed care, Amy unpacks why so many women are still being dismissed in midlife—and how they can begin to ask better questions, challenge outdated advice, and advocate for themselves with confidence. You’ll learn: - Why many doctors aren’t train...
Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling rushed, dismissed, or more like a “chart” than a person? You’re not imagining it. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with two nationally recognized physicians—Dr. Alan Roth and Dr. Andy Lazris, co‑authors of A Return to Healing—to unpack how a century of policy decisions, corporate interests, and profit‑driven care reshaped medicine into something unrecognizable. From the 1911 Flexner Report and the elimination of dive...
Why do we keep reaching for more—but never feel truly satisfied? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley Rees is joined by physicist, screenwriter, and bestselling author Michael Long to unpack the brain science behind distraction, impulse, and the constant craving for “something more.” Based on his new book Taming the Molecule of More, Michael explains how dopamine drives anticipation—not happiness—and why modern life is overstimulating our brains in ways that leave us anxious, scattered...
Bloat. Fatigue. Brain fog. Stubborn weight. These symptoms aren’t random—and they’re not something you just have to live with. According to holistic health coach Jane Durst Pulkys, they may all point to one root cause: chronic inflammation. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Jane breaks down the food-inflammation connection and shares what your symptoms might be trying to tell you. You’ll learn how to spot common signs of inflammation, which foods fuel it (and which reduce it), and how to ...
Are your bones getting weaker with age, or are you just missing the key pieces to build them back naturally? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with a Certified Yoga Therapist and Functional Bone Health Expert, who helps women over 40 rebuild strength, restore balance, and feel confident again, without relying on medications alone. Learn the root causes of bone loss, how food and movement help you rebuild, and practical tools you can start using today. In this epis...
You’re not broken. But you're tired—emotionally, mentally, physically. You can’t sleep. Lab tests say you’re “fine,” but deep down, you know something isn’t right. In this deeply resonant episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley Rees speaks with Dr. Jihan Ansari, who’s helping women break free from the epidemic of silent burnout. Dr. Ansari understands your overwhelm isn’t just stress—it’s a hormonal, emotional, and lifestyle whisper that your body is sending up. Together, they explore how modern m...
In this powerful episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with renowned spiritual teacher and mental strength coach Howard Falco to unpack the extraordinary power of mindfulness, self-awareness, and what it really takes to achieve an “invincible mind.” From his spiritual awakening at age 35 to coaching elite athletes, Howard shares how the words “I AM” can redefine your reality. Whether you're facing anxiety, burnout, or just stuck in a pattern that isn’t serving you, this episo...
Struggling with fertility or exploring natural ways to support your reproductive health? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, we're diving deep into how Ayurveda—the ancient Indian system of holistic healing—can support fertility for both women and men. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing your body for pregnancy, or navigating fertility over 35, this conversation will leave you feeling informed and empowered. Our guest, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, shares how lifesty...
Dementia isn’t just about memory loss. It shows up in ways most people never expect—behavior changes, emotional shifts, language issues—and it can be devastating if you don’t know what to look for. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, we’re sitting down with Dr. Macie Smith to decode what dementia really looks like, when to act, and how to support yourself or someone you love. This isn’t a clinical lecture. It’s real-life, real-talk guidance from one of the nation’s leading experts in d...
If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner just aren’t hearing each other, or you keep having the same arguments without resolution—you’re not alone. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, certified sex and relationship coach Kristen O’Guin joins host Riley Rees to unpack what really breaks down in long-term relationships—and how better communication can bring you closer again. You’ll learn: What “fighting fair” actually looks likeSimple ways to stop reactive argumentsWhat keeps connection...
If you’ve been feeling off in your 30s, 40s, or 50s—tired, bloated, gaining weight despite healthy habits—you’re not imagining it. These are common signs that your metabolism, hormones, and overall biochemistry are shifting. But here’s the problem: most advice still treats women like we’re all the same. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, we talk with Dr. Onikepe “Onyx” Adegbola, a physician-scientist and expert in lifestyle, menopause, and obesity medicine. She’s also the founder of Casa d...
This week, we're doing a deep dive into our cultural fixation on weight loss, dieting, and medications with Melyssa Allen, a double board-certified lifestyle medicine professional, who cuts through the noise to offer a different perspective on health beyond the scale. This conversation is a crucial look at the dominant narratives around weight, wellness, and the explosion of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. We unpack why our culture is so obsessed with thinness, challenging the deeply ingraine...
Autoimmune conditions are rising fast—and most of us are unprepared for what that really means. In this powerful conversation, host Riley Rees sits down with Erin Holt, functional nutritionist and founder of The Funk’tional Nutritionist, to unpack the real reasons behind the autoimmune surge. We dive into why diagnoses are increasing, why women are hit hardest, and what’s not working in today’s medical approaches. Erin explains the three stages of autoimmunity, how root causes like gut healt...
Riley Rees sits down with Dr. Elisa Song, integrative pediatrician and bestselling author, to talk about what kids really need to thrive. From microbiome health to emotional regulation, Dr. Song breaks down her five-pillar approach to raising happy, healthy kids—without relying on quick fixes. Learn how to create resilient routines and why diet, sleep, and stress relief matter more than ever in childhood development. In this episode, we chat about: What integrative pediatrics really looks li...
In this episode, Rachael shares how she began living well with chronic illness by shifting from conventional treatments to a holistic approach rooted in nervous system support, nutrition, and mindset. Her journey offers practical tools and encouragement for anyone ready to move beyond survival and start building strength, resilience, and hope. In This Episode, we chat about: Why chronic illness often requires more than conventional treatmentHow regulating your nervous system can reduce sympto...
In this episode, Kelly Baumgartner joins Riley Rees to discuss her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD at 30 and how it reshaped her understanding of herself. She shares insights on the challenges of late diagnosis, the stigma surrounding ADHD in adults—especially women—and the strategies that have helped her navigate life with greater clarity. From practical tools like external accountability and body doubling to the importance of self-compassion, Kelly offers valuable perspectives on wo...
In this episode, Lindsay DeLong joins Riley Rees to discuss key strategies for aging in place and creating an accessible home. From smart home technology to simple home modifications, Lindsay shares practical tips and disability-friendly hacks to improve safety, mobility, and independent living. In This Episode, we chat about: Why planning for accessibility now is crucial for future independenceHow smart home modifications enhance accessibility and safetyBudget-friendly accessibility modifica...
In this episode of Sofia Health, Dr. Tami Meraglia joins Riley Rees to discuss how hormones influence women’s health, weight, and mood. She explains why traditional healthcare often overlooks perimenopause and menopause and how personalized symptom management can be life-changing. In This Episode, we chat about: Why “fine” isn’t an acceptable diagnosisThe symptoms of hormonal imbalanceHow early intervention can prevent long-term health risksMyths and facts about hormone replacement therapyEpi...
Riley Rees sits down with Britt Frank, a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of the book The Science of Stuck. Britt shares her insights into why so many of us struggle with procrastination, avoidance, and self-sabotage—and how to break free from these patterns using science-backed strategies. Britt’s work focuses on understanding how the brain responds to stress, fear, and uncertainty. She explains that feeling stuck isn’t about laziness or a lack of motivation—it’s often a freeze respo...