Sweaty AF Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Navaz Habib, often known as The Vagus Nerve Doc, to talk about why the vagus nerve has become such an important part of the modern health conversation.
We get into what the vagus nerve actually is, where it runs in the body, and why it matters so much when it comes to stress, inflammation, recovery, sleep, gut health and overall nervous system balance.
Dr. Habib shares how his own early health struggles led him into functional medicine and eventually to a much deeper understanding of the vagus nerve and its role in helping the body regulate and recover. We talk about what low vagal tone can look like in real life, from poor sleep and digestive issues to anxiety, low HRV and feeling like your body is stuck in overdrive.
We also explore the connection between the vagus nerve and HRV, how age and perimenopause can affect the nervous system, and why simple daily practices like breathwork can be one of the most effective places to start if you want to improve resilience and recovery.
Dr. Habib also shares his VAGUS Protocol and explains how he approaches supporting the nervous system through validation, activation, gut brain immune support, reducing stress burden and building habits that are actually sustainable.
This is a really helpful episode if you are interested in nervous system regulation, stress resilience, better sleep, gut health, recovery, HRV, menopause, or practical tools that can help you feel calmer and more regulated in everyday life.
In this episode, we cover what the vagus nerve is and why it matters, the signs of vagus nerve dysfunction, the link between vagal tone and HRV, how stress, trauma, toxins and physical strain can affect the nervous system, the connection between the vagus nerve, gut health, inflammation and immunity, why low vagal tone may be linked to anxiety and poor sleep, and how breathwork, humming, cold exposure, sauna and movement can all support vagus nerve function.
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that stress itself is not always the problem. The bigger issue is often our capacity to respond to it. Dr. Habib explains how improving vagal tone may help the body shift out of a chronic fight or flight state and into a more restorative state where healing and recovery can actually happen.
His biggest recommendation for anyone wanting to get started is simple. Start with the breath.
You can find Dr. Navaz Habib through Health Upgraded, where he shares his work, education and resources on vagus nerve health.
Health Upgraded: health-upgraded.circle.so/dr-navaz-habib
Instagram: @drnavazhabib
Podcast: The Health Upgrade Podcast
Books: Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joy Kong, a leader in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, to explore one of the most exciting frontiers in longevity science.
Dr. Kong explains how regenerative medicine shifts the focus from simply managing symptoms to actually helping the body repair and heal itself. Through the power of stem cells, the body can receive powerful biological signals that support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and restore function.
The conversation explores how aging affects our natural stem cell reserves, why modern medicine often overlooks root-cause healing, and how regenerative therapies are being used to support conditions ranging from autoimmune disease to neurodegeneration.
Dr. Kong also breaks down the science behind stem cell signaling, clears up common misconceptions about the legality of stem cell treatments, and explains how these therapies are becoming increasingly accessible through concierge-style medical services.
If you’re curious about the future of medicine, and how regenerative therapies may transform the way we approach aging and chronic disease, this episode offers a fascinating look at what’s coming next.
What regenerative medicine actually is (and why it’s different from traditional medicine)

How stem cells help the body repair and regenerate

Why aging reduces our natural stem cell activity

The role of stem cells in treating chronic and autoimmune diseases

How regenerative medicine may help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s

The importance of addressing the root cause of disease

Clearing up myths about the legality of stem cell therapies

The future of regenerative medicine and how people can access treatment

Learn more about Dr. Kong and her work in regenerative medicine:
https://joykongmd.com/

This week I sit down with Todd Shipman of Leela Q to unpack quantum energy and how the company turns that science into wearable and home wellness products designed to neutralize EMFs and support vitality. Todd explains engineered quantum resonance fields and how a neutralizing quantum energy field interacts with EMF exposure to harmonize biological signals and support cellular function. We cover the science, including independent studies and third‑party testing, and discuss practical use cases and safety.

