In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, Dr. Nasha Winters, an internationally recognized leader in metabolic and integrative oncology will share her views on the future of integrative oncology, what she is hopeful for and how patients can find the most reliable integrative cancer care.

Recent scientific research reveals that creatine monohydrate's benefits extend far beyond muscle growth. In addition to enhancing exercise performance, studies are highlighting its potential to improve brain function, energize immunity, and support menopausal health. On this show, Karolyn talks to Karen Todd, a Registered Dietitian and Strength and Conditioning Specialist dedicated to sharing evidence-based dietary supplement information and education. Together they will profile this important nutrient by not only talking about its benefits but also its safety profile and how to take it as a dietary supplement.

In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, we’re joined by Dr. Beth DuPree, breast surgeon, integrative physician, and author, for a fascinating conversation about one of the body’s most powerful yet often overlooked systems: the vagus nerve. From sleep and mood to energy, immunity, and even resilience under stress, the vagus nerve plays a central role in how we feel and function every day. Dr. DuPree unpacks the science and shares practical insights on how understanding and supporting this critical pathway can transform your health in ways you may not expect.

As a newly trained Certified Grief Educator, Karolyn has new insights into the complex topic of grief and grieving. On this show, Lise interviews Karolyn about what she learned during the certification program and how to apply those strategies to daily living. Lise also shares her thoughts on loss and grief. Karolyn was trained by world-renowed grief expert David Kessler who has authored many books on this topic, including books with Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in the area of death, dying, and grieving. This is a difficult topic but it's one that deserves more attention!

In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, Dr. Jen Green ND, FABNO, integrative oncology leader, and cancer survivor, shares a powerful clinical and personal perspective on co-managing head and neck cancer. Drawing from over two decades of experience and her own journey through treatment, she explores how nutrition, integrative pain management, and mind-body medicine can meaningfully improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This conversation offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for clinicians seeking to deliver truly collaborative, patient-centered cancer care.

Have you heard of Treatment-Induced Accelerated Aging (TIAA)? It's been called the Achilles' heel for cancer survivors. But what is it and more importantly, how can it be prevented or addressed? On this show, Karolyn talks with integrative oncologist Dr. Nathan Handley, Director of the Integrative Cancer Recovery Program at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Jefferson Health in Pennsylvania. Because Dr. Handley specializes in cancer recovery, he is well-versed in addressing TIAA. Tune in to learn more! 

In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, you will learn about your “hidden organ” – your fascia. What if your nagging pain isn’t coming from your muscles or joints at all, but from the connective web that holds everything together? Fascia expert and integrative pain Doctor Amoz Van Dyke joins us to explain how fascia influences pain, posture, and performance.

Are you struggling to manage the stress in your life? Maybe it's time to take a deeper dive into stress management by finding out more about your nervous system and why regulation is so important. On this show, Karolyn interviews Lise about stress and building resilience, one of Lise's areas of expertise. Find out how to regulate your nervous system naturally and effectively.

Eating healthy after a cancer diagnosis is a common goal, but can you go too far? On this show, Karolyn talks with cancer and nutrition expert Conner Middelmann a Certified Nutrition Professional (CNP) and the founder of Modern Mediterranean. Some studies indicate that people diagnosed with cancer are at risk of developing a disordered eating pattern called orthorexia, characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and a fixation on food purity. Conner will discuss how to avoid and identify this extreme eating pattern and provide strategies to address it. 

In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, Dr. Joseph Vazquez, a naturopathic physician, joins us to talk about the heart of community medicine — bringing healthcare directly to the places where people live, work, and connect. Dr. Vazquez shares innovative examples of how integrative medicine is reshaping care delivery and creating meaningful change where it’s needed most.

GLP-1 medications are certainly getting a lot of attention these days. But how safe are these medications? And do they have additional benefits beyond weight loss? On this show, Karolyn talks with researcher Kristin Altwegg, PhD, recipient of the AICR/WCRF Marilyn Gentry Fellowship. Dr. Altwegg's research is looking at GLP-1 weight loss drugs and their influence on obesity-related cancer risk, specifically breast, endometrial, and colon. Dr. Altwegg will discuss her research and the pros and cons of these medications. 

In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, naturopathic doctor, Dr. LaDeana Jeane will unpack how environmental toxins – everything from plastics to hidden chemical exposures - interact with the body, influence hormonal balance, and potentially contribute to breast cancer risk. Join us as we separate fear from fact and share practical strategies to reduce exposure and support long-term wellness.

Balanced blood sugar is important for many reasons including managing weight, optimal brain function, maintaining consistent energy levels, and reducing the risk of several chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. On this show, Karolyn profiles herbs that help balance blood sugar with herbal expert Dr. Patricia Gaines who is the Chair of the Botanical Medicine Department and a supervising physician at Sonoran University Medical Center.

In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, Loren Israelsen, Founder and President of the United Natural Products Alliance and key architect of the landmark DSHEA legislation that regulates dietary supplements, will explore how health freedom has evolved over generations. We will discuss challenges to health freedom and what we can each do to protect informed choice and product quality.

