Sweaty AF Podcast

In this powerful episode of Sweaty AF, I sit down with Melissa Lori to explore her extraordinary journey from the modeling and entertainment world into the realm of healing, spirituality and transformation.
Melissa opens up about the darker side of life in the public eye, sharing how years of bullying, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression and deep emotional pain led her to a breaking point. She speaks candidly about her struggles with suicidal thoughts, the moment she knew something had to change, and how discovering plant medicine and energy healing became the beginning of a completely different path.
The conversation dives into Melissa’s first experience with ayahuasca, what she believes it showed her, and how it sparked a deeper awakening. Lucy and Melissa also unpack Reiki, energy healing, emotional release, trauma stored in the body, and the everyday practices Melissa believes can help people begin to feel more grounded and connected.
They also discuss Melissa’s own ongoing health journey, including how past illness shaped her identity, how she thinks about healing today, and why simple practices like journaling, nature and self-awareness can be so powerful.
This is a deeply personal conversation about pain, survival, awakening and what it means to truly begin healing from the inside out.
Melissa Lori’s background in modeling and entertainment
The hidden emotional cost of beauty standards and social media
Living with anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia
Melissa’s experience with suicidal thoughts and hitting rock bottom
How ayahuasca became a major turning point in her life
What ayahuasca is and how Melissa describes the experience
Reiki explained in simple terms
How Melissa approaches energy healing in her work
Trauma, emotional suppression and how stress can show up in the body
The role of touch, grounding and energetic boundaries
Powerful transformations Melissa says she has witnessed in clients
Her personal thoughts on illness, healing and the mind-body connection
Mold toxicity and the healing practices she is currently using
Simple starting points for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed
Why journaling and time in nature are two of her most recommended tools
Melissa Lori is a healer, Reiki master teacher and content creator whose work focuses on spirituality, energy healing and emotional transformation. After spending many years in the modeling and entertainment industry, Melissa’s personal struggles led her toward a much deeper path of self-discovery and healing. Today, she shares her perspective on Reiki, plant medicine, energy work and personal growth to help others reconnect with themselves and begin their own healing journey.
Connect with Melissa at:
Instagram: ⁠http://www.Instagram.com/MelissaLori⁠
Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/OfficialMelissaLori⁠
YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/MelissaLoriofficial⁠
Twitter (X): ⁠http://www.Twitter.com/IamMelissaLori⁠
TikTok: ⁠http://www.tiktok.com/@themelissalori⁠

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