The Vagus Nerve: The Missing Link in Cancer Survivorship

The Vagus Nerve: The Missing Link in Cancer Survivorship

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.

Taking a Deep Dive into Loss, Grief, and the Grieving Process

Taking a Deep Dive into Loss, Grief, and the Grieving Process

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!

Integrative Head & Neck Cancer: Clinical Strategy Meets Lived Experience

Integrative Head & Neck Cancer: Clinical Strategy Meets Lived Experience

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.

Addressing Cancer Treatment-Induced Accelerated Aging

Addressing Cancer Treatment-Induced Accelerated Aging

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! 

Tension in the Tapestry: Fascia and Chronic Pain

Tension in the Tapestry: Fascia and Chronic Pain

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.

Nervous System Regulation Strategies

Nervous System Regulation Strategies

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.

Are You Obsessed with Healthy Eating After Your Cancer Diagnosis?

Are You Obsessed with Healthy Eating After Your Cancer Diagnosis?

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. 

Bringing Medicine Home

Bringing Medicine Home

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.

Can GLP-1 Medications Reduce Cancer Risk?

Can GLP-1 Medications Reduce Cancer Risk?

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. 

What We All Need to Know about Environmental Risks to Breast Health

What We All Need to Know about Environmental Risks to Breast Health

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.

Herbal Profile: Botanicals For Blood Sugar Balance

Herbal Profile: Botanicals For Blood Sugar Balance

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.

Health Freedom at a Crossroads

Health Freedom at a Crossroads

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.

Nutrient Profile: Low-Dose Lithium

Nutrient Profile: Low-Dose Lithium

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. 

Creating Your Thrive Tribe

Creating Your Thrive Tribe

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! 

From Stress to Spark; A Naturopathic Approach to Optimizing Women’s Libido

From Stress to Spark; A Naturopathic Approach to Optimizing Women’s Libido

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.

Creating an Effective Cancer Recovery Plan

Creating an Effective Cancer Recovery Plan

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. 

Rapid Fire Ways to Create New Health Behaviors in the New Year

Rapid Fire Ways to Create New Health Behaviors in the New Year

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!

Herbal Profile: Saffron

Herbal Profile: Saffron

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. 

Inflammation’s Edge: CIRS, Cancer, and the Hidden Connection

Inflammation’s Edge: CIRS, Cancer, and the Hidden Connection

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.