Continuing with her theme of nutrient profiles, on this episode Karolyn talks with mental health expert Peter Bongiorno, ND, about low-dose lithium. How much do you know about this unique, specialized nutrient? What is it used for and how safe is it? Tune in to find out more. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bongiorno is the author of several best-selling books and he is on a mission to revolutionize psychiatric care in this country. 

Finding friends and creating a community can be difficult especially during key life phases such as moving to a new city, getting a new job, being an empty nester, retiring, divorce, etc., etc.! On this show, Karolyn and Lise will discuss the dangers of isolation and why it's so important to have a thrive tribe of friends, family, or both. They will also discuss potential strategies to consider that can help you build your community. If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness and isolation, you won't want to miss this show! 

In this episode of Five to Thrive Live, Dr. Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH), FABNG shares an evidence-informed and compassionate approach to understanding and supporting female libido. From root causes and relationship dynamics to the latest in naturopathic and botanical therapies, this conversation will help reframe and restore sexual vitality naturally.

At Five to Thrive Live we are passionate about cancer survivorship. On this show, Karolyn talks with cancer recovery expert Nathan Handley, MD, who is the Director of the Integrative Cancer Recovery Program at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Jefferson Health in Pennsylvania. Dr. Handley will describe his focus on integrative oncology and how he creates effective recovery plans for his patients. 

On this episode of Five to Thrive Live, herbalist Roy Upton will discuss the global reality of natural medicine. How does natural medicine impact communities? How can people gain more access to natural medicine? Join us to learn about the global movement of natural medicine!

On this show Lise and Karolyn go back and forth with their favorite strategies to focus on when trying to create new health behaviors that stick. They will address the five to thrive key aspects of health: diet, movement, rejuvenation, environment, and spirit. If you are looking to make sustainable health behavior changes this year, you won't want to miss this show. Be sure to have a pen and paper on hand to take notes!

Periodically, Karolyn is going to bring in an expert to profile an important herb or nutrient. On this show, she talks with herbal expert and naturopathic physician Dr. Patricia Gaines about saffron. Dr. Gains will describe the health benefits of saffron and other important details. Saffron is quickly becoming a "go-to" herb for mental health and more. Dr. Gaines is the Chair of the Botanical Medicine Department and a supervising physician at Sonoran University Medical Center. Listen in and learn from a highly trained expert about saffron. 

On this episode of Five to Thrive Live, we will discuss Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or CIRS. This is a complex, often-misunderstood condition in which the immune system stays stuck in a chronic, damaging inflammatory state. With our guest, Dr. Eric Dorninger, we will explore the basics of CIRS and examine emerging science on how chronic inflammation may influence cancer risk and progression.

Have you heard of intratumoral bacteria? If you haven't, you may want to listen to this podcast because this just could be the next big advancement when it comes to cancer treatment. On this show, Karolyn talks with one of her favorite guests, Dr. Tina Kaczor, who is a highly respected naturopathic oncologist who has devoted her professional career to helping people diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Kaczor will describe what intratumoral bacteria is and how it can impact cancer development, progression, and treatment response. If you're interested in cutting edge information about cancer care, you won't want to miss this show!

On this episode of Five to Thrive Live, we will navigate the stresses of the Holidays. While Holidays can be joyful, they can also be stressful. In this episode, our guest, Dr. Ellen Melton, a licensed professional Counselor, shares how an integrative, whole-person approach can help you stay centered, care for your mental health, and truly enjoy the season.  

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be challenging to treat; however, when effective self-care strategies are employed, there is better disease management and higher quality of life. On this show, Karolyn talks with gastrointestinal expert and educator Mark Davis, ND, about how people with IBD can better manage their condition. Dr. Davis specializes in the treatment of IBD and also teaches other healthcare professionals about the value of an integrative approach to IBD treatment and self-care.

On this episode of Five to Thrive Live, our guest, Amita Nathwani will explain what Auyurveda is and how this ancient form of healing can be used to optimize health and manage disease. We will explore how the principles of Ayurveda are woven into all of its applications – from yoga, nutrition, breathwork to herbal medicine.

The holidays are often filled with a variety of rituals but why are rituals so important to so many of us and do they positively influence our health? On this show, Karolyn and Lise will dig into the science of rituals. Whether they come during times of celebration, loss, or other important life transitions, rituals can have transformative healing powers. Learn more on this episode with Lise and Karolyn.

As we approach the hectic holiday season and beyond, protecting and enhancing our mental health can become a top priority. On this show, Karolyn talks with Karen Todd who is known as The Supplement Dietitian. Karen has been on the show before and always provides an informative and practical perspective when it comes to health and dietary supplements. Her goal is to help people navigate the world of nutrition and supplements with confidence and clarity. If your mood is on your mind, you won't want to miss this show!

On this episode of Five to Thrive Live, our guest, story-teller and author Judy Pearson. Judy will introduce us to the dawn of the breast cancer movement through the lives of Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner and Evelyn Lauder. In this history lies inspiration for thrivers today.

How much do you know about integrative cancer care? And even more important, how do you proactively create an integrative plan for your treatment and survivorship? On this show, Karolyn talks with Terri Crudup who is an integrative oncology researcher, author, educator, and patient advocate. She is also the lead author of the new ebook Taking Care of the Whole You published with the Society for Integrative Oncology. Terri offers practical advice on how to get started using an integrative approach to cancer treatment and beyond.