Key points covered:
- Quantum energy is framed as a neutral energy that harmonizes the body.- Leela Q products are designed to neutralize EMFs and support cellular balance.- Independent studies report measurable benefits including improved heart rate variability HRV and increased ATP production.- Users report better sleep quality and reduced EMF sensitivity.- The H.E.A.L.360 is recommended as a starter product.- Quantum entanglement and ongoing research are discussed as part of the scientific context.- Products are presented as safe for children and pets and suitable for everyday use.- Potential implications for chronic disease management are explored.
Listen to the full episode to hear Todd explain the technology, product lineup including the H.E.A.L.360, Infinity Bloc, Frequency Card, Quantum Clothing and Travel & Car Bloc, and how to start integrating these tools into your routine.
Learn more at https://leelaq.com
Use code SWEATYAF for a listener discount.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. John Kim, a former pharmacist whose life was transformed after experiencing a heart attack at just 33 years old. That pivotal moment led him to step away from conventional pharmacy and move into functional medicine, where he now focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illness rather than simply managing symptoms.
We talk about the importance of recognizing early red flags in your health before crisis hits, and why emotional and mental stress often sit at the core of physical disease. Dr. Kim shares how unresolved trauma can manifest in the body and introduces his Encore Method — a holistic framework built around nervous system regulation, creating safety in the body, and building resilience for long-term healing.
In this conversation, we explore:
• Why so many people feel stuck in their health journey
• The emotional and psychological drivers behind chronic illness
• The role of grounding and sunlight in cellular health
• Why adequate protein and nutrition are critical for recovery
• How spirituality can support the healing process
• Practical first steps for anyone who feels like they’ve tried everything
If you’ve ever felt like there must be something deeper driving your symptoms, this episode will open your eyes to a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to healing.
Connect with Dr. John Kim:
Website: https://www.drjohnkim.com
Instagram: @john.pharmd

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Martin Moore-Ede, a world-leading expert in circadian biology and the founder of Circadian Light, to explore how artificial light has quietly but profoundly reshaped human health.

We live in a 24-hour society, surrounded by screens, LED lighting, and indoor environments that disconnect us from the natural rhythms our biology evolved with. Dr. Moore-Ede explains how this shift has altered our circadian timing systems, impacting everything from sleep and metabolism to immune function and long-term disease risk.

We dive into why circadian rhythms regulate far more than just sleep. They control hormonal balance, appetite, glucose metabolism, inflammation, cognitive performance, and even cellular repair. When these rhythms become disrupted, whether through jet lag, late-night screen exposure, or shift work, the consequences ripple throughout the body.

We discuss the science behind jet lag and why it feels so destabilizing, not just mentally but metabolically. We explore how mistimed light exposure can increase hunger, alter insulin sensitivity, and contribute to weight gain. For shift workers, who experience chronic circadian misalignment, these risks can compound over time.

Dr. Moore-Ede also clarifies the truth about blue light. It isn’t inherently “bad” in fact, blue-enriched light during the day supports alertness, mood, and cognitive function. The issue is exposure at the wrong time. He explains when blue light blocking glasses can be helpful, how to use them properly, and why daytime natural light exposure is essential for learning, mental clarity, and overall resilience.

We also touch on one of the most fascinating areas of his work: hospital lighting. Emerging research shows that circadian-aligned lighting in healthcare settings can improve recovery times, strengthen immune response, and support better patient outcomes. Optimising light may be one of the most overlooked longevity interventions available today.

For midlife women in particular, this conversation is powerful. As we move through perimenopause and menopause, circadian rhythms can become more fragile. Sleep disruption, weight changes, mood shifts, and inflammation are often amplified by poorly timed light exposure. Understanding how to structure your light environment may be one of the simplest yet most effective tools to restore energy, improve sleep quality, and protect long-term brain health.

This episode will change how you think about light. It’s not just about brightness, it’s about biology.

Where to Find Dr. Martin Moore-Ede:

Website: https://thelightdoctor.com
Instagram: @circadianlightdoctor
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who struggles with sleep, fatigue, jet lag, or shift work.

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